9 Historic House Museums in Washington, D.C.

historic house tours in dc

Washington, D.C. is home to an array of historic house museums that showcase the life and contributions of some of the nation's most iconic figures. Visitors can step inside the property that was once home to notable leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Clara Barton. These museums are special places to visit and generally less crowded than the larger attractions on the National Mall . When you visit the nation's capital, tour a variety of historic estates and learn about the early Americans who shaped our democracy.

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

Mount Vernon Ladies Association

The 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family includes a 21-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740's. Visitors can tour the mansion as well as the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house, and stables. The historic site is located along the shores of the  Potomac River  and is the most scenic tourist attraction in the Washington, DC area. The estate includes the Ford Orientation Center & Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, which tells the story of Washington's life through state-of-the-art exhibits. Additional amenities on the property include a food court, gift shop and bookstore and the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.

President Lincoln's Cottage

Dennis K. Johnson/Getty Images

Abraham Lincoln lived in the Cottage at the Soldiers' Home from June-November of 1862, 1863 and 1864. He was living here when he drafted the preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation and deliberated critical issues of the Civil War. Lincoln used the cottage as a quiet retreat from the White House and crafted important speeches, letters, and policies from this site. The cottage was restored and opened to the public in 2008. Visitors get to see an intimate view of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and family life. A free one-hour guided tour of the cottage   is offered daily. The visitor center features exhibits and displays Lincoln-related artifacts.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Frederick Douglass Historic Site

Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist, and advisor to Lincoln, bought this house that he called "Cedar Hill" in SE Washington, D.C. in 1877. The year that it was built is unknown. The National Historic Site was restored and reopened in 2007. The home and the grounds area open to the public. Reservations are required. Each February, the museum hosts a birthday celebration for Douglass featuring an array of programs and activities dedicated to increasing the public’s knowledge of his life.

Old Stone House

AgnosticPreachersKid/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the heart of Georgetown, the oldest known private home in Washington, D.C. was built in 1766 and today is preserved to demonstrate everyday life for the average citizen during the 19th century. The historic house is maintained by the National Park Service and is open to the public. With its location at 30th and M Streets, it is easy to stop for a visit while shopping or sightseeing in this popular part of the city. 

Dumbarton House

dbking/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0

The historic house in Georgetown was originally the home to Joseph Nourse, first Register of the U.S. Treasury. Today it is owned by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and serves as a museum displaying an outstanding collection of Federal period (1789-1825) furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics. The museum hosts a year-round calendar of public events, lectures, concerts, balls, exhibitions, family activities, summer camps, and rental events. Guided tours are available by appointment. 

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

Tudor Place

The federal era mansion was built by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Parke Custis Peter and was the home to six generations of the Peter family. The 5-acre estate is one of Washington, D.C.'s hidden gems located in Georgetown's Historic District. The Tudor Place collection includes more than 15,000 objects from the period 1750-1983, including silver, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, drawings, sculpture, photographs, manuscripts, and furniture. The early 19th-century style garden features a Bowling Green, Tennis Lawn, Flower Knot, Boxwood Ellipse, Japanese Tea House and Tulip Poplar. The historic home is open to the public and offers house tours, garden tours, and special events.

Clara Barton National Historic Site

Library of Congress

Located adjacent to  Glen Echo Park , the Clara Barton National Historic Site commemorates the life of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. The historic home served as the headquarters and warehouse for the American Red Cross where she coordinated relief efforts for victims of natural disasters and war from 1897-1904. The house is shown by guided tour only.

Hillwood Museum & Gardens

Maxwell MacKenzie

The former estate of art collector and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heir to the Post cereal fortune is located near  Rock Creek Park  in NW Washington, D.C. The historic property showcases an impressive collection of 18th- and 19th-century Russian imperial art. Post was a passionate art collector who assembled a superb collection of Russian art including paintings, furniture, Fabergé eggs, jewelry, glass, and textiles. The 25 acres of gardens include a circular rose garden; a formal French parterre, a large crescent-shaped lunar lawn; a traditional Japanese-style garden and waterfall and a greenhouse for orchids. Hillwood offers a variety of programs throughout the year including lectures, garden walks, workshops, and musical and theatrical performances. 

Woodrow Wilson House

Rachel Cooper

Washington's only presidential museum was the final home of our 28th President. Furnished as it was in Wilson's time, the 1915 Georgian Revival home near Dupont Circle is a living textbook of modern American life in the 1920s. Wilson led the nation through World War I, won the Nobel Peace Prize and created the League of Nations. The Woodrow Wilson House is situated in the Kalorama – Embassy Row area that has long featured stately mansions and townhomes. The property includes many remarkable features, including a marble entryway and grand staircase, Palladian window, book-lined study, dumb waiter and butler’s pantry, and solarium overlooking the formal garden.

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All Tours: 58

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Visit D.C.’s Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Historic Homes and Gardens

History, nature and culture combine at these fascinating estates and gardens in our nation’s capital

Dumbarton Oaks Garden

Washington, D.C. is a hot spot for museums, with no shortage of indoor places to visit and explore. But it's summer, which means it's time to get outside. Luckily for those who enjoy a cultural fix along with their sunshine, there are plenty of interesting historic homes that include beautiful estates and gardens in our nation's capital, too.

For many of these locations, fighting crowds isn’t a problem. These houses and gardens aren’t the typical tourist haunts. And while museums have their own charms, visiting a home where someone once lived can provide a uniquely intimate experience.

Here are six of the best historic estates to visit this summer in Washington, D.C.:

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

historic house tours in dc

In 1955,  Marjorie Merriweather Post,  the owner of General Foods and one of the richest women in the United States, bought  this Georgian-style mansion and estate in Northwest Washington, D.C . After extensive remodeling,  Hillwood became one of the beautiful homes and grounds in the area.  Today, the entire estate is open to the public.

The house itself is a museum highlighting Post’s admiration for French and Russian culture, especially Russian imperial art. (The prizes of her collection are  two stunning Fabergé Imperial eggs .) But Post also wanted visitors to enjoy a sampling of the world’s cultures while strolling the grounds. The 25-acre estate includes a Japanese-style garden, a French  parterre  (a type of formal garden with low plantings) and a Russian  dacha , or country house. There’s also a putting green, evidence of Post’s passion for golf, as well as a pet cemetery located down a wooded path, which shows her love for animals—especially her pet dogs.

Dumbarton Oaks

historic house tours in dc

Hidden away in historic Georgetown,  Dumbarton Oaks  may have the most serene, beautiful and colorful gardens in all of Washington, D.C. Designed  by the accomplished landscape architect Beatrix Farrand , the gardens were crafted to  offer the “illusion of country life,”  complete with wildflowers, centuries-old trees and pools of deep blue water. However, they are only one piece of what makes this 53-acre property so special.

In 1920, Robert and Mildred Bliss acquired the property and immediately turned the estate into their own private museum for their impressive collection of Byzantine artifacts. In 1940, they donated both the estate and collection to Harvard University. Today , Dumbarton Oaks is a Harvard-run research institute and  widely considered one of the best institutions for Byzantine studies in the world.  

Heurich House

historic house tours in dc

More famously known as the “Brewmaster’s Castle,” this mansion near Dupont Circle was the home of Christian Heurich, D.C.’s greatest beer brewer . The German immigrant arrived in the nation’s capital in the 1870s and put his impressive brewery skills to work. His brewery ( located where the Kennedy Center is  today) quickly grew to the point where  it was the second-largest employer in the District, behind only the federal government . Heurich was still working as a brewer when he died in 1945 at the age of 102.

The Brewmaster’s Castle and its gardens are also notable for being the best-preserved Gilded Age mansion left in the District. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and much of the house and furniture are still original. Tours and events, usually centered around beer , are held frequently.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

historic house tours in dc

In the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast D.C. sits  the home and estate of the famed 19th-century abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass . He bought the hilltop estate in 1878 after  being appointed the marshal of the District of Columbia by President Rutherford B. Hayes . After moving in, Douglass became known throughout the community as the  "Lion of Anacostia,"  because his hair, and his courage, were said to resemble that of a lion. He lived out his remaining years on "Cedar Hill," as the estate was known, until his death in 1895.

