mansion tour mount vernon

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.

Things to Do

There's so much to see and do at Mount Vernon that you can easily spend a few hours at the estate.

Your admission ticket includes access to the grounds of George and Martha Washington's estate.

Get an in-depth look at Mount Vernon with a specialty tour.

Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Area

Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour

In-Depth Guided Mansion Tour

The Preservation of Mount Vernon Tour

Private Tour of Mount Vernon

"Through My Eyes" Character Tour

Hamilton The Musical Guided Tour

Photo Cruise on the Potomac River

Distillery & Gristmill Guided Tour

Gardens and Landscapes Tour

Mansion & Grounds

Entry to the Mansion is by guided tour only and requires a Mansion tour ticket (a grounds pass allows access to the estate).

We recommend that you purchase your tour tickets in advance online.

The Mansion will be closed Jan. 23-Feb. 5. The grounds remain open.

Mansion Visit Time: 20 minutes 

You can also visit our outbuildings,  gardens ,  Washington's tomb , the slave memorial ,  a working farm , and more. 

Grounds Visit Time: 1 hour

THE MANSION & GROUNDS

Preservation Work

We have embarked upon our landmark Mansion Revitalization project! During your visit, you may see our Preservation teams restoring the framing, masonry, and environmental controls of the Mansion, ensuring our first president’s home will be ready to receive millions of guests for generations to come.

Individual rooms will be taken off display as work progresses through the house.

Beginning January 2024, the New Room will not be on view.

Washington Tomb Restoration

Due to preservation work at the Tomb, the sarcophagi of George and Martha Washington are not currently on view.

The restoration of George Washington’s New Tomb will dramatically improve the tomb’s visual appearance, removing visible staining and efflorescence of the brick and crumbling mortar and restoring the plaster ceiling over the Washington sarcophagi.

Most importantly, by controlling and reducing the moisture infiltration that has been the underlying cause of deterioration since construction in the 1830s, it will ensure the Tomb’s preservation for generations to come.

Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon

In the museum, discover the people who shaped Mount Vernon, including Washington and Custis family members, enslaved and hired laborers, and Vice Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, which has owned and preserved Mount Vernon since the 19th century.

Museum Visit Time:  1 hour

Education Center

In the Education Center, trace Washington’s life story through exhibits, a 4D Revolutionary War film, and the Be Washington Interactive Theater.

Education Center Visit Time: 1 hour

Enjoy cornbread and other Virginia favorites at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant or get a quick meal or snack at the Food Court.

The Food Court Pavillion will be closed on Jan. 1-7, and Jan. 29-Feb 2.

Restaurant Visit Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour Food Court Visit Time: 15 - 30 minutes

The Food Court Pavilion will be closed from Jan. 29 - Feb. 5.

The Shops at Mount Vernon offers unique gifts, reproductions of Mount Vernon treasures, books, toys, and more.

You can also shop our online store .

The Shops at Mount Vernon will be closed from Jan. 4 - 27.

The Shops at Mount Vernon are closed for renovation.  Visit our temporary gift shop in the Orientation Center, or online .

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

Tour fully-functioning reconstructions of Washington's gristmill and whiskey distillery. Both buildings are located 2.7 miles from the estate’s main entrance. 

Open seasonally: weekends in Apr. - Oct. 

View Tour Dates

Visit Time: 1 hour

Quick Links

9 a.m. to 4 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.

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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
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• martha custis washington
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Last updated: August 1, 2017

Everything You Need to Know to Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia

• By Jason Barnette
• February 10, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

After the brief but thrilling tour through the house I returned to a long row of wooden chairs on the covered porch of George and Martha Washington’s Mansion. I could see the wide Potomac River down the hill. It wasn’t hard to imagine what it was like when Washington lived here in the 18 th century because not much had changed at all in this peaceful neck of the woods.

It was a sweltering day in September, in the midst of a bona fide heatwave, when I arrived at the main gate to the Mount Vernon estate. I was thrilled to finally be able to explore the home of George and Martha Washington, but the intense heat and humidity kept me from most of the outdoor exploration. In this post I have compiled everything I learned that day with my four-hour visit to Mount Vernon.  

With admission starting at $20 for adults and $12 for children you get lot of bang for your buck. General Admission includes a guided tour inside the Mansion, access to all the walking trails through the gardens and historic area, the museums, and the Distillery & Gristmill located off-site. The general admission alone will keep you busy for a few hours and give you a wonderful insight into our first president.

