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Offered languages
- English
Gilded Age mansions, high-stakes diplomacy, and sordid scandals converge in Dupont Circle, once on the rural edge of the capital and later a playground for Washington’s wealthy. Today, its tree-lined streets showcase some of the city’s most striking architecture, from stately Neoclassical residences to eclectic Arts & Crafts homes.
On this two-hour walking tour, we’ll trace the evolution of Embassy Row and the surrounding Dupont neighborhood, uncovering the stories behind the grand façades. Meet the city’s social climbers, power brokers, and eccentric residents—from influential socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth to Evalyn Walsh McLean and her infamous Hope Diamond. Here, architecture and ambition intertwine with the story of Washington’s dramatic turn-of-the-century transformation.
Book directly via DC Design Tours at dcdesigntours.com for the best experience and price!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Look for your guide at the Dupont Circle Fountain in the center of Dupont Circle.
Itinerary
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1
Dupont Circle is the heart of this historic neighborhood, with a photogenic fountain at it's center by the designers of the Lincoln Memorial.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Walk along Embassy Row and see some of the city's most impressive properties, spanning the architectural gamut from Neo-classical to Beaux-Arts to Queen Anne and more. Meet the city’s social climbers, power brokers, and eccentric residents—from influential socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth to Evalyn Walsh McLean and her infamous Hope Diamond.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
Hear the story behind the the opulent Indonesian Embassy, once home to the Hope Diamond.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
This imposing mansion was the former home of the wealthiest power couple in Washington DC, now headquarters to the the Nation's oldest patriotic organization.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
A gorgeous beaux-arts mansion off Sheridan Circle, where music legend Ahmet Ertegun got his start.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
A Civil War monument with a bizarre backstory, designed by the sculptor of Mount Rushmore.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
A quiet residential neighborhood off Embassy Row who's name means "Beautiful View" in Greek. Now home to some of Washington's most influential characters.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Former post-presidency home of Woodrow Wilson
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
9
Washington's own modest version of the famed European landmark makes for a quiet hidden oasis in the middle of the city.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
The first modern art museum in the United States
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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