DC Design Tours

4.9 (95 reviews)

Architectural Tours, Historical Tours, Walking Tours

Open • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

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DC Design Tours - Carolyn is so much fun! We learned so much and she customized the tour to our family's age and endurance. - A woman with short, curly hair and sunglasses on her head is smiling and standing outdoors. She is pushing a stroller with a baby wearing red and white socks. The background shows a park with trees, a man with a hat holding a sign, and an electric scooter on a brick pathway. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Front of Anderson House - The image shows the front entrance of a historic building with classical architectural elements, including four large Corinthian columns supporting a rounded portico. The building's facade is made of light-colored stone with detailed moldings and rectangular windows. A lantern hangs from the ceiling of the portico, and two wall-mounted lanterns flank the entrance. Potted plants and a bench are placed near the entrance, and a French flag is visible in the background, indicating a location in France or a French-affiliated institution. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - A large, historic neoclassical building with prominent columns and detailed architectural features is visible in the background. The foreground includes a landscaped garden with green trees, shrubs, and a memorial plaque dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, surrounded by colorful flowers. The scene is framed by leafy branches at the top, and the sky is partly cloudy. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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DC Design Tours - A group of six individuals, including a tour guide holding a tablet, are standing on a grassy area near the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. The scene features American flags lining the area, a paved walkway, and a partly cloudy sky overhead. The group appears engaged in conversation, with some members facing the guide and others looking at the monument or surroundings. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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This is from DC Design Tours' escapade in Rock Creek Park -- history, discovery, nature, and a bit of exercise (walking)!

I took the Rock Creek Park tour on Labor Day -- it was my third tour with this organization and I hope to eventually take all of them. It was fun, enlightening, and an absolutely GREAT experience!

A metal fountain sculpture featuring an abstract design with water spraying upwards is positioned in a circular basin. The fountain is located outdoors in front of a historic stone building with arched windows and detailed architectural features. The area around the fountain is paved with stone tiles, and there is greenery visible to the right side of the image.

I've taken five walking tours with DC Design Tours, and each one has been outstanding. They blend history and architecture in a way that's engaging, insightful, and refreshingly different from the usual museum experience. Whenever I have guests in town, this is my go-to recommendation--they always love it, and it's consistently a highlight of their trip. Highly recommended!

Sheryl N.

We took the Georgetown tour with Sam yesterday as a family (ages ranging from 9-74) and all really enjoyed it. We learned a ton... about the architecture, the history of Georgetown, the dubious nature of historic landmark plaques, current local scandals, and how racial politics shaped neighborhoods. He made us laugh, taught us a ton, and even recommended great lunch places when the tour was over. Great addition to our trip!

My family and I loved Carolyn's tour. She's so great on architecture but her stories and knowledge are good for everyone.,

Jenny D.

Carolyn is warm and personable. She told stories about the monuments that were full of interesting tidbits. Her iPad was full of great historical photos that helped us understand the origins of many of the monuments. We all loved it (5 of us aged 2 years to 68 years). Bring your walking shoes and water ... we had a stroller, too. There's no way we would have learned as much or had so much fun without Carolyn's great tour!

Pamela P.

Outstanding tour. Knowledgeable and friendly, Sam (our tour guide) did an amazing job. Highly recommend to anyone visiting DC or locals that live here like me. You will learn something new and interesting.

Washington Monument through the Cherry Blossoms

We did the Cherry Blossom walking tour and throughly enjoyed it. Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable about the history of the monuments, cherry blossoms, and the area. It was a delightful easy walk loaded with interesting history.

Austin G.

My wife and I have lived in DC for ten years and have joined a number of tours and this one is by far the best. We joined that Dupont Circle waking tour on a Saturday at 1PM. Our tour guide was named Kelly and she was the perfect blend of funny, real, and knew really interesting facts about the neighborhood and design. She was able to break down design using fashion metaphors that made it more accessible. The Dupont Circle tour started by the Dupont Circle Metro. We walked past the Philips Collection up the Spanish Steps into Kalorama. You pass many embassies, the Woodrow Wilson House and to the Anderson House. It ends at the Dupont Circle Fountain. It lasted 1.5 hours. If you're a tourist or a resident, this tour is a must do!

Gregg R.

We took DC Design's National Cathedral tour and were blown away! Carolyn gave an interesting, engaging, and informative tour of the National Cathedral and Cleveland Park neighborhood. We've taken many tours throughout DC and found this one to be one of the best and most interesting! We can't wait to take another one of DC Design's tours. You won't be disappointed

Five people, including a child, are taking a selfie outdoors near a river with a bridge and cityscape visible in the background. The group includes three adults and one child, all smiling at the camera. The sky is clear with some clouds, and the scene appears to be during daytime. One person is wearing a DC Design Tours t-shirt, indicating they may be participating in a tour or outdoor activity.

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Caroline K.

25 days ago

Did the Capitol Hill tour with [adult] family today. Christine was fantastic - really engaging, knowledgeable, and fun. Not dry at all. We learned a lot and had a great time. HIGHLY recommend! read more

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Carolyn M.

Thanks so much, Caroline! We truly appreciate your review! :)

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Lisa P.