Here is everything you need to know to visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia.

How much time will you spend at Mount Vernon

It entirely depends on how much you want to do. The minimum amount of time necessary for the guided tour of the Mansion and a walk through of the gardens and museums is about two hours. Expect to add at least one hour for each specialty tour. I recommend at least three hours to experience Mount Vernon and five hours for an experience you’ll never forget.

The Mansion

If you look really closely when you visit you can just make out the outline of the original one-and-a-half story house built by Augustine Washington in 1734. When George Washington took over the plantation in 1754 he began a series of renovations and expansions. After nearly 50 years of tinkering he settled with the 21-room Mansion he called Mount Vernon .

The only way to see the Mansion is with a guided tour included in the price of admission. The house has been meticulously restored over the years and offers an absolutely stunning look into an authentic 18 th century home. Not a recreation, but the actual home of George and Martha Washington. The architectural details designed by Washington himself are stunning. The fact present-day Mount Vernon has maintained them so well is nothing short of astounding.

The guided tours are admittedly brief, and quite frequently my group bumped into either the group behind or in front of us. Mount Vernon is one of the most-visited presidential homes in the country so I can’t entirely blame them, but my entire tour lasted only 20 minutes. It was an amazing twenty minutes, however, with each room uniquely painted and adorned with paintings, furniture, and artifacts from Washington’s time.

About midway through the tour my guide pointed to a bed on the upper floor of the Mansion and said, “This is where George Washington died in 1799.” To realize I was standing in the very room where Washington passed away was one of the most profound moments of travel and history in all of my adventures.

When you purchase an admission ticket online (recommended) or on site you will be asked to pick a time for the Mansion Tour. The time you pick is when you need to be in line at the Mansion. Wait times can be around 5-30 minutes for the tour to begin. It is important you make it in time; if you have to reschedule your time it could be hours before you could begin the tour.

Historic Area

Surrounding the Mansion at the heart of Mount Vernon is the Historic Area dotted with outbuildings, gardens, and trails. I found this to be the most peaceful part of my time at the estate with no rush to get anywhere and very thin crowds compared to the house tour.

The Historic Area includes the Spinning House, Blacksmith Shop, Slave Quarters, and more than a dozen other buildings. Each was fully set up as it would have been during Washington’s time on the plantation and open to the public to pop in and explore. My favorite building at Mount Vernon? The Necessary . It was just the outhouse, but I found the name hilarious (and reminded me of the necessary chairs I found at The Charleston Museum in South Carolina).

There are three gardens to explore at Mount Vernon: Fruit Garden, Lower Garden, and Upper Garden . The Lower Garden is beside the animal enclosure where animals typically used on the plantation are kept for viewing today. My favorite was the Upper Garden with a peaceful walk along a crushed gravel trail through the formal garden beside the Greenhouse.

Bring water! It can get quite hot and humid at Mount Vernon during the summer months. There aren’t many places to get water through the Mansion and historical areas, so please bring your own water. And please bring a reusable water bottle like the CamelBak Chute that I love so very much.

Washington’s will stipulated that upon his death a new tomb should be built at Mount Vernon where he, his wife, and his family would later be interred. Today visitors can explore the old and new tombs on the estate.

When George Washington died in 1799, he was initially interred in the Old Tomb . But before his death Washington realized this old tomb was in bad condition. Today visitors can see the location of the Old Tomb.

The New Tomb was completed in 1831 and the bodies of George and Martha Washington where interred there forever. Visitors can walk to the tomb located south of the Fruit Garden, about ten minutes from the mansion.

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Reynolds Museum and Education Center

Hot and humid? Raining? Just plumb tired and need a rest? The Reynolds Museum and Education Center is the perfect place for you! With a whopping 23 galleries, the Revolutionary War 4D Theater, and an interactive theater, you’ll certainly have a lot to do there.

The museum was an amazing walk through Washington’s life. Hundreds of artifacts and entire scenes from history were on display in the museum. One of the coolest scenes was the life size George Washington on an equally life size horse from the Revolutionary War. But my favorite piece in the museum was a simple painting depicting George Washington’s first expansion of the original house built by his father.

One of the most popular indoor attractions at Mount Vernon is the Re volutionary War 4D Theater . Prepare yourself for canon fire, harmless smoke, and snowflakes as the fourth dimension comes to life during a thrilling experience. It is a recent addition to the estate so the video and effects were top notch.

