Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour

Imagine wandering through Washington DC’s oldest neighborhood as night falls, with stories of haunted houses, mysterious curses, and true crime tales swirling around you. That’s exactly what the Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour offers—a chance to experience the neighborhood’s darker, more mysterious past after hours.

This tour is especially appealing for those who enjoy ghost stories, historic architecture, and a spooky twist on sightseeing. We love that it provides a different look at Georgetown without the daytime crowds, along with stories that make the old streets come alive (or perhaps come alive in a different way). The tour’s focus on family-friendliness and captivating guides makes it accessible for a range of travelers, from history buffs to thrill-seekers.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is about 1 hour and 45 minutes long, and it involves some walking; so, comfort and good walking shoes are advisable. Also, since it’s an outdoor experience after dark, weather could impact your plans.

This tour will suit those who want a fun, slightly spooky evening in a charming neighborhood, and anyone curious about Georgetown’s hidden history with a paranormal twist.

This experience made our article of We Rank Washington DC’s 16 Top Walking Tours.

Key Points

• Authentic Nighttime Experience: Walk through Georgetown after dark, avoiding daytime crowds and experiencing a different ambiance.
• Family-Friendly: The stories are spooky but suitable for most ages, with a good balance of humor and history.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Tours are led by licensed guides who share engaging stories, including local legends, true crime, and haunted sites.
• Iconic Sights: Visit famous spots like the “Exorcist” Steps and historic homes with reported hauntings.
• Comfortable Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Value for Money: At $49 per person for nearly two hours, this tour offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and ghost stories.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: The Old Stone House

Your ghostly adventure begins at the Old Stone House, known as the oldest standing structure in Georgetown. Here, your guide will share stories about deaths, ghosts, and rumors that still swirl around its historic walls. Reviewers frequently mention the engaging storytelling style of guides like Georgia and Sonia, who keep the tour lively and humorous even when discussing macabre topics. One reviewer noted that Sonia’s humor and knowledge made the experience especially memorable, and another appreciated how guides like Kailey kept things fun despite the spooky theme.

Exploring Georgetown’s Haunted Streets

As you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll pass by cemeteries, churches, and Victorian homes, each with its own ghostly tale. The storytelling is designed to entertain but also inform, with guides sharing stories about curses, haunted houses, and Victorian superstitions. One reviewer mentioned the “Halloween vibe all year long,” which perfectly captures the atmosphere.

You’ll also learn why some buildings, like the Hedin House Apartments, seem to carry the weight of tragic stories and curses—yet, despite the ghostly themes, the tour remains family-friendly. The humor woven into some stories offers light-hearted moments amid the spooky tales.

The “Exorcist” Steps

No Georgetown ghost tour would be complete without a visit to the famous “Exorcist” Steps. Located at 36th and Prospect St NW, these steep stairs gained worldwide fame from the horror movie and now serve as a popular photo spot. Guides will share the chilling stories associated with the filming, along with local legends of supernatural activity that supposedly occurs here. Multiple reviews emphasize how the guide’s detailed knowledge and lively narration bring these scenes to life, making the experience both eerie and fun.

Walking the Historic High Street

The tour continues along what was once a Native American trading road now lined with shops and restaurants. This stretch offers a relaxed opportunity to talk about Georgetown’s evolution from a port to a bustling neighborhood, with stories about historic residents and local legends. The guides often share insights about the architecture and history of the area, enriching your understanding of Georgetown beyond ghost stories.

The Haunted Halcyon House

Before wrapping up at the Halcyon, considered a legitimately haunted house, you’ll hear tales of long-gone residents who supposedly refuse to leave their historic home. The guide may reveal sightings or experiences reported over the years, adding a layer of authenticity to the ghost stories.

Tour End at the Exorcist Steps

The tour concludes where it started, at the Exorcist Steps, providing a perfect photo opportunity and a memorable finish to the evening. Many travelers find this ending especially satisfying, as they get a chance to revisit the iconic location and reflect on the stories shared.

Why the Tour Offers Great Value

At $49, this tour provides nearly two hours of entertainment, combining history, architecture, and ghost stories. The small-group size (max 15 travelers) ensures you get plenty of interaction with guides like Georgia, Sonia, or Trevor, who are praised for their knowledge and engaging delivery. The tour’s family-friendly nature makes it accessible, and reviewers have praised the guides for their humor and personality, which keeps the atmosphere lively without feeling too spooky or intimidating.

Plus, the inclusion of access to the yard of the oldest and most haunted building in Georgetown adds an exclusive touch that many other tours skip. The fact that it’s a mobile ticket makes checking in smooth and straightforward, and the meeting point at the historic Old Stone House is both central and atmospheric.

Practical Tips for Your Ghost Tour Experience

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: You’ll cover about 3 miles over the course of the tour and visit uneven cobblestone streets.
• Check the weather forecast: Since the tour is outdoors at night, rain or cold weather could affect your experience.
• Arrive a few minutes early: Meeting at the Old Stone House ensures a smooth start, and guides are known for their friendly introductions.
• Bring a flashlight: While not essential, a small flashlight helps navigate darker alleys or uneven paths.
• Group size matters: With only 15 participants, you get a more personal experience, so booking in advance (on average 15 days ahead) is recommended.
• Tip your guide: While gratuities are not included, guides often go above and beyond with storytelling, so a tip is appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly experience, with stories that lean toward spooky but are appropriate for most ages, and with humor integrated into the narration.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including stops at key haunted sites and the Exorcist Steps.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a licensed guide, access to the yard of Georgetown’s oldest haunted building, and the walk along historic streets and the Exorcist Steps.

Are tickets mobile?
Yes, tickets are mobile, making check-in quick and convenient.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Old Stone House at 3051 M St NW and ends at the Exorcist Steps.

How many people are in each tour?
A maximum of 15 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if I book in advance?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this tour available in all weather conditions?
Most likely, but poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with options for a different date or full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

What makes this tour different from daytime sightseeing?
At night, the ambiance shifts—your surroundings appear more mysterious, and stories about curses and hauntings gain a different dimension compared to daytime exploration.

Final Thoughts

The Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, local legends, and spooky stories in one of DC’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to see Georgetown from a different perspective—by night, with a touch of the supernatural.

Guides like Sonia, Georgia, or Trevor enhance the experience with their knowledge and humor, making the tour both informative and fun. The tour’s intimate size and family-friendly approach make it accessible, while the iconic sights like the “Exorcist” Steps provide memorable photo opportunities and conversation starters.

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost-story enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an evening in DC, this tour offers great value. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for Georgetown’s layered past—and perhaps a little shiver or two along the way.

To sum it up, this ghost tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, engaging, and slightly spooky evening stroll. It’s especially suitable for curious travelers who love stories, architecture, and the charm of historic neighborhoods, all wrapped in a friendly, entertaining package.

If you’re after a memorable, offbeat experience in Georgetown, this tour should definitely be on your list.