1 year ago

We had a great time with Carolyn during our Off the Beaten Path tour. It was a great combination of driving and walking including history, architecture, and some story telling. Carolyn is someone you will just like immediately. I wish we had more time with her! And Rida, her driver, navigated us flawlessly and seemed just like a great guy. read more

DC Design Tours - Georgetown University - Image of Georgetown University’s historic Gothic-style main building with pointed towers and detailed stonework. The foreground features a green lawn with people sitting on benches, walking, or lying on the grass. Several trees are visible, and the sky is clear and blue. The scene captures a peaceful day on campus, highlighting the university’s architectural style and outdoor space. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - National Cathedral - The image shows the interior of a large cathedral with high vaulted ceilings supported by tall stone columns. The space is illuminated with soft lighting, highlighting the architectural details. Rows of wooden chairs are arranged in symmetrical lines, facing towards the altar at the far end. The floor has a decorative pattern, and banners hang from the ceiling, adding color to the scene. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Exorcist stairs - A steep outdoor staircase made of concrete with metal handrails on both sides descends between a brick building on the left and a stone wall with dense greenery on the right. Shadows of tree branches create patterns on the steps, and the scene is illuminated by sunlight, with a glimpse of a street and parked cars at the bottom. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - A two-story building constructed from irregularly shaped dark stones, featuring four white-framed windows and a central wooden door. The building is set in a grassy area with a concrete walkway leading to the entrance, and trees are visible in the background. The roof is shingled, and the scene appears to be in a rural or park setting. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - The image displays a close-up of the exterior of a historic building, featuring intricate stone carvings, decorative sculptures, and Gothic architectural details. The stonework includes figures, floral motifs, and ornamental patterns, highlighting craftsmanship and design typical of Gothic architecture. The materials appear to be weathered stone, with some elements showing signs of aging and patina. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - A multi-story stone building with a white gabled roof and multiple small windows is situated outdoors. The building is surrounded by trees, grass, and a wooden fence, with sunlight illuminating the scene. The structure appears historic and is set in a natural, park-like setting. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - A Gothic-style cathedral featuring two tall, ornate towers with pointed spires, detailed stone carvings, and a large rose window above the main entrance. The facade is made of light-colored stone, with arched doorways and decorative elements. The sky is clear and blue, and the cathedral is situated on a paved area with steps leading up to the entrance. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thank you so much Lisa! It was a pleasure meeting you both!

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Mona L.

Elite 26

120

1037

3 years ago

Just came back from a delightful tour of the DuPont Circle Embassy Row tour hosted by Miss Natalie. We were a group of 5 who do live in MD but a few of us had never had the opportunity to see these beautiful homes/embassies up close . Usually it would be a quick drive by going somewhere else. Natalie was our guide and had a pretty large group to guide but kept things moving, spoke loud enough for us to hear and inserted her own small bits of information and humor. It was quite interesting to learn more about the lives and personalities of the original owners of these grand homes before they were converted as embassies. We saw a good mix of architectural styles and I was amazed there were so many. The display and reasons for the number of statues, water fountains and courtyards we saw was very insightful and helped me to see a very different side of Washington D.C. I appreciated the heads up on how to prepare for our tour day and to bring water, comfortable walking shoes and appropriate attire because it did become very windy that day. There is no opportunity to take restroom breaks so that was also included in her instructions. It was a full and enjoyable day with a lovely and knowledgeable young hostess. read more

DC Design Tours - Anderson House - The image shows a group of people gathered outside Anderson House, a historic building featuring classical architectural elements such as columns, arches, and decorative stonework. The building has flags flying on its roof, and the sky is partly cloudy with blue and white clouds. The scene appears to be in Washington, DC, and the visitors are likely participating in a guided or self-guided tour of the historic site. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Figurine on the corner of Kalorama neighborhood. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Landmark statue in DuPont Circle - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia? - The image shows a historic mansion with ornate architectural details, including arched windows, decorative moldings, and a curved roofline. The building is behind a black wrought iron fence with pointed finials, and there are trees partially obscuring the view. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue visible. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Woodrow Wilson Home - A group of individuals stands outside a historic brick building featuring classical architectural elements such as columns, arched windows, and decorative stonework. An American flag is displayed on a flagpole above the entrance, which has a set of steps leading up to a doorway. A plaque is mounted on the wall beside the entrance, and small shrubs are planted along the building's base. The scene appears to be a guided tour or educational visit. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thank you so much for your review of Natalie's tour! We really…

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Lucy S.

8 months ago

I took the Rock Creek Park tour on Labor Day -- it was my third tour with this organization and I hope to eventually take all of them. It was fun, enlightening, and an absolutely GREAT experience! read more

DC Design Tours - This is from DC Design Tours' escapade in Rock Creek Park -- history, discovery, nature, and a bit of exercise (walking)! - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thanks Lucy! So nice to see you, as always!

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Jean M.

11 months ago

DC Design Tours - A metal fountain sculpture featuring an abstract design with water spraying upwards is positioned in a circular basin. The fountain is located outdoors in front of a historic stone building with arched windows and detailed architectural features. The area around the fountain is paved with stone tiles, and there is greenery visible to the right side of the image. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thank you so much, Jean! We really appreciate your repeat patronage…

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Lisa G.

7 months ago

Interesting and fun, full of curious facts and intriguing details! Our tour of Georgetown yesterday was a true pleasure. We saw several buildings that are off-the-beaten-path, and our guide, Sam, was full of great context, historic and architectural details, and good humor. Highly recommend! read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you very much, Lisa!

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Natalie B.

1 year ago

Went solo and was happy. 60 years old and found Pace perfect. Learned so much about the areas history in addition to its architecture. Our guide was nice and eager to listen and answer questions. I received enough information to encourage me to return to places like The Wilson museum when I have time to take a deeper dive . If I enjoyed it on a cold mid-February morning you will like it too!! read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you so much for your very kind review, Natalie! We really…

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Sheryl N.

2 years ago

DC Design Tours - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thank you for taking the time to post a review! We really appreciate…

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Ann K.

2 years ago

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 Ben prior to the tour with his contact info should it be needed. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you Ann! So glad you enjoyed Sam's tour!

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Jenny D.

Elite 26

117

130

4 years ago

DC Design Tours - My family and I loved Carolyn's tour. She's so great on architecture but her stories and knowledge are good for everyone., - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thanks Jenny, it was a pleasure meeting your family!

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Pamela P.

