Visiting Mt. Vernon

A visit to Washington, DC should include a visit to Mt. Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington.  It is conveniently located approximately 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.  When you plan  your visit however, schedule for a half day visit minimum, whether you join a tour group or drive down independently.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Mt Vernon opens at 9:00 AM daily, and closes at 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM depending on the time of  year.  Throughout the year Mt Vernon hosts a variety of special events on select days, including trick or treating, Christmas Illuminations, Mt Vernon by Candlelight, wine festivals, Independence Day, and more.  

WHAT TO SEE / DO THERE
​​There is quite a bit to see while visiting Mt Vernon, which is why we recommend that you plan a half day trip for your visit.  The estate includes the historic mansion, outbuildings, gardens, a working farm, two museums, heritage breed animals, and a majestic view of the Potomac River from the porch of the mansion.

The standard mansion tour is included in your admission.  It includes the first and second floors where  you will see the interiors that have been meticulously resorted to their 1799 appearance (the last year of George Washington's life).  

The estate features four separate gardens for visitors to enjoy, as well as a wooded landscape on a quarter mile long forest trail.

There over a dozen outbuildings where many essential daily tasks took place, including laundry, spinning, meat curing and more.  There are daily demonstrations in the blacksmith's shop.

You can also visit the tomb where George and Martha Washington, along with other family members, are interred.  Every day there is a brief wreath-laying ceremony held at the home, to pay tribute to our first president.

There is still a working farm at Mt Vernon, located on 4 acres of the estate.  It includes a replica of the 16-sided treading barn as well as a reconstructed slave cabin.  These are only open between April 1 and October 1.

Apparently George Washington enjoyed his spirits.  You can tour the fully-functioning reconstructions of his gristmill and whiskey distillery.  These buildings are located about 2 1/2 miles from the estate's main entrance and are included in your admission price.

HOW TO ARRIVE
Typically most visitors arrive at Mt Vernon approaching the main entrance by car or bus.  And those that are physically fit to do so can ride a bike to Mt Vernon.  But our personal favorite is to arrive by boat.  It is a relaxing, scenic way to get there.  The boats can typically be boarded in Washington DC (at Pier 4 at 6th and Water Sts. SW), Alexandria (at the marina at Cameron and Union Streets), or National Harbor (at the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel).  The cost of the round trip boat trip also includes your admission to Mt Vernon.  

​At Mt Vernon you disembark at the wharf near the slave memorial, and farming demonstrations.  It is a much less crowded approach to the estate.  With the bulk of visitors approaching via the main entrance, especially during peak seasons, it can get quite crowded.  When you approach from the Potomac River, you aren't fighting large crowds and can start your tour of the estate "going against the flow" of visitors coming through the main entrance.

COST
The cost will depend somewhat on how you get to Mt Vernon.  Going by tour bus or via boat, the admission is included in your transportation costs.  If you drive yourself to Mt Vernon and do not pre-purchase tickets in advance, expect to pay $20 per adult and $12 per child (ages 6-11).  Seniors (62+) can get a discounted rate of $19, and children 5 years old and younger are free.  Military discounts are available, and Purple Heart recipients receive free admission year-round.