Dupont Circle and Embassy Row Architectural Walking Tour

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.

1. 1

   Dupont Circle

   10 min

   Dupont Circle is the heart of this historic neighborhood, with a photogenic fountain at it's center by the designers of the Lincoln Memorial.

2. 2

   Embassy Row

   1 hour

   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.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   Hear the story behind the the opulent Indonesian Embassy, once home to the Hope Diamond.

4. 4

   Anderson House

   5 min

   This imposing mansion was the former home of the wealthiest power couple in Washington DC, now headquarters to the the Nation's oldest patriotic organization.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   5 min

   A gorgeous beaux-arts mansion off Sheridan Circle, where music legend Ahmet Ertegun got his start.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   5 min

   A Civil War monument with a bizarre backstory, designed by the sculptor of Mount Rushmore.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   15 min

   A quiet residential neighborhood off Embassy Row who's name means "Beautiful View" in Greek. Now home to some of Washington's most influential characters.

8. 8

   The President Woodrow Wilson House

   5 min

   Former post-presidency home of Woodrow Wilson

9. 9

   Spanish Steps

   5 min

   Washington's own modest version of the famed European landmark makes for a quiet hidden oasis in the middle of the city.

10. 10

    The Phillips Collection

    5 min

    The first modern art museum in the United States

• 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

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