3 years ago

DC Design Tours - A large, multi-story stone building with classical architectural features, including decorative cornices and evenly spaced windows, situated at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 13th Street NW in Washington, DC. The street scene includes a food truck, pedestrians, traffic lights, and street signs, with trees and a cloudy sky overhead. - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - A group of tourists and pedestrians are gathered outside a historic neoclassical building with scaffolding on its facade, indicating ongoing renovation. The building features columns and a statue in front, with an American flag flying above. The scene is set in a city environment with other buildings visible nearby, and the sky is overcast. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thanks Pamela! We really appreciate reviews, especially from locals!…

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Susan B.

2 years ago

I've taken two tours with this organization, and both of them have been interesting and educational. The guides have been really friendly, and I learned a lot, and they're wonderful storytellers. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you Susan, we really appreciate your review!

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Maggie P.

2 years ago

Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. He told great stories. Highly recommend to both visitors to DC and locals.

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Carolyn M.

So glad to read your review! Thank you!

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Amanda F.

3 years ago

We really enjoyed our DuPont Circle - Embassy Row tour with Sam. Personable and knowledgeable, Sam peppered in lots of interesting historical tidbits while explaining the architectural styles of the neighborhood. The tour was a good pace and Sam was easily heard by our whole group. Bonus - Sam has great restaurant recommendations. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you Amanda!

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Gloria C.

2 years ago

Wonderful experience! We took the Georgetown tour with Sam. Our family is a mix of out-of-towners and resident, with varying levels of interest in architecture, yet we all thoroughly enjoyed the tour! Sam was a great guide, keeping us engaged with fascinating stories and history; his knowledge and enthusiasm for the area and topic was evident with the tour stops and whenever he answered our questions. The pace was great, and we all appreciated that he thoughtfully picked shady spots to gather on this hot August day. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you Gloria! We really appreciate your review!

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John D.

2 years ago

This is my second DC Design tour. The guides each time have been informative and interesting, and I learned some little known facts and seen things I had not seen and also looked at familiar things in a new way. They are the best. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you for being a repeat customer and taking the time to post!…

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Julia H.

3 years ago

DC Design Tours - Washington Monument through the Cherry Blossoms - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument - Architectural Tours Near Me

DC Design Tours - Japanese Pagoda among the Cherry Blossoms - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Thank you for joining us!

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Michael T.

554

3 years ago

Loved our Dupont Circle and Embassy Row tour. Natalie Walsh gave a great mix of historical background of the home s and neighborhoods as well as what we were looking at from an architectural perspective. With me being a realtor and my wife an interior designer, this tour was right in our wheelhouse! read more

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Carolyn M.

So glad to read your review, thank you!

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Vicky M.

3 years ago

Participated on the Anacostia walking tour which was well-paced and fun. Carolyn was a terrific guide offering both historical context and architectural highlights. The tour includes the commercial strips, residential neighborhood, and local institutions. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thanks for joining and writing a review, Vicky!

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Jeanne C.

3 years ago

Had a fabulous tour of the Architecture of Historical Anacostia with Carolyn. She was an incredibly knowledgeable guide and just fun to spend time with. I would highly recommend her tours. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thanks Jeanne!

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Austin G.

Elite 26 All-Star

1495

5348

55640

9 years ago

DC Design Tours - Dupont Circle tour. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Gregg R.

134

4 years ago

DC Design Tours - Front of National Cathedral - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

Wow, thank you Gregg!

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Tricia L.

5 years ago

My family and I had such a fun and enjoyable time with Carolyn as we walked and she shared some of Georgetown's rich and fascinating history. She was so friendly, personable, and made us feel safe and comfortable the entire time we were together. I highly recommend taking her guided tour if your in the DC area. read more

DC Design Tours - Five people, including a child, are taking a selfie outdoors near a river with a bridge and cityscape visible in the background. The group includes three adults and one child, all smiling at the camera. The sky is clear with some clouds, and the scene appears to be during daytime. One person is wearing a DC Design Tours t-shirt, indicating they may be participating in a tour or outdoor activity. - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Carolyn M.

I had a wonderful time touring with you and your family!

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James A.

2 years ago

Our guide was very pleasant and accommodating. I learned a lot of history about a part of DC of which I had little experience, even though I've lived in the area all my life read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you so much for your review!

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Marie K.

2 years ago

Excellent tour of Dupont circle and Embassy Row, the guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about history and architecture.

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Carolyn M.

So glad to read your review, thank you!

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Courtney D.

4 years ago

Loved the tours we did with dc design tours, both guides were so knowledgeable and I loved their story telling skills! Brings life to a walking tour! Highly recommend! read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you, Courtney!

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Carmen E.

4 years ago

We did the private tour of DuPont Circle and Embassy Row with Carolyn. It was amazing. She's very knowledgeable and did an excellent mix of history and architecture. I wish I could do a tour with her everyday of my trip. I will be using DC Design Tours anytime I'm back in DC. read more

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Carolyn M.

I had a great time meeting you, Carmen!

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Lori D.

119

5 years ago

Had my first tour but certainly not my last. Our guide had a wealth of fun knowledge about the area. She was prompt, nice, energetic and entertaining. Never got bored, our group immediately started talking dates to do it again. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thank you, hope to see you all again!

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Marti S.

Elite 26

160

7 years ago

DC Design's Caroline told us amazing tidbits about DC and its history on this hot June tour! She kept us going - stopping in the shade wherever possible and going off script to address with candor our many questions that weren't part of the actual tour. The Presidential Neighborhood tour was a splendid overview of the downtown area - and is a terrific lead in to taking additional tours for more detailed information. Info disseminated in DC Design Tours goes above and beyond the typical patois from other companies (not that other tours aren't also good). I will research other tours offered by DC Design Tours because they are Just. That. Well done! read more

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Flo H.

