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Thing to Do

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

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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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VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise

• Potomac River Cruise
• Tickets to George Washington’s mansion
• Continental breakfast on boat (outbound trip)
• Picnic lunch on boat (return trip)
• Small group of 15 guests maximum
• Local English-speaking guide
• Entry/Admission - The Wharf DC
• Entry/Admission - George Washington's Mount Vernon
• Entry/Admission - Potomac River
• Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
• 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA Your guide will meet you at Pier 4 holding a "Meet Here" sign. We will be boarding the Spirit of Mt Vernon to begin the tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
• Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
• Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
• Those with dietary restrictions need to contact us before joining the tour.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• George Washington's Mount Vernon

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 580 Water St SW 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA Your guide will meet you at Pier 4 holding a "Meet Here" sign. We will be boarding the Spirit of Mt Vernon to begin the tour. See address & details
• 1 The Wharf DC Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 George Washington's Mount Vernon Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details
• 3 Potomac River Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Climber665725 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Lacking substance! The river “cruise” was a water taxi you can take on your own for $20. You get NO additional information during this water taxi by being part of this tour. She takes your cubcake order! The Georgetown portion is predominantly looking at historic markers on side of buildings and real estate prices posted at a realtor. Very little knowledge of history of Georgetown shared. Instead who lived where and what people said about them. Read more Written March 16, 2024
• S9348PXrs 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect experience Alanya was the best! As a native Washingtonian, she was brought her personal experiences to the tour. The combination of the boat and walking was perfect and the cupcakes were a wonderful addition. Read more Written March 12, 2024
• F8358URmarias 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Most Fun and Friendly Georgetown Tour The tour was amazing! Our guide Alex was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and he really listened to what our group was interested in and tailored the tour to our interests. The boat ride across the Potomac was a wonderful way to begin the trip through Georgetown, and I learned so many interesting facts along the walk. I can’t wait to take another tour with Walks! Read more Written March 3, 2024
• Designurlife 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Historical tidbits not often found in history books Our guide (Liza Banks) was exceptional! Her passion and knowledge of history, and the many unique historical tidbits that she shared throughout our explorative journey were phenomenal! I’ve never experienced a tour with so many interesting facts! Read more Written December 28, 2023
• JFNTLL2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trust me do it!! We took a private tour of Georgetown with Alex and had an amazing time. We all highly recommend it to others. Our family consist of 4 with a 10 and 14 year old. Read more Written December 27, 2023
• DawnReau 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cake cups a great extra! Truly enjoyed this experience!Guide was very knowledgeable and and fun! Also loved the cake cups! Thank you! Read more Written December 14, 2023
• DLSinBenicia 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Georgetown in a Nutshell In spite of the cold weather this boat and walking tour was quite pleasant. The inside of the boat was quite cozy and the rear open space was not windy at all so we could get good photos of the monuments as we flowed down the river. As we passed the famed Watergate building, our tour guide Amanda informed us of some of their famous residents including RBG, Scalia, Monica Lewinsky and Candaliza Rice. The walking tour of Georgetown was the highlight for me. Amanda was very knowledgeable and kept our interest. She shared a lot of the history and interesting tidbits of Georgetown lore. I would recommend this tour. Read more Written December 13, 2023
• 940lillianw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of National Mall and Monuments Alex did a great job on what turned out to be a tour for two. He shared great information about the monuments, including the history and meaning behind the movements’ design and symbols, that helped these two locals learn more about this important place. He was an engaging and knowledgeable guide whose humor and personality made the time fly by. Read more Written December 4, 2023
• NicholasV695 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Take the water taxi; skip the walk A bubbly tour guide, but content was disappointing. A water taxi ride can be purchased independent of the walk- recommended. During the walk, spots mentioned in the description were pointed out and briefly addressed with a memorized script. The Stone House(the oldest structure, in Washington DC, on its original foundation) was pointed out from across the street- although the exterior grounds are open daily. From across the street? The cupcake seemed to be the focal point of the walk. It was large and showy, but meh. During the rather long cupcake experience, history of Georgetown should have been elaborated. The end of the tour, a stairway from a scene in the Exorcist, a fifty year old horror film, also meh. The tour is primarily uphill walking and very little talking(information.) The walk should be condensed and the talk should be more substantial. We wish Walks well; but will not schedule another tour. Read more Written October 3, 2023
• JaimieA41 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour of Georgetown! Ayana was a fun and knowledgeable tour guide. She was very personable and made the tour interesting. Loved having a cupcake stop by the canal! The historic places she took us to were things we would never have discovered on our own. Read more Written September 23, 2023
• Maps58778602030 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent afternoon Excellent afternoon with a cupcake included! LB knew her stuff on Washington and Georgetown. Would recommend to anyone who is in the area. Read more Written September 22, 2023
• N6380ZKcarolinam 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour combination Ryan was super cool and even did most of the tour in Spanish (our first language), the boat trip was lovely and the places visited were filled wit historical value. Super recommended Read more Written September 17, 2023
• H1799YWthomasz 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Tour Guide Didn’t Show Up ! No Notice Tour Guide Called Out Sick. No Notice ! Found out after waiting at meeting place. No One Knew, many Angry people waiting ! Very Poorly Run. Read more Written September 9, 2023
• KymW74 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour. Alex was great! He was personable and full of knowledge. We lucked out and had a private tour because it’s the end of tourist season. The water taxi part of the tour really made this stand out from other Georgetown walking tours. Read more Written September 2, 2023
• miguelsE9621FO 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Washington on the fast and cheap. The water ride was impersonal. It was to far from the monuments and did not have a Chace to ask any questions. Read more Written August 11, 2023

