tour of mt vernon

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George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates is located on a hill along the Potomac river. Mount Vernon, named after a British General, was originally much smaller than the spacious mansion we see today. Built in 1735 by Washington’s father Augustine, the original building was a one-and-a-half story farmhouse. George Washington raised the roof in 1758 to its current height of two-and-a-half stories.In 1774 Washington drastically increased the floorspace, adding the two wings, the piazza, and cupola.

Washington was an innovator and explored many different ways of integrating new technology and equipment into the construction and operation of his estate. He gave personal attention to Mount Vernon’s operations, and his attentiveness to detail is still reflected in the maintenance and restoration of Mount Vernon today. For example, the room formerly known as the “Nelly Custis Bedchamber” has recently been restored to a more faithful interpretation of the room during its use in Washington’s day. It has been aptly renamed “The Chintz Room.”  

 Most of the Mount Vernon estate sites are available by wheelchair . Many of the paths to different buildings and features on the estate are uneven, but there is a wheelchair path leading from the the Ford Orientation Center, Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Eduation Center and also the Mount Vernon Inn.   However, the Mansion’s upper floor is accessible only by stairway. Non-motorized wheelchairs and wheeled walkers are available free of charge in the Ford Orientation Center.

A map of accessible paths is available on the Mount Vernon Accessibility Page .

Small hand-held devices are also available for those who are blind or have low vision , and audio tours are available for those hard of hearing. There are also ASL tours available for the main estate and auxiliary grounds (such as the Gristmill and Distillery) the by calling or emailing beforehand and requesting an ASL tour guide for the grounds ahead of time.

If you have further questions, please send your emails to [email protected] or call 703-780-2000.

• potomac heritage national scenic trail
• architecture
• historic buildings
• george washington
• martha custis washington
• revolutionary war
• mount vernon
• agriculture

Last updated: August 1, 2017

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are face coverings/face masks required.

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

How much is general admission?

Admission ticket prices are available on our Plan Your Visit page .

What is included with general admission?

General admission includes access to the historic area, gardens, outbuildings, and museums. Admission also includes an audio tour device.

Can I walk the grounds without paying admission?

No. Admission is required for entry onto the grounds. The Mount Vernon Inn restaurant, The Shops at Mount Vernon and the food court are open to the public without a ticket.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

We recommend that you purchase your tickets online in advance so that you can enter the estate more quickly.

Can I buy tickets over the phone?

Yes. Please call (703) 780-2000.

How do I know if you are sold out?

Our checkout screen will tell you if tickets are not available for your selected date.

Do you have a two-day pass?

While we do not offer two-day passes, guests can become Mount Vernon members . Membership includes free daytime admission for one year.

If I have purchased tickets online, can I change the date or time of my visit?

We can usually accommodate requests for changes that are made in advance. Please call (703) 780-2000 or email [email protected].

Do I need to print out my tickets?

No, you can show the barcode on your phone or mobile device.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes. Gift cards can be purchased on our website.

Do you offer refunds?

Please see our cancellation policy.

I have a National Park Pass. Is Mount Vernon included?

No, Mount Vernon is not part of the National Park System; park passes are not valid for admission. Mount Vernon is owned and maintained in trust for the people of the United States by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, founded in 1853.

Do you offer AAA or AARP discounts?

No, we do not offer these discounts.

Do you offer free admission for employees of other museums or federal government employees?

Yes, Mount Vernon offers free admission to employees of historic homes or museums (with identification).

We do not offer discounts for federal government employees or law enforcement.

Please call (703) 780-2000 or email [email protected] to request tickets.

Do you offer teacher discounts?

Discounts for educators are available when visiting as part of a student group .

Do you offer military discounts?

Yes, military members save $4 on admission tickets on-site and online with ID.me.  See our ID.me Discount page for more information.

Purple Heart recipients receive free admission. 

Military members also save $20 on a Mount Vernon membership, which includes free daytime admission for one year. This discount is available at all one-year membership levels (i.e. individual, dual, family, etc.). To receive the discount, click on the ID.me button when purchasing or renewing a membership. Learn more about membership.

Do you offer discounts for first responders or medical professionals?

Yes, first responders and medical professionals save $3 on admission tickets on-site and online with ID.me.  See our ID.me Discount page for more information.

Do you offer reduced admission for EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer Card) holders?

Yes, present your EBT card at the gate to receive daytime admission tickets for $2 each. Available in-person only; this offer cannot be redeemed online.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon participates in the Museums for All initiative that offers discounted museum admission for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits).

Visit their website to view all participating museums.

Planning Your Day

How much time should i spend at mount vernon.

There's so much to see and do at Mount Vernon. We recommend guests spend three hours or more here.

What if I arrive just before closing?

If you buy your admission at the gate within one hour of closing, we will validate your ticket so that you can come back the next day for free.

When is the best time of year to visit? 

Every season has its benefits and drawbacks.

During the spring, our gardens are in full bloom, and we often have newborn lambs on the estate. However, spring is also our busiest time of year.

During the summer, the Farm is active with 18th-century demonstrations, and visitors can cool off with sightseeing cruises on the Potomac.

In the fall, we see milder weather, lighter crowds, and beautiful autumn colors.

While it can be a bit chilly during the winter, the estate is most peaceful during this time period.

Getting to Mount Vernon

How can i get to mount vernon.

Mount Vernon can be reached by public transportation, car, taxi, rideshare, boat, tour bus, or bike. Please see our Directions page for details.

Why is my GPS unable to locate Mount Vernon, VA 22121?