7 years ago

My friends and I were in DC for the evening, and we wanted to see as much as possible. Our guide Sam was very kind and personable. I could immediately tell that history was his passion. He was very knowledgeable about everything he showed us. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the places I've dreamt of. Sam made the experience even better with his extra insight. I would recommend Sam to anybody looking for a guide in DC. read more

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Faith D.

Elite 21

134

7 years ago

We were looking for something fun to do with visiting family members and, inspired by a recent walking tour in NYC, we decided to take our families on a similar excursion in DC. We were not disappointed! We booked a private tour of Dupont Circle--great bang for buck--for 8 people on a Saturday morning at 10am. Carolyn was informative and passionate. (Makings for the absolute best kind of tour guide!) She took all of our questions, even extending the tour a bit beyond the anticipated time just to tell us more about some of the buildings on our return leg. We're planning to take other tours in the future. For our upcoming wedding, we will almost certainly recommend DC Design Tours to our out-of-town guests. Thanks, Carolyn! read more

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Shelby J.

4 years ago

I really enjoyed this cherry blossom season walking tour of the National Cathedral and surrounding neighborhood of Cleveland Park. Carolyn was a friendly and informed host, and the pace and length of the tour was great. Carolyn offered plenty of interesting information about the history, architecture, and community of the neighborhood. read more

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Carolyn M.

Thanks very much, Shelby!

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Caroline H.

3 years ago

We had a fantastic Cleveland Park walking tour with Carolyn, the owner of the company! Her tour was a great mix of architecture and history and she was super engaging! She made sure to ask everyone where they were from and made connections throughout the tour. Highly recommend and will definitely be back! read more

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Kayla B.

147

7 years ago

DC Design Tours is perfect for tourists and residents! Carolyn was our tour guide for the Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour and we had a fabulous time. Great conversation, and we learned a ton about the Dupont Circle area and its numerous embassies. Highly recommended! read more

DC Design Tours - Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Walking Tour - Architectural Tours Near Me

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Aukje S.

5 years ago

This was a very interesting tour with Carolyn. She is enthusiastic, nice and knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Georgetown. We will be back to do other tours! read more

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Carolyn M.

So nice to hear, thank you!

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Olivia A.

Elite 16

498

314

511

10 years ago

History is so damn cool. I've been trying and failing to take a tour with Carolyn ever since a couple of friends did one with her last summer. I cannot believe it took me so long to do this 2 hour tour. I'm hooked! We chose the Dupont tour because it's so obviously full of interesting history and architecture but, because of all of the embassies and private residences, pretty exclusive -- or so we thought. We wandered the backstreets of Dupont, stopping at buildings, homes, embassies, parks and more to discuss what was going on inside. I had no idea such a small patch of DC could be so rich in history. As a DC native I figured I knew a fair amount about my city, but almost all of the info was new to me. As a matter of fact, most of the stops are places I pass every day on foot or in a car and never thought twice about. And that was just the Dupont Tour. Carolyn was a fantastic, fun, personable, knowledgable guide. Her background in architecture made for a tour filled with interesting information and her obvious personal curiosity means she knows so much and, if she doesn't, she'll look it up. I asked about a building that wasn't on the tour and she took the time to research it and get back to me within 24 hours. Amazing! Suggested for: - Tourists to DC interested to know more about DC's underbelly - History Buffs and Gossips who want to learn more about the DC Elite - Architecture Lovers - DC Newbies who want to know more about the city (go with visiting friends!) Absolutely cannot wait to do more tours with Carolyn! That Georgetown one is calling my name... read more

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Lisa Z.

6 years ago

Carolyn is very knowledgeable and we loved the information she shared regarding the architecture of the buildings. She also had captivating background stories as well. We will definitely book a tour again next time we are in town. read more

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Carolyn M.

Much appreciated, Lisa!

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Natalie W.

5 years ago

We had a fantastic private tour of Adams Morgan. Carolyn is engaging and knowledgeable -- we thought we knew the area well but learned a lot. Can't wait to book another tour! read more

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Carolyn M.

We appreciate your review, thank you Natalie!

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Cathy S.

6 years ago

Carolyn has been my tour guide for five years now with my group of fifth graders I bring to DC every Spring Break. She has always done an outstanding job. Super knowledgeable and does so well with the students. My own family returned to DC one summer and toured with her. She never disappoints. Best Guide Ever!!! read more

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Carolyn M.

Thanks Cathy! Can't wait to see you all again in the Spring for our…

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Caitlin N.

4 years ago

What a wonderful tour and innovative tourism company! I took the Cleveland Park tour with the company owner, Carolyn, and I found it to be extremely informative, fun, and tailored to our needs, even on a public, group tour. I'm from DC and aim to learn more about my hometown, so I'll be going on many more of these tours! read more

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More info about DC Design Tours

(202) 525-7315
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https://www.dcdesigntours.com

Hours

What time does DC Design Tours open?

DC Design Tours opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does DC Design Tours close?

DC Design Tours closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Other Amenities

Does DC Design Tours have free WiFi?

No, DC Design Tours does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

DC Design Tours offers historical walking tours of Washington DC focused on architecture, urban planning, and design. Come experience an insider's look at the design of the District, on and off the National Mall. Explore some of Washington's most prominent architectural marvels and best kept secrets, while hearing about the conflicts, controversies, and personalities involved in the development of our Capital City. From Neo-Classical to Brutalist, learn the history behind the brick and mortar through one of our architecture focused walking tours!

History

Established in 2015.

DC Design Tours was established by architectural designer, DC local, and lover of all things brick and mortar, Carolyn. After five years in the design field, Carolyn left her drafting desk, invested in some comfortable shoes, and founded DC Design Tours so she could talk about buildings rather than draw them.

Meet the Business Owner: Carolyn M.

Carolyn is a reformed architect, DC local, and lover of all things brick and mortar. She has not-so-secret crushes on Pierre L'Enfant and Montgomery Meigs, and can spot a mansard roof a mile away. Carolyn is a graduate of the University of Maryland Architecture Program and hails from the exotic suburbs of New Jersey, though the District has been her home since 2006. When not guiding, you can find Carolyn counting columns at the National Building Museum (there are 152) and traipsing through Rock Creek Park looking for Civil War remnants.

