Squad Ghouls: Head to These 13 Neighborhoods in DC for the Best Treats

Embassy Row
Around the world can be found when you knock on doors along Embassy Row, where international embassies stretch from the Vice President’s home all the way to Dupont Circle. More than 20 embassies invite trick-or-treaters to explore cultures from around the world. You may be handed a few tourism pamphlets along with your candy bars, but where else can you say you’ve been trick-or-treating in Indonesia, Armenia, Ireland, and Portugal all in one night?

Start here: Massachusetts Ave. NW
Online: embassy.org

Capitol Hill
Candy flows in this family-heavy neighborhood with back-to-back row houses. Once you’ve had your lollipop fill, head to Eastern Market (or start there!) for some serious costume watching.

Start here: Eastern Market
Online: easternmarket-dc.org

Georgetown
While crowds of people-watchers can definitely turn Georgetown’s Halloween into a Nightmare on M St., there’s something to be said for trick-or-treating on those narrow side streets, where the row houses are so close together; you can score twice the candy in half the time! Avoid M St. and Wisconsin Ave. proper unless you and your brood are more interested in seeing the coolest costumes in town (Georgetowners do know how to dress up!), and focus on the side streets where you’ll probably need two bags to carry all your loot.

Start here: Side streets between M St. and Wisconsin Ave. NW
Online: visit.georgetown.org

Brookland
The real treat in Brookland is the house on Hamlin. You can expect over-the-top decorations from the owner of this rowhouse. Past themes include a haunted cornfield you could walk through and an ode to Stephen King's IT that featured 35 clown props. You'll find more ghoulish fun on Franklin St. near Langdon Park. Check out NextDoor for a map of homes offering treats.

Start here: 915 Hamlin St. NE
Online: brooklandbridge.com

Chevy Chase DC
The hot spot for sugary loot can be found on Rittenhouse between Broad Branch Rd. and Utah Ave. The houses on these blocks go all-out with over-the-top decorations. When you've hit all the houses, be sure to take a stroll on The Avenue where local shops hand out sweets from 4-6 p.m.

Start here: Broad Branch Rd.
Online: historicchevychasedc.org/

Columbia Heights
The annual party on 11th is fun for the whole family, including your furry friends. There is trick-or-treating and a Halloween costume contest that has gone to the dogs.

Start here: 1101 Monroe St. NW
Online: 11thandbark.org

Old Town Alexandria
A history of haunted houses and ghost stories set the stage for a frightfully fun All Hollows Eve in Old Town Alexandria. Kids can pound the brick-layered sidewalks and knock on the doors of old style Colonials at this popular trick-or-treating destination. Many of the shops along King Street hand out candy as well. For those on the hunt for a good haunt, we recommend the candlelight ghost tour.

Start here: 221 King St., Alexandria, VA
Online: visitalexandriava.com

Great Falls
With its big houses and lots of young families, Great Falls is a great choice for trick-or treating! And you can do some pretty epic pre-gaming as well! The Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular and Pet Parade start as early as 4 p.m. and there’s even a haunted house. Enjoy trick-or-treating with local merchants in a safe environment right in the heart of town.

Start here: 776 Walker Rd., Great Falls VA
Online: celebrategreatfalls.org

Fairlington
Remember when you were a kid and your entire neighborhood got in on trick or treating action? This Arlington hideaway off of King Street will have you feeling all nostalgic for those days of yore. With back-to-back townhouses and condo buildings, this ‘hood is great for first time trick-or-treaters and trick or treating groups.

Start here: Abingdon St., Arlington, VA
Online: fairlington.org

National Harbor
Trick or treat a day early at National Harbor where kids can visit over 30 stations near the waterfront. Candy will be distributed from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the annual Harbor Halloween celebration; bring a map so you don't miss any of the goodies at these participating retailers. There will also be a pet costume parade, a pumpkin carving competition and kids in costumes get a free spin on the Capital Wheel (with purchase of an adult ticket). For more Halloween-themed fun, head to Gaylord National Harbor for selfies with Spookley the Square Pumpkin and indoor trick or treating.

Start here: Waterfront St.
Online: nationalharbor.com/

Bethesda
Bethesda's Edgemoor community makes our list for its close proximity to downtown—and for its impeccably decorated houses. Little legs will have to travel a bit further between these stately properties, but epic decorations and generous candy allotments more than make up for the extra travel time between properties. After you trick or treat, head in to town for a late dinner or a cup of hot chocolate. Pro tip: You can park at the library, which is also the ideal starting point.

Start here: Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Rd.
Online: visitmontgomery.com

Kensington
If your crew is obsessed with door knocking skeletons, glow-in-the-dark pumpkins, and all other forms of Halloween decorations, spend the evening in this MD 'burb. The folks on Perry Avenue off of University Blvd. know how to do it up for Halloween. Plus, there’s candy…lots and lots of candy.

Start here: Perry Ave. off of University Blvd.
Online: kensington.com

Fells Point
Fells Point and near-by Canton and Hampden do Halloween BIG.  The epicenter of ghoulish thrills can be found where Fleet St., Eastern Ave., Aliceanna St. and Thames St. converge. You'll find a neighborhood of homes for kids and their families to trick-or-treat, as well as restaurants and shops.

Start here: Thames & S. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD
Online: fellspointmainstreet.org