Quick Details
Founded fifty years before the federal capital of Washington, DC, Georgetown got its start as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a “dirty little hole.” Despite very modest beginnings, this neighborhood eventually came to have some of the most expensive and desirable property in the District.
On a 2.5-hour guided walking tour, we start near the picturesque Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, then visit the nearby unassuming Old Stone House—the oldest structure in DC. Then we’ll head north away from the popular shopping district and into the manicured residential neighborhood, home to the Newton D. Baker House, once occupied by former first lady Jackie Kennedy, Alexander Graham Bell’s Volta Laboratory, a hidden historic alley, and the world-class Georgetown University. Near the end of the tour, we’ll take a stroll down the steep steps made famous by the 1973 film The Exorcist—a must-see for film history buffs.
Additional booking times are available as private tours. Please visit the private bookings calendar to take a look!
For large groups, driving tours, or custom itineraries, please contact us to book.
This tour route includes climbing some moderate hills and descending one set of steep steps, though there is an easier alternate route for those not comfortable. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour covers approximately 2 miles over the course of 2.5 hours.
We recommend bringing bottled water and wearing sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Our tour begins at a local favorite coffee shop, Baked & Wired, if you’d like to grab a snack beforehand. Just be sure to show up a bit early, as the line can get long.
There are no bathroom breaks on the tour, so please plan accordingly!
The tour begins next to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal near coffee shop Baked & Wired (GPS address: 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW) and ends at Georgetown Waterfront Park near 33rd and Water Street NW.