Dupont Circle Mansions: Embassy Row Walking Tour

Discover the opulent mansions and grand embassies of Dupont Circle on a two-hour walking tour. Explore Embassy Row and learn about the stories and scandals behind Washington DC’s most extravagant homes.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dupont Circle - Dupont Circle is the heart of this historic neighborhood, with a photogenic fountain at it’s center.
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Stately homes and majestic embassies characterize one of Washington DC’s most stylish districts– Dupont Circle. In a two-hour walk, we’ll amble through Embassy Row and marvel at some of the city’s awe-inspiring estates. We’ll delve into the narratives and controversies that influenced the Nation from within these stunning DC residences.
Secure your…

Location
Dupont Circle
Look for your guide at the Dupont Circle Fountain in the center of Dupont Circle.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(111 Ratings)
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Nina_b
Dec 1, 2024
Wonderful way to explore DuPont circle and Embassy row - Such 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.
Review provided by Viator
Kevincolson
Nov 3, 2024
A short tour along a truly American path with a guide that leaves wanting more stories over a pitcher of mimosas - A 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.
Review provided by Viator
Pauldf7561rf
Nov 2, 2024
Sam's amazing tour! - My 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_h
Sep 22, 2024
From Millionaires Row to Embassy Row: Massachusetts Avenue in the Gilded Age - Washington’s movers and shakers once strolled the streets of Dupont Circle, where Massachusetts Avenue was the city’s most fashionable residential address. Heiresses, industrial magnates, newspaper tycoons, and members of the political elite built opulent mansions along the avenue, all to impress Washington society. After the Great Depression, many of these magnificent mansions were converted into embassies, social clubs, and offices.
Review provided by Viator
98annk
Sep 10, 2024
Interesting & Enjoyable - Sam did a super job guiding the Embassy Row / Dupont Circle Tour. He covered a wealth of information seamlessly, & answered questions while guiding us through vehicle and pedestrian traffic - and never missed a beat! I found this architectural / cultural / historical tour of the Embassy Row area very interesting and would take a tour with DC Design again in a heartbeat. A nice touch was a text from Sam prior to the tour with his contact info should it be needed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ugottagothere
Sep 8, 2024
Educational and entertaining! - The Dupont Circle & Embassy Row tour was fantastic! Our guide, Sam, was knowledgeable, funny, and entertaining. We didn't just learn about the architecture, but also the colorful characters who lived in the homes. Some wild stories! So much fun. We were a party of two from NYC and one from VA, and we all enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana_b
Aug 17, 2024
Worth It! - Mark was a great tour guide, knowledgeable and considerate. It was a fun and interesting way to see the area. It seemed like everyone on the tour was enjoying themselves. Definitely worth the money.
Review provided by Viator
Alia_w
Jun 30, 2024
Fascinating and fun - A phenomenal and active way to learn about the city, its architecture and behind-the-scenes history. I've lived in the DC area for a decade now and took my husband and mom, who was visiting from out of town. We experienced the Dupont neighborhood in a way we never had before -- and the insights into international relations and embassy culture were an added bonus. Would definitely do this again and explore other tours with this group! Christine was so knowledgable.
Review provided by Viator
Intrepidtraveler53
Jun 22, 2024
Fantastic! - The tour was fabulous and Mark was super insightful. His knowledge was incredible and we really enjoyed the tour. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanb2573
Nov 17, 2024
Mediocre tour, guide not very knowledgeable - The 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
December 2024
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