The National Parks Service took over the property in 1962 and have since worked to restore the estate to what it looked like when Douglass lived there.  Cedar trees still shade the house , and  the view of the city in front of the building is one of the best in all of D.C.

The Anderson House

historic house tours in dc

In 1905, the Washington, D.C., mansion of Larz and Isabel Anderson was completed near  Dupont Circle . Larz was an American diplomat, but it was his wife who had the money. At a young age, Isabel had  inherited nearly $17 million from her grandfather’s shipping fortune , making her one of the wealthiest women in the country.

The Florentine villa built for her and her husband, known as the Anderson House, soon became one of the premiere destinations in the city for galas, society gatherings and concerts, with  guest lists that included presidents, generals and Vanderbilts.  

When Mr. Anderson died in 1937, Mrs. Anderson donated the house and estate to  the Society of Cincinnati ,  the country’s oldest patriotic organization . Lars Anderson was a devoted member of the society, which promotes public interest and appreciation for those who fought in the American Revolution. Today, the house is its headquarters, and the museum inside includes an extensive collection of historical manuscripts, documents and maps relating to the war. 

Tudor Place

historic house tours in dc

When George Washington died in 1799, he left considerable sums of money to all of his step-grandchildren. Martha Parke Custis Peter (one of George Washington's step-granddaughters) and her husband, Thomas Peter, used her sizable inheritance to build what came to be called Tudor Place in today’s Georgetown.

They hired  the architect of the Capitol building, William Thornton , to design the house. Completed in 1816, the building remained in  the Peter family for six generations  until it  was deeded to a foundation in 1983 .  

The house is one of America's last intact urban estates from the Federal Era . Highlights include the  tennis lawn , the tea house and the newly-restored Box Knot Garden . The estate was deemed a  National Historic Landmark in 1960 .

Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

historic house tours in dc

In 1939, America’s foremost architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, turned 72. At an age when most are considering retirement, he was having perhaps his most prolific period, being regularly commissioned to design elaborate houses such as  Wingspread and Fallingwater for the rich and famous. So, when a middle-class newspaper reporter named Lauren Pope from Falls Church, Virginia, wrote Wright in 1939 asking him to design a new house and estate for Pope and his family, it wasn’t a typical request from a typical client. But Wright took the job, saying that he wanted to build houses for “people who deserved them.”

Located just outside D.C. in Alexandria, Virginia ,  the Pope-Leighey House  remains an example of one of Wright’s first Usonian houses . Built to accommodate the budget and space of urban middle-class American families, some have called it Wright’s “greatest legacy to the nation.” The National Trust for Historic Preservation now owns the estate, and offers regular  tours of the grounds .

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Matt Blitz is a history and travel writer. His work has been featured on CNN, Atlas Obscura, Curbed, Nickelodeon, and Today I Found Out. He also runs the Obscura Society DC and is a big fan of diners.

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Historic Homes to Visit in DC

historic house tours in dc

DC isn’t just home to federal buildings, incredible free museums, and memorials to our history. Our city also has an impressive collection of historic homes, many of which are open to the public.

Check out some of our favorites! 

Follow us on Instagram and watch our Reels about our visits to some of the historic homes in DC.

1.Anderson House 

American diplomat Lars Anderson and his wife, author Isabel Weld Perkins, had this Gilded Age mansion built in the early 1900s as a winter residence and a showplace for their extensive collection of fine art and artifacts.

Today, you can view the Andersons’ collection as well as a museum, library, and headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati,of which Anderson was a member.

Anderson House is a stop on our Embassy Row tours , but if you want to visit inside, you'll need to wait for them to reopen.

historic house tours in dc

2. Tudor Place

This is the only historic house in DC with a direct connection to George Washington. The estate was owned by Martha Parke Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington (and step-granddaughter of George.)

Using money from her Washington inheritance, the younger Martha purchased the estate in 1805 and hired William Thornton, architect of the US Capitol Building, to complete the mansion.

The home stayed in the family until 1983, when it was turned over to a private foundation, and opened as a house museum in 1988.

Tudor Place is including on some of our Georgetown tours, but you can also visit with timed tickets as they are OPEN.

historic house tours in dc

3. Hillwood Estate

Marjorie Merriweather Post was one of the most interesting women in American history - businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist, art collector, world traveler, and more.

Following her third divorce, she purchased this estate on the edge of Rock Creek Park, dubbed it Hillwood, and designed it as a palace to display her extensive collection of Russian art and religious objects.

Hillwood is OPEN you can visit now with tickets . 

Hillwood Estates - taken by Canden

4. Woodrow Wilson House 

Before the Obamas purchased their Kalorama mansion in 2017, Woodrow Wilson had been the most recent President to maintain a permanent residence in Washington, DC after their presidency.

This home was purchased as a wedding gift for his second wife, Edith Bolling Wilson, who remained in the home until her death in 1961, when the house and all its original furnishings were turned over to a national trust.

Today, it is a house museum with a wide array of public programming, including vintage board game nights!

Woodrow Wilson House is a stop on our Embassy Row Tours!  but if you want to visit inside you'll need to wait visit separately.

historic house tours in dc

5. Heurich House Museum

Also known as the brewmaster’s castle, the heurich house was built in the 1890s for german immigrant and brewer christian heurich..

After he was widowed in 1895, Heurich threw himself into building a beer empire in DC and at one point, his brewery was the second largest employed in the city.

Heurich, who lived until age 102, remarried, had four children, and made this mansion the center of his social power. 

Visit the Brewmaster's Castle before taking our True Crimes of Dupont Circle/Embassy Row tour!  which starts just around the corner. 

6. Dumbarton House

Historic Georgetown is packed with historic homes but not many have the pedigree of Dumbarton House.

Built in 1800, the Federal style house was a private residence to notables like Joseph Nourse, first registrar of the treasury, and Charles Carroll, cousin to the signer of the Declaration of Independence with the same name. 

Most noteworthy, however, was a guest of Dumbarton House - First Lady Dolley Madison, who fled to the home during the burning of Washington in the War of 1812. Since 1928, the house has been the headquarters of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America

Visit Dumbarton House on our self guided East Georgetown tour and then stop in to visit - it is OPEN - https://dumbartonhouse.org/

7. Old Stone House 

There are historic DC houses and then there is the Old Stone House.

The oldest structure on its original foundation in D.C., it was completed in 1766 when we were still part of the British colony of Maryland. It is also the city’s last remaining pre-Revolutionary colonial building that is still on its original foundation.

It was a residence and business location until the National Park Service acquired it in 1953.

The Old Stone House is a stop on our Georgetown tours ! 

historic house tours in dc

8. Frederick Douglass House (Interior Temporarily Closed)

Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent figures of the 19th century, called this building home from 1877 until his death in 1895. Named Cedar Hill, Douglass expanded the existing structure to its current size, and used the home as his base of operations.

It was turned into a historic site at the urging of Douglass’ widow, Helen Pitts Douglass, and was turned over to the public good after her death in 1903. 

Visit Cedar Hill National Park Service Site (temporarily closed)

historic house tours in dc

9. Dumbarton Oaks

Situated on land that was originally part of a grant from Queen Anne in 1702, Dumbarton Oaks is one of the largest estates in historic Georgetown.

In 1920, the property was purchased by Robert and Mildred Bliss, who increased the grounds to 54 acres and hired landscape architect Beatrix Farrand to develop a series of gardens and wild spaces on the land.

Today, it houses a museum of Byzantine and pre-Columbian art as well as European artwork and furnishings but the real draw are the beautiful gardens here and in the adjoining Dumbarton Oaks Park.

We talk about Dumbarton Oaks on some of our Georgetown tours, but if you want to go inside you'll need timed tickets. 

10. Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument

One of the oldest houses on Capitol Hill, the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is most noted today for being the headquarters of the National Woman’s Party, founded in 1916 as part of the fight for women’s suffrage.

The work of the party continued after the 19th Amendment and in 1929, they moved their operations into the house, known then as the Sewall House.

It was designated a national monument by President Obama in 2016 and is now part of the National Park Service.

The building is temporarily closed. You can visit when they reopen, though!

historic house tours in dc

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President Lincoln’s Cottage is a historic site and museum located on a 250 acre campus in Northwest Washington, D.C. Here Abraham Lincoln made some of his most nation-changing decisions and developed the Emancipation Proclamation. Each day, we see how the significance of what happened here more than 150 years ago ignites courageous new ideas, encourages respectful dialogue, and promotes thoughtful compromise.

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Tudor Place

TUDOR PLACE | OPEN Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday Noon – 4 pm.

historic house tours in dc

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historic house tours in dc

Tudor Place

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked at this Georgetown landmark for nearly two centuries. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past.  A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation’s capital, Tudor Place sits on 5 ½ acres in the heart of Georgetown and houses over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon.

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Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place (Tickets for March 5 – March 10)

historic house tours in dc

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Ancestral spaces: people of african descent at tudor place (tickets for march 12 – march 17).

historic house tours in dc

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Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions..

A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation's capital, Tudor Place was home to six generations of Martha Washington's descendants from 1805 to 1983 and the enslaved workers and servants who lived and worked here. With over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon, Tudor Place sits on 5 ½ acres in the heart of Georgetown. The house and garden are open for self-guided visits Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Reserve free, timed tickets online. Bring a picnic and enjoy yourself. DC and CDC health and safety guidelines are followed.

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National Children's Museum

Ways to visit Wilson House Museum

Tours fall into three categories: General house tours, Specialty house tours, and self-guided neighborhood walking tours.  Tours of the interior of the Woodrow Wilson House Museum can be visited only as part of a guided tour. We do not allow self-guided tours in the historic house, only in the exhibition space.

All guided house tours begin at the entrance of the museum where an orientation provides some background information on the house and the people who lived here. For a deeper understanding of the site, opt for a private guided tour and a walking tour of the Kalorama neighborhood. All self-guided neighborhood walking tours begin and end at the museum.

The Wilson House Museum also offers private group tours, school groups, and Girl Scout activities.

In addition to our tours, our exhibition gallery is available for current, temporary exhibits. A guide is not necessary to visit the exhibition space, which is open during regular business hours.

All tours inside the museum are GUIDED and you must reserve a tour in advance. Face coverings are optional while inside the museum.

Guided House Tour

historic house tours in dc

Guided One-Hour Tour

The Woodrow Wilson House is a national historic landmark and house museum. Learn about the 28th president and his consequential presidency. Explore the house, a time-capsule from 1924 through a one-hour guided tour.

historic house tours in dc

Highlights Tour - 30 Minute Express Tour

Only have 30 minutes but still want to see Washington DC’s Hidden Gem? Come see the highlights: the iconic Library, the President’s private quarters and a “state of the art” historic kitchen.

Guided Specialty Tours

historic house tours in dc

Under One Roof: Living & Working in The Wilson House

75 Minutes: Explore the lives of the employees who lived and worked “Under One Roof” with Woodrow and Edith Wilson — from Wilson’s private secretary, chauffeur, and male nurse to the couple’s personal servants, Isaac and Mary Scott. Learn about the duties of cooks, butlers, and laundresses while touring the “backstairs” parts of the house that raise important issues of race, class, and wealth in 1920s America.

historic house tours in dc

Architecture Tour, Behind the Scenes

75 Minutes: Learn about the Georgian Revival architecture and inner workings of this Embassy Row historic house and grounds.

historic house tours in dc

Three Generations of Wilson Women

75 Minutes: The three generations of women who influenced Woodrow Wilson have much to teach us about the lives of American women from the 1840s to the 1960s. Meet the Civil War generation of Wilson’s mother who lived by the precepts of the Old South, despite living many years after the war. Meet the Gilded Age and Progressive Era generation of Wilson’s wives and friends whose paths and choices led them in very different directions. And meet the generation of Wilson’s daughters, who had excellent educations and fully embraced the freedoms of the New Woman, but whose lives took unexpected turns. Finally, meet Mary Scott, a long-time servant whose life was shaped by racism, but who, despite being somewhat older than the daughters, outlived them all and finally saw the Voting Rights Act which was a direct response to the barriers that prevented African Americans from voting for nearly a century.

historic house tours in dc

Presidential Porcelain: A History of Ceramics Through the Wilsons’ Collection

70 Minutes: The Wilsons are often recognized for their Official White House China selection and creation of the White House China Room, but what pieces did they have in their personal collection? From family heirlooms to wedding gifts, this in-depth guided tour through the dining room, butler’s pantry, and kitchen focuses on key selections from the Woodrow Wilson House ceramics collection of 19th-20th century American, European, and Asian works. Examples will include dinnerware, tea and coffee sets, and decorative items featuring various techniques and styles, and pieces that correspond to different parts of the Wilsons’ lives.

historic house tours in dc

Prohibition Tour + Wine Cellar

75 Minutes: Do you have the moxie to learn about abstinence and teetotalers, juice joints and flappers? What a time in America’s History! Come see a Vintage Wine cellar and learn about the origins of the cocktail party, the speakeasy – and the definition of a blind pig!

historic house tours in dc

Executive Director's Tour

75 Minutes: See the Museum through the eyes of the Executive Director. Every artifact sparks a narrative that reveals something about the changing world of the early 20th century – revolution and progress, missed opportunities and failures, inviting comparison to our own times. Hear stories about the Wilsons, their lives, and why this House is a place that matters.

historic house tours in dc

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

75 Minutes: See the Museum through the eyes of those who maintain the site. Join us for an insider’s look at the historic house with this behind-the-scenes tour. Learn how the staff cleans and performs inventory with the site's 8,400 artifacts. You’ll hear important details about how the Collections Team cares for historic furniture, unique objects and artwork, and how we run this historic site. Tour is given by Wilson's House Senior Manage of Business and Operations.

Walking Tours

Looking for outdoor activities you can do on your own schedule? Try one of our Walking Tours. Download a map and explore a beautiful neighborhood in Northwest DC.

historic house tours in dc

Waddy Butler Wood Walking Tour

As you explore the beautiful Kalorama neighborhood, learn about the history and residents of thirteen houses designed by the famous architect of the Woodrow Wilson House, Waddy Butler Wood.

historic house tours in dc

Dupont Circle

A tour focusing on the arts and culture of the neighborhood with stops at the Gandi Memorial and the Cosmos Club.

historic house tours in dc

Kalorama Neighborhood

A tour focusing on the religion and education in the neighborhood, stopping at the Friends Meeting House and the Holton Arms School.

historic house tours in dc

Observatory Circle

A tour of the prestigious parts of the neighborhood with stops of the British Embassy and the United states Naval observatory, home of the Vice President.

historic house tours in dc

Sheridan Circle

A tour leading to the Civil war statue of General Sheridan, with information focusing on Woodrow Wilson's connection to the Civil War.

Getting Here

Woodrow Wilson House is located at 2340 S Street in a quiet residential neighborhood of Northwest DC, close to Metro and Metrobus.  The Kalorama Neighborhood is also home to The Phillips Collection, Anderson House, and numerous embassies and Ambassadorial residences.  Scroll down to find maps and directions.

METRO:  Dupont Circle (Red Line) is the nearest Metro Stop.

BUSES:   The N2, N4, and N6 Metro buses stop at 24th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., one block from Woodrow Wilson House.

PARKING:  Parking is available on the street, subject to parking restrictions (generally, “two-hour parking” applies).

TRANSPORTATION PARTNER:   GOGO Charters provides private charter bus, minibus and shuttle rentals to the Wilson House Museum. Book a DC bus rental for corporate events, school groups and private gatherings at the museum. Plan your trip as soon as today.

