mount vernon tours washington dc

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.

In-Depth Tour

During this 45-minute guided tour, explore the Mansion, including areas not generally accessible, and discover more than 250 years of history at Mount Vernon.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

This 45-minute tour provides behind-the-scenes access to spaces and an in-depth experience of the Mansion. Learn about the life and times of George Washington, his family, and the enslaved people who labored at Mount Vernon.

The Mansion serves as an autobiography of George Washington, exploring the architecture, function, and furnishings of each room, meticulously restored to represent the Washingtons’ home in 1799.

You'll hear about Washington’s life, legacies, and accomplishments while moving through the same rooms he inhabited for nearly 45 years.

A dedicated guide will facilitate your tour, providing engaging content and answering questions.

The Mansion

Upper Garden

Washington's Tomb

Lower Garden

Slave Memorial

Front Parlor

Slave Quarters

Spinning House

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9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of george washington. open daily, 365 days a year..

George Washington's Mount Vernon is the riverside home of our nation's first president, George Washington. The estate includes a Mansion, four gardens and historic outbuildings where enslaved people made tools and textiles, cared for livestock and processed food. At the New Tomb, guests can visit the final resting place of George and Martha Washington, where wreath-laying ceremonies take place year-round. George Washington's Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year. Mount Vernon is embarking on a multi-year preservation project to safeguard George Washington’s Mansion for generations to come. As work progresses through the house, individual rooms will be temporarily taken off display. Visit www.MountVernon.org/Revitalization for details. From July 8, 2024, through 2025, the Education Center exhibit on George Washington’s life will be closed for an extensive rebuild. Visit www.MountVernon.org/GWEX to learn more.

• Motor Coach Parking on site
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• Non-Profit Organization

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Banquet capacity: 300, Theatre capacity: 200, Reception capacity: 1200

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3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. South end of GW Pkwy Mount Vernon , VA 22121 United States

(703) 780-2000, [email protected].

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Upcoming Events

George washington whiskey tasting.

Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024

In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons...

Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth

Jun 19, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024

Juneteenth is the celebration of Emancipation Day in 1865. Long before...

Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon

Jun 28, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024

On June 28 and 29, relax on the east lawn and watch fireworks soar...

Roleplaying Experience: George Washington's Cabinet

Jun 30, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024

During this 75-minute game, your actions will decide the fate of our...

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

Jul 04, 2024 - Jul 04, 2024

Watch as people from across the world become U.S. citizens in a moving...

French Alliance Family Day at Mount Vernon

Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024

On Saturday, July 13, discover the role of the American-French...

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024

George Washington Patriot Run

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024

Join George Washington's Mount Vernon for a 10-miler and 5K race along...

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Mount Vernon

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Tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Old Town Alexandria

Mount Vernon is a historical landmark located 16 miles south of the city and was home to the first President of the USA, George Washington. It is a beautiful estate with stunning gardens overlooking the Potomac River. It is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to learn more about Washington’s life.

The estate was an old tobacco plantation owned by the Washington family for generations before General Washington inherited it in 1754. Visitors can tour the main house, restored to its original 18th-century state. During the tour, you can hear stories of the enslaved community, explore the farm and gardens, and witness the 16-sided barn, live animals, a working blacksmith, the wharf, the wilderness trail, and the tomb housing Washington’s remains.

The estate offers an educational experience for students, and the tour is designed to bring various locations to life in a fun and informative manner that matches students’ curiosity and reinforces classroom learning. The tours are focused on illuminating historical and exciting DC destinations for young learners to develop a strong sense of civics, democracy, and the United States government.

Contact us directly for individual public bus tour tickets starting from $89/adult .

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Washington's tomb, historic mansion and gardens, the slave quarters, old town alexandria, the george washington masonic national memorial, historic christ church, tour location, we can pick up customers from anywhere in dc/metro area.

Mount Vernon Tours

Your Gateway to the Past: Private Tour of Mount Vernon from Washington DC

Step back in time with a custom Mount Vernon tour from DC. Here at DCAcar, we specialize in providing luxurious, stress-free  private tour experiences tailored to your desires. Whether you’re fascinated by history or simply looking for a relaxing day out, our Mount Vernon tours from DC are the perfect choice. 

Why Visit Mount Vernon?

Mount Vernon is not just a destination; it’s a journey into the life and times of George Washington. As his beloved plantation, Mount Vernon offers insights into colonial America and the personal life of the first U.S. president. Just a short drive—or a comfortable bus ride from DC , it’s the perfect spot for an educational and serene day trip.

The Mount Vernon tour from DC is an ideal choice for families, offering a delightful experience that caters to both adults and children alike. This tour is truly one of the hidden gems in the Washington, DC area, often overlooked but full of rich historical value and engaging activities that captivate the imagination of young ones. Exploring George Washington’s famed estate not only enlightens with intriguing facts but also provides a picturesque landscape for memorable family moments. It’s a perfect blend of education and leisure, wrapped in the comfort of DCAcar’s luxurious service.

Best Way to Travel to Mount Vernon from DC

How to get to Mount Vernon from DC? While you could take a public bus, taxi, boat ride  to Mount Vernon, none match the comfort and convenience of booking through DCAcar. Forget about the tedious bus schedules—travel with us and experience:

• Unmatched Comfort: Sink into the luxury of our premium vehicles and enjoy the ride.
• Door-to-Door Service: We pick you up and drop you off, so there’s no need to worry about finding your way.
• Tailored Travel: Choose from solo or group itineraries, with plenty of room for customization.
• Expert Drivers: Our drivers are locals—knowledgeable about the best routes and rich in historical facts.

Explore Mount Vernon with DCAcar

From the moment you book a Mount Vernon tour from DC with DCAcar, you’re in for a treat. Expect top-notch service, scenic drives, and the flexibility to make the day your own. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

• Direct Pickup: We can pick you up from anywhere in DC—your home, hotel, or any other location in Virginia or Maryland.
• A Scenic Route: Drive through beautiful George Washington Parkway landscapes and historical contexts on your way to Mount Vernon.
• Flexible Touring: Want to roam by yourself or prefer a guided tour? We tailor the visit to your interests. Join a "Tour Mount Vernon" itinerary for an in-depth exploration of this historical site.

GW Parkway drive from Washington DC to Mt Vernon

The most significant tribute to George Washington during the bicentennial of his birth was the inauguration of the George Washington Memorial Parkway on January 16, 1932, celebrated as "the world's most modern motorway" at the time. This scenic drive, maintained by the National Park Service, winds along the Potomac River from the Capital Beltway through striking vistas of Washington, D.C. 's monuments and Old Town Alexandria, culminating at Mount Vernon, the esteemed residence of America’s first president. Today, the ride from Washington, D.C. to Mount Vernon via the parkway takes about 30 minutes, offering a swift and visually engaging route that was not possible before its existence.

Reserve Your Mount Vernon Tour from DC

Keen to visit Mount Vernon with the luxury and convenience of DCAcar? Booking is simple:  Call our customer service line at (240) 477-9877 For any questions or further customization, feel free to contact us directly. Travel luxuriously with DCAcar, where every trip is a journey to remember.

"Love experiencing the monuments at night. The driver gave us great service and always got us close to the monuments and was always in place to pick us up after we visited the sites. Crowds are low and the monuments beautifully lighted. Perfect way to see the National Mall." - Jennifer T

Response from the owner

Hi Jennifer! It sounds like your night tour of the National Mall was a hit! The glowing monuments certainly have a way of leaving a lasting impression, don't they? We're so glad our driver could enhance this experience by providing top-notch service and ensuring smooth transitions between the beautifully lit sites. Your next nighttime adventure in DC awaits, and we hope to be a part of it. Thanks for choosing DCAcar!

"Kevin was an excellent driver that showed me and my family around. He braved the rain and cold and guided us around to all the monuments. Absolutely gorgeous to see at night and I highly recommend. Kids loved it too!" - Shawn M

We're delighted to hear Kevin provided an exceptional tour for you and your family, braving the elements to showcase the beauty of the monuments at night. It's wonderful to know the experience was a hit with the kids too! Your recommendation means the world to us, and we'll make sure Kevin receives the recognition he deserves. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to serve you again with more memorable adventures!

"Great experience! We took our kids (12, 10, and 4), so we knew it would be too much to see walking - it was a late night, we got to see all the monuments and sights that we otherwise would not have been able to fit into the trip. Our driver Kevin was awesome and very knowledgeable about the different stops." - Katherine W

So happy to hear that your family's tour with Kevin was a hit! It's great that he could share his knowledge and help you see all those iconic sights, especially with the kids in tow. We're glad we could make your trip more manageable and enjoyable. Thanks for picking DCAcar, and we look forward to being part of your future adventures!

"The tour was soooo beautiful!! Especially at night, everything is lit up so pretty. The driver was there on time, took his time at every stop, and was very kind. Felt like I was in good hands the whole time. He also mentioned a few other tours they do, which I will be doing next. It was a very intimate moment for me and my fiancé so I was very glad everything went so smoothly, and we were able to fully enjoy every moment and get lots of pictures. I'm definitely looking forward to having more tours like this, and I'm glad I found this company they really made the experience happen for us. I couldn't be happier with this experience." - Arlene

Hi Arlene, We're overjoyed to hear that your tour was a beautiful and intimate experience! It's wonderful to know that our driver added to your enjoyment and that you're planning more tours with us. We can't wait to be part of more memorable moments for you and your fiancé!

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George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Everything You Need to Know About the Historic Home

V isiting Mount Vernon could be seen as a right of passage for Americans. Be it on your eighth-grade field trip or as a curious adult, touring the home of our nation’s first president is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. In the nearly 225 years since the death of George Washington, the historic home has seen many seasons and many incarnations, from dilapidated to prosperous.

Thanks to a dedicated team of women working to preserve the estate throughout the years, Mount Vernon is now one of the most popular historic sites in America . Read on as we share an in-depth exploration of the grand mansion and estate of the first founding father, from the cellar to the cupula.

Before Mount Vernon flourished into the landmark it is now, the 5,000-acre property was known as Little Hunting Creek. It was renamed Mount Vernon to honor Admiral Edward Vernon , whom George Washington’s half brother, Lawrence Washington, held with the highest regard. The home was passed down by generations of Washington’s ancestors before the future president officially took up residence.

From the time Mount Vernon was built to today, the estate has witnessed countless moments in history, from George Washington’s inauguration in 1789 to the effects of World War II.

Architecture

The mansion at George Washington’s Mount Vernon started off as a one-and-a-half story house built in 1734 by Washington’s father, Augustine Washington, according to the official Mount Vernon website . Mount Vernon underwent multiple expansions and renovations to take it from its humble beginnings to the grand estate it is today. “It was what can best be described as a substantial, vernacular house, exhibiting no particular architectural style,” Tom Reinhart, director of preservation at Mount Vernon, tells AD . The original house likely consisted of four rooms, a central passage on the first floor, and a garret. It was in the 1740s that George’s eldest half brother, Lawrence Washington, took up residence and made the first real batch of improvements to the home. He incorporated Palladian elements, which today are hallmarks of the Georgian style. “It was at this time that the house’s hall (or large formal entertaining space) was installed with raised plaster paneling, a finish found in contemporary high style houses in Britain and Ireland, but rarely seen in America,” Reinhart tells AD. George Washington began expanding the original home in the late 1750s. His first major order of business was raising the roof to create a full second story and a third-floor garrett (or modern day attic).

In 18th-century North America, there was a real lack of professional architects. Because of this, Washington took matters into his own hands and consulted a variety of books on building, architecture, and garden design—including some written by Batty Langley . With his newfound knowledge, Washington became the brains behind many of the characteristics of the home we know today. The future president chose to expand on the original wood structure designed by his father, instead of starting from scratch. “It was probably his desire to preserve the very core of his family’s dwelling that inspired him to keep it a frame house and not move into creating a large brick house like his peers,” Reinhart states in a video tour of the estate . Reinhart tells AD that Washington took up residence in 1755 and proceeded to call the estate home for 44 years. He increased the size of the house in the 1750s and again in the 1770s, thanks to the wealth of his wife, Martha Washington (formerly Custis).

While Mount Vernon is made of wood, Washington used two techniques to give the home and the wood the appearance of stone—rustication and sand casting. Wood siding boards are cut to look like stone blocks, then painted and covered in sand to add texture. “This is a technique he was probably exposed to on a trip to New England in the mid 1750s, because when he comes back from that trip, he enlarges Mount Vernon for the first time and uses this technique of rustication on the house,” states Reinhart .

The mansion is executed in the Georgian style of architecture, a prevalent architectural style in 18th-century America. Georgian architecture is identified by its symmetrical composition. “It was the first architect-inspired style in America, a distinct departure from the more utilitarian earlier buildings that followed prevailing folk traditions,” according to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. A typical Georgian house is a two-story building with a symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors on the front façade, which is just what Washington sought. Except there was one hiccup. Due to the undesirable location of a set of stairs, the façade of Mount Vernon is anything but symmetrical. To remedy this, Washington went as far as installing two false windows , which you can see when standing in the circle on the west side of the mansion.

While Mount Vernon is grand in looks, many of the architectural details serve a practical purpose as well . The cupula serves as a ventilator, the piazza gives shade to the east side of the home, and the pediment (a triangular-shaped gable) on the west front serves as a dormer and creates a large storage space in the attic. “As always—with everything Washington did—well thought out, very practical, but also visionary,” states Reinhart .

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

Washington’s home wouldn’t be the grand estate it is today without Ann Pamela Cunningham and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association , the first national historic preservation organization and the oldest women’s patriotic society in the United States. After Washington died in 1799, the home fell into a state of disrepair. It sat dilapidated on the Potomac River until one fateful day in 1853, when Cunningham’s mother, Louisa Bird Cunningham, sailed by the estate on a steamer ship headed from Philadelphia to South Carolina. The story goes that Mrs. Cunningham was awoken in the dead of night by the sound of the ship’s bell, and witnessed the state of Mount Vernon as the ship steamed by. “I was painfully distressed at the ruin and desolation of the home of Washington and the thought passed through my mind: Why was it that the women of his country did not try to keep it in repair, if the men could not do it? It does seem such a blot on our country,” she wrote to her daughter . “This invigorated Ann Pamela Cunningham to lead the charge for purchasing and preserving the estate,” Jeremy Ray, the senior director of interpretation at Mount Vernon, tells AD.

Due to a lack of support and funds, it wasn’t until 1859 that Cunningham and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association finally made strides towards the first restoration efforts of the historic home. In addition to preserving the home itself, the association also made it a point to reacquire original furnishings once owned by the Washington family. “When Martha Washington passed away, she instructed her heirs to sell all furnishings in the mansion to benefit the education of two of her nephews,” Adam T. Erby, the Martha Washington chief curator for Mount Vernon, tells AD. “When the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association bought the house, it was nearly empty. The furnishings were dispersed at auction, and luckily, many were purchased by her grandchildren, and we have tracked them for generations. We have slowly acquired these over the years, through gift and purchase.”

Today, the association acts as a private nonprofit organization. It is directed by an entirely female board of regents who represent nearly 30 states.

Preservation

Mount Vernon is currently undergoing extensive renovations to take the home back to its 18th-century roots. The Mansion Revitalization Project , which started in 2023 and will continue through 2026, is centered around removing all 20th-century materials that aren’t compatible with the original structure. A team of employees, contractors, and experts in carpentry, masonry, electrical, and shoring are working to safeguard the mansion’s original building fabric and ensure its structural integrity for generations to come.

“We’re repairing 18th-century masonry. We’re repairing 18th-century carpentry with original or compatible materials—in fact, in some cases, wood harvested right here from George Washington’s Mount Vernon,” states Mount Vernon president and CEO, Douglas Bradburn, in a video on the Mansion Revitalization project. To make sure the restoration lasts, the team is removing, relocating, and upgrading the old HVAC system that was once in the cellar. This will better control moisture and drainage in the home, but it will also free up the cellar. “We get millions of visitors coming through here and we want to make sure that your children’s children’s children will be able to experience this place in the same way that we get to today,” states Bradburn.

The team has big plans once the cellar is free from old ductwork. “One of the outcomes of the revitalization project will be the interpretation of the cellar back to its primarily 18th-century appearance,” Julie Almacy, vice president of media and communications at Mount Vernon, tells AD. The cellar would have been used for a variety of functions, including the storage of supplies and food. There is also evidence that the cellar was once a working kitchen for those serving the Washington household, as well as the living quarters for the family of an enslaved man named Frank Lee , known to have acted in the capacity of a butler.

When working in the basement, an on-site archeology team made a significant discovery of two intact European-manufactured bottles. The dark green glass bottles, which are characteristic of styles from the 1740s and 1750s, were found upright, sealed, and still containing cherries, stems, and pits. The bottles were recovered from beneath a brick floor laid in the 1770s, according to a press release from Mount Vernon.

As the preservation project progresses between now and 2026, visitors should be aware that individual rooms will be taken off display temporarily and the path of the tour through the mansion will change depending on the work being done.

Visiting today

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America and is open 365 days a year. Since the estate opened its doors to the public in 1860, over 96 million people have visited. Today, an average of one million guests visit the Mount Vernon estate each year.

The home of America’s first president is located in its namesake Mount Vernon, Virginia. It’s located about 15 miles south of the Washington, DC, metro area and about 8 miles south of Alexandria, Virginia. There are about 500 acres of preserved historic property to explore along the bright blue banks of the Potomac River. Visitors can simply get a pass to independently explore the grounds, or they can book an in-depth tour where they’ll get to discover even more of the Washington family’s 18th-century mansion.

What is the address of Mount Vernon?

The address is 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

What are the visiting hours for Mount Vernon?

The visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.

Can you visit George Washington’s grave?

The tomb of George Washington and his wife, Martha, are open to the public. His final resting place is a brick tomb nestled alongside the fruit garden and nursery. You can also visit the old tomb , where Washington was first buried before being moved to the official tomb in 1831, 32 years after his death.

Who currently owns Mount Vernon?

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

Did George Washington have slaves?

Mount Vernon was also the home of hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children. “He depended on their labor to build and maintain his household and plantation,” states the official Mount Vernon website . “As a young man, Washington accepted slavery, but after the Revolutionary War, he began to question it…. He made his most public antislavery statement after his death. In his will, Washington ordered that his enslaved workers be freed at his wife’s death.” At the end of Washington’s life, there were 317 enslaved people working at Mount Vernon. You can read more about them here .

What can you see and do at Mount Vernon?

In addition to touring the home and grounds, visitors can also tour George Washington’s distillery and gristmill, located just 2.7 miles from the estate’s main entrance. While the distillery isn’t producing 11,000 gallons of liquor like it did back in 1799, it still produces small batch spirits for visitors to taste and learn from. Mount Vernon also has a historic area where you can explore more than a dozen historic outbuildings, including a blacksmith shop , smokehouse , stables , and spinning house .

What upcoming events are happening at Mount Vernon this year?

If you missed the Garden Sale on April 26 and 27 or Mount Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend on May 4 and May 5, the estate has many more events to look forward to, such as the Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour and the annual Martha Washington Lecture .

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Mount Vernon?

“There is so much to see at Mount Vernon. One could spend the better part of a day here, but we recommend at least three hours,” Almacy tells AD . You can book your ticket and select a tour time by visiting mountvernon.org.

Is there a virtual tour of Mount Vernon?

If you’re unable to visit Mount Vernon, the estate’s official website has an interactive virtual tour that takes you through every room in the home.

Have other presidents visited Mount Vernon?

Nearly every president has come to Mount Vernon, according to the official Mount Vernon Website . Thomas Jefferson visited in 1801, Theodore Roosevelt visited several times in the early 1900s, and John F. Kennedy visited in 1961.

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Hi everyone,

Would it be possible to arrive at around 1 PM to visit Mount Vernon and spend a few hours there? Does it required timed tickets? I see that in September, only the Kitchen, New Room and Servant's Hall will be opened, the rest of the manor closed. Would it still be worth it for the grounds? How does that affect my timing with the rest of the day?

Then, we had planned to go for early supper in Old town Alexandria. Not before 6 PM though ;-) Do you have recommendations of restaurants? I'm not worried for price, but are there some with especially delicous foods? Amazing views? I love seafood and hubby loves his steak, so something that caters to all would be great.

If Mount Vernon is a short visit, should we instead plan to have a quick walk in Alexandria and then go check in our hotel in Washington?

4 replies to this topic

I have not been to Mt. Vernon in a long time. I think now you get a time to go into the mansion when you buy a ticket. It used to be you lined up when you wanted and waited to go in.

I am sure you can figure it out looking at the website.

I think it is worth it even though some of the rooms will be closed.

I don’t have any recommendations for restaurants in Old Town Alexandria

Old Town is worth walking around.

Here are some of the waterfront places. Skip Chart House imo.

https://visitalexandria.com/restaurants/waterfront-dining/

IMO, so much of the mansion at Mount Vernon will be closed that it’s not really worth the price of admission (which does not appear to be discounted during the closure) to warrant a visit. Also, the Education Center will be closed.

Thank you for your advice.

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