Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

4.9 (422 reviews) Washington DC, USA
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

Take a guided walking tour of a historic neighborhood older than DC itself. One of our guides (Canden Schwantes) wrote the book(s) on Georgetown. See the colonial charm of canals, cobblestoned streets, historic homes, & intriguing history.

You will see and hear stories of:

- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal - a waterway through the industrial part of the neighborhood.

- Old Stone House - oldest residential building in the district, now a National Park site.

- Homes of Jackie & John F. Kennedy - hear about their time in Georgetown before and after his assassination

- 18th and 19th Century Homes - learn about the diverse, historic architecture of the houses and the stories of those who have lived here. Look for original firemarks, coal chutes, ironworks, and gas lanterns.

- Hear stories of the Black Georgetown community, immigrants who shaped the neighborhood, and women who bucked social norms.

- Georgetown University - see the famous campus and learn how the neighborhood influenced it.

Options

Georgetown Walking Tour
Private Georgetown Tour

Private Customizable Tour
Additional Stops: We can customize the tour to include additional or different stops if there is a specific theme or location.

What's included

  • Access to the side yard of the neighborhoods oldest building
  • Professional, Licensed Guide
  • Entrance to Georgetown University Campus (we can't get you admission!)
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Georgetown
    10m
    The port Georgetown goes back centuries and is today know for its cobblestone streets, historic homes and gardens, and is seen as a shopping and dining district. Exploring the area on foot is the best way to go back in time and enjoy the park like atmosphere with all of its old brick and greenery.
  2. C & O Canal
    10m
    The historic canal through the industrial section of Georgetown, guests will learn about the canal boats and see a working "lock" (gate) the helped the boats travel to and from along the canal.
  3. Old Stone House
    10m
    Certainly one of the oldest buildings in the entire city, this quaint spot is run by the National Parks Service and has a lovely garden to sit and take a rest in. Built in 1766, it was a car dealership by 1953 when it was taken over for historic preservation. Now it is ours to enjoy and remember a simpler time when tobacco and tall tales traded at the nearby port.
  4. 5m
    See one of many homes associated with the Kennedy family, who lived in nearly a dozen different homes in the neighborhood.
  5. Georgetown University
    5m
    Founded in 1789, this prestigious Jesuit University is know far and wide for its medical, legal, and undergraduate programs. See the towering spires of the Patrick Healy building and the statue of founder John Carrol. On a warm day students will lounge in the grass out front throwing frisbees, reading, and socializing.
  6. "The Exorcist" Steps
    Pass by
    We end the tour near the Exorcist Steps, a historic stairway that became famous thanks to the 1970s film of the same name.
  7. 5m
    A Georgetown institution, this restaurant has been locally owned since 1933. The dark wood panels, black and white photos on the wall, and the regulars at the bar give this place a certain sense of nostalgia and ambiance. The classic American fare keeps people coming back year after year with both indoor and outdoor seating

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Tour begins at the Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown
by Lock 3 between Thomas Jefferson and 30th St NW - there is a large park on the north side of the canal. Look for your guide in orange.

End point

Tour ends near Georgetown University at the intersection of 37th and O St NW.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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4.9 (422)
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