Older GPS devices may not have the address in their database. You may use the address for the U.S. Post Office that is located across the street from the estate (3500 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA, 22309).

Is parking free?

Navigating the estate, how far is the entrance from the parking lot.

The entrance is a five to eight-minute walk depending on which parking lot you park in. Visitors with mobility issues may be dropped off in the traffic circle.

Can I have a printable visitor map?

Maps are available inside the Orientation Center where you enter the estate. You can also use www.mountvernon.org/explorer on your phone.

Large-print maps are available upon request at the Orientation Center.

In addition to English, print maps are available in  French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.

Is the estate easy to navigate?

Although the 18th-century pathways in the historic area can be uneven, there is an accessible path linking the Mansion, Ford Orientation Center , and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.

Accessible paths are highlighted on our estate map, available in the Ford Orientation Center.

Other areas of the estate can be challenging to those with mobility issues.

Is there a shuttle?

A shuttle (with lift) runs continuously between the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center and the Farm (April–October). The shuttle is included with admission.

Do you have wheelchairs and electric scooters?

Standard, non-motorized wheelchairs and wheeled walkers are available free of charge inside the Ford Orientation Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric scooters are not available.

What to Bring

What should i bring.

• Comfortable shoes, as there are dirt paths and some uneven walkways
• An umbrella, if the weather forecast calls for rain, as guests must walk outdoors to access the Mansion and historic area
• Bottled water, especially on hot days; no other outside food or drink is permitted
• A dog leash, if you will be visiting the estate with your dog. Learn more about bringing your dog to Mount Vernon .
• Strollers are welcome on the estate but cannot be taken inside the Mansion. Strollers may be parked outside of the Mansion prior to your tour.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the property, but they cannot enter the Mansion. Please see our Dog Visitation Policy .

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, but they may not be taken into the Mansion. They may be parked outside of the Mansion prior to your tour.

Which items are prohibited?

• Bags larger than 16x16x8 inches
• Outside food or drink (except water)
• Weapons/firearms

All bags are subject to inspection. View the complete list of prohibited items.

Can I bring outside food or drink on the estate?

Outside food and drink other than bottled water are prohibited on the estate. If you would like to bring bagged lunches, tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Shops at Mount Vernon.

Food is available for purchase at the food court and the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.

Can you store my luggage?

We can store your luggage in our gatehouse, which is located near the curb by the main entrance. Ask a Guest Services associate for assistance.

Mansion Tour

How long is the mansion tour.

The length of the Mansion tour depends on the number of guests who visit the estate. Tours generally last 15-25 minutes. 

At what time can I tour the Mansion?

When you purchase your ticket online, you will be asked to choose a time for your Mansion tour. This is the time at which you can enter the line for the Mansion. There may be a short wait before your tour.  

If you purchase your ticket at the gate, your Mansion tour time will be assigned at the time of purchase.

Missed your tour time? Please talk to the guest services staff at the Mansion line. They will make every effort to accommodate you.

Where is the Mansion tour line?

The Mansion tour line is located next to the upper garden. It is about a quarter of a mile from the Ford Orientation Center.

Should I enter the Mansion tour line early?

No. You should plan to arrive at the Mansion tour line at the time printed on your ticket.

However, you should arrive at the main entrance of the estate at least 30 minutes prior to your tour.

What should I do if there is a long wait for my Mansion tour?

During your visit, you can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, gardens, and museums. On average, guests spend about 4 hours at Mount Vernon. 

What items are prohibited in the Mansion?

• Strollers (these may be parked outside of the Mansion)
• Uncapped bottles of water

Is the Mansion wheelchair accessible?

Only the first floor of the Mansion is wheelchair accessible.

What services do you offer for those who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Live Transcribe is available for the Mansion tour, upon request.

ASL tours of the Mansion and other primary learning sites can usually be arranged with two weeks advance notice.

Please see our accessibility page for more details on our Interpretive Assistance offerings.

Specialty Tours

What are specialty tours.

Specialty tours provide additional information about a particular subject. They generally require an additional fee, although the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon tour is available at no cost.

Our specialty tours can be viewed here. They are also listed in the daily events calendar .

Where do I meet my tour guide?

All specialty tours meet at the Mansion Circle in front of the “Tours Meet Here” sign.

Can I take more than one specialty tour?

You can book as many as your day allows. Please be aware that tours are about an hour-long, and you should allow for 15 minutes between tours.

Are tours available for guests who are blind, deaf or hard of hearing?

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service to all guests who visit us.  Please see our accessibility page for more details on our Interpretive Assistance offerings.

Are tours available in other languages?

Private tours can be arranged in select languages . Tour times may be subject to speaker availability. We highly recommend booking tours at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. To book a reservation email [email protected] .

Groups & Group Discounts

Do you have special rates for homeschool groups.

Yes. View our rates for student groups.

Can I hold my military ceremony at Mount Vernon?

Yes. Please view our military ceremony policy.

Can my school perform at Mount Vernon?

Mount Vernon does allow performances by school groups and other organizations. Please view our musical performance policy.

Guest Services

Is there a nursing room for mothers.

An Infant Care Room is available for nursing mothers near the exit desk in the Education Center. Please ask staff for assistance.

How do I contact your lost and found department?

Please fill out our lost and found form or email [email protected].

Please see our Membership FAQ.

Guest Policies

Read our guidelines for guests.

Additional Questions?

Contact us at 703.780.2000 or at [email protected].

