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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
Spring is here, summer is on its way, and if you’re like me, you’re emerging from your winter cocoon ready to get out in the fresh air again. While making your weekend (or weekday) plans, remember to include George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which brings history to life through outdoor and indoor activities.
Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic outing, a single person living your best life, or busy parents needing a good activity for the whole family — Mount Vernon should be on your list of hotspots.
6 Reasons to Visit Mount Vernon
- It’s open daily and right outside of Alexandria — just a short, scenic drive down the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
- You can easily spend a day at the estate. Step inside George and Martha Washington’s mansion, explore a working farm, and see more than a dozen historic outbuildings, including a blacksmith. During your visit, take in the majestic views of the Potomac River as you sit on the Mansion’s piazza.
- Mount Vernon includes four beautiful gardens, where you can literally stop to smell the roses. Visit Martha Washington’s kitchen garden, a formal garden, a greenhouse where George Washington cultivated tropical fruits, and a botanical garden or “little garden,” which was a testing ground to see if foreign plants could grow in Virginia soil.
- Take the free Enslaved People of Mount Vernon tour to learn about those who were enslaved at Mount Vernon. See where the enslaved community worked and lived and learn about their daily life. You’ll also hear about Ona Judge, a lady’s maid who escaped enslavement while at the President’s Mansion in Philadelphia.
- Visit George Washington’s final resting place at his tomb nestled in a wooded enclosure.
- Cap off your day with a meal at The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant that serves favorites such as colonial cornbread, peanut soup, and skillet mac and cheese.
Know Before You Go
- A grounds pass provides access the estate and includes an audio tour.
- The Mansion tour requires a timed ticket, which should be purchased online in advance, as a limited number of Mansion tours are available.
- The Enslaved People of Mount Vernon tour is free, but requires tickets, which can be reserved during online checkout.
- Boat cruises to and from Mount Vernon resume on May 28 and depart from Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. Mount Vernon can also be accessed by bicycle. Bike rentals are available in Alexandria.
- Parking is free.
