Taking a walking tour focused on John F. Kennedy’s life and career in Washington, D.C., offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and significant sites connected to one of America’s most storied presidents. Such a tour would likely cover a range of locations that highlight Kennedy’s political career, personal life, and enduring legacy.
During his time as U.S. Senator, John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, lived in several homes around the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. Before January 1961 when the Kennedy family moved into the White House, they lived at a total of seven residences around Georgetown!
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Take a Walking Tour of President John F. Kennedy’s Life and Career
For those who have an affinity for our presidential history, taking a walking tour of the places and spaces where John F. Kennedy worked and lived is a great way to take a personal glimpse into this icon’s life. Here are the main spots to add to this self-guided tour:
- White House: Naturally, any JFK tour would include the White House, where Kennedy lived during his presidency from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. While public tours inside the White House are limited, you can learn about JFK’s time there and his impact on the nation from nearby.
- The Kennedy Center of Performing Arts: Dedicated in 1971 as a memorial to JFK, the Kennedy Center is a vibrant cultural hub that hosts a variety of performances across multiple theaters. It’s a testament to Kennedy’s commitment to the arts and humanities, and visitors can explore the grand foyer and halls adorned with portraits and busts of Kennedy, as well as attend a free performance at the Millennium Stage.
- Arlington National Cemetery: Just across the Potomac River from D.C., this sacred site is where President Kennedy is buried. His widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, lit an eternal flame at the grave site, which remains one of the most visited spots in the cemetery.
- The US Capitol: Kennedy’s presidential inauguration took place on the steps of the Capitol on January 20, 1961. His famous speech, in which he delivered the iconic line, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” resonated around the steps and across the globe.
Explore JKF’s Former Residences in Georgetown:
Kennedy’s former residence in Georgetown, where he lived prior to his presidency, can provide a more personal look into his life. Although the homes are private and not open to the public, walking through the historic neighborhood offers a sense of his life before entering the White House.
- 1528 31st Street, NW where, as a Congressman, he first lived in DC for three years starting in 1946.
- 1400 34th Street, NW where JFK lived from 1949-51. For a while, his sister Eunice lived there until she became engaged to Sargent Shriver.
- 3260 N Street, NW is where Kennedy began his career in the Senate. While living there, he attended a Georgetown dinner party in 1952 and met the captivating Jacqueline Bouvier. It was another nine months before, at another dinner party thrown by the same couple, he again met and this time, asked Jackie out.
- 3271 P Street, NW is where Senator Kennedy lived when he took Jackie to the Eisenhower Inaugural Ball in January 1953. He also later proposed to her from this house…
- 3321 Dent Place, NW is the first house where the Kennedys lived together, but only for resided there for five months in 1953-54. It was a rental for the newlyweds and when the gardener’s first invoice arrived,
- 2808 P Street, NW JFK and Jackie moved into this house in 1957. During their period here, the Democratic Party looked at Kennedy as a possible presidential candidate.
- 3307 N Street, NW This is the townhouse that Jack bought as a gift to Jackie after she gave birth to their first daughter Caroline in1957 and late John, Jr. The family lived here when JFK started his campaign for the Presidency. They stayed in this home until 1961 when he was elected President and moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
After leaving the White House, the family moved to 3038 N Street, NW for a brief stay (four months), after which they relocated just down the block to 3017 N Street, NW. The family lived there for less than a year, under the constant harassment of the press and photographers until they moved to Manhattan.
Additional points of interest:
Walking tour maps and more information are available at the Georgetown Visitors Center located at 3242 M Street, NW.
Nearest Metro subway station– Foggy Bottom – Blue and Orange Line, then about a 3/4 mile walk or Dupont Circle – Red Line and a 1 mile walk.
From the National Mall area or downtown, take the DC Circulator Georgetown-Union Station route to M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
One of the Best Hotels near Dupont Circle in Washington DC
The American Guest House is one of the best hotels near Dupont Circle, offering Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, a ten-minute walk to the DuPont Circle metro/subway and one-mile northwest of the White House.
We hope you feel at home at our historic boutique hotel near Dupont Circle. We offer business travelers and tourists a welcoming space to relax after a long day exploring all the best things to do in Washington DC. With only 12 private guest rooms, you’ll never encounter unexpected crowds or unwanted noise at the American Guest House. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming space with high-end amenities for an unforgettable getaway.
We can’t wait to host you for business or pleasure. Book your lodging at the American Guest House today!
