Woodley Park/Cleveland Park

Where: Connecticut Avenue north of Dupont Circle, east of Rock Creek Park

What’s in a name: Woodley Park is named for Woodley Road, which marks its southern border. President Grover Cleveland kept a summer retreat in the residential neighborhood that bears his name, located north of Woodley Park.

Thumbnail: These side-by-side residential districts were once considered suburbs, linked to downtown Washington by streetcar. They’re now lively residential districts whose tree-lined streets are flanked by friendly boutiques, coffee shops and sidewalk cafés featuring cuisines from around the world. To the east sits Rock Creek Park, a vast urban green space home to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

Calling cards: Get to know the stone gargoyles (including one shaped like Darth Vader!) carved into façade of the stunning Washington National Cathedral. Take the kids to see giant panda cub Tai Shan at the National Zoo. Feast on renowned Mediterranean fare at Lebanese Taverna. Marvel at Marjorie Merriweather Post’s impressive collection of Russian imperial art at Hillwood Museum and Gardens.

Getting there: Take Metro to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park stations.