Happy Hour Evening WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC ToursHead out with friends and family to explore DC after work with weeknight "Happy Hour Tours" from September 24 to October 1. From architecture to public art, neighborhood history, and the monuments, Happy Hour Tours will whet your appetite before dinner. Tours do not serve alcoholic beverages, so consider checking out a neighborhood restaurant or bar after the tour. Most tours start at 6 pm, and some require reservations.

Monday, September 24
6-7:30 pm

Downtown Jewish Washington

Meet inside the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum, 701 Third St., NW. End outside Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Eighth and I Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: Downtown

Nearest Metro Start: Judiciary Square, National Building Museum exit or Georgetown-Union Station Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Gallery Pl-Chinatown

Fitness: Low, .75 miles
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: Neighborhood History

Downtown Washington, DC is the place where Jews lived, worked, and worshipped in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The tour includes four former synagogues, government buildings, residences, and businesses in what was once the hub of Jewish Washington.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington and led by Elissa Frankle, JHSGW tour guide.

Note: Tour is specifically aimed at young professionals.

Tuesday, September 25
6-7 pm

A Toast to the Brewmaster's Castle

Meet and end at the Heurich House Museum (aka "The Brewmaster's Castle"), 1307 New Hampshire Ave., NW.
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Nearest Metro Start: Dupont Circle or Dupont-Georgetown-Rosslyn Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End:   Dupont Circle or Dupont-Georgetown-Rosslyn Circulator bus

Fitness: Low, .5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: Eye on the Arts in conjunction with Art4All DC

Visit the fireproof and technologically innovative castle that brewer Christian Heurich built. The Christian Heurich Brewing Company, DC's most successful brewery, once sat at the site of the Kennedy Center. Heurich’s home still contains the original family furnishings and decorations and features Heurich's bierstube (a beer-drinking room for entertaining. Heurich lived to age 102, and after the brewery closed in 1956, no other beer was brewed within DC until DC Brau opened in 2011.). Join us for a beer in Heurich's honor after the tour.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Heurich House Foundation and led by Curator of Collections Scott Nelson.

Tuesday, September 25
6-7:30 pm

African Americans in Washington, DC: On the Forefront in the Fight for Full Civil Rights

Meet outside Capitol South Metro station, US Capitol exit, 355 1st St., SE. End at McPherson Metro station, 1400 I St., NW.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill to Downtown

Nearest Metro Start: Capitol South, US Capitol exit
Nearest Metro End: McPherson Square

Fitness: Moderate, 1.5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: African American Heritage

African Americans have made important contributions to the culture and development of Washington, DC and played a leading role in the fight for full civil rights for all citizens. Hear stories and see sites around National Mall and downtown that will increase your knowledge and appreciation of those who struggled, overcame, and contributed, as we walk and talk from the U. S. Capitol to McPherson Square.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Tours with Russ and led by professional tour guide Russ Norfleet.

Tuesday, September 25
6-7:30 pm

DC's Public Space: Transforming the Nation's Capital from Gritty to Garden City

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 owners 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 DC Office of Planning and led by Public Space Program Manager Chris Shaheen.

Note: Tour takes place outside only, no interiors of locations.

Tuesday, September 25
7-9 pm

Embassy Row: Families and Fortunes

Meet outside Dupont Circle Metro station, South exit by the entrance to Panera Bread on 19th St., NW. Note: This Metro station exit is closed for escalator replacement. If arriving by Metrorail, use Dupont Circle North exit and walk south through Dupont C End at The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St., NW.
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Nearest Metro Start: Dupont Circle
Nearest Metro End: Dupont Circle

Fitness: Low, 3 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
THIS TOUR IS FULL/AT CAPACITY

Tour Theme: Neighborhood History

Whether you call them robber barons or captains of industry, today we can revel in the Beaux-Arts grandeur of their former residences on Washington’s Massachusetts Avenue, better known as Embassy Row. The tour meets at Dupont Circle and introduces you to members of the first ranks of mining, railroads, banking, publishing, politicians, and speculators in the 1880s and 1890s. Spendthrift offspring, the Great Depression and other misfortune eventually drained the resources of many families. Many of their mansions were purchased for as little as 10 cents on a dollar. But in between, the high life and high architecture has made for some great stories. The walk ends outside the magnificent Phillips Collection museum, former residence of steel heir and avid art collector Duncan Phillips.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Washington Walks and led by Washington Walks tour guide Nicole Pearo Taylor.

