Tours exploring local sustainable development, natural resources, and nature.
Meet at Mount Vernon Square, Ninth St. and Massachusetts Ave., NW. End at 14th St. and Rhode Island Ave., NW.
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon Triangle to Logan Circle
Nearest Metro Start: Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center or Georgetown-Union Station Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Dupont Circle
Fitness: Low, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Washington, DC is known around the world for its parks and opens spaces, but very few know about the social, economic, or environmental factors that were behind creating the system we have today. Park land comprises over 20 percent of the land area in the District and is as important to defining the character of the city as is the limit on building heights. This tour will explore why the city’s first park planner was fired by George Washington, how an 1870 Congressional Act made every property owner in the District responsible for maintaining a part of our park system, and much more. Tour takes place outside only, no interiors of locations.
Presented by the DC Office of Planning and led by Public Space Program Manager Chris Shaheen.
Note: Tour takes place outside only, no interiors of locations.
Meet at 14th and C Sts., SW, just down the sidewalk from Holocaust Museum entrance. End at 400 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, 15th St. exit.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Downtown
Nearest Metro Start: Smithsonian, Independence Avenue exit or 52 Metrobus to 12th St. and Independence Ave. Nearest Metro End: Smithsonian
Fitness: Low, .75 miles
Wheelchair accessible
ASL
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Washington in Conflict, Green DC, Other: Currency Production
Get an inside look into how money is printed-- from blank currency sheets to finished notes. Find out what types of inks are used and learn about the history of US currency and its link to the Civil War. View samples of historical currency.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Bureau of Engraving and Printing and led by Project Manager of tours Kevin Nance.
Sponsored by:
Meet at the northwest entrance to the park, at 16th and Euclid Sts., NW. End at the southwest corner of the park at 16th and W Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights
Nearest Metro Start: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or S MetroMetrobuses on 16th St.
Nearest Metro End: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or S MetroMetrobuses on 16th St.
Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Meridian Hill Park was one of the first public parks in the United States to be designed as a formal park. Take a walk through this beautiful 12-acre urban park and learn about the design and landscaping, the statues, and the park's history and importance to the neighborhood.
Presented and led by long-time resident Fiona Clem.
Meet at Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station, New Jersey Avenue exit at New Jersey Ave, SE and M St., SE.
Neighborhood: Capitol Riverfront
Nearest Metro Start: Navy Yard-Ballpark or Union Station-Navy Yard Circulator Metrobus via Capitol Hill
Nearest Metro End: Navy Yard-Ballpark or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill
Fitness: Low, .75 miles
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Canal Park is being built atop a remnant of the old Washington Canal, L'Enfant's waterway that was once linked to the Potomac to the Anacostia River. You'll be amazed to see not only how the new three-block long park reflects the old canal, but also at how it will be one of DC's most exciting green destinations. This hard-hat tour takes you behind the scenes as the park's rain and sculpture gardens, skating rink, performance venue, and restaurants are being assembled before our eyes.
Presented by Canal Park Development Association and led by its Executive Director Chris VanArsdale and Brian Pilot, AIA, LEED® AP, STUDIOS Architecture.
Note: This is a hard-hat tour of a construction site.
Meet on the steps of National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. End at Logan Circle where Rhode Island and Vermont Aves. and 13th and P Sts., NW intersect.
Neighborhood: Downtown to Logan Circle
Nearest Metro Start: McPherson Square, 14th St. exit
Nearest Metro End: McPherson Square
Fitness: Moderate, 4.25 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Washington in Conflict, Green DC, Eye on the Arts
Explore the history of DC's unusual parks and trees along with notable places. Learn the meaning behind DC’s equestrian statues, explore the location of duels and executions, see the residence of Alexander Graham Bell and Tallulah Bankhead, learn about the creek that once ran through downtown DC, and discover the location of Pacific Circle.
Presented and led by Get Fit With George owner and trainer George Kassouf.