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Review Highlights - DC Design Tours

“Carolyn has been my tour guide for five years now with my group of fifth graders I bring to DC every Spring Break.”

Mentioned in 43 reviews

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Georgetown, Washington DC - My handsome husband surprised me with Saturday night tickets for the…read moreGeorgetown Ghost Tour. We are local to the area and love history, spooky stories and corny jokes so for us this is a fun date :-). The tour began at the Old Stone House where we were checked in and divided into two groups of about 18 people each. Everyone in our group was from out of town except us and our amazing tour guide Sonia. She effortlessly led us from site to site while allowing time for questions and photos. She also made sure our group stayed together and safely crossed the streets. I was concerned that it would be hard to hear given the traffic and Saturday night usual cacophony that is Georgetown but that generally wasn't a problem. We didn't see any ghosts - DRAT! But we did have fun and learn some history along the way. We would recommend this tour company and this particular tour.

Took the Ghosts of Georgetown walking tour. Our guide Georgia was fantastic. Her knowledge of the…read morearea and history of otherworldly happenings was great. She also was very knowledgeable and respectful of current tenants of the buildings and made sure that the group was also respectful for those living in the area. Love the tour especially with it ending at the Exorcist stairway.

Walk of the Town

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We had a great tour today with Tim! He is a very energetic,very informative guide. The teacher in…read morethe past he is a perfect guide who loves his job. Tour started at 10am and we finished around 4 pm - covered almost all monuments in National Mall. It is a free tour but if you like it - you can leave a gratitudes for the guide. Great day full of interesting facts! You would love it!

I had a friend visiting from Australia and he wanted to see the sights of DC. This FREE walking…read moretour showed both of us all the highlights of the monuments and such and our tour guide was the best. He is a former school teacher and he is both engaging and informative. The walk lasts for 3.5 hours so I highly recommend sturdy shoes and perhaps a bottle of water. Tim (the guide) provides a snack along the way and hits up rest stops at appropriate times. It is a somewhat brisk walk at times but to cover everything we saw in the time period it was perfect and totally do-able! Even if you have lived in DC or the surrounding areas all your life, if you have not taken this tour, I highly recommend that you do!

DC Insider Tours

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Shaw

My family and I were finally able to take our twice-pandemic-postponed "Big 3 Smithsonian" tour…read morewith DC Insider Tours and it was definitely worth the wait! We were fortunate to have company co-owner Bo as our guide, He took us on an enthusiastic, informative, efficient four-hour tour of the highlights of the American History, Natural History, and Air & Space museum along with a stop at the Smithsonian Sculpture Garden. Bo's personable nature, passionate knowledge of all things Smithsonian plus Washington DC overall made the experience truly exceptional. The customer service provided by DC Insider Tours during my rescheduling throughout the pandemic was also incredible . We also appreciated the detailed day-of-your instructions, including a texted photo of the tour guide we were looking for. I highly recommend DC Insider Tours for any tour in the Washington DC area, you will NOT be disappointed!

My family hired DC Insiders for a private walking tour of DC yesterday. Bo, the owner took us…read morearound starting in Foggy Bottom at GW University. We explored the history and meaning of Foggy Bottom. Bo provided visual references and history of each spot we stopped at. We toured the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, World War 2 Memorial and Washington Monument. We learned information we never would have by walking around on our own. All in all Bo was full of energy and great for kids and we learned so much. We can't wait to return to DC and take another tour.

Sam & Sal Tours

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Downtown

My husband I joined the moonlight tour in DC over the Easter weekend. The guide communicated well…read morebeforehand, was at the meeting place promptly, very knowledgeable and fun to share the historical background of the memorials we visited, and overall very pleasant. Evening view of the memorials and the historical sites was spectacular, especially all the cherry blossoms fully blooming :) After the tour, our hotel was only a block away so we planned to just walk back to the hotel, but the guide offered to dropped us off at the hotel we stayed. It was very sweet of him when he didn't need to do so. Overall, we had a blast and highly recommend this tour :)

Wonderful night tour. Went with my family of 5 and they were very accommodating and even picked us…read moreup from our hotel. The tour included a lot of stops of the top places you want to see along with some great info on history. I found the value of this tour to be excellent and glad we did this over one of the hop on and hop off options since we only had limited time in DC.

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Went on the Georgetown Waterfront GLOW tour. The guide did a good job on the Georgetown waterfront…read morepart, but was totally lacking on the GLOW part. The tour was at 6:30 pm in the daylight. When we got to the first exhibit, she said she didn't know where the lighting was or how it would look. When we asked about the GLOW experience, she said, "Oh, I guess it was false advertising." We left the tour and plan to go back later on our own when it's dark.

I took the World War I focused tour of Arlington Cemetery and was really surprised at the…read moreuniqueness of the tour. Since I live in northern Virginia, I have been able to take many tours of Arlington Cemetery by many companies, but this tour was completely unique. Brenda, our tour guide, did an amazing job of explaining the deep connection of Arlington Cemetery to World War I, the birth of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, why the Tomb is guarded, 24-7, General Robert Pershing, and it was all fantastic, but she also showed us the Gravesite of James Reese Europe, the African American pre-Jazz great who fought for and was injured with the Fighting 369th, nicknamed the Harlem Hellcats. Possible the most amazing story was that of fellow Fighting 369th member Henry Johnson who single handedly took on 20 German Fighters and won, saving the life of his partner who had been injured. I highly recommend this tour, even if you have already gone on tours of Arlington Cemetery. It will show you a side of our military history that most tours miss!

