Discover the rich architectural history of Anacostia with DC Design Tours. This guided journey reveals historic buildings and stories that shape Washington’s diverse heritage. Read more to uncover Anacostia’s hidden gems.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Good walking fitness required, easy terrain
Wildlife
History
Anacostia played a vital role in D.C.'s civil rights movement and has historically been a hub for African American culture and community activism.
Conservation
DC Design Tours emphasizes sustainable practices by encouraging respectful tourism and supporting local preservation efforts.
DC Design Tours
Discover the rich architectural history of Anacostia with DC Design Tours. This guided journey reveals historic buildings and stories that shape Washington’s diverse heritage. Read more to uncover Anacostia’s hidden gems.
DC Design Tours is a Washington, D.C.–based tour company specializing in private walking tours that focus on architecture, urban design, and neighborhood history. The company offers a range of guided experiences across the city, including Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle & Embassy Row, the U Street Corridor, the National Mall, Georgetown, Anacostia, Rock Creek Park, Capitol Hill, 16th Street & Adams Morgan, and customizable private walks tailored to specific interests and schedules.
Tours highlight architectural styles, landscape design, historic homes, public monuments, and community stories. Guests can expect personalized itineraries that adapt pacing, topics, and points of interest to group size and preferences. Interpretive commentary connects built environments to cultural and political history, revealing design choices and hidden symbols in familiar landmarks.
DC Design Tours emphasizes small-group, appointment-based experiences to provide focused, accessible exploration of neighborhoods and green spaces. The company is noted for guiding visitors to both iconic sites—such as the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial—and lesser-known gems like the Bishop’s Garden, Pierce Mill, and the Old Stone House. Tours are suitable for visitors, design professionals, students, and residents seeking deeper context for Washington’s urban fabric.
Featured on The Adventure Collective, DC Design Tours maintains transparency about routes and meeting logistics and encourages pre-booking to secure preferred times. The business communicates clearly about what each tour covers and offers flexible options for private groups, ensuring an informative and engaging visit to Washington, D.C.
Local guides tailor narratives to design-minded visitors, historians, families, and curious travelers alike for all experience levels.
Tours Offered
11
Neighborhood-focused routes across Washington, D.C.
Private Groups
Custom tours
Tailored to group size and interests
Appointment-Based
By reservation
Pre-book to secure preferred times
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Listed on The Adventure Collective
Reserve a tailored walking tour today to explore architecture, neighborhoods, and monuments with informed interpretation.
Wear comfortable shoes
Walking through historic neighborhoods requires comfortable footwear for uneven surfaces.
Bring a camera
Capture unique architecture details and scenic views during the tour.
Arrive early
Arriving a few minutes before the start ensures you don’t miss any part of the tour.
Stay hydrated
Bring water, especially if touring during warmer months.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for exploring the historic streets comfortably.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the intricate architectural details and scenic views.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the walking tour.
Hat and sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure during daytime tours.
summer