Walk through DC’s U Street Corridor with Off the Mall Tours and discover the untold stories of "Black Broadway"—a hub of historic music, social justice, and LGBTQ culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels comfortable with walking up to 2 miles on paved city streets.
Wildlife
History
U Street Corridor thrived as 'Black Broadway' in the early 20th century, serving as a crossroads for music legends and social movements, including important LGBTQ community milestones.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving historic buildings and promoting sustainable urban tourism to maintain the neighborhood’s cultural legacy without gentrification erasure.
Off the Mall Walking Tours
Walk through DC’s U Street Corridor with Off the Mall Tours and discover the untold stories of "Black Broadway"—a hub of historic music, social justice, and LGBTQ culture.
Off the Mall Walking Tours is a Washington, D.C. based walking tour company that specializes in neighborhood-focused historical and cultural tours. The company leads small-group walking experiences across U Street, Georgetown, Navy Yard, Blagden Alley, Lafayette Square and Pennsylvania Avenue, highlighting overlooked stories and local landmarks.
Tours range from music and cultural histories—such as The Harlem Renaissance in DC and District of Punk—to investigative and social histories like Madams of DC, Socialites and Spies of Georgetown, and History of Black Georgetown. Other offerings include Queer Black Broadway, Historic Alleyways, French Connections, and Echoes of Navy Yard, each designed to connect participants with place and context.
Guides include local historians and costumed interpreters; one tour is led by a guide who appears as General Lafayette, and Madams of DC is described as being led by a local historian. Tours visit notable sites such as the Howard Theater, Ben’s Chili Bowl, the original 9:30 Club location, Thurst Lounge, Mt. Zion/Female Union Band Cemetery, Washington Canal Park, and the Capital Waterfront Park.
Off the Mall emphasizes walking formats that prioritize historic research, storytelling, and community voices. Routes incorporate architecture, public art, and archival narratives to illuminate social justice, music history, race, gender, and urban development in the nation’s capital. The operator is featured on curated travel platforms and appears in guided-walk listings that highlight authentic, neighborhood-centered experiences for visitors and locals alike. Booking information and start locations are provided on listing pages; tours typically operate year-round with seasonal schedules and updates.
Tours Offered
10 unique tours
Neighborhood-focused walking experiences
Areas Covered
U Street, Georgetown, Navy Yard, Blagden Alley
Historic DC neighborhoods explored
Guides
Local historians & interpreters
Guided storytelling and historical context
Featured
The Adventure Collective
Editorially highlighted local operator
Secure walking tour reservations for music history, social history, and cultural routes across key D.C. neighborhoods.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour covers city streets and pavement for 1.5 hours—sturdy walking shoes will keep you comfortable.
Bring water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as there are limited stops for refreshments on the route.
Arrive early
Meeting point is at 620 T St NW; aim to arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure.
Tour suitable for ages 12+
Content deals with historical and cultural themes that are best appreciated by older children and adults.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is crucial for urban walking over varied pavement.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated in warmer weather improves comfort and endurance on the tour.
summer
Light rain jacket
Spring showers can occur; a rain jacket keeps you dry without adding bulk.
spring
Warm layers
Layering helps regulate temperature during chilly winter walks.
winter