Washington, D.C. has some of the most iconic attractions in the United States: the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian Institute, to name a few. To see everything this great city has to offer would take days but the best opportunity you can have of seeing just about everything is by walking. USA locals will delight in pointing out the highlights, but the best thing to do is to go on a guided holiday with qualified leaders who know the neighbourhoods and can explain the stories that go with the attractions. One very popular choice is a 90-minute walking expedition through Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown area.

Georgetown Has It All

This historic community is famous for its gorgeous architecture, intriguing shops and its delightful restaurants. Your USA walking experience in Washington DC starts in Upper Georgetown. It takes you along residential streets where you will see grand old homes, Federal style row houses, old churches and cemeteries, and lovely parks and river vistas.

Founding of the United Nations

Start your Georgetown walk at Dumbarton Oaks. This 19th century mansion belongs to Harvard University and is an art museum. It was also the venue for the 1944 conference organized by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill that led to the founding of the United Nations – a visit is like walking USA history pages. Nearby is the magnificent estate known as Tudor Place. The manor house and grounds date back to Martha Washington, the original First Lady. The furniture, silverware, china and portraits provide a glimpse into what life was like for upper class American society.

18,000 Graves

Graveyards are history’s common ground, so a guided USA walking holiday often means a visit to a cemetery or two. Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown covers about twenty-five acres (10 ha.), and has more than 18,000 graves. Buried here are the remains of people with such illustrious names as Beall, Thomas, Marbury and Magruder. Not far away is the more humble Mt. Zion Cemetery which was the burial ground for black Americans before the Civil War. Mt. Zion Church was the first black church in the United States.

From the Star Spangled Banner to Jackie Kennedy

Walking USA’s Georgetown route will take you over the Key Bridge and past the Francis Scott Key Park, named after the author of the American national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”. At 3017 N Street, you can see the former home of Jackie Kennedy. Not far away, at the corner of Cox’s Row, is the house she once lived in with John F. Kennedy. You can take a break at Martin’s Tavern, which was established in 1933, or relax for a while in Montrose Park. At 3240 O Street you can see St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was once attended by Thomas Jefferson. Visit the Car Barn on Prospect Street, which was once used to house the street trolleys, and you are right next to a location that was used in the film The Exorcist. For great shopping, make a stop at Georgetown Park. This former tobacco warehouse now has over a hundred shops. Your guided walk ends on M Street at the appropriately named Old Stone House, which is the oldest building in Georgetown.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Walking USA