Historic Georgetown Walking Tour

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.

City: Washington DC

Sat 31 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Sat 31 May

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional, Licensed Guide

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

Georgetown

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.

C & O Canal

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.

Old Stone House

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.

Georgetown University

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.

"The Exorcist" Steps

We end the tour near the Exorcist Steps, a historic stairway that became famous thanks to the 1970s film of the same name.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (223)

Noah_F

Mar 2025

Tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about history of the area. Definitely worth doing! I learned a lot about the area and enjoyed seeing the sites.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Glad you enjoyed the tour and learned so much about the area! Thanks for your review!

Peg_D

Mar 2025

Eli was a wonderful guide with so many fun stories to tell. But he’s also fully versed im history from colonial times to the present.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed the tour with Eli—his storytelling and history knowledge make for a great experience!

Lbd23

Feb 2025

Great guide—friendly, knowledgeable, and fun—and great tour. We learned a lot of history and got a great sense of the area, past and present.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and gained a deeper understanding of the area's history and present-day significance.