Quick Links

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virtual Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon

By George Washington’s Mount Vernon

West Front Washington designed the west front of the Mansion to greet and impress visitors, who could see it from a distance as they entered the west gate and approached the house. The Mansion’s rusticated siding created the effect of a stately home made from expensive stone.

East Front & Piazza The east front of the Mansion looks out over the Potomac River to the far Maryland shore. The two-story piazza is the Mansion’s most distinctive architectural feature. Extending the full length of the back of the house, it also has a practical function - catching the river breezes on a hot and humid Virginia day. The Washingtons treated the piazza as an outdoor room, serving afternoon tea here to visitors and family members seated in simple Windsor chairs.

New Room Washington called this room - the last addition to the Mansion and the grandest space in the house - his “New Room”. With its two-story-high ceiling, detailed architectural ornament, and stylish furnishings, the New Room was intended to emphasize unpretentious beauty and fine craftsmanship, qualities he believed communicated the new nation’s values. Like the grand “salons” of fashionable 18th-century English manor homes, this room was meant to serve several functions. As a receiving area for visitors, its high ceiling, large volume, and symmetrical decoration made the space truly impressive as the room alone was larger than most houses in colonial Virginia.

West Parlor Before the New Room was complete, Washington considered the west parlor to be “the best place in my House.” This elegant room was a public space where visitors enjoyed the Washington family’s company. Tea and coffee were customarily served here during the winter and on rainy days, and the household gathered here in the evenings to read, discuss the latest political news, and play games. In 1787 changes were made to update the room, including the application of fashionable and expensive Prussian blue paint. The ceiling was also replaced and decorated in the neoclassical style.

Little Parlor When George Washington returned home from the presidency, he decided to convert what had been a first-floor bedchamber into a music and family room, thus allowing more space for informal entertaining. In this room you will find a harpsichord which was purchased by Washington in 1793 for his step-granddaughter Eleanor (Nelly) Parke Custis.

Central Passage The central passage is the entryway into the Washingtons home, the place where visitors who pulled up on the drive in front of the house were greeted. Entertaining also occurred in the central passage, particularly during hot Virginia summers when the family gathered here to enjoy breezes from the open doorways. The elegant space, which runs the width of the house, provides magnificent views of the Potomac and the Maryland shoreline to the east and of the pastoral bowling green, fields, and woods beyond to the west.

Old Chamber This bedchamber accommodated some of the many visitors who stopped at Mount Vernon before, and especially after, George Washington’s presidency. He once described the house as a “well restored tavern” because “scarcely any strangers who are going from north to south, or from south to north do not spend a day or two at it.”

Dining Room One of the most striking spaces in the Mansion, the dining room is part of the original house, built in 1735. Over the years, the room underwent a series of renovations. While Washington was away with the Continental Army in 1775, it was updated under the supervision of his cousin Lund Washington. In 1785 striking verdigris-green paint was added. Washington believed the color to be “grateful to the eye” and less likely than other colors to fade; an overcoat of glaze further intensified the color.

Study After George Washington’s return to Mount Vernon in 1783 at the end of the Revolutionary War, the study became his retreat from ever-present family and visitors. Reportedly, no one was allowed in this room without his invitation. From here, he directed the management of his estate, receiving reports from overseers, making daily diary entries, and posting his accounts. The study was also where Washington bathed, dressed, and kept his clothes. Each morning, he rose between 4 and 5 a.m. and went to the study, using the private staircase that led down from the bedchamber.

Second Floor Passage The second floor passage provides access to the many bedrooms on the second floor and the third floor above. The elegant walnut staircase connects the landing with the central passage below.

Blue Room This room was originally part of a larger room called the “White Room” on Lawrence Washington’s 1753 probate inventory. George Washington’s 1757 enlargement of the house gained enough space on the second floor to create two rooms out of the White Room, this room and the Lafayette Room. Washington utilized this room as a storage or lumber room, and its woodwork was originally painted with the grey paint frequently found in such utilitarian spaces during the 18th century. As a storage space, the room was unheated; the current fireplace was added during the construction of the New Room in 1776. After that point the room became a bed chamber and was painted with the blue color seen today.

Lafayette Room This room is often referred to as the Lafayette Room because it is believed that the marquis stayed here while visiting the Washingtons. Lafayette was a young French nobleman who volunteered his services in America’s fight for freedom during the Revolutionary War. Like his beloved Washington, he served without pay as a general in the Continental Army, and the two maintained a strong bond.

Nelly Custis Room This room was used by Martha Washington’s granddaughter Nelly Custis, who lived at Mount Vernon from early childhood. The room dates to the 1758-59 enlargement of the house, and much of the plaster and woodwork are original. As with other rooms in the Mansion, a more fashion paint color was added to the walls in the 1780s, and there is evidence that the room once had blue wallpaper.

Yellow Room The Yellow Room occupies the southeast corner of George Washington’s 1759 house and is slightly larger than the first floor bedchamber that is below it. Before the remolding of the 1750s, this space formed two rooms, one an unheated room tucked under the east slope of the roof, and one heated room called the “Yellow Room.” With the creation of the full second story, the new Yellow Room received a corner fireplace and a window in the east wall.

Washington Bedchamber Located directly above the study in the private south wing was George and Martha Washington’s spacious bedroom. Designed according to Mrs. Washington’s suggestion that it be simple and functional, the room was also her sanctuary, where she planned her schedule and wrote letters to friends and family members. According to her grandson, she also spent an hour each day reading the Bible and praying. George Washington died of a severe throat infection in this room on December 14, 1799.