Discover President Woodrow Wilson's legacy with group tours at the Wilson House Museum. Book your tour and write us for any inquiries at [email protected] .

Your ticket for the: Tours

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MARYLAND SITES

Admission Charged

Handicapped Accesible

Group or Coach tour available upon request

Rentals available

Food Service

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Agricultural History Farm Park

18400 Muncaster Road Derwood, MD 20855

(301) 467-8273

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/agricultural-history-farm-park/

See the past, present, and future of Montgomery County farming at the Agricultural History Farm Park. This scenic 455 acre park features rolling hills, open fields, an apple orchard, and a variety of farm animals. Get a unique perspective on the county’s rich farming heritage while visiting barns, historic buildings, a modern farming activity center, and other facilities at the park.

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Clara Barton National Historic Site

5801 Oxford Road Glen Echo, MD 20812 (301) 320-1419 www.nps.gov

Constructed as the first headquarters of the American Red Cross, the building also served as the home for its founder, Clara Barton, until her death in 1912. The site  is open with guided tours on Saturdays at 11:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 3:00 and on Saturdays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00. Group reservations may be scheduled for Wednesdays and Thursdays by calling 301-320-1410.

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Darnall’s Chance House Museum

$ HA P SH R GT

4800 Gov. Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (301) 952-8010

http://history.pgparks.com/3055/Darnalls-Chance-House-Museum

Darnall’s Chance was built in 1742 by James Wardrop, one of the wealthiest merchants in 18th century Prince George’s County. Museum tours highlight the similarities and differences between Mr. Wardrop’s widow, Lettice Lee, and the lives of other 18th century women.

historic house tours in dc

Hammond – Harwood House Museum

19 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, Maryland  21401 Phone: 410-263-4683 https://hammondharwoodhouse.org/

The Hammond-Harwood House (1774) is said to have the most beautiful doorway in Colonial America. The last project of the renowned architect, William Buckland, is a five part Anglo-Palladian (derived from 16th Italian architect Andrea Palladio) mansion that features some of the best woodcarving and plasterwork in America. This National Historic Landmark contains an outstanding collection of John Shaw furniture and Charles Willson Peale paintings.

historic house tours in dc

Historic Annapolis

$ P SH R GT

William Paca House 186 Prince George Street Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 267-7619 www.annapolis.org

Historic Annapolis is a consortium of 6 historic homes and sites that create “a museum without the walls.” This group highlights Maryland’s rich Revolutionary War history, as well as Annapolis’ long connection to the United States Navy.  The easily accessible modern streets and sidewalks makes Historic Annapolis a great place to walk through Maryland’s history.  Locals and visitors alike, can partake in the story of Historic Annapolis through guided tours, summer camps, and first-person history events.

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Kingsley Schoolhouse

Little Bennett Regional Park 24472 Clarksburg Road Clarksburg, MD 20871

(301) 650-4373

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-bennett-regional-park/historic-sites/kingsley-schoolhouse/

Built in 1893 in response to the need for a school within walking distance of farms located in the Little Bennett Creek Valley, the Kingsley Schoolhouse served the local, rural farming community until it closed in 1935. Each year, around 20 children ranging in age from 6-12 years old attended the school. 

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Marietta House Museum

5626 Bell Station Road Glenn Dale, MD 20769 (301) 464-5291 http://history.pgparks.com/3072/Marietta-House-Museum

Federal period home of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Duvall. The home is furnished and interpreted to reflect the three generations of Duvall occupancy between 1815 and 1902.

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Montpelier Mansion Historic Site

$ R P SH GT

9650 Muirkirk Road Laurel, MD 20708-2560 (301) 377-7817 http://history.pgparks.com/3044/Montpelier-Mansion-Historic-Site

Montpelier Mansion/Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark site, is one of the finest examples of 18th century Georgian architecture in Maryland. Built by Major Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne Ridgely in the 1780’s, it is now restored and furnished as an 1830’s country residence, based on Snowden family records.

Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park

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3610 Brookeville Road Olney, MD 20832

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/oakley-cabin-african-american-museum-park/

An African American roadside community lived and worked on this historic site from emancipation well into the 20th century. Their culture and traditions heavily influenced those of surrounding communities, and their story is deeply woven into Montgomery County’s rich history. At the center of this site is Oakley Cabin, which was inhabited until 1976 and now serves as a living history museum.

historic house tours in dc

Riversdale (Calvert) Mansion

$ P SH GT R

4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737 (301) 864-0420 http://history.pgparks.com/3023/Riversdale-House-Museum

This early 1800s European-American style mansion, begun by Henri Joseph Stier, father of Rosalie Stier Calvert, was home to the Calvert family during the 19th century and of other notable Americans during the 20th century.

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Surratt House Museum

$ HA P SH GT

9118 Brandywine Road Clinton, MD 20735 (301) 868-1121 http://history.pgparks.com/3037/Surratt-House-Museum

Built in 1852, the building served as a home, hostelry, and post office during the antebellum period. It gained fame when the Surratt family became involved with John Wilkes Booth in the plot against President Lincoln. Period rooms and exhibits reflect daily life in a 19th century middle-class home.

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Woodlawn Manor House

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park 16501 Norwood Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

(301) 929-5989

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/woodlawn-manor-cultural-park/woodlawn-manor-house/

Woodlawn Manor House was constructed in the early 1800s.  Dr. William Palmer and his son Benjamin were the longest property owners from the early 1800s to early 1900s. Francis Scott Key was a visitor when the home also served as a boarding school. In the late 1970s Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission purchased the property from the McKeever family establishing Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.

Today the Manor House and it’s outbuildings illustrate Montgomery County’s agricultural history. The outbuildings consist of a 19th century stone barn (today home to the Woodlawn Museum), stone springhouse/meathouse, board and batten tenant house and a 19th century log building that may have served as slave living quarters.

Explore the Timeless Grandeur of Washington DC

Washington DC, a city steeped in history and significance, is the heart of American democracy. Historic Tours of America invites you on a captivating journey through the iconic landmarks and cherished sites that define the spirit of our nation’s capital. With our immersive experiences, we celebrate the rich tapestry of DC’s historical heritage, preserving its treasures and sharing its profound contributions to America’s story.

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Embark and Explore...

As you board our iconic orange and green trolleys, prepare to embark on an unforgettable exploration of Washington DC’s remarkable attractions. Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington DC offers a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and convenience. Our fully narrated tours provide fascinating insights, entertaining anecdotes, and a deep appreciation for the city’s historical significance. From the majestic United States Capitol Building to the solemn memorials honoring heroes of past and present, each stop reveals a unique chapter in our nation’s history.

Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

Washington DC trolley in front of Jefferson Memorial

Marvel at the Lincoln Memorial, a beacon of hope and inspiration, and discover the touching stories behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Delve into the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of American History, and learn about the events that unfolded at Ford’s Theatre, forever marking the course of our nation. With the freedom to hop on and off at your leisure, you can savor the experience, explore charming neighborhoods, and indulge in shopping and dining throughout the city.

Washington DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Washington Monument

A Tour with a Tranquil Glow

Experience the magical allure of Washington DC by moonlight with our Monuments by Moonlight Tour. Traverse the city’s most famous sights, such as the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, bathed in the tranquil glow of the moon. Our knowledgeable conductors share amusing anecdotes, historical facts, and even spine-tingling tales of ghostly sightings. It’s a truly magical way to appreciate the beauty and significance of our nation’s capital after dark.

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight trolley and US Capitol

Preserving Washington DC's historical sites is not only a testament to our past but also an investment in our collective future.

Jefferson Memorial at sunset in Washington DC

These landmarks serve as living memorials, connecting us to our roots and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism. By showcasing the rich American history of Washington DC, Historic Tours of America fosters a deeper appreciation for our nation’s heritage. Through partnerships with local organizations, educational initiatives, and community events, we strive to make a positive impact and contribute to the vitality of Washington DC.

