Updated April 7, 2022.
If you’ve ever visited D.C. or ever plan to, there are probably a few things on your list: the White House, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial… and Mount Vernon! George Washington’s estate is best-known for being the home of the first President of the United States, but there’s more to George and his estate than that! Take a look, and start planning your trip!
Read on: The Best Day Trips from D.C.
Know Before You Go
As with all travels and life in general, it’s best to be prepared!
You will be outside more than you will be inside.
So dress for the weather! Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, wear a practical coat in the winter, wear sunscreen, use bug repellent, and have a wonderful time!
There are a lot of steps! But also a shuttle.
There is always a way to get where you need to go that does not involve stairs, but the shortest way often does involve stairs. But just in case, there is a free shuttle between the historic area and the lower farm with the 16-sided barn and the wharf.
More here: How to Plan a Trip Like a Pro
Your mansion ticket has a time, and it matters.
Hundreds of people want to visit George Washington’s mansion every day. That means they have to run a tight schedule! Please abide by the time on your mansion ticket. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that you’ll get in!
There are multiple onsite dining options.
Don’t be worried about getting hungry! There is a food court with coffee, breakfast, pastries, burgers, chicken sandwiches, Papa John’s pizza, salads, wraps, and dessert!
For something a little fancier, check out the Mount Vernon Inn for fine Colonial fare!
Want to know what we got? Check out Where to Eat in Alexandria, VA!
You can get grits and cornmeal made at George Washington’s Gristmill!
This is a pretty cool souvenir! The Washington Gristmill is just 2.7 miles down the road, and admission is $10 per person. You can purchase grits and cornmeal that was ground there. Just check out the gift shop!
There is a bag rule.
There is a rule on the website that says any bag you bring in that is larger than a clutch must be clear. I purchased a clear backpack and used it here with no issue, but I also saw plenty of people with non-clear bags of a variety of sizes. So, do with that information what you will.
In case you’re a rule follower like me, here are a couple of clear bag options! The links below are affiliate links with Amazon. By clicking the links to shop with me, you’re supporting my small business at no additional cost to you!
You can take pictures inside the mansion!
Yes! You can take as many photos as you like inside the mansion, but please turn off your flash. If you don’t know how to turn off your flash, ask someone to help you or Google it! Flash photography rarely makes photos better, and the light damages artifacts over time.
More here: 9 Habits of Successful Travelers
Getting There
There are multiple ways to get to Mount Vernon. In fact, getting there can be part of the fun!
By Car
Parking is FREE! Mount Vernon’s address is:
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Your car’s or phone’s GPS will have no trouble finding it! If you’re coming from D.C. or Alexandria, all you need to do is follow the George Washington Memorial Parkway south. You literally can’t miss it!
By Bike
You can easily ride your bike (or rent one) to or from Mount Vernon on the Mount Vernon Trail, which is an 18-mile, mixed-use, paved trail that runs from Mount Vernon to Georgetown. It’s very popular and is my personal favorite for running. It follows the Potomac River most of the way, and is beautiful in all seasons.
Related: 5 Things to LOVE about Alexandria, VA
By Boat
It’s true! You can take a Potomac River Cruise from either Alexandria or Washington, D.C., and your trip includes admission. One-way cruises are also available, in case you’re prefer to bike there and cruise back, or vice-versa. The boat option is 3 hours round-trip and includes sightseeing!
By Metro and Bus
If you’d prefer to take public transportation, it’s easy! Simply take the Yellow Line Metro to the Huntington Station (where the Yellow Line terminates), and board the Fairfax County Connector 101 to Mount Vernon.
Must read: Your Ultimate Guide to D.C.’s Metro System
Hours
Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year—yes, even on Christmas! It opens at 9:00am daily, and closes at 5:00pm April-October; 4:00pm November-March.
Note: The Museum and Education Center stays open one hour after the estate closes.
Admission
Admission to the Mansion is $20 for ages 12 and up, $12 for children ages 6-11, and FREE for children 5 years old and younger. This admission price includes the mansion tour; you will just have to select your time. Click here to purchase tickets online and skip the ticket office line. Members of the military receive a $6 discount.
Note: Purple Heart recipients always visit for FREE.
Want the ultimate George Washington experience?
How to Stay at George Washington’s Townhouse in Alexandria, VA
The Mansion
Now we’ve gotten to the good stuff! This is the part you came to see. As you’re looking at the mansion, you’ll line up at your appointed ticket time to the left of the mansion, in front of some of the outbuildings. There will be someone there to make sure you’re in the right place, and to answer any questions you may have. They’ll also tell you about the exterior of the house and maybe give you some interesting trivia information while you’re waiting!
As mentioned above, you can take non-flash photographs inside the mansion, so please do! Here are some highlights:
More like this: Presidents’ Homes within a Day’s Drive of D.C.
The Gardens and Grounds
The vast majority of the experiences to have at Mount Vernon are in the gardens, farms, and the grounds!
Gardens and Farms
There are always fruits, vegetables, and grains growing at Mount Vernon, and there are always costumed interpreters to tell you about them! Explore at your own pace, and be sure to wear appropriate shoes!
Read next: How to Have the Ultimate George Washington Getaway
Outbuildings
Mount Vernon estate always required a whole team of people to operate well! You can see where these people lived and worked, as well as see how they worked, thanks to the historical interpreters.
More here: Washington, D.C., for History Lovers
The Family Tombs
There are multiple Washingtons and relations buried and entombed on the property, and their family tomb is just a short, downhill walk from the mansion.
Essential info: The Ultimate Guide to What’s Actually Worth the Money in D.C.
The Museum and Education Center
I recommend reserving about an hour of your visit to make sure you have time to go through the museum and education center! There are plenty of Washington-original artifacts, you’ll find cool information about George Washington’s early life before he ever inherited Mount Vernon from his older brother, and some “facts” you know about George Washigton will be debunked as myths!
More here: How to Go Inside the Washington Monument
Special Events
Mount Vernon hosts special events all year long, from unique tours to the annual Patriot Run on September 11, from Whiskey tastings with George and Afternoon Tea with Martha, from the annual Colonial fair and market to Christmas at Mount Vernon, there’s always something special to celebrate! Check out their calender to see if there’s something special happening during your trip to the area!
Visiting at Christmas? Here are the Best Places to Go in D.C. at Christmas!
Want more? Check out my Washington, D.C., and United States Pages!
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