The Original Historic Georgetown Guided Walking Tour

Tour Details

Discover a neighborhood older than the capital itself. Stroll along a 200-year-old canal, cobblestone streets, and rows of elegant Federal and Victorian homes while your expert guide shares true stories of founders, immigrants, change-makers—and a few famous modern names.

About this experience

• Duration: 2 hours
• Language: English, live guide
• Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; reserve now & pay later
• Group type: Small-group walking tour
• Starting point: C&O Canal Lock 3 (Thomas Jefferson St NW & 30th St NW)

Tour Program

1. C&O Canal Lock 3

Begin beside one of the most atmospheric stretches of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Learn how boats were raised and lowered by hand and how this working waterway powered Georgetown’s industrial boom. Your guide brings the 19th-century canal town to life with tales of merchants, millers, and lockkeepers. It’s the perfect primer on how Georgetown pre-dates Washington, DC.

2. Old Stone House

Step into the yard of the city’s oldest surviving residence, a landmark of everyday colonial life. Hear how this 1760s home was saved from demolition and why it matters to preservationists today. Notice hand-cut stones, low doorways, and period details that whisper about the families who lived here. It’s a rare, tangible link to pre-Revolution Georgetown.

3. M Street NW

Walk the commercial spine of Georgetown where warehouses became boutiques and cafés. Trace the neighborhood’s transformation from gritty port to polished retail corridor. Your guide points out ironwork, old coal chutes, and “fire marks” that reveal hidden histories above the shopfronts. This is the heartbeat where past and present meet.

4. Newton D. Baker House

Pause outside the residence connected to Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of War. Learn how statesmen, diplomats, and power brokers once favored Georgetown’s tree-lined streets. Hear anecdotes about political salons and wartime decision-making that rippled far beyond this quiet façade. Architecture here mirrors the ambitions of its owners.

5. Historic Lanes & Rowhouses (Georgetown District)

Venture into postcard-worthy side streets with cobblestones and gas-style lamps. Compare Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles while you pick up tips for “reading” a historic façade. Stories highlight Black Georgetown, immigrant artisans, and women who defied convention to shape the community. Look closely—you may spot original fire bells and carriage steps.

6. Martin’s Tavern

Outside this storied pub, hear legends of presidents, journalists, and local characters. Learn about the Kennedys’ Georgetown years and the lore that still clings to their favorite haunts. Your guide also sprinkles in modern pop-culture nods—including why Taylor Swift occasionally pops up in Georgetown chatter. History here feels lived-in, not locked behind glass.

7. The Wave Wall (Georgetown Waterfront)

Stand by the Potomac to see how engineering and design protect the riverfront from flooding. Understand the rise, decline, and rebirth of the waterfront from working wharves to lively promenade. It’s a striking contrast to the canal you saw earlier—two very different answers to the same river. Enjoy a quick photo stop with skyline views.

8. Georgetown University (Finish)

Conclude at the university’s iconic campus, framed by Gothic-style Healy Hall. Hear how the town shaped the school—and how the school shaped the town. From Jesuit roots to global reputation, this stop ties together themes of faith, scholarship, and civic life. You’ll leave with a clear sense of Georgetown’s 300-year arc.

Why Choose This Tour

• Licensed, local experts: Your guide is a professional, licensed historian and Georgetown specialist who turns facts into stories you’ll remember.
• Architecture made easy: Learn to spot the differences between Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian homes—without jargon.
• Balanced history: Hear about founders and first families and Black Georgetown, immigrant craftsmen, and trailblazing women.
• Iconic and hidden sights: From Lock 3 and Old Stone House to tucked-away lanes you’d likely miss on your own.
• Smart pacing: A comfortable 2-hour route with timely stops for photos, shade, and questions—great for curious travelers.

What’s Included

• Professional, licensed tour guide
• 2-hour guided walking tour of Historic Georgetown
• Access to the yard of one of the neighborhood’s oldest houses
• A visit to Georgetown University’s campus
  Not included: Gratuities