Summary
Overview of Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, USA
Phone: +1 703-780-2000
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, located in Mount Vernon, Virginia, sits along the scenic shores of the Potomac River and remains the premier tourist attraction in the Washington, DC area. The estate, sprawling over 500 acres, features a stunning 14-room mansion, meticulously restored and filled with original artifacts dating back to the 1740s. Guests can delve into the mansion’s history, explore outbuildings such as the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house, and stables, wander through the breathtaking gardens, and visit the museum to learn about the life of America’s first president and his family.
In 2006, Mount Vernon launched its Ford Orientation Center & Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. This state-of-the-art facility boasts 25 galleries and theaters that illuminate the captivating narrative of George Washington’s life with six permanent galleries and a rotating exhibit featuring artifacts displayed at Mount Vernon for the first time. Additional amenities include a food court, gift shop, and the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
Getting There
Address: George Washington Parkway, Mount Vernon, VA. Phone: (703) 780-2000. Mount Vernon is situated along the Potomac River, approximately 14 miles south of Washington DC. Note that some GPS devices may provide inaccurate directions, so it’s wise to double-check. Parking is complimentary.
Mount Vernon is not directly accessible via Metro. Visitors should take the Metro to Huntington Station and transfer to the Fairfax Connector bus #101 to Mount Vernon.
Moreover, Mount Vernon is adjacent to the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, making it a favorite for cyclists. Ample parking for bikes is available at various lots along the route, and bike racks are conveniently placed near the estate’s Main Gate.
Tips for Visiting
- You can easily spend an entire day exploring Mount Vernon, taking in the museum, mansion, outbuildings, and the beautiful grounds.
- During peak seasons, visitors may face long lines to enter the mansion. To reduce waiting times, consider visiting on weekdays or during the months from November to March.
- Participate in special events at Mount Vernon for unique seasonal experiences.
- For an unforgettable adventure, consider a round trip cruise to Mount Vernon on the Spirit of Mt. Vernon, enjoying stunning views along the Potomac River while touring the estate. Alternatively, opt for the Mount Vernon by Bike and Boat package that includes bike rental, estate admission, and a Potomac River cruise. Another option is the combined Tour of Mount Vernon and Virginia, which offers transportation from Union Station in Washington DC.
Major Annual Events at Mount Vernon
- President’s Day Celebrations
- Wine Festival & Sunset Tours – available in Spring and Fall
- Fall Harvest Family Festival
- Christmas at Mount Vernon
More About the Grounds at Mount Vernon
George Washington meticulously designed the estate’s landscape, featuring four gardens showcasing plants native to Mount Vernon in the late 1700s. Visitors can explore a pioneer farm site and a hands-on exhibit complete with a 16-sided treading barn. Additionally, George Washington’s Tomb is on the grounds, where the first president chose to be buried following his death on December 14, 1799. The tomb, completed in 1831, houses Washington’s remains alongside those of his wife, Martha, and other family members. Nearby lies a slave burial ground, honoring the African-American slaves who worked at Mount Vernon.
George Washington’s Whiskey Distillery and Gristmill
Approximately three miles from the estate, explore the 18th-century whiskey distillery and water-powered mill. Here, visitors can witness the historical processes and their significance in George Washington’s vision for America. Convenient public transportation is accessible between the estate and these captivating sites.
