Violent quarrels, vicious attacks, murder, suicide -- why is it such turbulent events in Washington history seem concentrated around the seven acres of Lafayette Park?
During the day, it bustles with White House staff, visitors and office workers. As evening descends, however, it’s not hard to imagine that the park is the most haunted site in the city.
How the ghosts and spirits came into being is the subject of this eerie perambulation. You’ll see:
- the home of navy hero Stephen Decatur
- hear about man of letters Henry Adams and his troubled wife Clover
- relive the night on April 14, 1865 when the grim reaper stalked more than Abraham Lincoln
What Is Not Included?
"The Most Hauned Houses" does not include INTERIOR tours of any of the buildings featured on the walk. Participants will see the outside of the buildings only. The walk does not include actual ghost sightings. The guides do not wear costumes or pretend to be ghosts.
Meeting Location
Downtown, near 18th Street and New York Avenue, NW (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 Octagon House museum. The guide will direct you back to the meeting location, which is approximately five blocks away.
- What sights do we see on the walk?
- The former home of naval hero Stephen Decatur, the Hay-Adams Hotel, the White House, and the infamous Octagon House museum are purported haunted sites included on this walking tour. The walk DOES NOT include interior tours of any of the buildings seen or discussed. Guides DO NOT wear COSTUMES or pretend to be ghosts.
- How long is the walk and how fast do we go?
- The walk lasts approximately two hours. We travel one mile at a casual pace on flat ground.
- Is this walk suitable for children?
- Children age 12 and older would enjoy this walk.
- 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.
- 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.!