Distillery and Gristmill

The distillery and gristmill are located on a satellite portion of the estate about three miles from the main entrance along Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Access to the site is included in the price of general admission. If you don’t want to drive or didn’t drive to begin with there is a shuttle to take visitors between the sections of the estate.

You can visit the Distillery and Gristmill on your way to the estate. You can either buy your tickets online or when you arrive at the distillery. I recommend doing this first because you’ll be more exhausted after finishing the tours of the Mansion, Historic Area, and museum.

Once there you’ll see authentic recreations of the gristmill and distillery once used by George Washington on the plantation. The gristmill is a gorgeous stone building with a ginormous wheel that you’ll frequently find turning under the power of water. Step inside for one of the most in-depth looks at how a gristmill functions in the country.

The distillery was the most surprising thing I discovered at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. I had no idea Washington made whiskey and sold it to the general public! The fully-function recreation of the distillery shows you how whiskey was made in the late 18 th century!

Did you know

George Washington began a commercial distilling business in 1797. By 1799 the distillery produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey, almost 20 times more than the average Virginia distillery, making his business venture one of the largest distilleries in the country.

Accessibility

Great news! The vast majority of everything to see and do at Mount Vernon is fully accessible. There are some limits, but for the most part this is one of the most accessible historic sites I have come across yet.

Begin with the curbside drop off directly in front of the main entrance to the estate. There are no shuttles between the parking lots and entrance, so this is the best option for those with wheelchairs and walkers.

The Ford Orientation Center, where your adventure at Mount Vernon begins, and the Reynolds Museum and Education Center are fully accessible. However, only the first floor of the Mansion is accessible. This will still allow you to see about 70% of the tour, but unfortunately you will miss the bedroom where Washington died.

Through the Historical Area there are a few accessible paths. The primary route is beside the North Garden directly to the Mansion. Other paths around the outbuildings and through the formal gardens are passable on a surface of crushed gravel but be careful on wet days.

Just in case you need it Mount Vernon offers free non-motorized wheelchairs and walkers for visitors.

Getting to Mount Vernon

The most direct route to Mount Vernon is along Mount Vernon Memorial Highway at U.S. Highway 1 in Alexandria. There are a few exits you can take off Interstate 95 to reach this highway.

But my favorite way to get to Mount Vernon is to take the 25-mile George Washington Memorial Parkway . The National Park Service parkway begins at Exit 14 off Interstate 495 west of Washington, D.C., continues along the Potomac River through Alexandria, and ends at the roundabout at Mount Vernon. Along the way the Parkway passes several other NPS monuments and memorials, Gravelly Point Park, and Jones Point Park.

But the absolute coolest way to visit Mount Vernon? Take a three-hour scenic boat ride! Spirit Cruise’s Spirit of Mount Vernon cruise boat departs Washington, D.C. just after 8 a.m. for a two-hour cruise along the Potomac River, and then leaves Mount Vernon around 1 p.m. for a two-hour return cruise.

A more affordable and quicker option is to ride on the Mount Vernon Cruise with the Potomac Riverboat Company . This 50-minute cruise departs Alexandria, makes a stop at National Harbor, and then sails down the Potomac River to Mount Vernon.

If you choose to drive to Mount Vernon one the greatest advantages of this historic site is the free parking. There are two massive parking lots on either side of George Washington Memorial Parkway with about a 5 to 15-minute walk to the main entrance. There is a curbside drop off area in front of the main entrance to make it easier for accessibility and families. Sorry, dads, but you have to walk back from the parking spot.

Where to Eat

Take a guided tour, sit on the front porch watching the Potomac River, and go for a walk through the gardens and the next thing you know you’ll be hungry. Fortunately, there are two great places to eat on the property so you don’t have to leave when the rumble in your belly starts.

The Food Court Pavilion is located near the main entrance across from the Ford Orientation Center. The pavilion offers food throughout the day including breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Papa Johns has a shop set up inside where you’ll also find hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. There is plenty of indoor seating with large tables.

The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is located next door to the pavilion. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner throughout the week and brunch on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The diverse menu includes everything from hamburgers and sandwiches to pork chop and roasted duck. The dining room at the restaurant is quite gorgeous with patterned wallpaper and white linen tablecloths.

Where to Stay

There is actually so much to do at Mount Vernon that I strongly recommend spending the entire day exploring it. The historic site does not offer two day passes so you might as well do everything in one trip! Okay, maybe not everything. But you can try and you’ll be tired afterwards.