Note: This is an outside tour only. No interiors.
Meet at Thompson Boat Center parking lot, 2900 Virginia Ave., NW at the intersection of Virginia Ave., Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy., NW. End at Boundary Bridge parking lot, Rock Creek Park.
Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom to Rock Creek Park
Nearest Metro Start: Foggy Bottom-GWU
Nearest Metro End: Friendship Heights
Fitness: Moderate, 8 miles
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
This tour will lead participants on a slow ride along the bike path in Rock Creek Park stopping at ecological and historically significant points, including the C&O Canal, the National Zoo, Pierce Mill, and Boulder Bridge
Presented by Rock Creek Conservancy and Potomac Pedalers Touring Club (PPTC) and led by long-time resident and environmental advocate David Cottingham.
Note: Tour leaders will provide directions from Boundary Bridge to Bethesda Metro and Capital Crescent Trail for cyclists to return to the start location.
Meet at southeast terrace, Library of Congress Main Building, by First St., SE, just north of Independence Ave., SE. End at US Botanical Garden, First St. & Maryland Ave., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Capitol Hill
Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill Circulator Metrobus
Nearest Metro End: Federal Center SW
Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Commissioned by Congress in 1874 to redesign the grounds of the US Capitol, Frederick Law Olmsted created an innovative landscape, presenting the building to great visual effect while overcoming numerous design challenges. Explore the Capitol Grounds looking at Olmsted's designs while learning the history of the Capitol and its grounds, including plants, terraces, brick summerhouse, stone and ironwork, views and circulation paths.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organizations US Capitol Historical Society and National Association for Olmsted Parks and led by tour guides Steve Livengood, Carol Bessette, and Joe Kelly.
Note: Bring sun protection as needed.
Meet and end at the National Arboretum, in front of Visitor Information Trailer. Enter via the R St. gate off Bladensburg Rd., NE. Free parking is available just inside the R Street gate off Bladensburg Rd., NE.
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
Nearest Metro Start: Stadium-Armory, then take the B2 Metrobus to Rand St., and walk three blocks to the entrance gate at R and 24th Sts. or
Nearest Metro End: B2 Metrobus to Stadium Armory Metro station
Fitness: High, 4 miles
No reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Discover the woods, meadows, research fields, and world-class gardens of this 446-acre green oasis located within the Washington, DC city limits. This brisk, four-mile-long-hike will provide an overview of the people, plants, and history that have shaped the arboretum.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization US National Arboretum and led by long-time National Arboretum staff member Lynn Batdorf.
Note: This tour provides an overview of the Arboretum and is not an in-depth garden tour. Wear walking shoes and bring water.
Meet and end outside on the Lawn Terrace of the National Garden, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Downtown
Nearest Metro Start: Federal Center SW or 30, 32, 34, 35 or 36 MetroMetrobuses to Independence Ave. and First St. Nearest Metro End: Federal Center SW or 30, 32, 34, 35 or 36 to Independence Ave. and First St.,
Fitness: Low, .75 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Stroll through the National Garden to learn about trees and shrubs of the Mid-Atlantic region. Enjoy stories surrounding these natural wonders and learn which ones would grow well locally in your garden.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization U.S. Botanic Garden and led by U.S. Botanic Garden volunteer docent.
Note: This is an outdoor tour with minimal shade. Dress accordingly. This tour is inappropriate for small children. This tour will be cancelled in case of rain.
Sponsored by:
Meet and end at Groundwork Anacostia's new location, 4127 Minnnesota Ave., NE, across from Minnesota Ave Metro station, Minnesota Ave. exit at Grant St., NE.
