mount vernon hamilton tour reviews

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Closed: 24 February 2024

Hamilton tour review – hit musical starts a new victory lap

The multi-award-winning musical is finally heading across the UK and Ireland

It’s nearing a decade since cultural juggernaut Hamilton catapulted creator Lin-Manuel Miranda into stardom with the kind of once-in-a-generation order of magnitude. It’s since established such a hyperventilating fanbase and reputation that it’s practically fireproof against even ballistic criticism. But it doesn’t have to worry, as this new victory lap tour of the country confirms.

Its formidable stature matches the bracing nature of its hyper-speed hip-hop. Genre of choice for telling the contributions of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton to the American Revolutionary War, Constitution and treasury. We see him pick up this style at college – an immigrant who learns linguistic dexterity and showmanship as fitting in and holding your own. The Cabinet debates he will have are rap battles – precursors to the duels where they’ll grip pistols like the microphones.

The verbal acrobatics don’t just keep it pacey and contemporary. The syncopated beats of “My Shot” become converted by stamping fists and tankards into an ominous undercurrent that echoes “you’re gonna get shot”. Dancers body-pop like they’re taking hits from bullets refracting through them. Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography – immaculately performed – creates a sense of things always in motion as the revolution courses through. The stage revolve presents a whirlwind with him at the centre.

Its slower moments balance the speed but can’t compete with the electricity. There are also jumpy transitions between scenes, songs and genres, such as the indignation of “Burn” or mournful stillness of John Laurens’ death, back into the bustle of politics in “Non-Stop”. Better at offsetting the tone is Daniel Boys’ strutting, pouting King George, lit in regal purple, drawing out “you” and “own” with his will to retain ownership of his subjects.

Shaq Taylor’s Hamilton shows the strain of his competing legacies – familial and political – his rhythm often halted by doubt on his contemplative, weary face. In “It’s Quiet Uptown” he stands proudly and stoically next to his grieving wife, as though unable to break out of the politician and reach her, before they drift off as funereal silhouettes. Powerfully, there’s something ghostly about seeing the culmination of his life in a montage without any music at all – the silence piercing like the bullet that brought it all to an end.

David Korins’ set also reflects the pressure of progress and revolutionary effort. A balcony gives a literal dimension to Washington’s warning: “history has its eyes on you”. Coiled, dangling and stretched ropes suggest something being hoisted into existence, and the combative tug-of-war tensions he’s always engaged in. A brick wall at the back stands crumbling away and being rebuilt.

Some plot and detail is lost in the dense lyrics. It’s exacerbated by an indecisiveness over being a history lesson or character drama. While his relationship with his son seems a legitimate motivation – “if we lay a strong enough foundation, we’ll pass it on to you” – it doesn’t blend. More cursory are the women, which it tries to counter by inventing (or at least embellishing) a love triangle with his wife’s sister that only reinforces their ancillary roles as love interests. Eliza’s final coda, “I’ve put myself back in the narrative”, doesn’t convince.

Still, it brings its greatest feat: the dazzling “Satisfied”, where melodies somersault and lap over each other as the sister’s feelings rise up, while deft tempo switches convey a revolutionary whirr. Its triumph is also demonstrating a mainstream musical phenomenon can be complex rather than undemanding. Hamilton remains a megaton musical achievement.

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Hamilton the Musical Tour

60-minute tour

Ideal for fans of hamilton the musical, why take this tour.

While there is not record of Alexander Hamilton visiting Mount Vernon, evidence of Hamilton the Musical abound at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. What ideas was Lafayette fighting for with the guns and ships the French brought? Where are the vines? Where are the fig trees? Get the answers to these questions and more on this hour-long tour.

What’s included?

Grounds pass / admission, mansion tour, things to know, covid policy.

• Face masks required for travelers in public areas
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Cancellation Policy

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Mount Vernon is the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, just a short drive from Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, VA.

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Adventures with our little explorer

How to spend the day at Mount Vernon with kids

Planning a trip to Washington DC? If so, add a day trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and learn about our first President up close and personal.

Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon is a top tourist attraction in the area, and is an easy day trip from Washington D.C.

On the blog, I will share how to spend the day in Mount Vernon with kids, so you can plan your visit to George Washington’s estate in Virginia.

A visit to Williamsburg Virginia with kids

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How to get to Mount Vernon

You can easily get to Mount Vernon by car, it’s a short drive from Washington DC, and parking is free.

But there are a few scenic ways to get to George Washington’s estate as well. One of the most scenic ways to get to Mount Vernon is by boat on the Potomac River.

You can easily get here from Washington DC, Alexandria , and the National Harbor on a boat cruise aboard the Potomac Riverboat Company .

You can also take a round trip cruise from Washington DC aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon , departing from the SW Waterfront. This tour includes general admission to Mount Vernon.

