Dupont Circle and Embassy Row Architectural Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Gratuities
What To Expect
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is the heart of this historic neighborhood, with a photogenic fountain at it's center by the designers of the Lincoln Memorial.
Embassy Row
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.
Options
11am Walking Tour
Reviews
117 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A perfect blend of architecture and history!
WendyT639,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So glad we took this walking tour! Our guide Sam was welcoming and knowledgable, and he kept us moving at a good pace while entertaining us along the way and making sure to answer all our questions. I will not hesitate to book another DC Designs tour next time I'm in the area!
Sam was the best tour guide!
T8999MEashleyt,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day with Sam! He has the best energy, you could definitely tell he loves history, his job and telling intriguing stories. A group of us friends who live in Dupont Circle thought it'd be fun to check out the tour to learn more about where we live and we now know the most interesting facts about our neighborhood. Now when we have visitors to DC, we'll be able to impress them with our knowledge :) This tour is a recommendation for both visitors and residents of DC!
Highly Recommend!
clerkm2025,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our Embassy Row Tour with Carolyn so much that we booked a Georgetown Tour with he as well for later in the week. Incredibly knowledgeable. Fun! HIGHLY recommend!
Highly recommend for tourists and locals!
P5163EQheatherd,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour for tourists and locals alike. I have lived around DC for years but learned so much! Sam, our tour guide, was wonderful. Absolutely knew his DC history and architecture styles - and was thoroughly entertaining! Looking forward to doing more with DC Design!
Enjoyable Entertaining Experience
Sherri M,
Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We learned so much - history and architecture. Lovely walk! Sam is a terrific guide and provided a great experience.
Architecture, History, and Fun Stories - what a great tour!
CMMP VA,
Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing - Christine our tour guide knows both the history and architecture of these beautiful buildings inside and out - I learned so much and have some many new details on which to follow up Tip - book directly with DC Design Tours to get wonderful recommendations for other local activities for before/after your tour
Wonderful way to explore DuPont circle and Embassy row
Nina B,
Dec 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a great experience! Sam was so knowledgeable and had good energy in the frigid cold temps. He kept things moving while imparting great little nuggets of information. Learned a lot.
Mediocre tour, guide not very knowledgeable
SusanB2573,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The tour was fine, but the guide was not very knowledgeable…he had his script and stuck to that. Of the many questions people in the group asked he often answered with “I think etc.” Or “I’m not sure about that…”. Could have been better!
A short tour along a truly American path with a guide that leaves wanting more stories over a pitcher of mimosas
KevinColson,
Nov 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00A 2 hour tour that meanders along a path of rich, american architecture and history, providing a great opportunity to stretch your legs after a morning coffee or libatious brunch. The guide had a detailed knowledge of the many types of architecture throughout the route as well as interesting background and facts on the people who built and lived in the homes. He started with the basic history of why DuPont Circle was established and named which laid a strong foundation for the social, political, and personal information that provided us a more robust perspective on each building.
Sam's amazing tour!
pauldF7561RF,
Nov 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I toured with Sam. He has a broad background in history and architecture. Wonderful and concise explanations of the history, significance, architectural type (who know so many Beaux-Arts edifices in DC!) and owner personality vignettes. He explained the Shepherd invited industrialist mansions, depression conversion to embassies, the Roosevelt daughter, the Turkish jazz bros, the Alice artists, and the Edith wives among others. Truly a cornucopia of knowledge and perspective. A deep and humorous dive. Highly recommended to DC history buffs and visitors. Paul and Carol
From $48.00
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