Neighborhood: Deanwood
Nearest Metro Start: Minnesota Avenue, Minnesota Avenue exit
Nearest Metro End: Minnesota Avenue
Fitness: Moderate, 1.75 miles
Stroller accessible
Audio enhanced
No reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
The Watts Branch Creek and its neighborhood in Northeast DC is being transformed and restored through community-based action and public investment. Join Dennis Chestnut, founder of Groundwork Anacostia DC and his staff on this 1 1/2-hour walk to see projects that are restoring the neighborhood and its ecosystems. Walk along Watts Branch Creek, Marvin Gaye parks, and Fort Mahan (part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington); and stop along creek restoration sites, tree plantings, bio-retention areas, native habitat restoration, and the New Empowerhouse Solar Home site.
Presented by Groundwork Anacostia River DC, Inc. and led by Executive Director, neighborhood aficionado, and long-time resident Dennis Chestnut; Program Manager Vaughn Perry, and Executive Assistant Fajr S. Chestnut.
Note: Wear comfortable close-toed shoes, bug spray and sun screen along with bringing water.
Sponsored by:
Meet at the northwest entrance to the park, at 16th and Euclid Sts., NW. End at the southwest corner of the park at 16th and W Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights
Nearest Metro Start: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or S MetroMetrobuses on 16th St.
Nearest Metro End: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or S MetroMetrobuses on 16th St.
Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Meridian Hill Park was one of the first public parks in the United States to be designed as a formal park. Take a walk through this beautiful 12-acre urban park and learn about the design and landscaping, the statues, and the park's history and importance to the neighborhood.
Presented and led by long-time resident Fiona Clem.
Meet at Mount Vernon Square, Ninth St. and Massechusetts Ave., NW. End at 14th St. and Rhode Island Ave., NW.
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon Triangle to Logan Circle
Nearest Metro Start: Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center or Georgetown-Union Station Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Dupont Circle
Fitness: Low, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Washington, DC is known around the world for its parks and opens spaces, but very few know about the social, economic, or environmental factors that were behind creating the system we have today. Park land comprises over 20 percent of the land area in the District and is as important to defining the character of the city as is the limit on building heights. This tour will explore why the city’s first park planner was fired by George Washington, how an 1870 Congressional Act made every property owner in the District responsible for maintaining a part of our park system, and much more. Tour takes place outside only, no interiors of locations.
Presented by the DC Office of Planning and led by Public Space Program Manager Chris Shaheen.
Note: Tour takes place outside only, no interiors of locations.
Meet and end at Groundwork Anacostia's new location, 4127 Minnnesota Ave., NE, across from Minnesota Ave Metro station, Minnesota Ave. exit at Grant St., NE.
Neighborhood: Deanwood
Nearest Metro Start: Minnesota Avenue, Minnesota Avenue exit
Nearest Metro End: Minnesota Avenue
Fitness: Moderate, 2.7 miles
Stroller accessible
Audio enhanced
No reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
The Watts Branch Creek and its neighborhood in Northeast DC is being transformed and restored through community-based action and public investment. Join Dennis Chestnut, founder of Groundwork Anacostia DC and his staff on this two-hour bike ride to see projects that are restoring the neighborhood and its ecosystems. Bike along Watts Branch Creek, Marvin Gaye parks, and Fort Mahan (part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington). Stop along creek restoration sites, tree plantings, bio-retention areas, native habitat restoration, and the New Empowerhouse Solar Home site.
Presented by Groundwork Anacostia River DC, Inc. and led by Executive Director, neighborhood aficionado, and long-time resident Dennis Chestnut; Program Manager Vaughn Perry, and Executive Assistant Fajr S. Chestnut.
Note: Wear close-toed shoes, bug spray and sun screen. Please bring water. Bike helmets required. Bike locks recommended.
Meet at southeast terrace, Library of Congress Main Building, by First St., SE, just north of Independence Ave., SE. End at US Botanical Garden, First St. & Maryland Ave., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Capitol Hill
Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Federal Center SW
Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Commissioned by Congress in 1874 to redesign the grounds of the US Capitol, Frederick Law Olmsted created an innovative landscape, presenting the building to great visual effect while overcoming numerous design challenges. Explore the Capitol Grounds looking at Olmsted's designs while learning the history of the Capitol and its grounds, including plants, terraces, brick summerhouse, stone and ironwork, views and circulation paths.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organizations US Capitol Historical Society and National Association for Olmsted Parks and led by tour guides Steve Livengood, Carol Bessette, and Joe Kelly.
