Quick Details
Adult
$ 38
Child
5-12 years old
$ 25
Private Tour
$ 250
Tour Overview
Venture east of the Anacostia River into a neighborhood shaped by transformation and adaptation. Once home to the indigenous Nacotchtank and later developed as the Whites-only suburb of Uniontown, by the 1970s Anacostia had grown into a center of Black culture, activism, and civic life.
Abolitionist Frederick Douglass spent his last 17 years at his Anacostia estate, known as Cedar Hill. Those same hills witnessed pivotal episodes in American history—from the burning of Washington in 1814 to John Wilkes Booth’s dramatic escape, to the 1932 Bonus Army protests. Today, historic rowhouses, ambitious preservation projects, a lively arts scene (including a brand-new museum), and ongoing development make Anacostia one of DC’s most dynamic and fast-changing neighborhoods to explore.
What We’ll See
We start outside the Anacostia Arts Center, a 1937 Woolworth’s Department Store reborn as a cultural hub and small-business incubator. From there, we stroll beneath the glow of an iconic neon sign to the brand-new Go-Go Museum, celebrating DC’s homegrown Funk music style. Heading off the main drag and into residential streets lined with rowhouses—some lovingly restored, others still in flux—we’ll uncover surprising architectural details along Rose’s Row and find traces of Anacostia’s rural roots. Along the way, we’ll pause at a pocket park with a story to tell and admire three historic churches, each with a distinctive style and story.
Next up is the neighborhood’s quirkiest landmark: the 19-foot-tall “Big Chair,” a 1959 publicity stunt turned local icon, where a 21-year-old aspiring model known as “Alice in the Looking Glass House” lived uninterrupted for 42 days. We’ll also stop outside the former 11th Precinct police station, once a marker of Anacostia’s racial dividing line, heroically and colorfully repurposed in 1993 as a health center serving people with HIV.
Our final climb brings us to the foot of Cedar Hill, the home of Frederick Douglass, the “Sage of Anacostia.” Here, you’ll learn the inspiring story of Douglass and his second wife Helen Pitts, whose dedication preserved this historic estate for generations.
Tour Highlights
- Anacostia Arts Center
- Go-Go Museum
- Rose’s Row
- Old Market House Square
- St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church
- The Big Chair
- Former 11th Precinct Police Station
- Big Green
- Valley Place
- Frederick Douglass House
Private & Group Tours
Private tours are available any day, any time, and for groups of all sizes—from solo travelers and families to a full busload! Check our private bookings calendar to reserve a private walking tour for groups under twelve people. For times not listed online, groups larger than twelve, driving tours, or custom itineraries tailored just for you, get in touch and we’ll help plan the perfect tour.
Where to Meet
Find your guide outside the Anacostia Arts Center at 1235 Marion Barry Ave SE.
GPS Address: 1235 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Your tour concludes near the Frederick Douglass House at the intersection of 14th and W Streets SE.
Map of the Tour Route
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this tour be booked privately?
Yes! Private versions of this tour are available at flexible times. Check our private bookings calendar or contact us directly to reserve outside the times listed online, for groups over 12, or to arrange a driving tour.
How strenuous is the route?
This tour route is mostly flat, with a few mild and one significant incline. The tour covers approximately 1 mile over the course of 2 hours and is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Is the tour family-friendly?
While we touch on serious issues like slavery, segregation, and housing discrimination, the tour is engaging and accessible for curious kids and teens.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and bringing bottled water.
Are there bathroom stops on this tour?
There are no bathroom breaks on the tour, but the Anacostia Arts Center has accessible restrooms, and the route ends close to cafes and restaurants.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins outside the Anacostia Arts Center (1235 Marion Barry Ave, Washington, DC 20020), and concludes near the Frederick Douglass House at the intersection of 14th and W Streets SE.
How do I get to the starting location?
By Metro: The nearest Metro station is Anacostia (green line), a 15-minute walk from our starting point. The C15, C41, and C53 metrobus routes also stop near the Anacostia Arts Center.
By Car: Street parking is readily available on the residential side streets, limited to two hours.
Is tipping expected?
Thanks for asking! Gratuities are never required but always appreciated if you enjoyed your tour. Our guides work hard to provide an engaging and memorable experience!
What if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In the event of severe weather (such as thunderstorms or extreme heat), we’ll contact you by email and text with any changes or cancellations at least 2 hours before.
How can I contact my guide on the day of the tour?
You’ll receive an email from your guide the day before your tour with their cell phone number. If you have any questions or concerns on the day of, feel free to reach out directly.