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VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise provided by Walks

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.

Summer Huzzah

Join Mount Vernon for a summer evening of 18th-century entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. 

At our special VIP experience, taste foods inspired by 18th-century dishes served at Mount Vernon and sample George Washington's whiskey.

Finish the evening with a performance by the Washington Tattoo .

Special Event Showing On

VIP Experience in the Upper Garden

Taste a modern menu inspired by first-hand accounts of guests who dined at Mount Vernon in the beautiful Upper Garden.

Each VIP ticket purchase comes with two drink tickets, applicable toward Mount Vernon beer and wine. Cash bar available.

Please note that the VIP experience cannot accommodate dietary restrictions. 

VIP Experience

In the Upper Garden, enjoy a modern tasting menu inspired by first-hand accounts of guests who dined at Mount Vernon as you listen to 18th-century music by  Donna Nomick and the hammered dulcimer.

Finish the tasting with a toast featuring George Washington’s whiskey.

• Potted guinea fowl (2 oz) with bread (1/2 slice), garden pickles (3), and Durham-style mustard (1oz)
• Pea soup (4 oz) with dressed vegetables (2 oz) and smoked trout (1 oz)
• Barbecue beef (5-6 oz)
• Biscuit (1-3 in) with jams and two cheeses (2 oz)
• Candied fruit and nuts 
• "The most extraordinary plum cake" (4 in)
• Toast with George Washington’s 5-Year Premium Rye Whiskey®

This 18th-century spread will be prepared by Mount Vernon's Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse . Justin will talk with guests and share the historical significance of the menu.

George Washington Whiskey

In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America.

Today, a faithfully reconstructed working distillery produces small batch spirits on-site and is open to visitors on weekends in April - October.

Public Event

Enjoy 18 th -century entertainment, including:

• Tavern games, like shut the box, tic tac toe, and tops
• Lawn games, including the game of Graces
• 18 th -century fortune telling with Dr. Nobles (6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.) 
• 18 th -century music with Colonial Faire  (6 p.m. & 7 p.m.) 

Tour the Mansion

The Mansion will be open for tours.

Don't miss the opportunity to tour the Mansion after hours before many of its rooms go off-view for preservation work.

Learn about our preservation work

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Enjoy a scenic ride across the 12-acre field in a horse-drawn wagon.

Ice Cream Making

See how ice cream was made in George Washington's day, featuring some 18th-century flavors not often seen today, like oyster, pickle, and garlic.

Whiskey and Beer-making

Watch live whiskey distilling and beer-making demonstrations from members of Mount Vernon's Historic Trades Team.

Ponies & Livestock

See ponies and learn about the role of livestock in the 18th-century from members of the Livestock Team.

Concessions

Concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn will be available for purchase.

The Washington Tattoo

The event concludes with a one-hour performance by The Washington Tattoo, followed by a meet-and-greet of the performers (a $32 value).

Schedule of Activities

Lawn seating.

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or small lawn chair to sit on the lawn. Seating is not provided at the general public event.

Tents, tables, pop-ups, grills, beach or free-standing umbrellas, coolers, and glass containers are not permitted. All items and bags will be subject to search upon entrance.

Get Discounted Admission

Become a member to save on event tickets and get free daytime admission to Mount Vernon year-round.

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9 a.m. to 5 p.m.