DC Design Tours

04/21/2025

⚓ Book a Southwest Waterfront Walking Tour today!

Starting April 26, join us every other Saturday at 4 PM to explore one of DC’s most fascinating and fast-changing neighborhoods.

👣 Walk the waterfront. Learn its stories. See how history shapes what’s next.

🎟️ Reserve your spot now on our website!

04/11/2025

🚤 Boat tours are back!

Join us Friday evenings starting April 18 for a scenic architecture river cruise along the Potomac River. Take in iconic views of DC landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, and Watergate Hotel.

🎟️ Book now on our website—spots fill fast!

04/08/2025

Visiting DC this spring or summer?

Join our amazing team of tour guides as we explore Washington’s architectural gems and hidden stories. Hear about the conflicts, controversies, and personalities behind the landmarks of our nation’s capital.

Book your small group or private tour today—on foot, by car, by bike, or even by boat!

04/05/2025

Happy birthday to our architecture aficionado and fearless leader, Carolyn! Your energy, passion, and humor are the foundation of everything we do. Ten years of DC Design Tours built from your vision and drive... cheers to all the years to come!

04/04/2025

Join us tomorrow at 11:45 am to learn more about exploring the Capitol city beyond the usual tourist destinations!

03/28/2025

Happy birthday to our beautiful font of knowledge, architecture expert,and tour guide extraordinaire, Christine!

Have you been lucky enough to tour with Christine?

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03/26/2025

🎉✨ Celebrating 10 years of exploring the history behind the brick and mortar in Washington, DC! For a decade, DC Design Tours has been honored to guide both locals and visitors through the city’s most iconic and lesser-known neighborhoods—from Capitol Hill to Anacostia, to Dupont Circle, and beyond. 🏛️🏙️

While our core tours are on foot, we’ve expanded into new forms of transportation, including driving, biking, boat, and virtual tours! 🚗🚲🚤💻

Thank you to our loyal history-loving locals, intrepid first time visitors, urban explorers, architecture nerds, and everyone who has supported DC Design Tours over the past 10 years! ❤️

03/19/2025

The time has come! 🌞 Our small-group tours are officially available starting this month through Thanksgiving! 🍂

Take advantage of the beautiful, warmer weather and dive into the rich architecture and history of Washington, DC. 🏛️✨ Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no better way to explore the District. Check out the tour calendar and book your tour online! 🗓️

03/14/2025

🌸 Spring is in the air, and soon, so will the cherry blossoms! 🌸

Join us for our Bloom on the Basin walking tour, a perfect way to experience Washington, DC’s famous bloom and iconic architecture.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, check out our Cleveland Park in Bloom tour instead. There’s a tour for everyone!

Peak bloom is predicted for March 28-31, so be sure to get your tickets soon! 🌷✨

💸 Use promo code DCDESIGNBLOSSOM for 10% off your tour!

Don’t miss this chance to see DC in full bloom! 🌿

03/06/2025

🚴‍♂️✨ Discover the heart of D.C. like never before! Reserve your unique cycling tour through the nation’s capital, where you’ll pedal past iconic landmarks like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall, and lesser-known architectural gems like the Octagon House, The Reach, and more. With our expert design professionals as your guides, dive deep into the stories and architecture that shape our city.

This 5-mile adventure is perfect for all levels and offers a blend of history, design, and stunning sights. And with a few customizations available, we’ll make sure the tour suits your interests! 🌟

In partnership with , we’ve got your ride covered! 🚴‍♀️Get in touch online or at [email protected] to book.

02/27/2025

The season is upon us! Small group tours are available starting March 1 🌸 - Thanksgiving 🦃 Book on our website today via the link in our bio!

02/19/2025

The Kennedy-Warren building is not only a stunning example of Aztec Deco architecture, but it also hides a wild secret—animal designs integrated into the building. 🏛️

Featuring parrots, griffins, and elephants, these hidden creatures are a nod to the National Zoo just north of the building. Built with beautiful buff brick, sleek aluminum details, and sun motifs, come check out this architectural gem on our Rock Creek Park walking tour!

02/11/2025

A fascinating tour on African American history in Arlington National Cemetery led by the incomparable ! I love spending time with fellow guides, absorbing their knowledge, enjoying their passion, and nerding out with the best of ‘em.

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02/07/2025

Don’t forget to book your walking tour for two this Valentine’s Day with our discount code!

01/29/2025

Did you know? 📚 As the official home of U.S. copyright records, the Library of Congress is home to over 170 million items—from books and maps to photos, recordings, and manuscripts—making it the largest library in the world! 🌍

Whether you’re a history buff, a book lover, or just someone who loves exploring the hidden gems of D.C., the Library of Congress is a must-see.

Want to learn more? Join us on a tour of Capitol Hill that takes you behind the scenes of this iconic building!

01/20/2025

Standing tall just off the National Mall, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a testament to the enduring power of courage, conviction, and equality. Designed by sculptor Lei Yixin, the monument features a 30-foot statue of Dr. King emerging from a granite “Stone of Hope,” symbolizing his unwavering belief in justice. His full form is represented as unfinished, reflecting the unending work in pursuit of civil rights. The design also integrates powerful quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, including the iconic words, ‘Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.’

Picked from over 900 design submissions in a national contest, sculptor Lei Yixin proved to be a controversial choice. Born and raised in communist China, Yixin’s other most famous work is a statue of dictator Mao Zedong. Yixin’s signature is subtly included on the statue, in both English and Chinese. Pay a visit to this monumental tribute today and reflect on the legacy of a man whose dream continues to inspire, and what it means to memorialize.

Learn more about this powerful landmark and its history on a guided tour of the National Mall. Book a tour with us via the link in our bio!

01/14/2025

01/07/2025

Just a beautiful snowy evening in Washington DC!

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