Hallowed Grounds

Pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country at Arlington National Cemetery. Hop aboard our Arlington National Cemetery Tour and journey through this hallowed ground. Explore the significant points of interest, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard ceremony. Experience the immense sense of patriotism as you view the headstones that bear witness to the sacrifices made in defense of our freedom.

arlington house and the arlington trolley tour

Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Washington DC and its extraordinary attractions. Let us be your guide to the city’s timeless charm, awe-inspiring monuments, and architectural wonders. Explore the captivating history, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Historic Tours of America is honored to showcase Washington DC and share its profound contributions to America’s rich tapestry. Together, let us preserve and treasure the heritage of our nation’s capital.

Choose Your Tickets

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in DC and still see the best first!

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

trolley driving by Washington Monument

  • Hop On & Off at 15 Old Town Trolley Stops
  • Fully Narrated Tour of Washington DC
  • Our trolleys are all weather - rain or shine
  • BEST VIEW! Tallest vehicles allowed by law with stadium seating
  • Over 100 points of interest

Old Town Trolley Tour & Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Left picture: Washington DC Trolley driving by the Museum of the American Indian; right picture: Arlington National Cemetery grounds with Arlington House in the background

  • 50%* Discount on Arlington Tour Included In 1-Day Package
  • Includes separate ticket to Arlington National Cemetery Tour*
  • Trolley Tour and Arlington Cemetery Tour do not have to be taken on the same day

Monuments by Moonlight

washington dc monuments tour

  • See the city’s most popular monuments in a different light
  • Stops at FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
  • Hear historical tales and anecdotes
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Arlington National Cemetery Tours

ampitheater at arlington national cemetery tours

  • Learn about the cemetery's history and heroes from knowledgeable guides
  • Be transported to notable graves and memorials
  • Tours depart every 30 minutes
  • Relax on our comfortable tour vehicles

Discover Amazing Tours in Washington DC

historic house tours in dc

SPECIALTY TOURS

Maximize Your Time by Taking our Washington DC Excursions

historic house tours in dc

Groups, Charters & Weddings

Plan an unforgettable experience for your group event with Historic Tours of America.

Groups & Charters

  • Enjoy discounted rates
  • Custom design your rental
  • Private tour guide provided for charters
  • Combine a rental with attractions
  • Bring your guests to your event on time
  • Ride in classic Washington DC style
  • Personalize your trolley ride
  • Be treated to a red-carpet experience!

Hometown Pass

Locals receive Free Admission!

Included* with Your Washington DC Hometown Pass:

  • 1-Day Old Town Trolley Tours
  • Monuments by Moonlight Tour

Washington DC trolley and WWII Memorial

Our Free Hometown Pass is the best way to entertain visiting friends and family!

All residents within the District of Columbia as well as within a 50-mile radius of the District can take advantage of some of our tours and attractions for FREE when accompanied by an adult full-fare paid guest.* It’s Simple, Fast & Best of all… Free!

tulips at arlington national cemetery

George Washington's Mount Vernon logo

Mount Vernon

Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington

Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.

There's So Much to See

From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!

Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband

Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

Did You Know?

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.

For Your American History Class

Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!

The Library of the First President

The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.

Preservation Work

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What's Coming Up

Spring Homeschool Day

Spring Homeschool Day

A Revolutionary Friendship: Author Lecture with Francis D. Cogliano

A Revolutionary Friendship: Author Lecture with Francis D. Cogliano

NSO at Mount Vernon

NSO at Mount Vernon

18th Century Sewing Demo: Men’s Shirts & Neckwear

18th Century Sewing Demo: Men’s Shirts & Neckwear

Fresh Bread from Half Crown Bakehouse

Fresh Bread from Half Crown Bakehouse

Lunch at the Library: Such a Woman, The Life of Madame Octavia Walton LeVert

Lunch at the Library: Such a Woman, The Life of Madame Octavia Walton LeVert

Virtual Colonial Days: A K-12 Webinar Series

Virtual Colonial Days: A K-12 Webinar Series

Ford Evening Book Talk: The Tory's Wife

Ford Evening Book Talk: The Tory's Wife

STEAM Digital Teacher Workshop: Material Culture of the 18th Century

STEAM Digital Teacher Workshop: Material Culture of the 18th Century

Easter Buffet at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

Easter Buffet at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

Lunch at the Library: The Great Experiment

Lunch at the Library: The Great Experiment

Founding Partisans: Author Lecture with H. W. Brands

Founding Partisans: Author Lecture with H. W. Brands

Animal Family Day

Animal Family Day

Ford Evening Book Talk: Unfriendly to Liberty

Ford Evening Book Talk: Unfriendly to Liberty

Spring Plant and Garden Sale

Spring Plant and Garden Sale

Supreme Court Lecture Series: Washington's Heir

Supreme Court Lecture Series: Washington's Heir

Revolutionary War Weekend

Revolutionary War Weekend

The Pursuit of Happiness: Author Lecture with Jeffrey Rosen

The Pursuit of Happiness: Author Lecture with Jeffrey Rosen

Mount Vernon After Hours: Exclusively for Members

Mount Vernon After Hours: Exclusively for Members

Lunch at the Library: The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives

Lunch at the Library: The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

Ford Evening Book Talk: How the Best Did It, Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents

Ford Evening Book Talk: How the Best Did It, Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents

Ford Evening Book Talk: Revolutionary Things

Ford Evening Book Talk: Revolutionary Things

Special Events

Itineraries

Mount Vernon: The Story of An American Icon

Virtual Tour

Historic Objects

Archaeology

Manuscripts & Images

Museum Collections

Online Learning

Be Washington

George Washington

Revolutionary War

Martha Washington

Enslaved Community

Upcoming and Past Live Events

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Brown Bag Lunch featuring Don Francisco

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Ford Evening Book Talk: Speculation Nation: Land Mania in the Revolutionary American Republic

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Brown Bag: John Mitchell’s A Map of the British and French Dominions in North America

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FordEvening Book Talk: Sailing Upwind

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Ford Evening Book Talk: Mason-Dixon

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Seasonal Eating at Mount Vernon: Autumn

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An Evening with the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

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2023 Founding Debates

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Seasonal Eating at Mount Vernon: Summer

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Meet the Authors: 2023’s Best Books on the Founding Era

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USS Lafayette Announcement

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Ford Evening Book Talk: Misinformation Nation

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Naturalization Ceremony at Mount Vernon July 4, 2023

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Ford Evening Book Talk: Alexandra Petri's US History

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Seasonal Eating at Mount Vernon Part 2: Spring

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Ford Evening Book Talk: The Great New York Fire of 1776

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Mount Vernon During the Civil War

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Eliza Parke Custis

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Ford Evening Book Talk: George Washington and the Irish

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Seasonal Eating at Mount Vernon Part 1 : Winter

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Happy George Washington's Birthday!

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Ford Evening Book Talk: The Permanent Resident

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Ford Evening Book Talk with Edward J. Larson

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The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association: 162 Years of Collecting George Washington

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Women in Washington's World: A Ford Evening Book Talk

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Yorktown -- Now What?

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Naturalization Ceremony at Mount Vernon from September 2022

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The 2022 USC George Washington Leadership Lecture

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First Among Men: A Conversation with Maurizio Valsania

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Lincoln and the Fight for Peace: A Conversation with John Avlon

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From Independence to the U.S. Constitution: Reconsidering the Critical Period of American History

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Bon anniversaire, Marquis de Lafayette!

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Mount Vernon is Everywhere!

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Premiere: George Washington and the Pursuit of Religious Freedom

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Purple Heart Day 2022 Commemoration

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Bastille Day at Mount Vernon

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Mount Vernon Fireworks Show

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An American Celebration: Naturalization Ceremony at Mount Vernon

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An American Celebration 2022

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The Jewelry of Martha Washington

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2022 George Washington Prize

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Presidents and the Press

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Made in the USA: The Depression of the 1780s & the Origins of American Economic Power

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Nelly: America's First "First Daughter"

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George Washington National Birthday Celebration

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Liberty is Sweet: A Conversation with Woody Holton

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Sandra Moats: Ford Evening Book Talk

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American Weathervanes: The Art of the Winds

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Ford Evening Book Talk: Andrew Roberts

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Ford Evening Book Talk: Carolyn Eastman

Delve into history.