Wednesday, September 26
6-7:30 pm

If this Street Could Talk - 8th Street South East Neighborhood Since 1795

Meet and end at Eastern Market Metro station, Eighth St. and Pennsylvania Ave., SE.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Nearest Metro Start: Eastern Market or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill Circulator bus to Eastern Market Metro Plaza
Nearest Metro End: Eastern Market or Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill Circulator bus from the corner of 8th and G St.

Fitness: Moderate, 1 mile
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
No reservations required.

Tour Theme: Neighborhood History, Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail

Explore the oldest commercial corridor in the District - designed by L'Enfant in1791 to connect the newly established port of Washington to the Capitol. See the oldest "model home" in the District built by a British land speculator who hoped to cash in on American's desire to live in the brand new Federal City.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Barracks Row Main Street and and led by local writer and tour guide for Barracks Row and the Smithsonian Sharon Bosworth.

Note: We will tour Marine Barracks Washington established in 1801.

Wednesday, September 26
6-8:30 pm

Old Elegance and Continuing Style: Germans and German-Americans and the Dupont Circle Neighborhood

Meet at German Historical Institute, 1607 New Hampshire Ave., NW. End at Dupont Circle Metro station's North entrance, 1525 20th St., NW.
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Nearest Metro Start: Dupont Circle, North exit
Nearest Metro End:  Dupont Circle

Fitness: Low, 2 miles
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: Eye on the Arts in conjunction with Art4All DC

After an introduction to the German Historical Institute, this tour departs for sites including the Heurich House where the director will provide a glimpse into the interior and the building's impressive history; the former German Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue by Adolf Cluss, Thomas Circle with its statue of Martin Luther in front of Luther Memorial Church; and the site of The Portland, Washington’s first large-scale apartment building. Additional sites include the Sumner School Museum and Archives and Charles Henry Niehaus’s striking memorial to Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathic medicine.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Goethe-Institut and led by former director of Media Projects for the Goethe-Institut William Gilcher.

Wednesday, September 26
6-9 pm 

Monuments Bike Tour

Meet at rear courtyard of the Old Post Office Pavilion, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, corner of 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., NW.
Neighborhood: National Mall

Nearest Metro Start: Federal Triangle, at exit make U-turn to cross 12th St. to rear courtyard of the Old Post Office Pavilion.
Nearest Metro End: Federal Triangle 

Fitness: Low, 4 miles
Reservations required.

 

Tour Theme: Washington in Conflict, Eye on the Arts

Freedom, fun, monuments, and a breeze. Cruise around the National Mall and Potomac Tidal Basin to see the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and more. Plan to walk around and explore the memorials in depth.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Bike and Roll Washington DC and led by Bike and Roll Washington DC tour guide.

Note: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes. Bike helmets required. Bike locks recommended.

Wednesday, September 26
6:15-7:30 pm

Meridian Hill Park, National Park and Neighborhood Oasis

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/AfricanAmerican Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or S Metrobuses on 16th St.
Nearest Metro End: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or S Metrobuses 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.

Thursday, September 27
6-7 pm

Discover the History and Development of Mount Vernon Triangle

Sponsored by: 

Meet and end at Carnegie Library at 8th and K Sts., NW.
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon Triangle

Nearest Metro Start: Gallery Pl-Chinatown or Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center or Georgetown-Union Station Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Gallery Pl-Chinatown or Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center

Fitness: Moderate, .5 miles
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
No reservations required.

Tour Theme: Neighborhood History

Discover Mount Vernon Triangle to learn about the history and recent development of this once forgotten neighborhood, including its rebirth with new retail, offices, and apartments. This tour will include a walk past the remaining historic buildings, discussion about the social and economic forces that lead to its decline and current revitalization. You will also have a chance to visit a new apartment complex, office building, or a historic church.

Presented by Cultural Tourism DC member organization Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District and led by Executive Director William McLeod.

Thursday, September 27
6-8 pm

16th Street: Avenue of the Presidents

Meet and end in front of the Australian Embassy, 1601 Massachussetts Ave., NW.
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Nearest Metro Start: McPherson Square or Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Circulator bus
Nearest Metro End: Columbia Heights

Fitness: Moderate, 2.25 miles
Reservations required.

Tour Theme: Eye on the Arts in conjunction with Art4All DC

Stroll through 200 years of history along the stately street that gives the White House its address. Prestigious 16th Street is home to the Scottish Rite Temple, Gilded Age mansions, embassies, peculiar statuary, churches, and the cascading fountains of Meridian Hill Park. Hear stories of the colorful characters that have resided there.

Presented and led by DC-native, professional tour guide, and proud resident of Congress Heights Nathan Harrington.

Friday, September 28
6-9 pm

The Geometry of DC: Walking the Historical Circles, Squares and Triangles of Downtown DC

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.