Garret Bedchamber After the death of George Washington, Martha moved into this garret bedroom on the third floor of the Mansion in 1799. A small stove was added to the room to provide heat to what was previously an unheated room.

The First President

George washington’s mount vernon.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

• (2.29 mi) Best Western Plus Mount Vernon/Fort Belvoir
• (2.44 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Belvoir Alexandria South
• (5.46 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alexandria - Fort Belvoir, an IHG Hotel
• (6.78 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Duke Street
• (7.77 mi) Hotel AKA Alexandria
• (0.20 mi) The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
• (6.14 mi) Afghan Bistro
• (2.21 mi) Su Pollo
• (1.13 mi) Cedar Knoll
• (7.48 mi) Mike's American
• (0.17 mi) Birthplace National Monument
• (0.17 mi) Ford Orientation Center
• (0.17 mi) The Shops At Mount Vernon
• (0.23 mi) Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center
• (0.58 mi) Luxury Tours of Mount Vernon

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TravelAwaits

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A Visit To Mount Vernon: The Best Things To See And Do

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• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
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• Washington, D.C.

With his proven success leading a ragtag group of patriots to win the Revolutionary War and drafting the constitution of the newly formed United States, George Washington steadfastly secured his place in history as America’s first president. And that’s why, in a city full of free memorials, museums, and other sights, it’s absolutely worth the time, effort, and cost to travel about 15 miles south of the nation’s capital to spend a day at Mount Vernon.

From the mansion where America’s first president lived to the slave cemetery a few feet away from the graves of George and Martha, these are the best things to see and do on a visit to this Founding Father’s home in Mount Vernon.

Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

George Washington’s Mansion

When George was a toddler, his father began building a modest home. And when the future president’s older half-brother passed away two decades later, a 22-year-old George took the reins. Over the next 45 years that Washington lived at Mount Vernon, he added to the home, turning it into the nearly 11,000 square foot, two-and-a-half-story, 21-room mansion that can be toured today.

General admission to Mount Vernon includes a guided tour of the mansion. However, entrance to the mansion is timed, so it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance and plan the rest of your visit to Mount Vernon around your scheduled home tour.

There is a lot to take in when touring the home, which is ten times larger than the average colonial Virginia home. However, your tour guide will certainly tell you all about:

• The majestic New Room (including how it got its name)
• George Washington’s study (his 18th-century man cave)
• The Washingtons’ bedroom (where George passed away from a throat infection in 1799)
• The dove weathervane atop the cupola (commissioned by Washington to symbolize his desire for peace in the new nation)

But one of my favorite experiences was learning about a key mounted on the wall of the central hall. The key was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette, Washington’s friend and fellow revolutionary. It once unlocked the door to the infamous Bastille prison, whose destruction is considered the start of the French Revolution.

Pro Tip: To view the upper floors of the home, you’ll have to climb stairs. See the Mount Vernon website for accessibility information including recommended paths and handheld devices for guests with limited vision and hearing.

A Variety Of Outbuildings

In stark contrast to the mansion, be sure to visit the overseer’s and slave quarters. Because he was often away from Mount Vernon serving his country, George Washington hired an overseer for each of his five farms. In exchange for a modest annual salary of $133.33 — plus lodging, meals, and laundry service — the overseer at Mount Vernon was given the 18th-century equivalent of a studio apartment. And for a life of backbreaking forced labor, the hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children at Mount Vernon lived with 20 or more people in the same space.

In a world without indoor plumbing, the “necessary” was the Cadillac of outhouses back in the 18th century. Instead of a deep dirt hole where human waste would be deposited, the outdoor facilities at Mount Vernon used a system of drawers that could be removed for proper disposal and cleaning.

Other buildings to explore for a glimpse of life at George Washington’s Mount Vernon include the blacksmith shop, carriage house, stable, spinning house, and storehouse.

Gardens And Greenhouse

If you stand on George Washington’s front porch, you’ll see a large curved expanse of lush green grass known as the bowling green. While many of our homes feature green lawns today, in the late 1700s it was a rarity that reinforced the Washingtons’ wealth.

Flanking the bowling green are the upper garden (to the right) and the lower garden (to the left). The lower garden was designed to produce edibles for the kitchen, but the upper garden was created to grow flowers and be a place of beauty.

Speaking of beauty, it’s hard to miss the impressive red brick building with a row of cathedral glass windows that stands on the northeastern edge of the upper garden. In this massive greenhouse, the first president was able to successfully grow coffee beans, healing aloe plants, citrus trees, and other non-native plants through the cold Northern Virginia winters.

George Washington’s Final Resting Place

Since his death at the end of the 18th century, George Washington has been interred in two places at Mount Vernon. Overlooking the Potomac River, the old vault was the original burial plot for POTUS 1, his wife, and 20 other family members. But George Washington realized that the family vault required extensive repairs, so his last will and testament requested that a new tomb be constructed.

About three decades after his death, the bodies of America’s original president and first lady were moved to their current resting place. With two cream-colored obelisks that look like miniature Washington monuments, George and Martha are now buried in a small brick building just to the west of the old tomb.

Slave Cemetery And Memorial

While it’s a beautiful and historic place to visit, the truth is that George Washington’s Mount Vernon was constructed and operated by hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children . And although 12 American presidents owned slaves, several things set George Washington apart from other slave masters.

Despite the fact that he owned hundreds of human beings, George Washington struggled with the idea of slavery, spoke out against the institution, and expressed his desire to end the practice. And more importantly, he ultimately took action. In the will he penned in his home office, Washington stipulated that his slaves would be freed upon the death of his wife, Martha.

