|
|
Walk Washington!
The nation’s capital is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., and just about every avenue, bend, and alleyway has a story to tell. Whether you’re into history or greenery, jazz or espionage, pound the pavement to get the goods on where it all happened and what’s happening now.
Like to go at your own pace? Try a Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail, one of a system of self-guided walking routes marked with illustrated signs that tell stories of Washington’s historic neighborhoods. See below for the list of trails.
If guided tours are more your style, walk with one of the Cultural Tourism DC member guides. Or if you prefer, you can travel by bike, segway, bus, or boat! Scooters, wheelchairs, and bikes are also available for rent should you decide to explore the city on wheels. Check out listings below.
Plan your visit in just a few clicks! Click the compass icon to add any of these items to your trip planner and build an itinerary online.
Neighborhood Heritage Trails
Discover - or see with new eyes - this traditionally African American enclave in Far Northeast when you follow A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail. Fifteen poster-sized street signs combine storytelling with historic photographs and maps to transport you back to the days before Deanwood was Deanwood.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to experience Brightwood. Indulge your inner Civil War buff in one of the city’s early communities, and see the site of the only Civil War battle to take place within DC.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about Washington's Greater U Street neighborhood, where a nationally significant, self-sufficient African American community flourished in the early 20th century.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about Washington's Downtown. Civil War to Civil Rights Downtown Heritage Trail's 21 poster-sized illustrated signs combine story-telling with historic images.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about Shaw, the crossroads neighborhood at the edge of downtown Washington.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about Washington's Southwest waterfront.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about Adams Morgan, a vibrant community of immigrants, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about the rich military and political history of Capitol Hill's Barracks Row.
Follow the signs on this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail to learn more about Mount Pleasant, a neighborhood celebrated for its cultural diversity, charming streets, art, and activism.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Writer Mary Kay Ricks offers in-depth richly spiced walking tours in some of Washington's most famous neighborhoods.
History comes alive on these tours of Washington, tailored to needs and interests of individual or groups: from luxury limousine tours to large or small motor-coach tours to in-depth walking tours.
The Washington Post says of author/historian/guide Anthony Pitch, "You'll follow him dreamily, mesmerized by his tales." Join his unique walking and motorized tours featured on national and international TV.
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place where business is done, laws are passed, and deals are sealed. But "the Hill," as locals call it represents much more.
U Street was dubbed “Black Broadway” for the numerous movie theaters, nightclubs, and ballrooms frequented by jazz musicians, including the Duke himself. Explore the neighborhood that was shared by African American intellectuals, business leaders, and families of all economic levels.
Bike the Sites® of the nation’s capital with Bike and Roll Washington, DC. A variety of tours are available during the day and evening that take you through the heart of the city. Enjoy a bit of history, unique facts, and touring tips during a safe and easy bike ride.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a picturesque reminder of America’s canal-building era, is located just south of Georgetown's busy M Street and stretches unbroken for 185 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. Relive history with a canal boat ride along the Georgetown section of the C & O Canal, led by period-costumed guides of the National Park Service.
Lincoln under fire! Contraband camps and Emancipation celebrations! Working women and wounded soldiers! Conspiracy and assassination! Experience the tensions and turmoil affecting the Federal City during the Civil War years.
DC by Foot offers free walking tours of the National Mall that can best be described as whirlwind performances of history that draw on jokes, stories, anecdotes, trivia competitions, and obscure facts and figures to simultaneously educate and stimulate. This full-service tour company can also customize private tours for students and groups.
Step into our time machine for a trip back to Washington's Black Broadway, boyhood home of the great Duke Ellington and the heart of African American culture in the nation's capital.
The Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C., with a membership of more than 450 licensed guides, tour operators, and others providing tourism-related services, sets professional standards and provides support services for guides, conducts continuing education, and promotes the common interests of members in enhancing the attraction and advantages of Washington as a tour destination.
This walking itinerary of Dupont Circle/Kalorama highlights the fascinating history and charming streetscapes of this eclectic neighborhood that bustles with busy bookstores and high-style shops, more than 20 art galleries, and an abundance of restaurants and cafes. On this 1.7 mile walk you'll pass three historic house museums, a significant textile collection, and the oldest museum of modern art in the nation.
Lights, camera, action! Hop on location for the Washington, DC TV and Movie Sites tour, which takes guests past the sites of their favorite movies and TV shows shot in the nation's capital.
Whether you are a first time visitor or a longtime resident, you can use your scooter to visit the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, White House, U.S. Capitol, and much more on a comfortable mobility scooter. Afterwards, you'll have much more energy to spare for some shopping, nightlife, and more.
Site Seeing Tours specializes in African American heritage and cultural tours in Washington, DC. As a first class provider of bus, walking, and custom tours, the focus is on connecting and completing 200 years of U.S. history. "Our charge is to set the record straight." Take a Site Seeing Tour; you'll see history in a different light.
Whether you select a walking tour of Georgetown or Lafayette Square, you'll follow trails of espionage and intrigue, "meet" diverse personalities, and hear incredible tales. Your guide is Carol Bessette, a retired Air Force intelligence officer and Vietnam veteran.
Customized bus, walking, and cycling tours for education, recreation, and inspiration and a truly satisfying personal experience.
The U. S. Capitol Historical Society perpetuates the heritage of the Capitol through educational programs and publications. The Society's outstanding programs, including exterior walking tours of the Capitol, further understanding of how this monumental building and its occupants symbolize American history and the United States' unique form of representative government.
Urban Communications Tours (UC Tours) informs the resident and visiting public of the rich multicultural heritage of DC and emphasizes both the urban and the cosmopolitan experience of the capital city. UC Tours brings the many facets of District life into colorful focus - including the African American, architectural, and military presence.
The best way to tour any historic city is by foot. From the National Mall memorials to historic neighborhoods, hear our insider perspective on must-see places like Georgetown, Embassy Row, and Capitol Hill.
|
