Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Overview
Gilded Age mansions, high-stakes diplomacy, and sordid scandals converge in Dupont Circle, once on the rural edge of the capital and later a playground for Washington’s wealthy. Today, its tree-lined streets showcase some of the city’s most striking architecture, from stately Neoclassical residences to eclectic Arts & Crafts homes.
On this two-hour walking tour, we’ll trace the evolution of Embassy Row and the surrounding Dupont neighborhood, uncovering the stories behind the grand façades. Meet the city’s social climbers, power brokers, and eccentric residents—from influential socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth to Evalyn Walsh McLean and her infamous Hope Diamond. Here, architecture and ambition intertwine with the story of Washington’s dramatic turn-of-the-century transformation.
What's included
Local guide
Gratuities
What to expect
Dupont Circle
10m
Dupont Circle is the heart of this historic neighborhood, with a photogenic fountain at it's center by the designers of the Lincoln Memorial.
Embassy Row
1h
Walk along Embassy Row and see some of the city's most impressive properties, spanning the architectural gamut from Neo-classical to Beaux-Arts to Queen Anne and more. Meet the city’s social climbers, power brokers, and eccentric residents—from influential socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth to Evalyn Walsh McLean and her infamous Hope Diamond.
5m
Hear the story behind the the opulent Indonesian Embassy, once home to the Hope Diamond.
Anderson House
5m
This imposing mansion was the former home of the wealthiest power couple in Washington DC, now headquarters to the the Nation's oldest patriotic organization.
5m
A gorgeous beaux-arts mansion off Sheridan Circle, where music legend Ahmet Ertegun got his start.
5m
A Civil War monument with a bizarre backstory, designed by the sculptor of Mount Rushmore.
15m
A quiet residential neighborhood off Embassy Row who's name means "Beautiful View" in Greek. Now home to some of Washington's most influential characters.
The President Woodrow Wilson House
5m · Admission ticket not included
Former post-presidency home of Woodrow Wilson
Spanish Steps
5m
Washington's own modest version of the famed European landmark makes for a quiet hidden oasis in the middle of the city.
The Phillips Collection
5m
The first modern art museum in the United States
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Look for your guide at the Dupont Circle Fountain in the center of Dupont Circle.
End point
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