And when the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association identified the location of the slave cemetery in 1929 by adding a memorial marker — just steps from where George and Martha are buried — it was believed to be the first tribute of its kind at an American historic site. In 1983, architecture students from Howard University added an updated memorial to the Slave Cemetery to honor the enslaved people who were forced to spend their lives toiling at Mount Vernon.

MountVernon.org

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

While you can certainly dodge scores of school children and opt for a fast-food style meal at the Mount Vernon Food Court Pavilion, there is an alternative, and I highly recommend it! For just a few dollars more, you can enjoy a delicious sit-down meal at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. No matter which salad, sandwich, or entree you select, be sure to add a cup of George’s favorite soup to your order.

Made with a recipe that dates back to George and Martha’s time at Mount Vernon, the peanut and chestnut soup is amazing, no matter how unusual it may sound.

Pro Tip: An admission ticket is not required to dine at the Mount Vernon Inn, so if your itinerary doesn’t allow you to spend a day exploring the estate, you can always stop by for dinner (and a cup of that amazing soup)!

Other Tips For A Fantastic Visit To Mount Vernon

While the D.C. Metro is an affordable, easy-to-navigate way to get around the capital city, getting to Mount Vernon without a car can be more challenging. Here’s how to get there via subway and bus from Washington, D.C .

In addition to a guided tour of George Washington’s mansion, access to the outbuildings, and entrance to the museums, your general admission ticket also includes access to the distillery and gristmill. If you visit between April 1 and October 31, these additional sights are a short shuttle ride from the main estate.

The best time for a visit to Mount Vernon is in the spring, summer, or fall, when you’ll be able to best admire the beauty of the grounds and see the animals.

D.C. Bound? Here are 10 things to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival , plus Hotel Vs. AirBnb: Where To Stay In Washington, D.C.

Bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time, Sage Scott is addicted to travel. From her nomadic upbringing in a military family to her personal and professional travels as an adult, Sage has visited all 50 states, lived abroad twice, and explored nearly 30 other countries.

Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage writes with a midlife traveler’s perspective from Kansas City — the Midwestern cowtown affectionately called the Paris of the Plains and the undisputed Barbecue Capital of the World — and is always in search of new experiences whether in her hometown or halfway around the world.

Encyclopedia Virginia, Virginia Humanities

Virtual Tour of Mount Vernon

This is a virtual tour of Mount Vernon, the Fairfax County plantation home of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

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• Mount Vernon, Archaeology at

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Washington DC Tours

Don't leave your tour guide on a bus.

Mount Vernon Tour

Mount Vernon & Arlington Cemetery Tour

See Arlington Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate on the OnBoard Mount Vernon & Arlington Cemetery Tour. There’s no better Mount Vernon Tour. Your tour guide will escort you through Mount Vernon, telling you about all of the attractions there and the history of George Washington’s home on the Potomac River. The entry pass to Mount Vernon is included. You will drive through Old Town Alexandria on the way, and see the charming old town. Afterwards, we’ll take you to Arlington Cemetery and your guide will walk you through to see the Tomb of the Unknowns for the changing of the guard, the Kennedy grave sites, and a view of Custis-Lee Mansion.

Mount Vernon is THE thing to do in DC!

George Washington’s Estate, known as Mount Vernon, is located in Mount Vernon, Virginia, along the Potomac River and is probably the most scenic attraction in the Washington DC area. Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, is the most popular historic estate in America. Guests to Mount Vernon can visit the 21-room Mansion, more than a dozen original structures, Washington’s Tomb, and nearly 50 acres of his extensive plantation. The estate also includes a working blacksmith shop and the Pioneer Farm site, a 4-acre demonstration farm with a reconstructed slave cabin and 16-sided treading barn.

You’ll learn everything you want to know about George Washington’s life in the Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center featuring more than 500 original artifacts, 25 galleries, interactive exhibits and inspiring films.

They have videos and other galleries with information about the life of the first American President. There is a food court and a fantastic gift shop. Check it out on the OnBoard DC Mount Vernon & Arlington Cemetery tour.

See Arlington National Cemetery

Headstones at Arlington Cemetery

After Mount Vernon, we’ll take you to Arlington National Cemetery. Your guide will walk you through the Cemetery and show you its high points, including the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Changing of the Guard (if time allows), a view of Custis-Lee Mansion, and the Kennedy grave sites. You can learn more about Arlington National Cemetery here . Your tour guide will tell you about how the Cemetery started when one of Abraham Lincoln’s generals started burying Union soldiers in Robert E. Lee’s wife’s flower garden.

Mount Vernon & Arlington Cemetery Itinerary

Guided walks take you to: Mount Vernon Estate Washington’s Tomb Arlington Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns Changing of the Guard Kennedy Grave Sites

Also see: Custis-Lee Mansion, Old Town Alexandria, and much more! Monday-Thursday Adults: $79.99 Children: $69.99

Friday-Sunday Adults: $89.99 Children: $79.99

Book the Mount Vernon Tour

Ready to book? We guarantee you’ll be glad you chose OnBoard Tours for your DC visit. You can conveniently book now online (by hitting the big red button) or call us at: 301-839-5261 .

Book Mount Vernon Tour Today!

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• Mount Vernon & Arlington Cemetery Tour See Arlington Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate on the OnBoard Mount Vernon & Arlington Cemetery Tour. There's no better Mount Vernon Tour. Your tour guide will escort you through Mount Vernon, telling you about all of the attractions there and the h

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Mount Vernon Estate Tickets and Tours

This post is a visitor's guide to Mount Vernon Estate, the home and final resting place of George Washington.

