Most people take a short stroll downhill along an asphalted pedestrian-only lane, Lovers’ Lane,  which descends from R Street in north Georgetown two hundred feet east of R and 31st Streets.  Lovers’ Lane separates Dumbarton Oaks estate from Montrose Park and is signposted by a green-on-white wooden plaque  “Dumbarton Oaks Park, Open Dawn to Dusk.”  The lane descends to the Park entrance on the left through the stone pillars at the bottom of the hill.

From Massachusetts Avenue by the Italian Embassy, take the dirt path immediately north of the bridge across Rock Creek, proceed gently downhill as the path follows Rock Creek and then curves away from it up a tributary stream valley.  This unpaved portion of Lovers’ Lane meets the paved end of Lovers’ Lane and a path into Rock Creek Park at the entrance to Dumbarton Oaks Park. This is moderately sloping path is the best access for those who do not want to climb hills. Parking for this entrance is available on Whitehaven St or across Massachusetts Avenue.