Learn more about George Washington and life during the 18th century.

French & Indian War

Constitution

Native Americans

Mount Vernon Estate

Collections

Preservation

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Sign up to receive emails or follow us to get the latest information on upcoming events, insider access, discounts and more.

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Stay Connected

Keep George Washington's Legacy Alive

Did you know that for more than 150 years, Mount Vernon has never accepted any government funding? We rely upon people like you to preserve George Washington’s home and legacy.

Area of Greatest Need<

Area of Greatest Need

Mount Vernon gladly accepts unrestricted donations to support the greatest needs within our overall mission to preserve the estate and educate the world…

Mount Vernon Preservation Needs

Preservation work is always underway at Mount Vernon to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy the founding father's home.

History Matters at Mount Vernon<

History Matters at Mount Vernon

Our educational resources are designed to support further exploration into Washington’s world both in and out of the classroom.

Preserving Printed History<

Preserving Printed History

The Washington Library serves as the repository for Washington’s original books and manuscripts. These pieces of printed history enables us to expand…

Quick Links

historic house tours in dc

House and Garden Tour

Each year since 1958, CHRS has organized a tour of homes, gardens and other structures on Capitol Hill. This annual event, held every Mother’s Day weekend, showcases approximately ten renovated buildings in the 200-year-old community.

2024 CHRS Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour:  

historic house tours in dc

Thanks to the community for keeping CHRS part of Capitol Hill for 68 years! If you haven’t yet, please become a member .

Past House Tour Brochures

This past year’s (2023) chrs mother’s day house & garden tour:  .

The 66th annual event was held Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14.  View addresses and photos of the tour houses  and event photos .

Thank you to our sponsors, the Rob and Brent Group , Michael Halebian & Co. , Hill Rag . National Capital Bank and Chuck Burger at  Coldwell   Banker Realty . Thank you to our many advertisers. Please remember their support as you make decisions on whom to call for services.

This year’s artwork was created and donated by Capitol Hill artist, Erin Thompson. You can see more of her artwork, including a print featuring the tour artwork, on her shop website at ErinThompsonStudio.myshopify.com .

2022 CHRS Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour:  

We held a hybrid event this year (May 7 & 8) – with a mix of virtual and in-person house tours and outdoor guided walking tours. View event photos here .    Tour details here .

2021 CHRS Mother’s Day “Tour of Tours”:  

May 8 & 9. Visit our free Artists at Home ” gallery – micro-shows of work by local artists. Or check out Tour of Tour event photos .

Check out these self-guided tours: Historic Sites Tour , Mural Tour , and our #StayatHomeHouseTour

2020 CHRS House Tour :  

We went virtual! Our free , 3-D, #StayAtHome House Tour  is on view now.

You may also enjoy visiting chrs.org/what-i-love-about-my-house/ to view mini-videos of Capitol Hill homes including a house boat and a repurposed warehouse.

2019 CHRS House & Garden Tour : The CHRS 62nd annual House & Garden Tour took place Mothers Day weekend, May 11 & 12, 2019.    Illustrated Brochure, Hill Rag Article

2018 CHRS House & Garden Tour:

The CHRS 61st annual House & Garden Tour took place Mothers Day weekend, May 12 & 13, 2018. Tour Photos   More details incl. photos & addresses

On both May 12 & 13, the American Legion Kenneth Nash Post 8 at 224 D St. SE  served as a refreshment stop and ticket outlet.

2017 CHRS House & Garden Tour:

The CHRS 60 th  annual House & Garden Tour took place Mothers Day weekend, May 13 & 14 , 2017. Tour photos   Read More

The 2016 Tour:

The CHRS 59 th annual House & Garden Tour returned to the oldest commercial district on the Hill: Barracks Row. . Photos   Read More

The 2015 Tour:

The 58 th  annual House & Garden Tour centered on the New Northeast – a Neighborhood on the Move!   Read More

The 2014 Tour:

The 57th Annual House & Garden Tour was held the traditional Mother’s Day Week-end (May 10 & 11), 2014, and carried the following theme: ” Capitol Hill, A Community of Choice, A History to Explore”.    Read More

The 2013 Tour:

The 56th annual tour on Mothers Day Weekend.  “In the Shadow of the Capitol: Old Traditions, New Beginnings”. See More Information .

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Protect Your Trip »

12 best washington, d.c. tours (beyond the monuments).

The nation's capital has more to offer than free museums and tons of history.

The Best Washington, D.C. Tours

Washington Monument on the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. at dawn.

Getty Images

Many tours of Washington, D.C., will take you to see the various monuments and memorials around the city, including the iconic Washington Monument.

With lots of free attractions and historic sites in a relatively compact area, Washington, D.C. , is a tourist's delight. Even so, there's no better way to get to know the nation's capital than with an expert. U.S. News gathered expert recommendations and traveler opinions to create this list of the top tours in Washington. Whether your interests include architecture, history or food, the following tours let you get to know the city like a local.

D.C. By Foot – National Mall Tour

Price: $3 tour reservation fee; tips are encouraged Duration: 2 hours

D.C. By Foot's National Mall walking tour is a two-hour, mile-long stroll that includes stories about famous landmarks like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial , the Lincoln Memorial , and the Washington Monument . Travelers praise the tour, saying it is chock-full of information and that the guides are engaging. D.C. By Foot is a pay-what-you-want tour: it's free, though it is assumed you will tip your licensed, freelance guides.

Tours depart Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour and there is a $3 reservation fee per person for tours. The company also conducts a slightly shorter Scavenger Hunt at the Mall tour geared toward kids and a bevy of other tours around the city.

View & Book Tickets: Free Tours By Foot

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.

Price: Adults from $49.95; kids from $33 Duration: Varies

According to reviewers, this trolley tour provides an educational and relaxing outing, thanks to informative commentary from the friendly onboard guides. This hop-on, hop-off tour option allows travelers to explore Washington at their own pace and check out the monuments, museums and attractions that they are most interested in. Popular stops on the trolley route include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery and more.

One-day tickets for adults cost approximately $50 to $70, depending on the time of year. Tickets are $33 for kids ages 4 to 12. Kids younger than 4 can join the tour for free. Travelers can purchase two-day consecutive passes, which run between $99 and $119 for adults (prices vary depending on the time of year) and cost $67.90 for kids ages 4 to 12. Trollies run hourly from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays. Old Town Trolley Tours also offers specialized Arlington National Cemetery tours and a Monuments by Moonlight Tour, among others.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

Unlimited Biking DC – Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Price: Adults from $54; kids from $49 Duration: 3 hours

A great way to quickly cover a lot of ground is on the Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour from Unlimited Biking DC, which takes you on an approximately three-hour guided tour to see the main monuments along the National Mall and the Tidal Basin . What's more, the entire tour takes place on sidewalks, paths and trails, so you never have to worry about navigating city streets. Plus, you can hop off to take photos and explore sites during the roughly 4-mile adventure. Visitors say the tour is perfect for families thanks to the engaging guides and manageable pace of the route.

Tickets cost approximately $54 for adults and $49 for kids ages 12 and younger. E-bikes are available for adults for $79. The tour runs at 10 a.m. daily, with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour on select days in the spring, summer and fall. If you can't get enough of the monuments, the company also offers a Monuments at Night Bike Tour as well as Segway tours, among other options.

View & Book Tickets:  GetYourGuide | Viator

Best Washington D.C. Tours

Reza Venegas | Courtesy of Mangia D.C.