We provide tips on tickets, tours, directions, what you will see, and other planning advice.  

• Plan Your Visit
• Things to See and Do

Our guides have been offering tours of Mount Vernon for over a decade.

It is a staple for school groups coming to Washington, DC.

We don't just give tours to school group, we offer private tours of Mount Vernon to help with logistics of touring the grounds, the mansions, the education center and more.

It's a popular topic of discussion in our Facebook Travel Tips Group because it can be a confusing attraction, but it's also a location that we really love visiting.

My favorite part of Mount Vernon is the view from the porch, but my children (ages 5 and 7) love visiting the animals, especially in Spring when there are often babies.

The school groups I bring usually spend the most time talking about the re-enactors we encounter - from an enslaved person to Martha Washington herself.

Why Visit Mount Vernon?

A trip to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is a great idea and will be a rewarding addition to any trip to Washington DC.

Washington wrote that he knew of no place that was more pleasantly situated than his plantation, and he may well have been right!

This place offers the opportunity to observe George Washington's transformation from a Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband – the qualities that earned him the title of being "the first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Washington's home is amazing, the grounds are gorgeous, there is an interpretive education center that is second to none, and so much more!

Can you visit George Washington's Mount Vernon without tickets?

Tickets are required to enter the grounds of Mount Vernon, tour inside the house, and visit the Education Center and Museum Galleries.

You cannot walk around the grounds of Mount Vernon without paying for a ticket.

You do not however need a ticket to visit the gift shops or the on-site restaurant.

If you'll be visiting the area and are interested in the legacy of our first president, Mount Vernon is worth the visit.

MOUNT VERNON TICKETS

Admission tickets are cheaper online ($2 less), so if you know what day you are going to go, it is definitely worth it to book in advance.

Must book 3 days in advance to receive discount.

General Admission Prices:

• $28 - Adult (ages 12-61)
• $15 - Youth (ages 6-11) - Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Free - Child (ages 0-5)
• Book your tickets here .

Important: Tour tickets to the mansion require an additional $2 booking. A link to booking your mansion time will be in the voucher you receive immediately after booking.

Tickets for the same day can be purchased at the gate on a first-come, first-served basis, and they tend to be in high demand, particularly during weekends, often selling out quickly.

It is recommended to choose a mansion time 15-20 minutes after your arrival time.

Military members, first responders, and medical professionals are eligible for $3 off the admission price through id.me.

EBT card-holders can receive in-person discounts.

Also, if you purchase entry here within an hour before closing time, you can get your ticket authenticated which allows entry to the next day without any charge.

In addition to self guided tours of the grounds and the mansion, Mount Vernon also offers specialty tours.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

In this section, we help you plan your time at the estate.

How long to spend at Mount Vernon?

You could easily spend an entire day enjoying Mount Vernon and its grounds, as there are so many great things to see and do. 

Most guests in our Washington DC Travel Tips Facebook Group spend half a day at Mount Vernon.

A common thing to do is visit Old Town Alexandria and/or Arlington National Cemetery before or after Mount Vernon and make a "Virginia day trip"

Hours of Operation

Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year.

From April to October it is open from 9 am - 5 pm (17:00). From November to March it is open from 9 am - 4 pm (16:00).

How to Get to Mount Vernon

There are 4 ways to get to Mount Vernon: drive there, take the Metro, on a bus tour , or on a boat cruise . Additionally, you can also take a rental bike to reach here.

It is located at 200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121 in Northern Virginia, south of Washington, DC and a short drive from Old Town Alexandria .

Public Transportation - Metro

The estate is reachable by public transportation and the journey is rather simple, but it will take approximately 75 min to arrive.

How you transfer will depend on your starting point, so we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions . 

Be sure to read our guide on using the DC Metro trains .

Regardless of where you start from, you will end up on Metro's Yellow Line Train to the Huntington Station in the state of Virginia, the final stop of the line.

From the platform, head downstairs to the lower level. Follow the signs for (Huntington Ave.).

Board the Fairfax Connector Bus #101 (Fort Hunt Line) from Bus Bay E at Huntington Station for the 20-minute trip to Mr. Vernon's front entrance gate.  

Buses run about every 30 minutes Mondays through Saturdays and every hour on Sundays. 

You can use your DC SmartCard on the Fairfax bus system. 

If you are using a SmartCard, then the trip per person round trip should be approximately $10.50.  

For maps and schedules about the bus trip visit the Fairfax Connector Website .

Driving to Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The drive should take you anywhere from 30-45 min to drive, depending on your starting point and barring any major traffic.

Parking at Mount Vernon is free, and there are two lots. If those lots fill up, you will be directed to an overflow lot.

If you are planning to drive during the busy spring break and summer months, then definitely arrive early as spots can fill up quickly.

Best Time of Year to Visit Mount Vernon

Updates on holiday-specific activities can be found on the Mount Vernon official tourist website .

From March to June and to a lesser extent in October, expect the grounds to be crowded with school groups in the morning as they are allowed in earlier than the general public.

An afternoon visit will be much quieter for individuals and families, but still, expect energetic 13-14-year-olds roaming around the grounds.

The closing hours are rolling as the last guest leaves the mansion.

Generally, grounds close 30 minutes after closing time and the museum and gift shop are 1 hour after closing time.

Tip: The visit is all about your mansion time .

A visit to Mount Vernon includes a grounds pass, which allows access to the historic area, outbuildings, gardens, tomb, and more.

