Is Georgetown hilly or flat?

The neighborhood is a mix of both. While the area near the C&O Canal and M Street is relatively flat, the walk north toward Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks involves a steady uphill climb.

What is the best time for a walking tour Washington DC in Georgetown?

Morning is the best time to avoid the heavy shopping crowds on M Street. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends, allowing for a more peaceful experience at historical sites like Tudor Place.

Where are the Exorcist Steps located?

The famous steps are located at the corner of Prospect St NW and 36th St NW, near the foot of the Key Bridge. They connect Prospect Street to M Street.

Can I see where the Kennedys lived in Georgetown?

Yes, this route passes near several former Kennedy residences. Most notably, JFK lived at 3307 N St NW during the 1960 campaign, and the couple frequented Martin's Tavern nearby.

Is the Old Stone House free to enter?

The Old Stone House is managed by the National Park Service. While the gardens are typically free to enter during daylight hours, access to the house interior may have limited hours or specific tour schedules.

Are there many stairs on this route?

The primary set of stairs is the Exorcist Steps (75 steps). However, these can be bypassed by walking along 34th Street if you prefer to avoid steep climbs.

Is Georgetown worth visiting for history buffs?

Absolutely. As the oldest part of the city, it offers colonial-era buildings, 19th-century industrial history, and deep connections to the American presidency that you won't find on the National Mall.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Georgetown is often associated with luxury boutiques and high-end dining, but beneath its polished exterior lies a layer of history that dates back before the founding of the capital itself. This self-guided walking route invites you to explore the neighborhood’s hidden gems and Kennedy connections, taking you through the quiet lanes where John and Jackie Kennedy once lived and the grand estates that shaped American history. As you wander, you’ll discover that Georgetown is a tapestry of architectural evolution, from the pre-revolutionary Old Stone House to the Gothic spires of Georgetown University. This Washington DC stroll begins at the oldest standing building in the city, offering a glimpse into the colonial past before the federal city was even imagined. From there, the route winds uphill toward Tudor Place, a neoclassical masterpiece with ties to the Washington family. For those seeking a moment of peace, the path leads into the lush, wilder sections of Dumbarton Oaks Park, a stark contrast to the manicured lawns usually associated with the area. The Kennedy family’s presence is felt throughout the neighborhood; Georgetown served as the backdrop for their early years. You will traverse the streets where JFK proposed and the homes they inhabited during his rise to the presidency. The walk also delves into the cinematic and the eerie, stopping at the infamous Exorcist Steps before concluding along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This route offers a balance of iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path discoveries, perfect for travelers who prefer to explore independently. Whether you are a history buff, a film fan, or simply looking for a scenic walking tour Washington DC, this self-guided walk provides a deep dive into the soul of the city's oldest neighborhood. By following this route, you can avoid the crowds and find the hidden alleys that make Georgetown unique.

Highlights

Visit the Old Stone House, the oldest building in Washington DC

Admire the neoclassical architecture of the historic Tudor Place

Stroll through the serene and wild landscapes of Dumbarton Oaks Park

Explore the prestigious campus and Gothic architecture of Georgetown University

Climb the 75 stone steps made famous by the film The Exorcist

Walk the historic towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Tour Stops (6)

Old Stone House

Welcome to the Old Stone House, a rare survivor from the colonial era. Built in 1765 by Christopher Layman, this is the oldest standing building in Washington DC on its original foundation. It predates the American Revolution and the establishment of the District of Columbia itself. While the neighborhood around it has transformed into a bustling commercial hub, this simple granite dwelling remains a testament to the modest beginnings of Georgetown. As you look at the structure, imagine a time when this was a frontier town serving as a major port for tobacco. The house was saved from demolition in the 1950s because of a persistent, though mistaken, legend that it had served as George Washington’s engineering headquarters.

Tudor Place

Leaving the commercial bustle of M Street, you arrive at Tudor Place, an architectural gem of the Federal period. Completed in 1816, this estate was home to six generations of the Peter family, descendants of Martha Washington. The house was designed by William Thornton, the same architect who designed the first United States Capitol. Its neoclassical 'temple portico' is one of the most distinctive architectural features in the city. Beyond the house, the five-and-a-half-acre garden offers a peaceful retreat. Tudor Place holds one of the largest collections of objects belonging to George and Martha Washington outside of Mount Vernon, weaving together the story of a family and a nation.

Dumbarton Oaks Park

As you move toward the northern edge of Georgetown, you enter the wilder, more natural side of the neighborhood. Dumbarton Oaks Park was originally part of the larger Dumbarton Oaks estate, designed by famed landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. While the formal gardens of the estate are world-renowned, this lower park was designed as a 'naturalistic' garden. Farrand carefully manipulated the stream and the valley to create a sense of being deep in the countryside, despite being in the heart of the city. It is a perfect spot to observe the seasonal changes and appreciate the intentional blending of human design with the rugged beauty of the Potomac River valley.

Georgetown University

Dominating the western skyline of the neighborhood is Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1789. The centerpiece of the campus is Healy Hall, a massive Romanesque Revival building that looks more like a European castle than a typical American college hall. Its clock tower is a neighborhood landmark. As you walk through the campus, you are following in the footsteps of presidents, world leaders, and scholars. The university has played a pivotal role in the intellectual and social life of DC, and its architecture reflects a blend of religious tradition and academic ambition.

The Exorcist Steps

Located at the corner of Prospect Street and 36th Street, these 75 steep stone steps have become a pilgrimage site for film buffs. They earned international fame in the 1973 horror classic 'The Exorcist' as the site of the dramatic and gruesome climax involving Father Karras. The steps were built in 1895 during the construction of the adjacent Capital Traction Company car barn. Because they are so narrow and steep, they create an eerie atmosphere that was perfect for cinema. Today, you will often see local residents using them for intense cardio workouts, but for many, they remain a chilling reminder of one of the most famous scenes in movie history.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Your journey concludes along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, often called the C&O. Started in 1828, this 'grand ditch' was designed to connect the Potomac River with the Ohio River, facilitating trade with the American West. Although it was eventually outpaced by the railroad, the canal operated for nearly 100 years. Today, it is a National Historical Park. The towpath where mules once pulled heavy barges is now a favorite route for walkers and cyclists. As you walk along the water, look for the historic locks and stone walls that showcase the incredible engineering of the 19th century. It is a quiet, reflective place to end your exploration of Georgetown’s layers of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thorough self-guided walk of Georgetown typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This route covers approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and includes several stops for history and photography.