Note: Bring sun protection as needed.
Meet and end at Jefferson Memorial in the closed parking lot on the east side of the memorial, Ohio and E. Basin Drs., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall
Nearest Metro Start: Smithsonian, 12th St. and Independence Ave. SW
Nearest Metro End: Smithsonian
Fitness: Moderate, 9 miles
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
This moderately-paced ride explores much of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail from the Jefferson Memorial through the Southwest Waterfront and Capitol Riverfront neighborhoods to RFK Stadium and includes stops to learn about the history, culture, development, and environmental restoration of DC’s waterfront.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Tours with Russ and led by Washington, DC tour guide Russ Norfleet.
Note: Helmets required. Bike locks recommended.
Meet on the steps of National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. End at Logan Circle where Rhode Island and Vermont Aves. and 13th and P Sts., NW intersect.
Neighborhood: Downtown to Logan Circle
Nearest Metro Start: McPherson Square, 14th St. exit
Nearest Metro End: McPherson Square
Fitness: Moderate, 4.25 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Washington in Conflict, Green DC, Eye on the Arts
Explore the history of DC's unusual parks and trees along with notable places. Learn the meaning behind DC’s equestrian statues, explore the location of duels and executions, see the residence of Alexander Graham Bell and Tallulah Bankhead, learn about the creek that once ran through downtown DC, and discover the location of Pacific Circle.
Presented and led by Get Fit With George owner and trainer George Kassouf.
Note: This is an outside tour only. No interiors.
Meet at southeast terrace, Library of Congress Main Building, by First St., SE, just north of Independence Ave., SE. End at US Botanical Garden, First St. & Maryland Ave., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Capitol Hill
Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill Circulator Metrobus
Nearest Metro End: Federal Center SW
Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Commissioned by Congress in 1874 to redesign the grounds of the US Capitol, Frederick Law Olmsted created an innovative landscape, presenting the building to great visual effect while overcoming numerous design challenges. Explore the Capitol Grounds looking at Olmsted's designs while learning the history of the Capitol and its grounds, including plants, terraces, brick summerhouse, stone and ironwork, views and circulation paths.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organizations US Capitol Historical Society and National Association for Olmsted Parks and led by tour guides Steve Livengood, Carol Bessette, and Joe Kelly.
Note: Bring sun protection as needed.
Meet and end outside Waterfront Metro station, 399 M St., SW.
Neighborhood: Southwest Waterfront
Nearest Metro Start: Waterfront
Nearest Metro End: Waterfront
Fitness: Low, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
No reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
The Southwest urban renewal of the 1960-70s included five new public parks, representing the best in urban landscaping of that period. Learn about the history of these parks and their evolution and place in the project's overall design.
Presented and led by DC tour guide and preservationist Hayden Wetzel.
Meet and end inside the Garden Court of the Conservatory, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Downtown
Nearest Metro Start: Federal Center SW or 30 busesMetrobuses to Independence Ave. and First St.
Nearest Metro End: Federal Center SW or 30, 32, 34, 35 or 36 to Independence Ave. and First St.
Fitness: Low, .5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Audio enhanced
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
What do manila folders, vanilla, and fossil fuels have in common? They all come from plants on display at the USBG Conservatory. Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will connect the exotic plant world to everyday life. You may see bananas, coconuts, and coffee ripening on trees.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization U.S. Botanic Garden and led by U.S. Botanic Garden volunteer docent.
Note: This indoor tour of the USGB Conservatory is designed for adults.
Meet at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place, SE. End at Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave., SE.