If you want to make a weekend trip out of visiting Mount Vernon, I recommend staying in nearby Alexandria about twenty minutes away.

My first night in Alexandria I stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Richmond Highway. This is my top recommendation for hotels in Northern Virginia because of easy access, outstanding room, and proximity to everything. The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool, free on-site parking, and a fantastic breakfast.

The Alexandrian is a top-rated posh hotel in Alexandria’s Old Town historic district. It’s located within walking distance of many attractions in the city and takes only minutes to drive out of town.

Closest to Mount Vernon

The Best Western Mount Vernon is just four miles from Mount Vernon. With comfortable rooms, free on-site parking, and a decent breakfast in the morning, it is a no-frills great place to spend the night.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott across the street is a step above with an outdoor swimming pool, free on-site parking, and a One Bedroom King Suite with a sleeper sofa that makes it better for traveling families.

I am always a fan of Hampton Inn hotels and this one makes a great place to stay. It has a rather nice indoor swimming pool and fantastic breakfast in the morning. In fact, that breakfast is exactly why I was late getting to Mount Vernon when I stayed there!

2 Responses

I enjoyed your article! I’ll be in Georgetown for a wedding in a few weeks and have a full Sunday free to visit Mt. Vernon with my husband, daughter and her boyfriend. Do you think it’s worth it to hire a half day private guide to take us around the premises, or can we easily navigate on our own? We are very interested in history, so I thought it may be worth it to be able to ask questions and get more out of the day. I would appreciate your thoughts!

Hi Laurie! Mount Vernon is a very easy property to navigate on your own. However, if you want the most immersive experience with a docent or guide who will really dive deep into the history of the property, I absolutely recommend the half-day tour. I hope you enjoy the wedding and trip to Mount Vernon!

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George Washington's Mount Vernon Questions & Answers

Is the Premium Mansion tour worth the price difference compared to the standard timed mansion tours?

Depends on when you go. If you're visiting at a very busy time, yes it's worth it. If it's not busy, then the standard tour is very nice and thorough. If you're a "National Treasures" movie fan, I'd recommend taking this tour after the standard tour.

Are the tour guides woke and “bash” george Washington ?

We didn't take the premium tour. We were with my grandniece (5 years old), and just wandering and enjoying and doing all the free tours were plenty. Actually, the free tours were plenty for all of us!

We weren't aware of the premium tour. It was good to see the movie of Washington's life after touring the home and grounds.

Sorry, we were not aware of the premium tour. That said, the standard tour was quick and simple with little information conveyed. The overall visit was great.

We have visited twice, both times it was busy and there was little time to take in details. We bought a package which included collection at our hotel in DC and drop off at hotel too. I would like to go back and have time to see more than the standard tour. Hope that helps!

Sorry we can't give an answer. We weren't aware of a Premium Mansion Tour so we didn't take it.

We purchased our tickets off the internet before we went. We were able to see everything and it was so worth the money. I can't believe how much they have done with it since back in 1993 when I first went there....You won't regret going...

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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.  

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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.

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.

Note: Photographs are not allowed inside the mansion, however, have your cameras ready for the view off the porch!

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.

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

The Enslaved Persons Memorial was added in 1983 and is in the spot where there was slave's burial ground when Mount Vernon was a plantation.

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

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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7 Reasons Why Mount Vernon Mansion Is Worth Visiting

For those who are wondering if George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion is worth visiting, the answer is yes and the reasons are many.

One of the top reasons why the Mount Vernon estate is worth visiting is because of the broad scope of things you’ll see. A visit to Mount Vernon is like being transported to another time and getting an amazing history lesson.

Whether you’re interested in history, agriculture, old homes, colonial living, gardens or Virginia culture, you will find it all when you visit the Mount Vernon mansion and estate.

I’ve listed 7 reasons why Mount Vernon is worth a visit, but there are many more.

Past Lane Travels contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Looking for the best way to tour Mount Vernon? This private tour has the best ratings.

“No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this…on one of the finest Rivers in the world.” GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1793

Why is Mount Vernon Famous?

If you’re wondering if Mount Vernon is worth visiting, then you first need to know why the Mount Vernon mansion is famous.

Mount Vernon is famous because it was the home of George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States.

Not only can you see the inside of the house where George Washington lived, you can explore his farm and learn about the agricultural innovations he made.

Situated along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in the United States, and has been toured by more than 80 million visitors.

