Dupont Circle Tour: Gilded Age Mansions

Discover the opulent mansions and grand embassies of Dupont Circle on a two-hour walking tour. Explore Embassy Row and learn about the stories and scandals behind Washington DC’s most extravagant homes.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dupont Circle - At the heart of this historic neighborhood lies Dupont Circle, featuring a picturesque fountain designed by the creators of the Lincoln Memorial.
  • Embassy Row - Stroll along Embassy Row to admire some of the city’s most stunning properties, showcasing architectural styles from Neo-classical to Beaux-Arts to Queen Anne and…
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Gilded Age mansions, high-stakes diplomacy, and intriguing scandals come together in Dupont Circle, which was once on the outskirts of the capital and later became a playground for Washington’s elite. Today, its tree-lined avenues display some of the city’s most impressive architecture, ranging from grand Neoclassical residences to unique Arts & Crafts…

Location
Dupont Circle
Look for your guide at the Dupont Circle Fountain in the center of Dupont Circle.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(117 Ratings)
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Wendyt639
Nov 10, 2025
A perfect blend of architecture and history! - So glad we took this walking tour! Our guide Sam was welcoming and knowledgable, and he kept us moving at a good pace while entertaining us along the way and making sure to answer all our questions. I will not hesitate to book another DC Designs tour next time I'm in the area!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T8999meashleyt
Nov 8, 2025
Sam was the best tour guide! - We had a fantastic day with Sam! He has the best energy, you could definitely tell he loves history, his job and telling intriguing stories. A group of us friends who live in Dupont Circle thought it'd be fun to check out the tour to learn more about where we live and we now know the most interesting facts about our neighborhood. Now when we have visitors to DC, we'll be able to impress them with our knowledge :) This tour is a recommendation for both visitors and residents of DC!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clerkm2025
Sep 13, 2025
Highly Recommend! - We enjoyed our Embassy Row Tour with Carolyn so much that we booked a Georgetown Tour with he as well for later in the week. Incredibly knowledgeable. Fun! HIGHLY recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P5163eqheatherd
Aug 25, 2025
Highly recommend for tourists and locals! - Highly recommend this tour for tourists and locals alike. I have lived around DC for years but learned so much! Sam, our tour guide, was wonderful. Absolutely knew his DC history and architecture styles - and was thoroughly entertaining! Looking forward to doing more with DC Design!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherri_m
Jun 15, 2025
Enjoyable Entertaining Experience - We learned so much - history and architecture. Lovely walk! Sam is a terrific guide and provided a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Cmmp_va
Apr 27, 2025
Architecture, History, and Fun Stories - what a great tour! - This tour was amazing - Christine our tour guide knows both the history and architecture of these beautiful buildings inside and out - I learned so much and have some many new details on which to follow up Tip - book directly with DC Design Tours to get wonderful recommendations for other local activities for before/after your tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nina_b
Dec 1, 2024
Wonderful way to explore DuPont circle and Embassy row - Such a great experience! Sam was so knowledgeable and had good energy in the frigid cold temps. He kept things moving while imparting great little nuggets of information. Learned a lot.
Review provided by Viator
Kevincolson
Nov 3, 2024
A short tour along a truly American path with a guide that leaves wanting more stories over a pitcher of mimosas - A 2 hour tour that meanders along a path of rich, american architecture and history, providing a great opportunity to stretch your legs after a morning coffee or libatious brunch. The guide had a detailed knowledge of the many types of architecture throughout the route as well as interesting background and facts on the people who built and lived in the homes. He started with the basic history of why DuPont Circle was established and named which laid a strong foundation for the social, political, and personal information that provided us a more robust perspective on each building.
Review provided by Viator
Pauldf7561rf
Nov 2, 2024
Sam's amazing tour! - My wife and I toured with Sam. He has a broad background in history and architecture. Wonderful and concise explanations of the history, significance, architectural type (who know so many Beaux-Arts edifices in DC!) and owner personality vignettes. He explained the Shepherd invited industrialist mansions, depression conversion to embassies, the Roosevelt daughter, the Turkish jazz bros, the Alice artists, and the Edith wives among others. Truly a cornucopia of knowledge and perspective. A deep and humorous dive. Highly recommended to DC history buffs and visitors. Paul and Carol
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanb2573
Nov 17, 2024
Mediocre tour, guide not very knowledgeable - The tour was fine, but the guide was not very knowledgeable…he had his script and stuck to that. Of the many questions people in the group asked he often answered with “I think etc.” Or “I’m not sure about that…”. Could have been better!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $48
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).