About
Explore DC with David
There's more than meets the eye in Washington. See that ordinary house over there? It's an FBI observation post. That nondescript restaurant across the street? A Soviet spy escaped his CIA handler there.
On an Off the Record tour, I delve into the history of all the places, we visit and debunk the local rumors and urban legends, and show you the secrets hidden in plain sight.
I'm excited to show you around this intriguing city and sharing its history and stories with visitors and locals alike. Browse our tour selection below to find out more. I look forward to seeing you!
Learn from the Expert
David Shaw
I have lived in Washington for nearly forty years and have been a guide for 15. My favorite things to do in Washington: Taking visitors to the Lincoln Memorial at night, Eastern Market on weekends; brunch at Le Diplomate, evensong at Washington National Cathedral, guessing who's in a motorcade, Friday night parades at the 8th & I Marine Corp barracks, and Politics and Prose Bookstore. I love to travel and have been to twenty-seven countries and every state except Idaho and Nebraska.
I am a Certified Master Guide of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC, a certified guide at Washington National Cathedral, and hold a DC tour guide license. In addition I work as an International Visitor Liaison for the State Department. I also hold a New York City sightseeing license.
In addition to private tours, if you're planning a bus tour and need of a local guide, I also do group tours for adults and students.
Washington denizen and tour guide
Ever since I was a young boy watching the Watergate hearings on TV with my mother, I wanted to live in Washington. The confluence of personalities, power, and history makes this such an intriguing city. I consider myself fortunate to be able to tell you its stories as well as separating myths from facts. Join me and see Washington again for the first time.
Why choose us?
Out of the Ordinary Experiences With Your Private Tours in Washington DC
At Off the Record Tours, I know how valuable your vacation time is. You are not looking for a generic experience, listening to time-worn stories. Savvy travelers know that the best way to see this area is with Washington DC private tours with a local. I provide a personalized tour experience with a highly knowledgeable tour guide. Your excursion will be led by a Certified Master Guide of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC who is also certified as a National Cathedral guide.
Expert Local Guide
David is a Certified Master Guide of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC, holds a District tour guide license, and is a certified National Cathedral guide — there’s no doubt you’re in the best hands!
Safety
All of our tours are private so you feel more comfortable with the people you know
Unrivaled Storytelling
David treasures the history of the city and loves nothing more than to show it off. He keeps things factual (in addition to a lot of urban legends) coupled with a dry sense of humor and wit — hear wha...
David treasures the history of the city and loves nothing more than to show it off. He keeps things factual (in addition to a lot of urban legends) coupled with a dry sense of humor and wit — hear what’s Off the Record. Get real time availability and instant confirmation for your upcoming trip.
Informative, Expert Tours in Washington, D.C.
New York and Philadelphia were the capitals of the United States before the government moved to Washington in 1800. For much of its history the city was a small city with few reasons to visit. President Kennedy even joked that it was a city of "Northern charm and southern efficiency." The Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and World War II brought thousand of new workers to Washington and the city has only grown since then.
Today Washington is home to some of the world's greatest museums, cutting-edge theaters, and Michelin-starred restaurants. It's memorials and monuments are inspiring. Their meanings have changed over time as our understand of the people and events they remember has. Off the Record Tours tells the stories of how all these sites have evolved to tell the complete story of the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