A tour of the Mansion requires a separate ticket which can be purchased online in advance or at the gate when entering.

Whenever your mansion time is, make your timed ticket work for you, not against you.

If you arrive in the busy summer months and have a later mansion time, check out the Education Center or visit the tomb or Pioneer farm first, before heading to the line for the mansion.

An early mansion time is ideal at any time of year, but having a later time is not necessarily bad, it just means you will need to see some of the other things first if you arrive early.

Conversely, in the winter time, a later mansion time is a better idea, that way you can stay inside in the morning and be outside when the day is warmest.

Mount Vernon has a required bag check upon entering the Ford Orientation Center, right after your ticket has been scanned.

Large bags or parcels are not permitted, and below is a partial list of prohibited items:

• All food and beverages (except bottled water)
• Knives/blades, clubs, hammers
• Spray paint, aerosol cans, paint, markers
• Flammable liquids, gases, fireworks, explosive devices
• Weapons that are not in compliance with Virginia state law
• Eating at Mount Vernon

There is both a food court and a restaurant at Mount Vernon, so all of your dining needs are provided for as well. 

The food court has family fare such as pizza, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, coffee, etc.

You don't usually think of a food court as anything special, but us tour guides will abandon our groups to make sure we snag the famous croissant breakfast sandwich before they stop serving them at 1030am!

The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is a sit-down restaurant with colonially inspired food, in a beautiful space that will remind you of the mansion that you just saw!

It is a beautiful place for a quick meal, a romantic meal or a special lunch with your family.

If you want to eat at the restaurant, definitely make reservations in advance, as they tend to be very busy.

Handicapped Accessibility

Mount Vernon has done a great job making the historic area as handicapped accessible as possible.

All of the newer buildings, the Ford Center, the Education Center/Gift Shop/Restaurant are all wheelchair accessible.

There are ample handicapped parking spaces in the lots on either side of the entrance, and dropping off in the traffic circle is always an option.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Mount Vernon is large - you can easily spend all day here. We suggest the following route to get the most out of your visit:

Orientation Center

• Mansion & Outbuildings
• Education Center & Gift Store

Additional sites to see are the:

• Pioneer Farm & Waterfront

Gristmill & Distillery

Upon arrival at Mount Vernon, the first place you will enter will be the Ford Orientation Center.

There are plenty of maps in the Orientation Center and docents to help you interpret them.

Definitely use the bathrooms while you are here, once you get up to the mansion, bathrooms are harder to find. 

The highlight of the Orientation center is the miniature Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon in Miniature is an incredibly detailed, handcrafted model of the mansion that you are about to see.

It was a gift from the State of Washington, and took 50 people over 5 years to complete!

The miniature has walls that move and shift so that you can see the inside of the rooms, some of which you will see on your tour. 

It also details some rooms you can’t see in real life, like closets and storage spaces, as well as back passages for servants.

It has furnishings based on the real pieces in the mansion, and artwork on the walls meant to represent Washington’s real artwork.

There is even miniature wine chilling in buckets waiting for a dinner party!

Orientation Films

Directly behind the Miniature are the theaters showing the orientation film. The films run in a continuous loop and take about 25 minutes together.

The first film is an orientation film with Pat Sajak telling you about Mount Vernon and what you will see while you are there.

Tip: Skip the small gift store in the Orientation Center

There is a small gift store in the Orientation Center, but most of the stuff they have is also available in the much larger and better main gift store in the Education Center.

The Mansion and Out Buildings

After the orientation films, it is time to head up to the Mansion. As you exit the theater, you will wind around a path toward the mansion.

A separate ticket is required to tour the mansion.

It really is an essential part of the visit to Mount Vernon.

The mansion tour itself takes about 15-20 minutes once you get to the front of the line.

You will be escorted through many of the public rooms where George Washington lived, dined, and visited with his many guests.

One of the things to note in the main hallway is a key to the Bastille, which was presented to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette after the American Revolution.

The tour continues upstairs into several of the bedrooms on the upper floor, including the room where Washington died in 1799.

The mansion tour concludes with his office and then exits out through the main kitchen.

Tip: Ask Questions

Perhaps the most common complaint about Mount Vernon in the summer months is that the guides in the mansion don’t have a lot to say.

While it can be crowded, the guides are historical interpreters, not guards or docents, so make sure to ask them whatever questions you have.

Outbuildings

Once you have exited the mansion from the kitchen, you will find yourself presented with the backyard of Mount Vernon on your left-hand side, and a series of smaller buildings on your right.

The buildings on the right are called outbuildings and were used for various purposes.

In Washington’s day, anyone who could afford to have several of these outbuildings next to their main house, anything that was smelly, or potentially hazardous was taken care of in one of these buildings to keep such odor or hazard away from the main house,

So, kitchens were usually detached from the main house, as well as food storage areas, and animals.

Sometimes you can even watch the Blacksmith working in his shop.

Feel free to check out as many of these buildings as you want.

The yard at Mount Vernon is also a wonderful area to explore, enjoying the amazing view that Washington would have looked out at every day!

Feel free to sit on the chairs on the back piazza, or walk right out onto the lawn.

The area on the other side of the river was purchased by a non-profit organization Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, or simply known as Mount Vernon Ladies Association, to preserve the view that Washington would have known, so there is no construction allowed across the river.

And to do so, they rely on private contributions and doesn't accept government funding.

Washington's Burial Site and Family Tomb

For an extra special treat, visit the tomb at 10 am or 3 pm during the summer season (winter it is at 12 pm) Wreath laying ceremonies take place here to honor the memory of General Washington.  

  After seeing where Washington lived, you can also pay your respects at his final resting place, which is also on the Mount Vernon property.

In fact, Washington has two tombs, and you can visit both of them.

The reason that he has two tombs is that there were plans to create an elaborate tomb for Washington, but he died earlier than expected, so he was buried on the Mount Vernon property (the Old Tomb), while his current tomb was being prepared.

While there is nothing in the Old Tomb any longer, it is definitely worth a visit, and it's also close to the current tomb.

At the current tomb, Washington is buried next to his wife Martha Washington, and in the back of them is a crypt filled with Washington’s relatives.

There are several obelisk markers outside the tomb for members of the Washington family, including his nephew, John Bushrod Washington who was the last family member to own Mount Vernon.

The Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon

Behind Washington's tomb, there is a path toward a marker of a different kind, the Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon.

The Slave Memorial was added in 1983. It marks the spot where freed and enslaved persons were buried, often in unmarked graves. If there were any markers, they did not survive meaning that the identities of those buried there have been lost.

Though this cemetery was acknowledged from the beginning in the 1920s, it was overgrown and often skipped part of the grounds until the 1980s when a proper memorial was established.

A short column, representing a life unfinished stands at the center. Three circles around it and three steps leading to it represent Faith, Love and Hope.

Local legend has it that the enslaved Africans were buried facing east, indicating their wish to return to Africa.

Washington inherited 10 enslaved people from his father as a child. At least 577 enslaved people lived and worked at Mount Vernon during Washington's life.

Upon his death, the enslaved people he directly owned were to be freed after Martha Washington's death.

Washington's evolving views on slavery and his direct involvement with it are discussed at Mount Vernon through the various Slavery at Mount Vernon exhibits.

Education Center and Gift Store

One of the highlights of any visit to Mount Vernon is a trip to the fascinating Donald W. Reynolds Education Center which is full of immersive programs and museum galleries.

The Education Center is very close to the Ford Orientation Center, where you entered the property. 

If you have already been up to the mansion, you will get to the Education Center by heading back the same way you entered and following the signs for it.

The Education Center can take up several hours all on its own, so definitely budget your time with that in mind.

There are so many exhibits, movies, hands-on learning, and a Museum so there is something for everyone.

The newest exhibit is fun for all ages.

Be Washington is an interactive experience with a 30-foot screen playing out different events and touch screens for the viewer to receive new information and make split-second decisions.

At the end of the exhibit, you can see what decision Washington made (and that others in your group have made).

Of particular interest, especially with kids, will be the main movie: Revolutionary War, which is a 4-D movie!

The movie is an incredibly immersive experience, involving the rumble of cannons, and "snow."

The movie is about 20 minutes so the lines can be long in advance of the movie. The movie is shown in the Revolutionary War Theatre.

If you're short on time, head there first to get in line and watch the film, then spend the remainder of your time visiting the exhibits.

The Education Center also contains Washington’s false teeth, which, as you will learn, are not made of wood.

In the same building as the Education Center is the main Gift Shop at Mount Vernon, down a hallway toward the front of the building, and it is not to be missed.

The Gift Shop consists of two large rooms, on either side of the main walkway that leads out of the building.

It is chock full of clothing, books, jewelry, and much more.

There is plenty of food and candy made right at Mount Vernon, as well as beer and wine made from grapes grown on the property!

You can even buy toys that are similar to the kind used in Washington’s day.

Pioneer Farm

Washington considered himself a gentleman farmer. The grounds of George Washington's home include a variety of farms, plantings, orchards and more.

The Pioneer Farm is open at Mount Vernon in the summer months and it is well worth a trip to see.

It is down the hill at the wharf and is a full working farm designed to replicate the kind of farm that Washington would have had at Mount Vernon.

There are live demonstrations, animals to see, and a slave cabin that you can walk through to see how slaves lived at Mount Vernon.

There is also Washington’s 16-sided barn, his own invention to aid with the treading and preparation of wheat, which was his biggest crop.

The Pioneer Farm is included in the admissions price to Mount Vernon and is about a 15-minute walk from the Mansion.

There is a shuttle that runs from the Education Center down to the Farm, but if you’re going to walk it, be aware that it is down the hill, and what goes down must eventually come back up.

The Gristmill was built in 1770-1771 and can be found on the far side of the Mount Vernon grounds.

As it's nearly 3 miles from the main gate, it's a good stop before or after you visit the grounds.

You can drive to the Gristmill & Distillery located at 5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309

Admission to visit the Gristmill & Distillery is included in the regular admission cost.

It still works to this day! You can taste Rye Whiskey made using the General's recipe at the Mount Vernon Inn or buy a bottle to take home at the gift shop.

These two sites are open seasonally, Saturdays and Sundays Apr-Oct 10 am - 5 pm, and are closed during winter months. You can visit them for $10 without a ticket to Mount Vernon.

Things to do with Kids

Mount Vernon is a great idea for kids, there are so many things to do and see.

The Hands on History Center is a big part of the Education Center and will teach your children all about George Washington and allow them to learn for themselves.

Children’s programs are held Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities are designed for children ages 5-10. Children must be accompanied by an adult; space and supplies are limited.

Also in the Education Center is the 4-D movie and lots of information about the efforts to forensically recreate Washington and his life at Mount Vernon.

For outdoor activities, there are so many grounds and gardens to walk around and check out, as well as the Pioneer Farm, which is sure to entertain your kids.

They have demonstrations of what farming was like in Washington’s day, as well as farm animals who would love to meet your kids!

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