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We booked a private tour with Rob and had a wonderful experience, it was like exploring on our own,…read moreexcept we had someone who could answer any question we had, and add commentary to give us context to the cultural, historic and artistic aspects of the monuments. He was personable, the pace was great, and he was very engaging with our kids (9 and 11). He's also a bit of a DC celebrity! A couple stopped him at the end to take a photo with him because they knew him from his YouTube videos.

Rob met us for a private tour on Christmas Eve, 2022. There was an arctic chill and it was below…read morefreezing!! Rob was phenomenal and really gave our 5th Grade daughter the one on one history brief and inspiration behind each monument we visited.. He was incredibly informative and all of his D.C. travel tips were spot on and useful. We'll keep watching his Trip hacks even long after our visit because it's not only educational- but, entertaining too! Thanks ROB!! We would have been completely lost with you..

Georgetown

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We were coming back to Charleston from Myrtle Beach and decided to have a pit stop at this historic…read moredowntown. It is Charleston's quieter little sister. As South Carolina's third-oldest city, nestled in the middle of the state's Hammock Coast, Georgetown boasts a rich history that is palpable as you walk along the historic houses and oak-lined streets. We took a Stroll along the historic Harborwalk- The Georgetown Harborwalk runs parallel to Front Street, the main drag of downtown Georgetown. Also had breakfast at Thomas' café. This has been a local favorite for 75+ years - you'll likely see some of them sitting at the counter in Thomas Cafe t-shirts. The city's relaxed pace, scenic river views, and friendly locals make it a great destination for a weekend retreat or an easy little day trip.

Georgetown is a young charming DC neighborhood with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets…read more& shops. Lots of upscale shops & all of the usual chains. Sephora, H&M, Athleta, Apple, Ralph Lauren, Sweaty Betty, Everlane, Viori, Anthropologie, Lululemon,.. Each block was filled with hoards of young women carrying shopping bags. The dining scene is defined by upmarket restaurants and waterfront seafood spots, while nightlife spans boisterous college bars, traditional taverns and intimate live music lounges. Georgetown Waterfront Park has a riverside promenade and gardens, and there's a bike path along the Canal. They are known for their cupcakes & we were told Levian Bakery & Georgetown Cupcake are the best.

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Mina's walking tour of Korean food in Annandale is outstanding. Mina explains the food, culture &…read moreways of family businesses in the Korean immigrant community with detail, history & above all fun. She asked us to think about what we were eating & compare & contrast. We learned a lot and ate very VERY well. By the end everyone in the group felt like family & insiders. My oldest friend took me on this tour as a birthday present-- it's going to be hard to top when his birthday comes around!

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This tour combines food and history and makes learning about the area a whole lot of fun. My…read morehusband and I took the Georgetown food walking tour and had a wonderful time. The food stops were all locally owned restaurants and the food was delicious. Our guides kept us entertained as they educated us about the history of the area while mixing in enough food stops to keep everyone happy. They answered lots of questions and we walked enough to work off some of the calories we consumed.

Even as a local, the Georgetown Food tour was a blast! Here's why…read more 1) Tour: It's three hours long, but stopping at four places for bites broke up the walking. It was the perfect balance of walking around the neighborhood and eating good food while sitting and resting. They pay full price for the food at each stop and even give a 20% tip. Each stop gives a full portion so come hungry and ready to learn. 2) Guide: We had Jim and he was the perfect balance of personable, interesting, knowledgeable, and passionate. He clearly knows the city well and is a foodie himself. He did an excellent job of teaching this local some new facts and giving tourists a more holistic view of Washington, D.C. 3) Mission: The company is local and gives back to a non-profit called Bread for the City with every tour ticket purchased. If you want to explore the city while enjoying good local food, I can't recommend Blue Fern Travel enough!

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A must- do on your trip list!! Our driver was Keefer. He was knowledgeable about all the monuments…read moreand friendly. He didn't hesitate to answer our questions.

If I could give this 10 stars, I would. What a wonderful experience. Our guide Zanna was amazing…read more She was knowledgeable and engaging. She gave us a detailed tour of the White House and several monuments. When you book, check out the option of pick up and drop off at your hotel. Zanna rolled up on time and dropped us off after zipping around town. She chatted with both of my kids (8 and 10) for 2 hours. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. To the owners of this company, this young lady deserves a raise or a fat bonus! Thank you for the memorable tour Zanna, core memories were definitely made and Rhys says hi! :)

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Mathew R.

8 years ago

AMAZING!!! A MUST-SEE ON ANY DC TRIP! Carolyn's two hour tours were absolutely incredible, even magical, the price was well worth it (she could've charged more!), and we all loved it. The Capital Hill tour for the four of us was intimate and truly a magical experience. I am in a wheelchair and my mom has bad knees, it was incredibly hard to find decent accessible rooms and similarly hard to find a tour that could accommodate us. Carolyn gave us a tour starting with Union Station, going to the Supreme Court, and ending at the Library of Congress, with a few other highlights in between. Her knowledge of the sites and history is incredible, her expertise in architecture / engineering really adds a layer of information that you won't find anywhere else. She also personalized the tour, highlighting facts for me, a lawyer, my brother, a musician, my friend, a lit prof, and my mom, an artist. She brought along a binder of photos and maps that really enhanced the historical perspective on how DC evolved over time. Even before the tour, she sent email reminders, clear instructions on where to meet and what to bring, and was always quick to respond. Carolyn was so amazing that later that night all four of us said we wished we could go on another tour with her. A few texts later, and boom, she was able to fit us in on Monday for a tour of the Monuments (Washington, WWII/Vietnam/Korean memorials, ending at Lincoln). Again, an amazing tour -- she pointed out secrets that are probably not known by 90% of guides. In both tours, she made sure to keep each of us engaged, make sure my mom was okay, and even took photos for us and gave restaurant recommendations and tips when visiting other places. I can't say enough how DC Design Tours made this an AMAZING trip to DC. Having taken a free DC on Foot tour of Abraham Lincoln's Assassination and a $20 Ghosts of Georgetown tour, I can unequivocally say Carolyn and DC Design Tours is the hands down best in the city. Don't miss out on this outstanding experience!!! read more

Catherine S.