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The Mount Vernon Mansion House

There are presently nine bedrooms in the 21-room mansion, but it wasn’t always so. When George Washington inherited the house from his father, it was a one-story cottage.

Side Note: Mount Vernon was originally called Little Hunting Creek. It was renamed Mount Vernon in honor of an English naval officer Admiral Edward Vernon.

As you can see from the photos, the house looks like it is made from stone. However, it is actually made of wood through a process called rustication.

Related Post: Gilded Age Glamour at the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, NY.

This was a way of saving on construction costs. Beveled edges are carved into wooden logs, and then paint mixed with sand is added to give the wood a grainy texture.

Related Story: Did you know there’s an abandoned town related to George Washington in Virginia? It’s called the Matildaville Ruins and is located in Great Falls, Va.

Seven Reasons Why Mount Vernon Is Worth Visiting

1. a mount vernon mansion house tour.

There is no better treat than getting to go inside an old house, and a Mount Vernon mansion tour lets you get a real glimpse into colonial life and a behind-the-scenes look at George and Martha Washington.

Here are some of the rooms you get to see in a Mount Vernon Mansion Tour.

The New Room

The first room you enter on the Mount Vernon Mansion tour is the New Room, so called because it was part of the addition that George Washington added.

During my visit at Christmas time, this room was set up as a festive dining room, but this space was one that would have been changed by the servants for special occasions and depending on the situation.

The room was probably used for dining only for guests of high rank or large parties that could not be accommodated in the smaller dining room.

The Front Parlor

This room was considered by Washington to be “the best place in my House” before the New Room was added. This elegant room was where visitors would assemble and where tea and coffee would be served.

The entire household gathered in this room in the evenings to read, discuss the latest political news, and play games.

The mantel, two Palladian door frames and the paneled walls make this room one of the finest surviving examples of colonial Virginia architecture.

The Dining Room in Mount Vernon Mansion

According to the tour guide, George Washington had the walls painted that shade of green in 1785, because he believed the color to be “grateful to the eye” and less likely than other colors to fade.

(I’m not sure about that, George).

The paint was made from verdigris, the corrosion product of copper, and was very expensive in the 18th century. This paint required constant refreshing because, as a copper product, the paint continued to oxidize and eventually turned black. ⁣⁣

Amazingly though, this dining room is part of the original house that was built in 1734. Over the years, the room underwent a series of renovations, including the elaborately decorated ceiling and plaster ornaments.

Washington hired a plasterer in 1775, identified simply as the “Stucco Man,” who spent five months completing the hand-tooled ceiling.

George Washington’s Study or Library

After the Revolutionary War , the study became Washington’s retreat from both family and visitors. Reportedly, no one was allowed in this room without his invitation. From here, he directed the management of his estate.

The study was also where Washington bathed, dressed, and kept his clothes. In the background you can see that Washington’s chair that he used as President, and the fan over his working desk that he operated with pedals.

There are a number of artifacts from Washington’s life in this room including the bookcases and secretary.

It’s amazing to see these items and know they were touched by our first president. It reminded me of seeing Washington’s tent on display in Philadelphia.

Upstairs Bedrooms: The Blue Room And Others

The Blue Room is one of the six primary bedchambers in the Mount Vernon mansion that you can see on a tour. Located at the top of the stairs on the second floor, the Blue Room overlooks the front entrance.

By the late 1790s, this room served as a bedchamber for visiting family and guests.

Other bedrooms upstairs include the Lafayette bedchamber (because it is where the Marquis de Lafayette is believed to have stayed when he visited), and the Yellow Room, the Chintz Room, and the Hall bedchamber at the top of the stairs.

George and Martha Washington’s Bedchamber

For those who are still wondering if Mount Vernon is worth visiting, the bedroom of George and Martha Washington is one of the most memorable rooms I have ever seen on an old house tour.

As you can see from the photo, the bedroom is decorated in a very simplistic white even though color was used throughout other rooms in the house.

It was the private bedroom of George and Martha Washington, and it is where George Washington took his last breath. He died from a throat infection on December 14, 1799. (And it is the actual bed that he died on).

Sadly, Martha chose not to sleep in the bedroom again, instead sleeping in another bedroom.

If you want to read more about his short illness and the treatments he received (pretty atrocious by today’s standards), you can click here . Needless to say, the medical knowledge was very limited back then.

