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    DC Design Tours

    4.9 (95 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

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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.

    Dupont Circle tour.
    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!

    Front of National Cathedral
    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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    25 days ago

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    Carolyn M.

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

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    1 year ago

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    Carolyn M.

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

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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

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    8 months ago

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    Carolyn M.

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

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    11 months ago

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    Carolyn M.

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    7 months ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you very much, Lisa!

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    1 year ago

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    Carolyn M.

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    2 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

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    2 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

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

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    4 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thanks Jenny, it was a pleasure meeting your family!

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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

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    2 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you Susan, we really appreciate your review!

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    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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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you Amanda!

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    2 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you Gloria! We really appreciate your review!

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    2 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you for joining us!

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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    So glad to read your review, thank you!

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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thanks for joining and writing a review, Vicky!

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    3 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thanks Jeanne!

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Wow, thank you Gregg!

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    5 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

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

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    2 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you so much for your review!

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    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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    4 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you, Courtney!

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    4 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    I had a great time meeting you, Carmen!

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    5 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thank you, hope to see you all again!

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Thanks very much, Shelby!

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    So nice to hear, thank you!

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    10 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    Much appreciated, Lisa!

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    5 years ago

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    Carolyn M.

    We appreciate your review, thank you Natalie!

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - DC Design Tours

    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

    Read more highlights

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    DC Design Tours - architecturaltours - Updated May 2026

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