10 years ago

Having heard wonderful things about DC Design Tours from others, I decided to take my parents on Carolyn's Dupont Circle/Embassy Row tour for Father's Day. Boy am I glad I did! Carolyn was a wonderful guide-- super energetic, knowledgeable about the neighborhood, and incredibly friendly. Her enthusiasm and passion for DC history and architecture shone through, and I thought she did an amazing job of weaving together interesting architectural details about the buildings themselves with the fascinating stories of those who occupy(ied) them. Her natural curiosity is evident-- what other walking tour guide would make a personal trip to a hotel on the tour to interview long-time employees in search of little-known stories about the place? Amazing attention to detail and willingness to go that extra mile that makes for a captivating tour experience. Also, towards the end of the tour my dad started to lag behind because of a hip issue that had started to bother him. Carolyn patiently waited for him to catch up at each location before resuming the tour, which I really appreciated. In short, I'm a long-time DC resident and I learned so much about the city I call home that I never knew before. Take this tour-- you won't regret it! read more

Susan H.

10 years ago

The Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan Tour is an excellent way to: get a sense of what it is like to live in the city now and learn about the historical development of neighborhoods in DC. It is a classic 'off the beaten path' experience, ideally suited for those who have seen the major sights and want to delve deeper into the pulse of DC's past, present, and possible future from the point of view of DC's residents. Carolyn is a knowledgeable and people-oriented guide who provides a personalized tour. She made the effort to learn about us and our interests, and tailored the tour accordingly. Unlike so many tours, Carolyn's emphasis is on providing substance amicably rather than a production-oriented entertainer-audience manner. She is passionate about sharing her personal experiences in living in DC. Although she has been educated as an architect, she has done the research necessary to gain insight into the roots and drivers of the area's development from a variety of historical perspectives: civil rights, women's rights, urban planning and development, etc. If you want to get a better understanding of the history of DC from a resident's point of view, I highly suggest you jump at this opportunity. read more

Andrea M.

4 years ago

I took 2 tours with Carolyn: a walking tour of Cleveland Park and a virtual tour of the Smithsonian museums Carolyn is a dynamic and engaging tour guide. For the Cleveland Park tour, she helpfully used a tablet with historic photos and documents to supplement the scenery. At the National Cathedral, we learned that flying buttresses are what holds up the soaring pointed roof of cathedrals -- and I thought they were just for drama! That's the benefit of an architecture tour. She also pointed out fun details like the birds' nests on the heads of some of the apostles. Walking through the streets, Carolyn told the story of how the neighborhood evolved since its founding through the styles of the houses. Love a good chronology. For the Smithsonian virtual tour, it was interesting to see different ethics expressed through the aesthetics of the museum buildings, as they evolved from European styles to the indigenous and African influences behind the Native American and African American history museums. It was also nice to see Carolyn's "regulars," some of whom shared their own architectural discoveries. I'm looking forward to taking another tour on my next visit to DC. read more

Doron B.

6 years ago

My wife and I spent a weekend in Washington DC and decided to take a couple of walking tours with DC Design Tours. Our guide for both tours was also the owner of the company Carolyn M. Besides being personal and humorous, Carolyn is a walking wealth of architectural and historical knowledge. Our first tour was to the National Mall Monuments. Don't miss this tour since you get an architectural perspective of the monuments and Carolyn revealed some unknown secrets in a couple of the monuments. I will not spoil the surprise so take the tour to find out. We highly recommend this tour. Our second day tour was to Georgetown. Carolyn had very interesting facts regarding the history of Georgetown and was very engaging. We covered almost 2.5 miles walking through the town exploring some very interesting buildings while getting all the stories about the prior owners of the buildings. We would highly recommend these tours and company to anyone that is looking for a detailed history of Washington DC or Georgetown. It was a great and fun way to get a different perspective of the area with a mix of architecture facts. read more

Everton R.

6 years ago

I just moved to DC and, as an architecture lover, thought that taking a design tour would be a wonderful way to immediately see and learn more about the city I'll be calling home. I signed up for the Embassy Row and Dupont Circle tour with Sam, and it did not disappoint! The tour route itself took us to many incredible sites in the neighborhood, and Sam told fascinating historical stories about each one. As a guide, he was gregarious and thoughtful. I was even 15 minutes late to the tour because I moved from California and my Google Calendar hadn't updated the time zone, but Sam called me to check in and waited until I got there to begin the tour. :) A note about walking, time, and distance: the tour is two hours long, but most of the time is spent admiring the buildings while listening to the tour guide relay the history and stories behind them. You won't be walking for two hours! Overall, I left feeling more knowledgeable about and attached to D.C., and I'll definitely be booking more tours with DC Design Tours in the near future! read more

Julia P.

6 years ago

Carolyn, our intrepid tour guide on a sweltering summer day, provided a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience of Capitol Hill. Her training in both architecture and history, coupled with her obvious and voracious love of learning, combine to provide the ultimate touring experience. My only complaint - rather than satiating my desire to learn more of this beautiful and fascinating city - Carolyn has merely whetted my appetite!! She provided a plethora of intriguing and anecdotal stories, both immense in their ramifications whilst humorous in their content. I am now determined to partake of EVERY tour offered by DC Design Tours! Plus, while the current COVID-19 continues, it is actually a PERFECT time to tour outdoors with fewer crowds! read more

Eric A.

