Tour Details
Duration
2.5
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Tudor Place
- Mt Zion United Methodist Church
- Old Stone House
Photos & Highlights
- Let a local expert guide you through the neighborhood streets, highlighting the must-see spots to make the most of your visit.
- Uncover the stories and people that shaped Georgetown and early American history.
Select a date
Tour Description
Georgetown stands as one of the nation's most historic–and oldest–neighborhoods. Explore its elegant Federal Era architecture on this 2.5 hour tour, and gain insight into the incredible history these streets have witnessed.
Led by your expert, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories of its early political figures, like the Washington family, while also exploring the achievements and resilience of African American families who built communities and helped others on their path to freedom.
Walking along the east side of Georgetown will feel like stepping back through time to the days of a young America. With each step, the years fall away, carrying you from its gritty portside beginnings to the refined, sought-after neighborhood it is today. By the end of your Georgetown walking tour, you’ll feel a connection to the moments that defined both Georgetown and the story of America.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to learn about the people and events that shaped Georgetown to understand the city’s connection with American history.
- You want to know more about the nation’s capital and become acquainted with the area that has strong political ties.
- You want to wander down cobblestone streets with a local and see the beautiful, photogenic homes of a bygone era.
Begin your tour at Dumbarton Oaks, where early drafts of the United Nations Charter were developed in the 1940s. Once home to Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, its gardens by Beatrix Farrand rank among the world’s finest. From there, visit Tudor Place, a grand 19th-century home built by Martha Washington’s descendants, that highlights the legacy of Georgetown’s early elite.
Nearby, you’ll visit the Alfred Pope home, which tells a very different story. Your expert will trace the remarkable journey of a family who rose from slavery to prominence within the free black community, offering a perspective into Georgetown’s complex history. From there, head to the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, the oldest Black congregation in D.C. and a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Here, your expert will highlight stories of courage and determination in the fight for freedom.
You’ll then visit the Laird and Beall Houses, linked to figures Robert Todd Lincoln and Jacqueline Kennedy, reminders of Georgetown’s enduring political connections. Nearby, the Custom House highlights the neighborhood’s commercial past.
Finally, end at the Old Stone House, built in 1764 and the oldest home on its original foundation in D.C., bringing you full circle through Georgetown’s evolution from a colonial settlement to modern metropolis.
- Tudor Place - 19th-century mansion and former home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter.
- Mount Zion United Methodist Church - Historic African American church and key stop on the underground railroad.
- Laird and Beall Houses - Historic 19th-century residences and famed connections to presidential figures
Tickets
No tickets are necessary for this tour.
Transportation
This is an all-outdoor walking tour. We cannot currently provide a transfer service in Washington D.C., so we suggest you ask your hotel about the best way to arrive at your tour meeting point.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
Travel in Georgetown must be done over the cobblestones and hills that cover most of the neighborhood. Visitors with difficulty walking or wheelchair users might need to have a revised itinerary.
Service dog accommodations
Service dogs are welcome and can be accommodated on this tour.
Might there be any additional costs? Each expert includes different sites, so it is possible you may enter a structure that requires an additional ticket. This would be purchased on-site and is not included in the cost of the walk.
Is this tour walking-intensive and/or wheelchair accessible? This tour is fairly walking-intensive, and the route may include narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets.
Does this tour visit the former home of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis? No, our tour focuses on the east side of Georgetown, and their home is located on the west side. If you are interested in visiting their former residence, your expert will provide directions at the end of your tour.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
While not a kid-specific tour, we can accommodate children on this itinerary!
Do tours operate in inclement weather?
Our tours run rain or shine. Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for walking on varied surfaces and don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat if showers are expected.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start