Is it worth visiting the Watergate Hotel if I am not a guest?

Yes, it is worth it for the history and architecture. While you cannot access guest rooms, the lobby and public areas feature a 'scandalous' theme, and the rooftop bar offers some of the best views in Washington DC.

Can I see where the Watergate break-in happened?

You can see the Watergate complex where the break-in occurred. The specific DNC headquarters were located in the office building section of the complex, which is adjacent to the hotel.

What is the best time of day for this walking route?

Late afternoon is ideal. This allows you to explore the university and historical sites while it is light out, and then end your stroll at the Kennedy Center just in time for sunset over the Potomac.

Is Foggy Bottom safe to walk at night?

Yes, Foggy Bottom is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in DC due to the presence of George Washington University security and the proximity to high-profile government buildings.

Are there many hills on this Washington DC walking route?

No, this route is exceptionally flat. It follows the natural terrace above the Potomac River, making it an easy walk for people of all fitness levels.

Do I need to pay for anything on this self-guided walk?

Walking the route and viewing the exteriors is entirely free. There may be admission fees if you choose to enter The Octagon Museum, and you may want to budget for a drink or snack at the Watergate or Kennedy Center.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, especially the stops at the Kennedy Center which has large open spaces. However, the political history of the Watergate might be more interesting to teenagers and adults.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 40 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Embark on a self-guided walk through the corridors of power and the shadows of scandal in Washington DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood. This neighborhood stroll takes you beyond the typical monuments, diving deep into the political intrigue that has shaped American history for over two centuries. From the temporary White House occupied after the British burned the city in 1814 to the hotel rooms where a 1970s break-in brought down a presidency, this walking route explores the intersection of architecture and clandestine history. Your independent exploration begins at The Octagon Museum, a masterpiece of Federal-style architecture that once served as a sanctuary for President James Madison. As you move through the urban campus of George Washington University, you will witness how the city’s academic and political spheres intertwine. The route transitions from the neoclassical elegance of the Corcoran School to the modernist curves of the Watergate Hotel, perhaps the most famous address in American political lore. You will learn about the 'plumbers' who orchestrated the infamous DNC break-in and the diplomatic secrets held within the nearby Saudi Arabian Embassy. This walking tour Washington DC offers a unique perspective on the city, focusing on the human drama and high-stakes gamesmanship of Foggy Bottom. As you reach the banks of the Potomac River, the journey concludes at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Here, the theme of political legacy takes on a more solemn tone, offering a space for reflection amidst stunning panoramic views of the river and the city skyline. This self-guided adventure is perfect for history buffs and political junkies who want to see the real Washington DC at their own pace. Whether you are interested in the architectural evolution of the city or the gritty details of its most famous scandals, this walking tour Washington DC provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative of the capital’s most intriguing district.

Highlights

The Octagon Museum, the temporary White House of 1814
The Beaux-Arts architecture of the Corcoran School
The urban heart of George Washington University
The site of the 1972 Watergate break-in
Diplomatic history at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Panoramic rooftop views from the Kennedy Center

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

The Octagon Museum

Welcome to one of the most historically significant private residences in the capital. Built between 1799 and 1801 for Colonel John Tayloe III, The Octagon is actually hexagonal in shape, designed to fit the unique geometry of DC’s street grid. Its most famous moment came after the War of 1812; when the British burned the White House, President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison moved here. It was in the circular upstairs study that Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent, officially ending the war. As you stand before this brick masterpiece, consider the weight of the decisions made within its walls during the young nation’s most precarious moments. It remains a symbol of the resilience of the American capital.

2

Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at GW

Just a short walk away is the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. The building itself is a work of art, a premier example of Beaux-Arts architecture designed by Ernest Flagg in the late 19th century. Note the grand neoclassical facade and the names of Great Masters etched into the stone. Originally founded as the first private art museum in the United States, it eventually merged with George Washington University. This site represents the cultural soul of Foggy Bottom, where the rigorous world of politics meets the creative expression of the arts. It has served as a backdrop for countless gala events and protests alike, standing as a testament to the city's intellectual and artistic depth.

3

The George Washington University

You are now in the heart of George Washington University, or GWU. Unlike many traditional campuses, GWU is fully integrated into the city's fabric. Its proximity to the World Bank, the IMF, and the White House makes it a breeding ground for future world leaders and diplomats. As you walk through these blocks, you are sharing the pavement with people who likely have a hand in shaping global policy. The university was established by an Act of Congress in 1821, fulfilling George Washington's own wish for a national university in the capital. The energy here is palpable—a mix of academic curiosity and high-level political ambition that defines the unique character of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

4

Embassy of Saudi Arabia

As we move toward the river, we encounter the Embassy of Saudi Arabia. This striking, modern building is a focal point of international diplomacy in Washington. In a city where 'soft power' is the primary currency, embassies like this one serve as sovereign outposts for foreign nations. The architecture is intentionally grand, reflecting the geopolitical importance of the relationship between the U.S. and the Kingdom. This area of Foggy Bottom is often buzzing with diplomatic motorcades and quiet negotiations. It serves as a reminder that while the local politics of the U.S. are fascinating, Washington DC is also a global stage where the interests of many nations converge and occasionally clash.

5

The Watergate Hotel

Here it is: the most scandalous address in America. The Watergate complex, with its distinctive curved balconies designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti, was controversial even before the 1972 scandal due to its modernist look. However, its name became synonymous with political corruption when five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters located here. This event eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Today, the hotel embraces its history—the 'Scandal Room' is even decorated with 1970s memorabilia. As you look up at the complex, imagine the 'plumbers' and the secret informants who turned this luxury development into a permanent symbol of American political drama and the power of investigative journalism.

6

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The final stop on our walking route is the John F. Kennedy Center. This massive marble structure, designed by Edward Durell Stone, serves as the national memorial to the 35th President. JFK was a great patron of the arts, and this center brings together theater, dance, and music under one roof. Take a moment to walk through the Hall of States or the Hall of Nations, where the flags of the world fly high. If you have time, head up to the rooftop terrace. From there, you can see the Watergate complex you just visited, the Potomac River, and the monuments in the distance. It is a place of beauty and reflection, standing in contrast to the intrigue of the nearby streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk itself covers about 1.5 miles and takes approximately 30-40 minutes of continuous walking. However, with stops to appreciate the history and architecture, you should budget 90-120 minutes.