For those who are interested in early medicine, you can learn a lot about the advancements made during the Civil War at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Md. It’s very intriguing!

Other Rooms In The Mount Vernon Mansion

You also get to go down the back staircase at the Mount Vernon mansion, which are the stairs that Washington used every morning to go down to his study.

The kitchen is also on the tour. It is in a separate building close to the house (common to that era in case of fire)

2. The Mount Vernon Museum and History Center

When you book a tour at the Mount Vernon estate, you also get access to the Museum and Education Center that features 23 galleries and two theaters.

Pro Tip: You can book a day trip to Mount Vernon from Washington, D.C., or do a full day by combining a trip to Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, Va.

The Visitor Center (Ford’s Education Center) is where you enter the Mount Vernon mansion property.

Don’t forget to get your picture taken with George Washington and his family. They greet you right inside the door!

You can also pick up a map here and learn about the audio tour.

The center tells the detailed story of George Washington’s life with more than 500 original artifacts, 11 video presentations, and even an immersion theater experience.

Pro Tip: This is also a place where you can get warm in the winter or cool off during the summer.

Take a private tour of Mount Vernon .

3. Washington’s Tomb

George and Martha Washington are both buried on the Mount Vernon estate property.

Washington made provisions for a new brick tomb to be constructed after his death, which then replaced the original family burial vault.

In 1831, Washington’s body was transferred to the new tomb, along with the remains of Martha Washington and other family members. There is a wreath-laying ceremony at the new Washington’s Tomb daily.

In addition to Washington’s Tombs there is also a slave cemetery on the property and a Slave Memorial that commemorates the community of enslaved people with a special wreath-laying presentation each day.

4. The Wharf At Mount Vernon Estate

The wharf on the Potomac River at Mount Vernon, was integral to the running of the farm. It’s were supplies and some communications were received and where things from Mount Vernon were shipped out.

It also provided the farm with fish. Records show that more than 1.3 million herring and 11,000 shad were taken from the river in 1772.

The wharf is where visitors can learn more about the different types of boats used at Mount Vernon.

It’s a bit of a hike, but the view is worth it! During the busy summer season, you can catch a trolley ride.

By the way, you can book a bike and boat tour at Mount Vernon, where you can ride a bike to the estate, and take a boat back to Alexandria. (Sounds like fun)!

5. The Outbuildings

Its important to note that Mount Vernon was a working plantation that covered 8,000 acres (with about 3,200 acres in crop).

Today the estate encompasses 500 acres so is still quite wide and vast, with many original outbuildings. (Truly amazing to see).

✔️ The Blacksmith Shop: This had a blacksmith pounding away during my candlelight tour at Christmas. Very cool!

✔️ Spinning House

✔️ Shoemaker’s Shop

✔️ Smokehouse

✔️ Slaves’ Quarters

✔️ The Washhouse

✔️ The ‘Necessary’

✔️ The Salt House

✔️ The Paint House

✔️ The Stove House

✔️ The Gardener’s House

✔️ The Ice House

6. Pioneer Village

This four-acre farm site is where you can learn what a visionary George Washington was in the field of agriculture, and where he experimented with farming techniques, tools and plants.

Visitors can watch costumed interpreters demonstrate things like hoeing the fields, cooking over a fire, shearing sheep, and harvesting crops.

The highlight of this area is Washington’s 16-sided treading barn, one of his amazing agricultural inventions that was used to process grain.

The second level had a slatted wooden floor where work animals would walk in a large circle treading upon the grain. The seeds would fall through the slats to the solid wooden floor below.

7. The Gardens

I think maybe I saved the best for last.

There are four gardens at the Mount Vernon estate, all with very different purposes. Since I visited in December, I don’t have any garden photos — only the greenhouse picture above.

The Upper Garden was intended for the enjoyment of the Washington’s guests. It contained a variety of plants that showcased Washington’s skill as a gardener. The focal point of this garden is the greenhouse pictured above.

In this heated space, Washington cultivated tropical plants, as well as lemons, limes and oranges. This “technology” was extremely rare in Washington’s time.

As a side note, if you visit Mount Vernon over the holidays , you can learn how to dance like they did in the 1700s in this building.

The Lower Garden at the Mount Vernon mansion was the “kitchen garden,” and would have been overseen by Martha Washington.

While George Washington oversaw most aspects of managing the pleasure grounds, Martha Washington to grow fruits and vegetables for her table.