Mangia DC Food Tours – Georgetown Foodie Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $69 Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Eating your way through Georgetown – one of D.C.'s wealthiest and most picturesque neighborhoods – with Mangia D.C Food Tours is a delightful way to get acquainted with the area. On its approximately 3- to 3.5-hour Georgetown Foodie Tour, you'll visit up to five restaurants for tasty samples, plus a wine or spritz pairing. Your guide will give you an overview of the area's cultural and political ties, as well as point out historic landmarks. Foodies say the tour is both filling and educational.

Mangia D.C. limits tours to 14 people, which makes for an intimate group – another point of praise for reviewers. Tours run Friday through Sunday and start at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $79 for adults and $69 for kids ages 5 to 16. Looking for more local eats? Mangia also offers an Italian Food Tour in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Capital Segway Tours

Price: From $70 Duration: 2 hours

Seeing all of Washington's landmarks on foot is an ambitious goal, but if you swap walking for riding a Segway, you can glide to most of them. Highlights on this approximately two-hour tour include the White House, the National Archives , the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Every rider receives a radio headset, which makes it easy to hear the guide's descriptions. Reviewers say the guides are fantastic and the tours provide the perfect overview of the city, which in turn helps visitors decide where they want to spend more time. Many add that they appreciate the guides spending time to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe on the Segway before setting off.

Participants must be 16 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride. Tours are not suitable for those who weigh over 250 pounds or women who are pregnant. Capital Segway Tours requires travelers to arrive 30 minutes prior to tour for orientation and training session. Tickets start at $70. Tours run year-round and are offered several times a day, weather permitting.

Blue Fern Travel – U Street Food Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

This U Street tour run by Blue Fern Travel (formerly Carpe D.C. Food Tours) is purportedly the company's most popular, which makes sense because the U Street neighborhood is one of the liveliest in the city. During the 2.5- to 3-hour tour, your guide will take you to several locally owned restaurants for hearty samples. As you make your way along U Street, you'll learn about the neighborhood's history, architecture and jazz heritage. Foodies find the history lessons surprising and informative; some love the information almost as much as the food.

Tours depart Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. year-round; group size is typically around 12 people, according to the company. You can expect to walk about a mile on the tour visiting the different eateries. Tickets cost $105 per person. Blue Fern also offers food tours of Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide | Viator

USA Guided Tours – African American History and Culture Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $79 Duration: 3.5 hours

Travelers heap praise on the guides leading the African American History and Culture Tour, applauding their expertise and storytelling. During the 3.5-hour bus ride across D.C., travelers will learn of African American history and Black perspectives of different D.C. monuments. Sites on the tour include Black Lives Matter Plaza, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial, among other significant locations. Trips conclude at the National Museum of African American History and Culture , where you will have reserved access to the popular site. (Note: Some stops are guided around monuments, while others are quick pauses for photos.)

Tours cost $89 for adults and $79 for children ages 3 to 12. They run daily at 10 a.m. This tour is also available as a private excursion. USA Guided tours operates a variety of bus and walking tours.

View & Book Tickets:  Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

Row houses near Dupont Circle in Washington DC, USA.

D.C. Design Tours – Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

D.C. Design Tours focuses on Washington's eclectic architecture and design. On the approximately two-hour, 2-mile Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour, you'll explore the area while an experienced guide identifies and describes significant properties, such as The Cosmos Club, the Embassy of Indonesia (Walsh-McLean House) and the Woodrow Wilson House. You'll also hear a good deal of history and some juicy gossip about some of the nation's movers and shakers. Tour-takers rave about the hidden gems and stories the guides share.

Public tours run on Saturdays, and cost $35 per adult and $20 per child ages 16 and younger. Tours Design Tours also guides visitors through surrounding neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown.

View & Book Tickets: D.C. Design Tours

D.C. Metro Food Tours – Georgetown Food Tour

Price: From $74 Duration: 3.5 hours

During the 3.5-hour Georgetown Food Tour, you'll visit up to five local spots in this upscale neighborhood. But you won't just be stopping in for a quick bite. Instead, tour-takers will sit down and be served a specialty of the house – an element foodies love about the tour. Dining highlights might include pie from a family-owned bakery, a Korean dish and Italian-American fare. In addition to tasty cuisine, guides will regale you with stories about local sites and landmarks as you walk between stops.

Tickets cost about $74 per person. Tours operate Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m. D.C. Metro Food Tours offers food tours of other neighborhoods, including Dupont Circle and Virginia's Old Town Alexandria.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

City Brew Tours – D.C. Original Brew Tour

Price: From $99 Duration: 5 hours

With a motto of "You Drink, We Drive," D.C. Brew Tours sets the stage for a safe yet beer-filled day on its Original Brew Tour. During the five-hour outing, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit four breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 16 local craft beers. This tour also includes a beer-pairing lunch. Participants champion expert guides and excellent beers.

Get your beer fix during the tour, which runs Friday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. D.C. Brew Tours limits its excursions to 14 people. Tickets cost $99. Crunched for time? The company also offers a shorter 3.5-hour Sip of D.C. Tour.

Nonpartisan Pedicab – Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue

Price: $180 per hour Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Being chauffeured around town in a private pedicab with Nonpartisan Pedicab is a novel and comfortable way to see the sights in D.C. You can sit back and relax while an expert guide gives you a personalized tour and does the cycling for you. On the company's Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue tour, you'll follow the inaugural route from the Capitol to the White House, passing 24 landmarks along the way. Tour-takers say the guides are excellent and share plenty of fun facts and history during the 1.5- to 2-hour trip.

Rates start at $165 per hour; occasionally the company offers discounts and deals on the hourly rate (check its website for details). Nonpartisan Pedicab offers a variety of tours around the city, including a twilight tour of the monuments and an Embassy Row and Georgetown tour, among others.

View & Book Tickets: Nonpartisan Pedicab

City Cruises – Monuments and Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $33; kids from $23 Duration: 1 hour

After you've toured the monuments by foot, bike or bus, why not admire them from the water? City Cruises offers one-way and round-trip departures from Alexandria and Georgetown. Along the way, you'll see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , the Washington Monument, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and more, all while enjoying prerecorded commentary describing the monuments. Visitors appreciate the narration but note that engine noise sometimes drowns out the recording.

The Monuments and Sightseeing Tour runs Friday through Sunday. Round-trip tickets cost $33 to $44 for adults and seniors, and $23 to $32 for kids ages 2 to 11. One-way trips last 45 minutes each way and cost $22 for adults and $16 for kids ages 2 to 11. Round-trip journeys span just under two hours. The company offers several other sightseeing cruises, including one that drops off visitors at Mount Vernon.

View & Book Tickets: City Cruises

You may also be interested in:

  • The Best Washington, D.C., Bus Tours
  • Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
  • Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.
  • Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
  • The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Tags: Tours , Washington, D.C. , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Washington DC Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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historic house tours in dc

Explore the lives of turn-of-the-century Washingtonians on a tour of the historic home of brewer and immigrant Christian Heurich. Step back in time to the year 1894, and see things from the eyes of household staff, Heurich brewery workers, the craftspeople who built his home, the brewer himself, and his wife Amelia. Afterwards, grab a Senate Beer - the historically accurate revival of the brand that ruled DC for 100 years - at the museum’s backyard biergarten.

Availability varies Thursday - Saturday.

Tickets for February Tours

Tickets for March Tours

Available Upon Request

Imagine you’re headed from the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood on the Potomac River. In your horse drawn wagon for your afternoon delivery route, you arrive at your first stop. You recognize Mr. Heurich who is walking down to the brewery. He waves hello to you. You walk up the stone steps, ring the doorbell, and while you’re waiting you realize this must be the Heurich family mansion. You’re greeted by the butler, he tells you that deliveries should be made through the entrance on Sunderland Place. You catch a glimpse of the ornate details and furnishings in the front hall and hear the children playing upstairs with the governess. 

When you arrive at the side door where the maid is there to greet you, she’s carrying fresh linens and tells you the Heurichs are having friends over tonight for a game of Skat. As you continue on your delivery route you see who you think to be Mrs. Heurich in the garden and think to yourself “My entire home is about the size of the front hall, I wonder how a fellow immigrant like me was able to build this?”