8 years ago

I did the Embassy Row tour with Carolyn and the Georgetown tour with Sam. They are both incredibly good at what they do! Extremely good social skills (even at dealing with awkward people like me) and as knowledgeable as you can get about the subjects of the tour. They obviously put so much effort into their work. They were able to answer any questions thrown at them that even peripherally related to things seen on the tours. Both guides made the tours fun and entertaining. There is nothing they could do to improve the tours. They are priced very reasonably (How else can you get 2 hours of entertainment in DC for less than $40?). I think every person that visits DC should do these tours! read more

Regina H.

8 years ago

Six local women decided to play tourist in our own backyard! Even though we have all driven up and down Massachusetts Avenue (Embassy Row) countless times, we had never observed much of the detail that our fabulous tour guide, Carolyn, shared with us. We saw embassies and other notable buildings with new appreciation and learned interesting historical background. Most of us had never been on the streets of the beautiful Kalorama neighborhood that Carolyn showed us. What a treat! Each and every one of us thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon and look forward to booking another tour with DC Design Tours and recommending them to friends and guests. read more

Ellen M.

4 years ago

I've taken the Cleveland Park and Embassy Row tours with Carolyn and am looking forward to more on my next trip to DC. In addition to drawing on her architectural background and her own Washington experience as resident for at least ten years, Carolyn clearly mines libraries and media for the most intriguing historical nuggets. Her talks, delivered with enthusiasm, humor, and illustrations, are packed with stories, historical context, colorful characters, and a sharp eye for design. I also see her generate a friendly group vibe among the tour group. A great way to spend a couple hours in DC! read more

Kathy B.

6 years ago

I would highly recommend this tour guide/company. I recently went on the tour, Dupont Circle and Embassy Row Architecture Tour and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Carolyn, the guide made the history of the city and the people come alive. She had interesting factual information and her enthusiasm for the stories was infectious! I enjoyed learning about the architecture, and the people that owned the buildings before they were embassies. She was easy to hear and went at an appropriate pace. She was easy to find in Dupont circle. I look forward to taking another tour with her on my next DC visit. read more

Angeline K.

5 years ago

National Mall: Monuments & Memorials Tour We planned a D.C. trip for my 67th birthday and wanted to make the most of our visit. I thought a night walking tour to the memorials would be a good option so we booked with DC Design tours. Sam led us on a wonderful two hour fact-filled, heart-felt, and really enjoyable tour of the monuments and memorials. We could tell that he loved history and he conveyed that well during our tour. We were delighted we chose DC Design Tours! Thanks very much to Sam for his expertise and delivery. Time and money WELL spent!! read more

Kavita K.

8 years ago

Carolyn is a truly remarkable tour guide whose clear love of history and architecture comes out during these tours. While someone could possibly cobble together the facts that she shares by doing thorough internet and history book research, Carolyn's very entertaining delivery of stories makes them come alive in a way that self-guided tours just couldn't do. Carolyn's tours also move at an excellent pace; she knows how to keep the crowd interested, and she leaves the perfect amount of time for questions without losing momentum. I highly recommend her tours! read more

Shawna J.

5 years ago

We really enjoyed the Dupont and Embassy Row tour. Caroline is extremely knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. She made sure we had time to take pictures and as the tour ended she stuck around for a few of us to ask a couple of more questions. My niece is interested in architecture and this was the perfect tour to not only learn about the styles but also get the historical stories with the buildings. Highly recommend this walking tour and will be looking to take future walking tours with Caroline and her team the next time I visit DC. read more

Charlie G.

9 years ago

My wife and I like trying themed tours every time we visit DC. We tried DC Design Tours based on the many positive reviews. We did the Duppont Circle and Embassy row tour on Saturday at 1PM with Kelly. She was outgoing, knowledgeable and most importantly made an architecture tour interesting for people who are not architecture buffs. We did about two miles of walking in two hours with many breaks in the shade considering how hot and sunny it was in October. We would use this company again and would like to try one of the other tours. read more

Kelly D.

4 years ago

I visited DC September 2022. My tour guide was Sam. I did the Monuments & Memorials night tour and it was one of the highlights of my trip. Sam was personable, knowledgeable and exicited to tell the stories of the places we visited. The monuments are beautifully lit in the evening and less crowded. Sam was passionate about the history and relevance of each site and I was lucky to have him. I learned so much! I would highly recommend doing this tour. If you plan one thing for your trip, do this inspiring tour. read more

Shai B.

11 years ago

I took the National Mall/Museums tour with DC Design tours. Wow! I've lived in DC for two years now and have been to the mall many times--there was so much I didn't know. Our guide, Carolyn, was incredibly engaging and informative. I learned not just about the design of the buildings, but also about the history, stories, and personalities behind them. It was a great way to spend an afternoon, and I will definitely be taking another tour in the future. I highly recommend this unique way to experience DC. read more

Xavier C.

11 years ago

Carolyn and the DC Design tour was incredible. They knocked it out the park. We did the Dupont Circle tour and I cannot wait to go again with friends and family so they can experience the tour. Learning about how DC was originally planned was fascinating and Carolyn managed to make it very accessible (and I am not the best listener when it comes to historical info so that's a feat!). I've lived in DC for over 25 years and cannot wait to go on more of DC Design's tours. If you can, definitely take this tour. read more

Tom P.

7 years ago

My wife and I recently moved to DC and were looking for activities to get to know the city and its neighborhoods. So glad we joined DC Design's embassy row tour! I've been on tours before that are glorified Wikipedia pages - and this is not that. As we walked, we heard the history come alive - human drama, larger-than-life personalities and salacious stories from years gone by. Also, our group asked rapid-fire questions throughout the tour, and we couldn't stump Carolyn even once. Highly recommend! read more

Marisa W.

1 year ago

Great history of Washington told through architecture. Knowledgeable and entertaining guide, a good variety of building styles. The two hours was a perfect length of time for our group, easy walking and reasonable pace. Even the teenagers enjoyed the tour and were engaged the whole time, inspiring them to return to the neighborhood to explore other buildings, and to seek out other DC museums with artifacts and paintings connected to the people described. read more

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