The Botanical Garden behind the Spinning House was Washington’s little garden where he experimented with plants and species. Washington first grew alfalfa and oats here and learned he could increase the productivity of his fields.

The Fruit Garden and Nursery was actually a failed attempt at a vineyard.

The nursery area was where plants that required more space were planted, including grasses, vegetables and ornamentals.

Apples, pears, cherries, peaches, and apricots were the standard fruit trees grown at Mount Vernon.

George Washington would have loved the gardens at Middleton Place Plantation and Boone Hall in South Carolina. They are spectacular.

Pro Tip: For a closer look at the Mount Vernon mansion and estate, you can take a virtual tour .

Bonus: Why Mount Vernon Is Worth Visiting

Where else can you see Aladdin the Camel?

Thanks to a note written by Washington about a camel that was brought to Mount Vernon in 1787, Aladdin the camel is part of the Mount Vernon estate’s special Christmas offerings every year.

Aladdin is just one of the many special activities, events, demonstrations and tours that take place at Mount Vernon throughout the year. Some of these are included with admission, others cost a nominal fee.

River Side Of The Mount Vernon Mansion

The back of the mansion was undergoing renovations when I visited so I didn’t get any photos, but the river views from Mount Vernon are spectacular.

I’m sure if I had been able to sit on the porch, I would have listed the portico as another feature that makes Mount Vernon worth visiting.

Here is how it is described by a visitor.

“On the side opposite the front is an immense open portico supported by eight pillars. It is from there that one looks out on perhaps the most beautiful view in the world. One sees there the waters of the Potowmak rolling majestically over a distance of 4 to 5 miles. Boats which go to and fro make a picture of unceasing motion.”

Since the 1950s, there have been threats to the magnificent vista from the mansion across the Potomac River, but the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has fought encroaching development attempts (including a sewage treatment plant).

Want To skip the house tour and just explore the grounds? Tickets HERE .

Mount Vernon Mansion History

The original Mount Vernon mansion structure was built for George Washington’s father in 1734 when George was just a toddler. It had four rooms and a foyer, called a central passage.

George Washington added 8,000 square feet to the original house and 4,000 acres to the original property. 

He designed several major renovations that resulted in raising the roof to add a story to the main house thereby creating more bedrooms, a garret (attic), and a two-story piazza facing the river.

He also added the wings on each side to increase living and entertaining spaces.

Top Tips For Visiting Mount Vernon

✅ Wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot of walking, so sneakers or some sort of walking shoe is highly recommended.

✅ Check the weather. A lot of your time will be spent outdoors exploring the grounds. It was freezing the day I visited, but northern Virginia can be hot and steamy during the summer months.

✅ Make sure you take water with you. I recommend this eco-friendly re-useable EMBRAVA Sports bottle because of the click top, no leak, and long leash to snap to your waist or purse. (I love click tops).   

Pro Tip: Mount Vernon has water in the museum, gift shop and a few on the grounds, including the pioneer farm, which is one of the most distant sites.

✅ Since I went in December (hence the cold temperature), there were no lines upon entry. However, it is highly recommended that you purchase your Mount Vernon tickets in advance .

✅ They have different options and designated tour times, so make sure you know what you are purchasing.

George Washington During the American Revolution post: A Visit To Valley Forge

The Mount Vernon Distillery

Just three miles down the road from the Mount Vernon Mansion is George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill , a beautiful structure that has been reconstructed and is now capable of producing 5,000 to 8,000 pounds of flour and cornmeal a day.

The Distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, valued at $7,500 ($120,000 today).

The average Virginia distillery produced about 650 gallons of whiskey per year which was valued at about $460, making Washington’s Distillery was was one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America.

The distillery is open seasonally and continues to produce small batches of spirits.

Mount Vernon is an American landmark and a lasting reminder of the life and legacy of the Father of Our Country. I’m lucky that I live less than two hours away, but it is worth the effort to visit it no matter where you live!

If you’re in Virginia, I highly recommend a visit to Arlington House and the Arlington Cemetery during your stay.

For those who are interested in walking in the footsteps of George Washington, make sure you add Valley Forge to your list.

Quick Facts About The Mount Vernon Mansion:

Where is george washington’s mount vernon historical site.

Mount Vernon is located in northern Virginia, less than 10 miles south of Alexandria, a charming historic town that is also worth a visit. It is only 18 miles from Washington, D.C. and 55 miles from Baltimore.

Does Mount Vernon Have Free Parking?

