Photo Walk: Buffalo Bridge and the Bier Baron

photos and text by Joe Flood

I thought govvies in DC and those visiting might enjoy this DIY photo walk that I’ve done a few times. And it ends with a visit to a great beer joint.

This Dupont Circle to Georgetown photo walk is ideal for a late Sunday afternoon. Along the way, you’ll see historic architecture, cute Georgetown homes and find plenty of spots perfect for that classy DC portrait.

Where: Dupont Circle/Georgetown

What to See: Secret gardens, homes out of Architectural Digest and the best little bridge in Washington.

When to Go: 2-3 hours before sunset, preferably on a Sunday.

Time to Complete: 60 minutes.

How to Enjoy: Slow down! Take your time and really look around. Notice interesting door knobs and wrought iron fences. Take in the textures of the city – brick, stone, wood, glass, steel. Be in the moment.

Map of the Buffalo Bridge and Bier Baron Photo Walk

Dupont Circle Metro – Start here, at the Q Street exit of the Dupont Circle Metro. Be sure to get photos of the Whitman inscriptions on the Metro entrance. And if you’re into street photography, this is a great spot to get photos of interesting city folks.

Walt Whitman inscription at the Dupont Circle Metro

cute bike, cute girl, cute photog

Embassy Row – As you go out of the Metro, make a left and go west down Q Street. This is a charming street lined with art galleries, with the Phillips Museum nearby. Two blocks down, you’ll cross Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Embassy Row. On one side of the street is the Cosmos Club; the other is the mysterious Society of the Cincinnati. Facing each other from opposite sides of the street are statues of Gandhi and the Czech patriot Tomáš Masaryk.

Tip: Keep your eyes open for protests and demonstrations.

Gandhi’s foot

Darfur protest

Buffalo Bridge – Continue along Q Street until you get to the Buffalo Bridge, named for the buffalo statues that guard both ends of the bridge. It’s also known as the Dumbarton Bridge or Q Street Bridge. Look right and you’ll just be able to make out the National Cathedral. Look left and you can see the top of the Washington Monument. With its views and Italianate style, it’s the best small bridge in the city.

Tip: The late-afternoon light here is warm and perfect.

Buffalo statue on the Dumbarton Bridge

snapping photos in perfect evening light

Dumbarton House Park – We’re just doing free stuff on the this trip so don’t go to Dumbarton House. Instead, check out the little park next to the house at the corner of 27th and Q. Tiny and secluded, it’s ideal for a proposal, indecent or otherwise.

Dumbarton House park

Poplar Street – Is this the smallest street in DC? Walk down 27th Street to get here. Less than a block long, it’s more of a lane than anything else and is lined with narrow and adorable Georgetown homes.

Tip: The stairs at the end of the street are the perfect place for a portrait.

Poplar Street

posing on the Poplar Street steps

Rose Park – After you get to the top of the stairs on Poplar Street, make a left and then go left on O Street to get to Rose Park. There are playgrounds for kids, as well as basketball and tennis courts.

Tip: Get a casual photo of your significant other in a playground swing here.

Rose Park in spring

P Street Bridge – Cross back over Rock Creek Park on the P Street Bridge. Not as scenic as Q Street but there’s a nice view of traffic speeding along the parkway and the Church of the Pilgrims.

Tip: The view is better during the winter/fall after the leaves have fallen.

classic Fiat in Georgetown

View of the P Street Bridge from Rock Creek Park during the Marine Corps Marathon

Bier Baron – Make a left on 22nd Street and end your journey at the Bier Baron. Beers from all over the world and half-price drafts on Sundays! Review your photos and enjoy a nice IPA.

Bier Baron

Hope you enjoyed this self-guided photo walk. Let me know how it goes!