About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Guide
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Guide reveals how to tour Cedar Hill, secure tickets, and reach the front door where the story truly begins.
Georgetown Washington DC Travel Guide
Plan your Georgetown Washington DC travel guide with hidden canal paths, historic streets, and one surprising detail most visitors miss.
Georgetown Food and Restaurant Guide
Hungry for Georgetown’s best bites, hidden cocktails, and waterfront favorites? This food and restaurant guide reveals where your next unforgettable meal begins.
What is included
- Access to the side yard of the neighborhoods oldest building
- Professional, Licensed Guide
- Entrance to Georgetown University Campus (we can't get you admission!)
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
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.
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.
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.
See one of many homes associated with the Kennedy family, who lived in nearly a dozen different homes in the neighborhood.
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.
We end the tour near the Exorcist Steps, a historic stairway that became famous thanks to the 1970s film of the same name.
A Georgetown institution, this restaurant has been locally owned since 1933. The dark wood panels, black and white photos on the wall, and the regulars at the bar give this place a certain sense of nostalgia and ambiance. The classic American fare keeps people coming back year after year with both indoor and outdoor seating
Meeting and pickup information
- Tour begins at the Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown by Lock 3 between Thomas Jefferson and 30th St NW - there is a large park on the north side of the canal. Look for your guide in orange.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- DC by Foot
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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