"I loved that the tour included stories and humanity, rather than a list of names and dates!"

-Attended tour in February 2023

historic house tours in dc

Featured Neighborhood Neighborhood News Real Estate

Welcome back the 89th annual georgetown house tour, april 23, by robert devaney • april 13, 2022 0 2079.

historic house tours in dc

Welcome Back! The 89th Georgetown House Tour: Perfect Recipe for Coming Home April 23   

“The committee of volunteers that works on the tour is just tremendously dedicated and sincere about the mission of the tour,” said Leanos, a St. John’s parishioner, and a volunteer since 2017. “ Our volunteers from St. John’s, Georgetown, and the community have rallied around the return of the House Tour. The tour is very near and dear to many, and its return marks a return to socializing with friends, family and community once again.”   

tags Benjamin Bradlee Donna Leanos Emily Sower Frida Burling Georgetown House Tour Julia Child Kathryn Minor Jones Patrons' Party Sally Quinn Shakespeare Theatre St. John's Church

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  2. 12 Historic House Tours You Can See Remotely

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  6. Historic Cranbury House Tour set for Sept. 28

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COMMENTS

  1. Historic House Museums in Washington, D.C.

    View Map. Address. 3051 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA. Phone +1 202-426-6851. Web Visit website. Located in the heart of Georgetown, the oldest known private home in Washington, D.C. was built in 1766 and today is preserved to demonstrate everyday life for the average citizen during the 19th century.

  2. Home

    The national capital region of Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland is home to The Historic House Museum Consortium of Metropolitan Washington D.C., a diverse collection of over 40 sites open to the public as museums and historic attractions. Ranging from the homes of three presidents to the site of an infamous ...

  3. Tours

    Historic Downtown and Chinatown. 46 Locations ~ Curated by DC Preservation League. This tour explores the diverse collection of buildings, memorials, and monuments located in Washington's historic commercial core. Downtown Washington is a large area stretching west from Judiciary Square to Farragut Square and Foggy Bottom, and….

  4. Visit D.C.'s Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Historic Homes and Gardens

    Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. In the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast D.C. sits the home and estate of the famed 19th-century abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass. He bought ...

  5. Historic Homes to Visit in DC

    Anderson House is a stop on our Embassy Row tours, but if you want to visit inside, you'll need to wait for them to reopen. 2. Tudor Place. This is the only historic house in DC with a direct connection to George Washington. The estate was owned by Martha Parke Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington (and step-granddaughter of George.) ...

  6. Visit

    Guided tours of the historic house are offered on the hour. Advance registration is encouraged. Self-guided house tours are not available. All visitors must check in at the Visitor Center upon arrival. Entry after 3:30 p.m. will not be permitted. ... 1644 31st Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 202-965-0400 | [email protected].

  7. Plan Your Visit

    Historic House Tours. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Tudor Place is closed during the month of January for annual maintenance and cleaning. Noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. All visitors must check in at the Visitor Center. ... 1644 31st Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 202-965-0400 | [email protected].

  8. President Lincoln's Cottage: Historic museum in Washington, D.C

    President Lincoln's Cottage is a 501(c)(3) historic site and museum located in Northwest Washington, D.C. We provide interactive tours and exhibits, and host public and private events using Lincoln's example to inspire visitors in their own path to greatness. Join us in learning and sharing brave ideas.

  9. Tudor Place

    Tudor Place. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked at this Georgetown landmark for nearly two centuries. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront ...

  10. Woodrow Wilson House

    Discover The President Woodrow Wilson House! One-hour guided general tours and Specialty tours are available during the times below and by appointment. With over 8,400 items in the collection, our artifacts speak volumes about Woodrow Wilson's presidency and legacy. Learn about the historic site. Come tour with us! Normal Operating Hours:

  11. Historic America Homepage for Washington, DC Tours

    Washington DC Tour Menu Homepage (Copy) Testimonial Image. Testimonial Text. Historic America. 4th St SW, Washington, DC, United States. (202)[email protected].

  12. TOP 10 BEST Historic Homes in Washington, DC

    See more reviews for this business. Top 10 Best Historic Homes in Washington, DC - February 2024 - Yelp - Anderson House, Hillwood Museum and Gardens, The Octagon, Woodrow Wilson House, The L Ron Hubbard House Museum, President Lincoln's Cottage, The Petersen House - House Where Lincoln Died, The Mansion On O Street, Dumbarton House, Theodore ...

  13. Guided Tours

    Group Tours (11 to 60 people) Reservations are required for group tours. Call 1-877-559-6777 at least one week in advance to make reservations. There is a $1.00 charge for each reserved ticket. School groups pay a flat fee of $10.00. Group tours must be reserved for the following times: 9:30 am. 10:45 am. 2:00 pm.

  14. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

    With over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon, Tudor Place sits on 5 ½ acres in the heart of Georgetown. The house and garden are open for self-guided visits Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Reserve free, timed tickets online. Bring a picnic and enjoy yourself.

  15. Tours

    Tours fall into three categories: General house tours, Specialty house tours, and self-guided neighborhood walking tours. Tours of the interior of the Woodrow Wilson House Museum can be visited only as part of a guided tour. We do not allow self-guided tours in the historic house, only in the exhibition space. All guided house tours begin

  16. Maryland Sites

    William Paca House 186 Prince George Street Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 267-7619 www.annapolis.org. Historic Annapolis is a consortium of 6 historic homes and sites that create "a museum without the walls.". This group highlights Maryland's rich Revolutionary War history, as well as Annapolis' long connection to the United States Navy.

  17. The Best Washington DC Tours to Experience on Vacation

    Showcasing world-class sightseeing tours in Washington DC. Learn about our nation's capital with duck tours and monument tours for all ages. Washington DC 52 °F. 855-629-8777; ... Historic Tours of America invites you on a captivating journey through the iconic landmarks and cherished sites that define the spirit of our nation's capital. ...

  18. Heurich House Museum

    The Heurich House Museum honestly explores the American Experience through the legacy of German immigrant Christian Heurich and his Washington, DC brewery, and creates an equitable path to success for local small-scale businesses. Weekly tours and biergarten featuring historic revival, Senate Beer in Dupont Circle.

  19. George Washington's Mount Vernon

    George Washington's Mount Vernon is the historic home of George and Martha Washington, located 13 miles south of Washington, DC. Guests can see the historic mansion, stately rooms, and outbuildings preserved to the year 1799, the last year of George Washington's life. Owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, George Washington's Mount Vernon has been visited by world ...

  20. Capitol Hill Restoration Society » House and Garden Tour

    The 57th Annual House & Garden Tour was held the traditional Mother's Day Week-end (May 10 & 11), 2014, and carried the following theme: " Capitol Hill, A Community of Choice, A History to Explore". ... preserve, and enhance the character of our historic neighborhoods." Mailing Address: Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) P.O. Box ...

  21. 12 Best Washington, D.C. Tours (Beyond the Monuments)

    The Monuments and Sightseeing Tour runs Friday through Sunday. Round-trip tickets cost $33 to $44 for adults and seniors, and $23 to $32 for kids ages 2 to 11. One-way trips last 45 minutes each ...

  22. Tours

    The Heurich House Museum honestly explores the American Experience through the legacy of German immigrant Christian Heurich and his Washington, DC brewery, and creates an equitable path to success for local small-scale businesses. Weekly tours and biergarten featuring historic revival, Senate Beer in Dupont Circle.

  23. Welcome Back! The 89th Annual Georgetown House Tour, April 23

    Welcome Back! The 89th Georgetown House Tour: Perfect Recipe for Coming Home April 23 Since 1931, the Georgetown House Tour has been described in many ways: "architectural gems," "historically significant," "stylish homes with stylish owners." But, perhaps, two words best describe this year's house tour on Saturday, April 23: "Welcome back!"