Tour Safely with DC by Foot
In addition to sharing our love of Washington, DC and its stories, DC by Foot is committed to providing tours that are welcoming, respectful, and conducted with safety in mind.
Our tours take place in public, urban environments and may involve walking, weather exposure, crowds, and historic infrastructure. Participation is subject to our Liability Disclaimer and Accessibility Guidelines.
Before the Tour
Tours take place outdoors and in active public spaces. Guests are encouraged to prepare appropriately for the experience, including wearing suitable clothing and footwear, bringing drinking water, and planning for weather conditions.
Tours generally operate rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or other safety concerns, a tour may be delayed, modified, or rescheduled at the guide’s discretion. Guests who provide contact information during booking will be notified of significant changes whenever possible.
DC by Foot and scheduled guides may be available by email or text to answer questions related to weather, traffic, or event-related delays. Guests remain responsible for their own transportation to and from tour meeting and ending locations.
The booking party is responsible for sharing tour details, expectations, and applicable policies with all members of their group.
Guests with accessibility needs, medical considerations, or other circumstances that may affect participation are encouraged to contact us in advance. While not all public tours are fully accessible due to historic infrastructure or site-specific limitations, advance notice allows us to discuss options and provide relevant information where possible.
During the Tour
Tours take place in urban environments and may include sidewalks, streets, parks, stairs, uneven surfaces, and public gathering areas. Guests are encouraged to remain with the group, use designated pathways where available, and exercise reasonable caution when navigating streets, bike lanes, or other obstacles.
If unexpected conditions arise—such as construction, demonstrations, or special events—guests should follow the guide’s directions to move through the area as safely as possible.
Minors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult on all tours.
Tours are primarily conducted outdoors. Guides will use their best judgment when adjusting routes, pacing, or timing due to weather, accessibility considerations, or environmental conditions. Guests are encouraged to follow guidance regarding rerouting, seeking shelter, or concluding the tour early if necessary. Guests remain responsible for their personal comfort and safety, including choosing when and how to depart safely if a tour ends early.
Federal Sites & Accessibility Considerations
Some tours enter federal or historic sites that may have additional safety, security, or accessibility requirements beyond DC by Foot’s control. Access decisions at these locations are determined by the site itself.
DC by Foot will make reasonable efforts to assist and provide information in advance, but cannot guarantee access where site-specific rules apply. Guests are encouraged to review the policies of relevant sites ahead of time and contact us with questions.
After the Tour
Contact information provided during booking is used solely for tour-related purposes, including confirmations, day-of updates, and coordination with the assigned guide. Guides may share their contact information to assist with meeting logistics.
Guests may also receive a follow-up request for feedback to help us improve our tours and services.
Accessibility & Support
DC by Foot welcomes guests of all abilities. While not every route or public tour can accommodate every accessibility need, private tours may allow for greater flexibility in pacing, routing, and stops. We encourage guests to reach out in advance so we can help determine which tours may work best for their needs.