Named for a scion of the prominent Delaware family, Dupont Circle evolved from a hardscrabble “wilderness” to become Washington’s most fashionable address at the close of the 19th-century.
Today it is one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods (Kramer Books stays open 24 hours a day on the weekend.) It also remains the heart of Washington’s LGBT community.
Mansions and elegant row houses from the early 1900s remain, many as single family residences. Others serve as museums, bed and breakfasts, embassies or non-profit organizations.
The walk will stop at
Today it is one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods (Kramer Books stays open 24 hours a day on the weekend.) It also remains the heart of Washington’s LGBT community.
Mansions and elegant row houses from the early 1900s remain, many as single family residences. Others serve as museums, bed and breakfasts, embassies or non-profit organizations.
The walk will stop at
- a “brewmaster’s castle”
- Dupont Circle itself, where people watching and chess matches are favorite past times
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation headquarters
- the apartment tower that gave rise to the District’s building height limit
What Is Not Included?
This walk does not include an interior tour of any buildings seen or discussed during the tour.
Meeting Location
Dupont Circle (Washington, DC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- It's up to you. If you want to pay for your walk via credit card, the only way to do so is by purchasing in advance. If you prefer to pay cash, however, you are always welcome to just show up without an advance purchase. Either way we'd love to have you!
- What happens if I’m late?
- If you are late, you will miss the tour. Tours leave right on time, and to be fair to the whole group, we cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are not familiar with the meeting location area, please make sure to leave plenty of time to find it. Refunds cannot be provided.
- Where does this walk end?
- The walk concludes at the intersection of R Street and Connecticut Avenue, N.W. near the Q Street exit of the Dupont Circle Metrorail station.
- What sights do we see on the walk?
- The mansion of a former brewmaster, Dupont Circle itself, the tallest building in Washington, D.C., a historic Episcopal church, a bohemian inn, and a lively farmer's market are some of the sights seen on this walk.
- How long is the walk and how fast do we go?
- The walk lasts two hours and covers around 1.25 miles. We travel at a steady pace along level terrain.
- Is this walk suitable for children?
- No. Young children would not enjoy this walking tour.
- I am bringing an infant/toddler. Do I need to purchase a ticket for him or her?
- No. Tickets are not required for children ages 3 and younger.
- What happens if it rains?
- Walks take place rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the day's forecasted weather conditions. Remember to bring water, sunglasses and sunscreen on warm, sunny days.
- Will I be able to shop and buy souvenirs during the walk?
- No. But your guide will be happy to point you in the right direction after the tour.
- Is the walk wheelchair and/or stroller accessible?
- Yes. Most of our walking tours are accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
- Are restrooms available on the walk?
- No. Restrooms are not available during the walking tour. Be sure to use the facilities prior to arriving for the walk.
- Can I bring my dog on the tour?
- No. Unfortunately, we cannot allow animals other than service dogs to attend our walks.
- Are the walks only offered in English?
- Yes. Washington Walks are only offered in English.
- Can I bring a camera?
- Yes. There are a lot of great photo opportunities along the way!
- What is a Washington Walkabout card?
- A Washington Walkabout card is a type of reward program. You pay for four walks up front and present your card at every walk and then you get the fifth one free. You can purchase a Walkabout card from a Washington Walks guide at beginning of any walk. Each card is $30, if you purchase tickets for your first walk in advance online (otherwise it's $40, if you pay on the spot). Cards do not expire and can be used by one individual only. After you’ve taken your five walks, return the card to Washington Walks and you’ll be eligible for the Washington Walks-a-Thon Award given at the end of the walking tour season.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes. For details, please contact Washington Walks by clicking “Contact WashWalks” to the left of the page.
- Can I book a private or a group tour?
- Yes. Private walks are available, although groups often decide to attend the public walk. For one thing, it is often less expensive; second, part of the fun of our walking tours is interacting with those who attend the public walk. If you are interested in booking a private walk, contact Washington Walks by clicking “Contact WashWalks” to the left of the page.
Washington Walks
The best way to tour any historic city is by foot. Since 1999, Washington Walks guides have been escorting visitors and locals alike through quaint neighborhoods, along hip urban thoroughfares, and past D.C.’s instantly recognizable landmarks and memorials.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time resident, the same holds true: if you haven’t been on a Washington Walk, you haven’t been to Washington, D.C.!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time resident, the same holds true: if you haven’t been on a Washington Walk, you haven’t been to Washington, D.C.!