Yes, there is plenty of free parking at Mount Vernon as well as a convenient drop-off area.

How Did Mount Vernon Get Its Name?

Mount   Vernon  was named after a British Admiral, Edward  Vernon , under whom Lawrence Washington served in 1740 in the Cartagena Expedition.

What are the Dimensions of The Mount Vernon Mansion?

The house is 96 ft. long and 30 ft. deep. The porch columns are about 20 ft. high and 16 in. square.

Is The Mount Vernon Mansion the original house?

The center portion of the mansion is the original part built by George Washington’s father in 1734. George Washington added onto the modest house.

Is Mount Vernon part of the National Park System?

No. Mount Vernon is not part of the National Park System.

Who owns the Mount Vernon Mansion Now?

Mount Vernon is owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, and is run at no expense to taxpayers. The Association bought the Mansion and about 200 acres for $200,000 in 1858. They took over operation of the estate in 1860. They are the first national historic preservation organization in the country and the oldest women’s patriotic society in the United States.

Should I Purchase Tickets To Mount Vernon In Advance?

It is a good idea to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines on site.

You can also purchase an audio tour that leads you through George Washington’s estate.

How Much Time Do You Need To Explore Mount Vernon?

This is an important question! I never seem to leave enough time. The Mount Vernon Ladies Association recommends three hours at the least. I would recommend five hours.

Does Mount Vernon Estate Have a Gift Shop?

Yes, Mount Vernon has a gift shop and it is expansive. You can also shop for gifts online.

Getting to the Mount Vernon Estate

Because of its close location to our nation’s capital, a visit to the Mount Vernon mansion makes a great day trip if you’re staying in Washington, D.C.

If you’re using public transportation coming from the capital city, you will need to use both Metro and a bus, which you can find out about HERE .

I toured Alexandria before my visit to Mount Vernon mansion and I’m so glad I did. It’s a beautiful historic, waterfront town. If you’re in Washington, DC, you can purchase a full day Washington DC Tour with Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon ticket and not have to worry about your own transportation.

You can also rent bikes in Alexandria and ride to Mount Vernon.

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

Hotels close to the Mount Vernon Mansion

Best Western No frills, but a great hotel that is four miles from Mount Vernon. This is where I stayed because I was driving at night. Fifteen-minute walk to the George Washington’s Distillery.

The Alexandrian Pet friendly. Close to everything in Old Town Alexandria.

Embassy Suites by Hilton in Alexandria Old Town: My favorite hotel brand. Indoor pool. Restaurant. Happy hour.

Wrap-Up of Is The Mount Vernon Mansion Worth Visiting

Whether or not you’re into history, a visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a worthwhile venture.

I’ve been there twice, and I’m still not sure if I’ve seen everything.

If you visit over the holiday season, don’t miss going on a Candlelight Tour. This special event is a Christmas tradition for many, so purchase your tickets ahead of time!

Some call the Washington’s Mount Vernon estate a “privately-owned treasure” and no truer words were ever spoken. It’s a place that everyone should visit once in their lifetime.

The pages of the history books you read in school come alive in the Mount Vernon mansion — and you might just want to dust them off and start reading them again.

Author and Travel Blogger

Jessica James is an award-winning historical fiction author and life-long Gettysburg resident who loves sharing her passions for history and travel. She enjoys exploring the back roads of the USA and uncovering stories about unique destinations, cultures and almost-forgotten history.

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One Comment

Thank you for this presentation! Very informative and I think I need to make a trip to Mt. Vernon.

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Virtual Field Trip to Mount Vernon

I visited the virtual tour for George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion. I was very intrigued by its name and wondered what this place was about. The Mount Vernon Mansion used to be where George Washington and his wife Martha Washington lived. It has rich history as well as lots of space and numerous facilities. Specifically, this mansion consists of multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, a blacksmith shop, gardens, farms, and a river. What I enjoyed the most about this virtual trip was seeing all the beautiful views. I loved seeing how huge each room was, especially the bed chambers. Each room seems to have their own unique charm. Overall, I enjoyed this experience and would recommend it for anyone who loves U.S. History.

The image above shows the Blue Room. It was originally part of the White Room. Washington used this room to store wood and lumber until it became a bed chamber. As the Blue Room started to look more like the image above, its walls were painted blue with a settle white pattern.

The Upper Garden, shown in the image above, was once used to grow fruit and nuts. Nowadays, this garden showcases flowers, vegetables, and has a green house as well.

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