Neighborhood: Anacostia
Nearest Metro Start: Anacostia, then transfer to W2 or W3 Metrobus to Anacostia Community Museum or W2 or W3 Metrobus
Nearest Metro End: Deanwood
Fitness: Moderate, 2 miles
No reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
When Civil War began in 1861, the Union Army constructed a vast ring of earthen forts to protect the Capital City from Confederate invasion. The forts were dismantled after the war and allowed to return to their natural state. In the 1920s and 30s, they were transferred to the National Park Service, where planners dreamed of a parkway and trail that would circle the entire city. This vision was partially achieved in the hills east of the Anacostia River, where the relative lack of urban development allowed for the creation of a band of protected forest six miles long, with the Fort Circle Trail running the length of it. This hiking tour will explore the southern third of the trail.
Presented and led by DC-native, professional tour guide, and proud resident of Congress Heights Nathan Harrington.
A note about directions: At the end of the tour at Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, take W4 Metrobus at 37th St. and Alabama Ave. SE to Deanwood Metro Station.
Meet outside Embassy of Finland, 3301 Massachusetts Ave., NW. End at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW.
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle to Mount Vernon Triangle
Nearest Metro Start: Dupont Circle
Nearest Metro End: Mt Vernon Sq-7th St-Convention Center
Fitness: Moderate, 7 miles
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Starting at the Embassy of Finland featuring a special architecture exhibit, this tour includes embassies that have strong environmental initiatives here and abroad. Learn from the greatest hosts in the world right here in DC within a 7-mile route down Embassy Row. Expect to network with several other cyclists in attendance and end at the Eighth Annual GreenFestDC Expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Everyone that registers and attends the tour receives a GreenFestDC ticket for September 30.
Presented by Wholeness for Humanity – Promoting Health, Environment and Social Consciousness and led by Greg Drury.
Note: Helmet, hard-toed shoes, and bike locks required. Dress requirement TBD. Check back for details.
Meet at southeast terrace, Library of Congress Main Building, by First St., SE, just north of Independence Ave., SE. End at US Botanical Garden, First St. & Maryland Ave., SW.
Neighborhood: National Mall, Capitol Hill
Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Federal Center
Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Commissioned by Congress in 1874 to redesign the grounds of the US Capitol, Frederick Law Olmsted created an innovative landscape, presenting the building to great visual effect while overcoming numerous design challenges. Explore the Capitol Grounds looking at Olmsted's designs while learning the history of the Capitol and its grounds, including plants, terraces, brick summerhouse, stone and ironwork, views and circulation paths.
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organizations US Capitol Historical Society and National Association for Olmsted Parks and led by tour guides Steve Livengood, Carol Bessette, and Joe Kelly.
Note: Bring sun protection as needed.
Sponsored by:

Meet at Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station, New Jersey Avenue exit at New Jersey Ave, SE and M St., SE.
Neighborhood: Capitol Riverfront
Nearest Metro Start: Navy Yard-Ballpark or Union Station-Navy Yard Circulator bus via Capitol Hill
Nearest Metro End: Navy Yard-Ballpark or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill
Fitness: Low, .75 miles
Reservations required.
Tour Theme: Green DC
Canal Park is being built atop a remnant of the old Washington Canal, L'Enfant's waterway that was once linked to the Potomac to the Anacostia River. You'll be amazed to see not only how the new three-block long park reflects the old canal, but also at how it will be one of DC's most exciting green destinations. This hard-hat tour takes you behind the scenes as the park's rain and sculpture gardens, skating rink, performance venue, and restaurants are being assembled before our eyes.
Presented by Canal Park Development Association and led by its Executive Director Chris VanArsdale and Brian Pilot, AIA, LEED® AP, STUDIOS Architecture.
Note: This is a hard-hat tour of a construction site.
"The Heritage Trails which you create are such gifts to DC.
H Street NE will be enhanced immeasurably by the addition of its guiding signposts of the past and point us towards the future."