Where to purchase tickets to Mount Vernon

Make sure to purchase your Mount Vernon tickets online to avoid lines. Tickets costs $28 for Adults, $15 kids ages 6-11, and FREE for kids ages 0-5.

Your timed entry ticket takes you on a tour of George Washington’s Mansion and entrance to his estate.

There are other Mount Vernon tour add-ons that you can add to your visit to Mount Vernon as well. Here are a few that require an additional admission:

• Hamilton The Musical Tour – This tour is an additional $10 on top of the admission fee. This one hour tour starts from April-October 2022 Daily at 10am, and explores the ties between the Hamilton musical and Mount Vernon.
• National Treasure Book of Secrets Tour – This tour is also an additional $10, and you can go behind the scenes of the movie “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”. This one hour tour starts at 9:30am and 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This tour is offered March – December, daily
• Through my Eyes Tour – Also an additional $10, from March-November Sat-Sun at 10am & 1pm. This one hour tour takes you across the estate as an actor portraying people who lived on Mount Vernon show you what a day in their life at Mount Vernon was like.
• Private Mount Vernon Tours – Enjoy an exclusive private tour with your own guide at Mount Vernon. Prices start at $175, and must be booked two weeks in advance.

Top things to do at Mount Vernon with kids

Go on a scavenger hunt.

•  One way to let the kids enjoy their time at Mount Vernon is to go on a scavenger hunt.
• Pick up your adventure map at the Ford Orientation Center  and explore nine locations at the Estate.
• There are written clues and colorful pictures to help guide you to find the answers to clues, and solve the word puzzle, which ends with a prize.
• Once you finished, have your answers checked at the Guest Services desk in the lobby of the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center and Museum.
• You can also  download an I Spy Scavenger Hunt here  for kids ages 3-7, or pick one up at the Orientation Center. 

Download the Revolutionary Spy Adventure App

• Let the kids explore Mount Vernon and see what it takes to be a spy!
• First pick up your Code book at the Ford Orientation Center, which contains clues, then  download the Agent 711 Spy App  where you will solve ciphers, decode messages, and take on eight challenges, and earn the title of Spy Master.
• Once you complete your mission show a Mount Vernon staff member to receive your Spy Master bracelet. This activity is for kids 11 and up. 

Take the Photo Quest

•   Pick up a free Photo Quest here  and follow the clues to discover great places to take photos. For kids 11 and up.

Visit the Discovery Stations

• Visit the Discovery Station and learn more about George Washington and Mount Vernon, and grab a craft activity to take home. Thurs-Sun 1:30-3:30 p.m. Visit the calendar here for daily offerings.

Be Washington Interactive Theater

• See if you have what it takes to be like George Washington in this fun interactive experience for kids 10 and up!
• There are four challenging scenarios, and each one takes about 18 minutes to complete. This experience runs continuously from 9AM-4PM, and is located at the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center and Museum.

Top things to do at Mount Vernon

Visit the gardens at mount vernon.

On your visit to Mount Vernon with kids, make sure to visit the Gardens. George Washington loved farming and his gardens.

There are four perfectly landscaped gardens on Mount Vernon and are absolutely beautiful!

The Lower gardens are where George Washington planted fruits and vegetables for his estate and for sale at the local market. 

The Upper gardens were intended as a formal garden, showcasing George Washington’s skill as a gardener.

In the center of the garden you will find the greenhouse, which housed exotic plants, as well as the slaves quarters. 

This was one of the most picturesque gardens in the estate, and a great place to unwind while you wait for your tour to start.

Visit George Washingtons tomb at Mount Vernon

When planning a visit to Mount Vernon, don’t miss a visit to George Washington’s tomb. In his last Will and testament, George Washington desired to be buried at his estate.

During your visit to Mount Vernon with kids, you can pay homage to the Father of Our Country and the first First Lady. It was such an honor to pay our respects to our first President!

Visit the Slave Memorial and Burial Grounds

Just a short walk from George Washington’s tomb is the Slave Memorial and burial grounds. The memorial marks the site where both free and enslaved people were buried.

The graves were either unmarked or the markings did not survive, and the identities and numbers of those buried remain largely unknown. 

Explore the outbuildings at Mount Vernon

One of the most fun things to do in Mount Vernon with kids is exploring the grounds, especially the outbuildings.

The essential operations of the plantation were performed in numerous buildings scattered throughout the estate, and it was quite interesting learning about them.

Here you will also find his stables, composting hut and George Washington’s horse drawn carriage, which our little one thought was cool.

The kiddos will have an amazing time exploring the many different buildings in Mount Vernon, and learning more about farm life back in the days!

Visit the Farm

Another place the kids will love is the Farm at Mount Vernon.

