D.C.: Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Haunted Tour

If you’re visiting Washington, D.C., and craving a blend of history and spine-tingling stories, the Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Haunted Tour offers a compelling evening adventure. Priced at just $39 per person, this 1.5-hour walk takes you through one of D.C.’s oldest neighborhoods, revealing its darker secrets, eerie coincidences, and cinematic moments that still send shivers down spines. Led by engaging guides, this tour balances historic charm with ghostly tales, making it a memorable experience whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines stunning nighttime views of Georgetown’s historic streets with authentic spooky stories rooted in real places—like the famous Exorcist Stairs. The guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, often sharing personal anecdotes, which makes the experience feel genuine and approachable. Another highlight is the visit to the Old Stone House, Washington’s oldest building, where a real sense of history and haunted legend intertwines, giving us a sense of walking through a living, breathing ghost story.

A possible consideration is that, since it’s a walking tour at night, you’ll want comfortable shoes and perhaps a flashlight, especially if you’re prone to spooky stories after dark. The tour is family-friendly, so it’s suitable for teens and older kids, but those with very young children might find the themes a bit intense. It’s ideal for history buffs who enjoy ghost stories or movie fans curious about the real-life inspiration behind horror scenes.

This tour suits anyone interested in Georgetown’s hidden past, haunted legends, or cinematic history. It offers a mix of entertainment and education, delivered in a lively, approachable manner—perfect for those looking for a different perspective on Washington’s historic neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: At $39, it offers great value for a 1.5-hour evening walk.
• Rich storytelling: Guides share engaging stories, blending history, true crime, and ghost lore.
• Authentic locations: Stops include the Old Stone House and the Exorcist Steps, with access to the haunted yard of a historic building.
• Family friendly: Suitable for teens and older kids, with spooky but appropriate stories.
• Nighttime ambiance: The evening setting enhances the eerie atmosphere.
• Authentic cinematic connection: The famous Exorcist Steps are part of the tour, tying history to pop culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Haunted Streets of Georgetown

Walking through Georgetown at night feels like flipping through a living history book laced with ghostly legends. This tour is designed to give you a balanced mix of spooky stories and historical context, making it both entertaining and educational. It’s not a haunted house jump-scare kind of experience but rather a stroll through stories that have accumulated over centuries, often linked to real buildings and events.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins outside the Old Stone House, Washington’s oldest structure, built before the Revolution. Here, the guide introduces the neighborhood’s early days, hinting that the original builder might still linger within. We loved the mention of painted “Haint Blue” porches, a traditional method to keep spirits from crossing over—a charming detail that ties local folklore to the architecture.

From there, you’ll walk among Victorian row houses, manicured gardens, and historic streets, each with its own story. For example, you might hear tales of boarding schools turned hospitals during the Civil War, with echoes of screams—an effective reminder of the neighborhood’s turbulent past. The guide’s storytelling makes these stories feel alive, and reviewers praise guides like Wayne, Georgia, Sonia, Ingeborg, and Sarah for their engaging, often humorous, delivery.

One of the tour’s most compelling stops is the backyard of a haunted building—famous for its history and paranormal tales. Access to this yard adds an element of exclusivity and a tangible connection to the stories.

The Exorcist Stairs

The highlight for many is the famous Exorcist Stairs. Featured in the classic horror film, these stairs are the final destination of the tour. The guide recounts the true story behind the film scene, adding a layer of genuine intrigue. Walking down the stairs gives you a visceral connection to the movie, and many reviews mention how “it made the horror scenes even more real” seeing them in person.

The Haunted Legends

Throughout the walk, stories range from haunted houses and curses to true crime tales from the Victorian era. One of the most talked-about stories involves a house that would turn off its lights nightly at the same time, long after the nanny who enforced the rule had left. Such stories are delivered with a perfect balance of awe and skepticism, which we appreciated.

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The Guides and Group Dynamics

Our experience was enriched by guides like Sonia and Georgia, who come across as passionate, knowledgeable storytellers. They often add personal touches—such as a tale about a guide’s own stalker or flickering lights—that make the stories feel genuine and intimate. Group sizes are manageable, around 16 people, fostering a comfortable environment for questions and reactions.

Accessibility and Comfort

Since it’s a family-friendly walk, the stories are suitable for teens and older children, but the dark and spooky themes might be too intense for very young children. The tour takes place mostly outdoors on well-lit streets, but a flashlight or comfortable shoes are advisable. The pacing is relaxed, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and ask questions.

Value and Price

Considering the access to historic and haunted sites, the expert guidance, and the unique stories, the $39 price tag is quite reasonable. The inclusion of a visit to one of Washington’s most haunted buildings adds exclusive value. While you’re not getting a private tour, the lively narration and access to iconic locations make it feel like a bargain.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, movie enthusiasts, or anyone curious about local legends. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy evening walks and a dash of supernatural intrigue. Families with teens will find it engaging and safe, thanks to the family-friendly tone and respectful storytelling. If you love stories about haunted houses, curses, or true crime, this tour will satisfy your curiosity while showing you a side of Georgetown many visitors overlook.

Final Thoughts

The Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Haunted Tour offers a well-balanced blend of history, ghost stories, and pop culture, making it a genuinely worthwhile experience for a modest price. The guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling skills elevate the walk from mere sightseeing to an engaging, memorable story session.

You’ll love the way this tour brings historic Georgetown alive—whether through tales of Civil War hospitals, Victorian legends, or cinematic moments on the steps of a horror film. The access to a haunted historic building and the famous movie location provide tangible highlights that stick with you long after the tour ends.

This tour is best suited for travelers who seek authentic stories, atmospheric settings, and a bit of fun spooky excitement. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening in Georgetown, especially if you’re looking to see a different side of D.C. beyond the monuments and museums.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly and suitable for teens, but very young children might find the spooky themes a bit intense.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable walk that fits well into an evening outing.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a guided walk led by a licensed guide, access to the yard of a haunted historic building, and the walk down the Exorcist Stairs.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside the Old Stone House at 3051 M St NW, Washington, DC.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for changing travel plans.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
Currently, it’s offered in English only, but the guides’ engaging storytelling makes it easy to follow along.

This haunted tour through Georgetown offers an engaging combination of history, local legends, and cinematic moments that will appeal to a broad range of visitors. Whether you’re a history lover, a horror fan, or just seeking a fun evening walk, it’s an experience worth considering as part of your D.C. adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: