Mount Vernon

The basics

Mount Vernon is a common stop on day trip tours from Washington DC, either by river cruise, group tour, or private tour. If visiting on your own, be sure to book your tickets in advance to gain flexibility on your mansion tour time. You can easily combine a visit with tours of Old Town Alexandria or the Arlington National Cemetery.

Start at the Ford Orientation Center, and experience how the Washingtons lived on guided tours of the mansion’s first two floors, included with general admission. Afterward, visit the museum and education center, where you can watch short educational films and see historical artifacts such as George Washington’s wooden teeth.

Things to know before you go

• Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes while exploring the grounds.

• Mount Vernon tickets grant one-day admittance and an audio tour.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the estate. A downloadable app offers audio tours, maps, and a scavenger hunt.

• You cannot take photos of any kind in the mansion.

• Fans of National Treasure: Book of Secrets can take a tour highlighting historical details and settings used in the movie.

• Reach the off-site gristmill and distillery via a shuttle that runs regularly from April to October.

• The on-site Mount Vernon Inn and Restaurant serves traditional American fare.

How to get there

Mount Vernon is 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Washington DC along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. On public transit, take the metro to Huntington Station and connect to bus number 101. Potomac cruises are also an option. Boats depart from Pier 4 in downtown DC and the Potomac Riverboat Company in Old Town Alexandria.

When to get there

The site is open every day but becomes busiest in spring, early fall, and on holiday weekends. On Presidents Day (George Washington’s birthday) Mount Vernon is free to visit and especially busy. See American Revolution battle reenactments during Revolutionary War Weekend, usually in May.

Visiting Mount Vernon in winter

Visit from late November through December to join candlelit tours complete with in-costume characters. These tours highlight the holiday celebrations and draw huge crowds during an otherwise slow season. Purchase tickets well in advance to experience period dancing, 18th-century holiday traditions, and rooms lit by lantern light.

Is the Mount Vernon tour worth it?

It depends on your interests, but for anyone who can appreciate American history, the answer is a resounding yes. From walking through George Washington’s very own estate and visiting the on-site distillery to exploring the lives of the enslaved who labored here, there’s much to discover with a knowledgeable guide.

How long does it take to tour Mount Vernon?

How long it takes to tour Mount Vernon depends on which tour you take. The Mansion Tour lasts 45 minutes while the Gardens & Landscapes Tour lasts one hour. Several other tours are available. Of course, you’re welcome to buy the general Grounds Pass and explore on your own schedule.

Do you need reservations to visit Mount Vernon?

Yes, you need reservations to visit Mount Vernon—book the Grounds Pass online. That gets you an audio tour and self-guided access to the historic area, outbuildings, gardens, tombs, trails, and more. If you’d like to explore inside Washington’s former home, you’ll need to purchase a separate mansion tour ticket.

Is parking free at Mount Vernon?

Yes, parking is free at Mount Vernon. Find parking lots on the east and west sides of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. If these lots happen to be full, simply follow the signs to the overflow parking lot. RVs, motorhomes, and trailers should always park in the overflow lot as well.

What should you not miss at Mount Vernon?

Mount Vernon’s can’t-miss spots include the outbuildings where enslaved people lived and worked, gardens, tombs, and trails around the estate. If your schedule and budget allow, visiting Washington’s mansion is a fascinating dive into American history.

Can you take pictures inside Mount Vernon?

You can take photos inside most of Mount Vernon, but not inside the theaters and inside some museum galleries. That being said, you cannot take photos with a flash inside the mansion. Generally, etiquette calls for avoiding photography. Any photography must be for personal, non-commercial use only.

Ways to explore

Mount Vernon is a common stop on day tours from Washington DC, either by river cruise, group tour, or private tour. If visiting independently, you'll need a grounds pass, which includes an audio tour and entry to the distillery and gristmill on select weekends. To see the inside of the mansion, you must book a guided tour; reserve your spot online for guaranteed admission. For a deeper dive into the estate's history, join one of the themed guided tours. Afterward, visit the museum and education center, where you can watch short educational films and see artifacts, including George Washington's dentures.

Accessibility

Most areas of the estate are accessible to wheelchairs, with the exception of the upper mansion floor. A shuttle service and courtesy wheelchairs are available. Visitors can also arrange for descriptive tours and guided tours with an American Sign Language interpreter by email.

Age limits

Visitors 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult to enter the grounds.

What to pack

Camera, ear buds for the free audio guide, bottled water, jacket or umbrella (if needed)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages, large bags, gum (inside the mansion)

Amenities

Visitor center, Wi-Fi, audio guide app, restaurant, gift shop

Address 

Mount Vernon is 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Washington DC along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. You can reach the site by car, public transportation, or with a Potomac cruise departing from downtown DC or Old Town Alexandria.

Driving

From Washington DC, take I-695 east to I-295 south toward Alexandria. Continue south on I-495 to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, following the signs for Mount Vernon. There is free parking on-site.

Public transportation

By metro, take the Yellow Line from Washington DC to Huntington station, where you can connect to the Fairfax Connector Bus 101 (Fort Hunt line) to Mount Vernon.

Best times to visit

Arrive first thing in the morning for a wider choice of mansion tour times (and themed tours) before they fill up with visitors later in the day.

Best days to visit

Mount Vernon sees peak crowds on weekends, but they may be worth braving in the fall and spring, when the distillery and gristmill are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Best months to visit

The gardens are in full bloom in spring, but this season sees peak crowds. Fall offers fewer crowds and bright autumn colors.

Special events

Mount Vernon holds special events year-round, including the Fourth of July fireworks, celebrations for George Washington’s birthday in February, and the Fall Wine Festival in October.