The Farm is located along the banks of the Potomac and you can watch live demonstrations as costumed interpreters demonstrate what farm life was like back in the day.

Live demonstration vary day to day and includes farming and fishing practices, how to shear sheep and harvest crops and more.

The kids will love all the farm animals especially the sheeps! You can also explore the replica slave cabin and Washington’s 16-sided treading barn.

Tour George Washington’s Mansion

Mount Vernon’s top attraction is of course George Washington’s mansion. Your timed entry ticket takes you on a self-guided walking tour of George Washington’s mansion.

As you enter his home, you will notice most of his decor was farm themed. George Washington loved farming and it’s evident throughout his home.

We also learned about how the Mansion was built to look like it was made with stone, but is actually wood, which was impressive! 

On your self guided tour of George Washington’s Mansion, you will learn more about the mansions history with the very knowledgeable attendants located in every room.

They were very helpful and answered whatever question you may have had about the property.

The Mount Vernon Mansion tour follows a path that takes you to the many different rooms, and was the perfect amount of time, especially with kiddos.

The best part was the back patio, where you can sit on one of the rocking chairs and get the most amazing views of the Potomac river. 

Visit the Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon

At the end of your Mansion tour, make sure to visit the Museum and Education Center to learn more about George Washington- the man, his life-and becoming president.

This is one of the top things to do when visiting Mount Vernon with kids. They will have an awesome time learning about our first president with the many fun exhibits.

You can trace George Washington’s life story through state-of-the-art gallery displays, videos and exhibits.

Visit Mount Vernon on George Washington’s Birthday

One of the best times to visit Mount Vernon with kids is on Presidents Day, or George Washington’s birthday celebration.

During this FREE event at Mount Vernon, the kids will have an amazing time watching the Continental soldiers conduct a marching drill, fire their guns, and charge at the enemy in this fun military demonstration.

You can also listen as the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play patriotic music on the lawn on Mount Vernon. You can’t miss the wreath laying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb.

It was such an amazing experience, and definitely worth the visit if you happen to be visiting on President’s Day.

• When: February 21 (8am-5pm) & February 22 (9am-4pm)
• Tickets: Admission is FREE for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday.
• Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and will be released to Mount Vernon members on February 11, and to the general public on February 15. A limited number of tickets are available.
• Parking is free but they fill up pretty fast. I recommend that you arrive early for the best parking, and to avoid the traffic getting here!

Visit George Washington’s Grist Mill and Distillery

At the end of your Mount Vernon tour, take a shuttle or drive nearby to George Washington’s Grist Mill and distillery, which comes with your admission ticket.

The Mill was used to produce flour and cornmeal for the plantation, as well as high-quality flour for export to the West Indies, England and Europe.

Since entrance is free with your Mount Vernon tickets, make sure to add a tour of the fully-functioning reconstructions of Washington’s gristmill and whiskey distillery.

Visit Mount Vernon in the Fall

Make sure to visit George Washington’s Estate during the fall.

There are so many wonderful fall festivals, including a fun Mount Vernon Halloween event for the kids, complete with trick or treating and chocolate making demonstrations.

Seeing the fall foliage around the estate makes it look so much more beautiful, and makes the perfect backdrop for your Mount Vernon photos!

* Read our blog on some Fun Fall activities in the Washington DC area here . I share more fall events at Mount Vernon, including a few in Alexandria.

Where to eat at Mount Vernon 

On your visit to Mount Vernon with kids, there are a few places to grab a bite.

There is a food court that offers many options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks on the go, including salads, deli sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza.

You can even dine at the Mount Vernon Inn, located right next door from the estate.

Enjoy the flavors of early America in this sit down restaurant on Mount Vernon. I suggest making a reservation to avoid the long waits here. 

I hope this guide to Mount Vernon with kids inspires you to visit George Washington’s estate.

It was such an amazing experience to learn more about our First President and his life at home.

The museum alone was worth the visit and very informative!

Mount Vernon also hosts various events throughout the year, and is a good idea to check the website before visiting to see if there may be anything of interest on your visit.

If your ever in the region, make sure to visit George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, it was one memorable experience!

*Read our blog on visiting Old Town Alexandria Virginia , and explore George Washington’s old stomping grounds. We also have a blog post on visiting Old Town Alexandria during the holidays as well!

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Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.

From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!

Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.

Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!

The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.

Plan Your Visit to Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, just a short drive from Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA.

General admission includes one-day admittance to the Mount Vernon estate and an audio tour. While we recommend at least three hours for your visit, shorter visits are also possible.

Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Today's Hours

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The Mansion

Upper Garden

Washington's Tomb

Lower Garden

Slave Memorial

Front Parlor

Slave Quarters

Spinning House

Seasonal Closures

• Due to ongoing preservation work, the Mansion's New Room is not on display. 
• George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill will open for the season on Sat., April 6, and is open on weekends in Apr. - Oct.

Welcome to George Washington's Mount Vernon

Preservation Work

We have embarked upon our landmark Mansion Revitalization project! During your visit, you may see our Preservation teams restoring the framing, masonry, and environmental controls of the Mansion, ensuring our first president’s home will be ready to receive millions of guests for generations to come.

Individual rooms will be taken off display as work progresses through the house.

Beginning January 2024, the New Room will not be on view.

Grounds Pass

Scroll through to view the attractions included with your grounds pass.

Historic Area & Outbuildings

Forest Trail

The Education Center

Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon

The Shops at Mount Vernon

The Inn at Mount Vernon

The Distillery & Gristmill

There’s so much to see and do at George Washington’s estate that you can spend a whole day here.

Your grounds pass provides access to:

• the historic area
• outbuildings
• exhibits in the Education Center (Some objects, including George Washington's dentures, are not currently on display.)
• the museum exhibit Mount Vernon: An American Icon
• Distillery & Gristmill (April - October, Saturday & Sunday)

VIEW Things to Do

Mansion Tour

Step into the home that George Washington shared with his wife, Martha.

Tours currently require a timed tour ticket. 

The Mansion will be closed Jan. 23 – Feb. 5. The grounds remain open.

Reserve Your Tour Online

Mansion tour tickets are available online or at the gate.

We recommend reserving in advance online to receive your desired tour time. On busy days, including on weekends, the first available Mansion tour may be 2 hours or more after your arrival.

Private Tours

Enjoy an exclusive private tour with your own guide. 

Private tours of Mount Vernon enable guests to receive a more personalized experience, customized based on your interest with an expert guide. 

Face Coverings

Face coverings are not required for visitation. Guests are welcome to wear masks based on their personal comfort.

East Front Preservation

The East Front, the side of the Mansion facing the Potomac River, will be covered in scaffolding from March 21, 2022 through April 2023.

Scaffolding is on the East Front only; the West Front of the Mansion remains uncovered.

Visitors to Mount Vernon will see a rare sight: the original siding boards of the Mansion in their unpainted form, just as they were when the Mansion was constructed.

Mount Vernon is easily accessible by car, and parking is free.

You can also reach us by public transportation, via boat cruise , or  bike  (bike rentals are available).

Our Street Address

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Hours & Directions

Bike to Mount Vernon

Bike from Alexandria, VA to Mount Vernon. Bike rentals are available from our partners in Alexandria. 

visiting by bike

Where to Eat

Enjoy classic American favorites in a colonial-inspired setting at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, or grab a quick meal at the Food Court.

The Food Pavillion will be closed Jan. 29-Feb. 2.

Dining options

International Visitors

Mount Vernon publishes printed maps and guides to the estate in eleven languages.

Audio tours are available in five languages.

Private tours in select languages can be arranged in advance.

To better prepare you for your visit we have created the following video that outlines some of our new procedures.

Mount Vernon Official Visitation Guide

See what awaits you at George Washington's estate.

Reserve Your Tickets Online

Buy online to reserve your spot.

"We loved our day at Mount Vernon! It was the highlight of our DC trip. The whole family said this was their favorite place we visited." - TripAdvisor Review

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Mount Vernon is located in northern Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C.

For more information about things to do in Virginia, visit Virginia.org , the official tourism website for the state of Virginia. You’ll find an overview of each region in Virginia, as well as information about cultural attractions, museums, upcoming events, and where to stay. You can also purchase merchandise featuring the official Virginia slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.”

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What travelers are saying.

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Mt Vernon Day Trip with VIP River Cruise

Why take this tour?

• Take a scenic guided cruise along the Potomac River and enjoy a light breakfast (outbound trip) and a picnic lunch (return trip) on the boat.
• Enjoy VIP privileges including first access to the boat and reserved seating.
• Dig deeper into the history of Washington D.C. and America’s first president at sites like the Washington Family Tomb and the Enslaved Cemetery & Memorial.
• Explore Mount Vernon on a comprehensive tour of the estate and grounds, including tickets to the mansion to save you the hassle and extra fees of booking them yourself.
• Sites Visited
• Potomac River
• City Cruises Ferry
• Mt Vernon Estate
• George Washington's 16-sided barn
• Upper and Lower Gardens
• Blacksmith Shop
• Tomb of George and Martha Washington
• Memorial to Enslaved People
• Tour Includes
• Potomac River cruise
• Tickets to George Washington's mansion
• Continental breakfast on boat (outbound trip)
• Picnic lunch on boat (return trip)
• Small group of 15 guests maximum
• Local English-speaking guide

Walk in the footsteps of George Washington on a perfectly planned excursion from DC.

Total customer reviews: 5, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024- Pier 4- Spirit of Mt Vernon

The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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