Quick Details
Adult
$ 38
Child
5-12 years old
$ 25
Private Tour
$ 250
Tour Overview
Just two miles north of the White House, the neighborhoods of 16th Street and Adams Morgan present a striking contrast. 16th Street is a broad tree-lined boulevard of elegant mansions, stately embassies, leafy parks, and grand churches, where retail shops have been banned since 1905. Adams Morgan thrives as a vibrant cultural and commercial crossroads, historically home to revolutionaries, civil rights leaders, and immigrants from around the world, with architecture as eclectic as its community.
On this walking tour, discover local urban spaces, visit quirky monuments, hear tales of social upheaval and scandal, and experience a side of DC most visitors miss.
What We’ll See
We begin at the foot of Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, a lush urban oasis dotted with intriguing and bizarre monuments. Hear the story of the “Empress of Sixteenth Street,” the enterprising woman who envisioned a diplomatic haven along her avenue. We’ll visit the city’s least-deserved presidential memorial, see DC’s only female equestrian statue, and maybe catch a lively drum circle in action.
Leaving the park, we’ll highlight the Freedman community that thrived here after the Civil War, only to be displaced in the name of urban “progress”. From there, we stroll up 16th Street, known as the “Avenue of Ambition.” Politicians, diplomats, and developers built mansions, embassies, and apartment homes here, all seeking a symbolic connection to the White House at the avenue’s southern end. A short detour takes us into Lanier Heights, home to DC’s most charming fire station. We finish in the heart of Adams Morgan along colorful 18th Street to hear the inspiring origin story of the neighborhood’s name.
Tour Highlights
- Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park
- Josephine Butler Parks Center
- Warder Mansion
- Embassy of Lithuania
- Spanish Cultural Center
- Scottish Rite of the District of Columbia
- Unification Church
- Lanier Firehouse
- Adams Morgan Main Street
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 just outside Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park at the northeast corner of 16th St and W Street NW.
GPS Address: 1559 W St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Please note that the address doesn’t take you exactly to the corner.
Your tour concludes in the heart of Adams Morgan along 18th Street near Belmont Road NW.
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.
How strenuous is the route?
This route includes a mix of paved sidewalks, steps, and a gradual hill over 1.5 miles. Unfortunately, it is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes! With its variety of sights and stories, from historical figures to quirky landmarks, this tour is engaging for curious minds of all ages.
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?
There is a public bathroom available in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, but it’s not always open and can be… less than sparkling.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins just outside Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park at the northeast corner of 16th St and W Street NW. Please note that the GPS address is not exact. Look for your guide on the corner!
GPS Address: 1559 W St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Your tour ends in the heart of Adams Morgan along 18th Street near Belmont Road NW.
How do I get to the starting location?
By Metro: U Street and Columbia Heights stations (Green Line) and Dupont Circle station (Red Line) are all about a 20-minute walk from our meeting point.
By Bus: The D60 runs the length of 16th Street, and the D50 runs the length of 14th Street NW.
By Car: Street parking is limited and restricted to a maximum of two hours.
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.
