Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour
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:
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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal - a waterway through the industrial part of the neighborhood.
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Old Stone House - oldest residential building in the district, now a National Park site.
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Homes of Jackie & John F. Kennedy - hear about their time in Georgetown before and after his assassination
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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.
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Hear stories of the Black Georgetown community, immigrants who shaped the neighborhood, and women who bucked social norms.
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Georgetown University - see the famous campus and learn how the neighborhood influenced it.
Options
Georgetown Walking Tour
What's included in Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Inclusions
- Professional, Licensed Guide
- Gratuities
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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.
End Points
- Tour ends near Georgetown University at the intersection of 37th and O St NW.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to departure for check-in • Comfortable shoes and clothes recommended • Not wheelchair accessible • If you are running late, you can likely meet the group outside the Old Stone House at 3051 M St NW (the third stop). Keep in mind, the tour must start on time. • There are no public restrooms on the tour but there is one near the start at Baked & Wired and some at the end of the tour.
