Quick Details
Adult
$ 38
Child
5-12 years old
$ 25
Private Tour
$ 250
Tour Overview
Cleveland Park , dubbed The Queen of the Washington Suburbs in 1903, is one of DC’s most picturesque and architecturally eclectic neighborhoods. The neighborhood, once rolling farmland and a breezy summer escape for Washington’s elite, grew into a thriving streetcar suburb lined with fanciful Queen Anne, stately Colonial Revival, and striking early modernist homes. President Grover Cleveland, who the neighborhood is named for, summered here, and the towering Washington National Cathedral still commands the skyline from its hilltop perch.
On this walking tour, we’ll hear about the fascinating history of the second-largest cathedral in the country and explore its charming grounds. We’ll wind through Cleveland Park’s shady streets and uncover how architecture, landscape, and a carefully crafted community identity shaped this neighborhood into one of Washington’s most desirable addresses.
What We’ll See
We’ll begin outside the Washington National Cathedral, where sky-high spires and intricate stonework set the tone. This Gothic Revival masterpiece is layered with religious symbolism, national stories, and even whimsical pop-culture cameos (yes, including Darth Vader). In the enchanting Bishop’s Garden, we’ll discover relics of medieval times, plants brought from the Holy Land, and a picturesque gazebo known as the Shadow House, repurposed from a presidential retreat.
Heading into the heart of Cleveland Park, we’ll admire an eclectic mix of architectural styles: turreted Queen Anne mansions, cozy Arts and Crafts bungalows, and midcentury landmarks like the William Slayton House, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. We’ll pause at the former site of Grover Cleveland’s summer manor, Oak View (now lost to history), before wandering through Rosedale, a rare surviving piece of the neighborhood’s rural past and home to DC’s oldest standing house. Our walk ends near McLean Gardens—once a grand Gilded Age estate, later redeveloped into a WWII-era apartment complex with its own intriguing and unexpected backstory.
Tour Highlights
- Washington National Cathedral (from the outside)
- Bishop’s Garden
- Site of Grover Cleveland’s Summer House
- Rosedale Conservancy
- William Slayton House
- McLean Gardens
Private & Group Tours
Private tours are available any day and time, and for groups of all sizes—from solo travelers and families to a full bus load! Check our private bookings calendar to reserve a walking tour for groups of up to twelve people. For times not listed online, groups larger than twelve, driving tours, or custom itineraries, please get in touch and we’ll help plan the perfect tour.
Where to Meet
Find your guide outside the main entrance to the Washington National Cathedral, near the glass elevators.
GPS Address: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016
Your tour will end near the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Idaho Avenue.
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 listed times, for groups of 13 or more, or to arrange a driving tour.
Do we go inside the National Cathedral?
Our tour focuses on the exterior and grounds of the Cathedral. If you’d like to tour the interior, please let us know, and we can provide information on separate ticketed tours. We also offer private tours inside of the Cathedral!
How strenuous is the route?
The route is mostly flat, following paved sidewalks and cobblestone paths, with a few sets of stairs and a gradual incline. While the stairs can be navigated with strollers, some areas of the gardens are not accessible for wheelchair users.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes! The enchanting Bishop’s Garden make this tour especially enjoyable for children. While the gardens can be a bit tricky with strollers, they’re manageable.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bottled water.
Are there bathroom stops on this tour?
Restrooms are available at the National Cathedral before our tour, but there are no other public restrooms on the route. We end near a variety of coffee shops and restaurants.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in front of the National Cathedral near the exterior glass elevators and ends at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Idaho Avenue.
How do I get to the starting location?
By Metro: The Cleveland Park (Red Line) station is about a 25 minute walk from the Cathedral.
By Bus: The D70, D80 and D90 metro bus lines stop at the National Cathedral.
By Car: Street parking is limited and restricted to a maximum of two hours, though not fastidiously enforced. The National Cathedral has a parking garage at 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW.
Is tipping expected?
Thanks for asking! Gratuities are never required but are always appreciated . Our guides work hard to provide a fun and memorable experience!
What if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. In the case of severe weather (such as thunderstorms or extreme heat), we’ll notify you by email and text at least 2 hours before your tour with any changes or cancellations.
How can I contact my guide on the day of the tour?
Your guide will email you the day before with their cell phone number for day-of coordination.
