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George Washington's Mount Vernon

George Washington's Mount Vernon: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Washington DC: Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour

1. From Washington DC: Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour

Discover the historic Old Town Alexandria on a guided day trip from Washington. Ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate, the former residence of George Washington. Enjoy pickup in a luxurious, climate-controlled vehicle while your guide explains the significance of some of the city’s most recognizable monuments. A short drive brings you to the candy-colored architecture of Alexandria, where you can take a tour of some monuments notable to the former president – including the Masonic Temple and Christ Church. Arguably the birthplace of the city itself, George Washington’s former estate is located just 13 miles from the capital’s center. Then, go for an in-depth foray through the mansion, with entrance tickets to the grounds and gardens included. Interactive, historic reenactments bring the founding father’s story to life, while a guided tour of the building helps shine a light on his fascinating story. Next, you'll ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate - one of the Washington, DC, area’s premier sightseeing attractions. Explore historic Mount Vernon – from the mansion’s interior where President Washington resided to his beloved gardens, and final resting place.  Take some time for lunch at the Mt Vernon Food Court if you like, then learn more about George Washington’s life and legacy in both the Museum and Education Center – home to more than 700 original objects (including his false teeth) and 25 theaters and galleries. There is even a multi-media theater where it actually snows. After shopping for unique gifts at the Mt Vernon Shops, you will be entertained by your guide as you return back to Washington DC.

From Washington DC: Mt Vernon Day Trip, River Cruise & Lunch

2. From Washington DC: Mt Vernon Day Trip, River Cruise & Lunch

Arrive at the wharf where you’ll meet your expert guide, ready to take you on the ferry. As you travel downstream, one of the first things you’ll spot is the impressive Titanic Memorial. Over on the east bank, you’ll see the many restaurants and marinas lining the walkway before the famous Ronald Regan Airport and Alexandria come into view. One of the final sights you’ll see is Fort Washington. Completed in 1809, this military defense guarded the nation’s capital until 1814, when it was destroyed by its own garrison. After three hours spent soaking up these iconic sights from the water, you’ll arrive at the Mount Vernon ready to continue your exploration. For the most comprehensive tour of the estate and grounds possible, you’ll be in the expert company of a Mount Vernon guide. Your first stop will be the estate’s farm, where Mount Vernon produced food, textiles and more. This was only possible because Mount Vernon, like most of the country’s estates during the time, was run by enslaved persons. You’ll gain an insight into their life on the farm, seeing where they lived, slept, ate, and the forms of resistance they took against the estate owners. Next, you’ll get your first view of Mount Vernon's mansion. After its owner’s illustrious career and fame, Mount Vernon began to attract more and more visitors who wanted to learn about the country’s first president. Despite this interest, the government wouldn’t purchase it as a state property. Instead, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association did, raising enough funds to buy the land (200 acres) and mansion. It's thanks to them you’re able to be transported back in time through the stately mansion, where you’ll get an up-close view of areas including the blacksmith’s shop, the overseer's quarters and the greenhouse. Admire the family portraits adorning the walls, explore George Washington’s private study, and lay your eyes on the bed where he died. Despite reserving a crypt for him in Washington DC, Washington told Congress he wished to be laid to rest at Mount Vernon. See the Old Tomb where he and Martha were buried until 1831. By the end of your tour, you’ll make your way back to the ferry for a picnic lunch on board. Enjoy the scenic cruise back to the nation's capital with an incredible insight into America’s most prolific founding father.

Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate with Audio Guide

3. Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate with Audio Guide

Embark on a tour of George Washington’s estate with the aid of an audio guide. Explore the grounds and learn about the life and legacy of America’s first president. Wander the estate’s four gardens and admire the landscape that Washington designed. Learn about the lives of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon. Look inside the outbuildings to see where they made tools, spun textiles, and processed food. Meet heritage-breed farm animals, including sheep, hogs, and oxen. See costumed interpreters demonstrate farming techniques (from April to October), and step inside George Washington’s treading barn. See the final resting place of George and Martha Washington, where wreath-layings are held daily, and visit the slave memorial that commemorates the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. Watch the American Revolution come to life in a 4D theater where it snows every day. Test your leadership skills in the interactive experience that puts you in Washington’s boots during a moment of crisis. Admire artifacts on display including the chair that George Washington used throughout his presidency, portraits of the Washington family, and objects discovered through archaeological research. Visit George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill (only on weekends from April - October) to see where grains from Washington’s farms were ground to create flour and cornmeal, and where Washington’s whiskey is still made today.

Mount Vernon: Full-Day Bike and Optional Boat Tour

4. Mount Vernon: Full-Day Bike and Optional Boat Tour

Enjoy a full-day bike ride to and from Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac River, or rest your legs on the return journey and travel by boat. Meet in the Old Town of Alexandria to pick-up your bike and helmet. Then, cycle along the wooded Mount Vernon Trail to George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Lock your bike outside the estate for tour staff to pick up. Then, spend the day self-exploring the grounds and mansion house. The mansion’s interior has mostly been restored to the appearance at the time of George and Martha Washington's occupancy. Enter Washington’s study and feel a part of history! Take time for lunch, and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the gardens and farm. Then, bike back to Alexandria, or opt to to the Washington DC Wharf by boat. Relax on the narrated cruise as you glide to Washington DC.

Alexandria: Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon

5. Alexandria: Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon

Discover the most popular historical sites of Alexandria during this half or full-day outing with a local guide. Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Pohick Church, and the US Army Museum on this private tour with entry tickets. Start your day with a 20-minute drive along the Potomac River on the George Washington Parkway. Once you arrive, enjoy a 4-hour tour of the Mount Vernon mansion and grounds including the many outbuildings and gardens, George Washington's tomb, museum, and education center. Throughout the day learn from your guide, a former Mount Vernon history interpreter who lives on land formerly a part of the estate and who is an avid student of George Washington and colonial history. Half-day tours will return to Old Town Alexandria for a driving tour of its colonial homes and sites. Full-day tours may choose to visit George Washington's working grist mill and distillery, George Mason's Gunston Hall, Woodlawn Plantation, Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, and Pohick Church. Don't miss the exciting new Museum of The US Army with amazing artifacts from America's wars since 1775. Witness landing craft from D-Day, a representation of the trenches in World War I, a Sherman tank from World War II, drones from Afghanistan, and a gallery of art painted by soldiers. Return to Old Town Alexandria for a driving tour of one of colonial America's most important ports.

Washington DC: Sightseeing Pass with Attractions & Bus Tour

6. Washington DC: Sightseeing Pass with Attractions & Bus Tour

The easy-to-use Sightseeing Day Pass is the easiest way to see the best of D.C. Select 1, 2, or 3 day duration, and take advantage of full admission to the experiences that interest you the most, saving you up to 60% on total visitation costs. Stand in awe at the iconic landscape of Washington D.C. and witness the splendor of the revolutionaries who defined the United States. Tour through the landmarked capital and see The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Admire the visionary architecture of D.C. and take a selfie from the top of the Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour, as you pass by the United States Capitol Building, the scenic National Mall, the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Washington National Cathedral. Attractions: • George Washington’s Mount Vernon • Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Discover Tour • Potomac Riverboat Round Trip Water Taxi • Artechouse DC Walking & Bike Tours: • Unlimited Biking - Capital Sites Bike Tour • Unlimited Biking - Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour • Unlimited Biking - All day Bike Rental Special Discounts: • Bloomingdale's • Bounce Luggage Storage/

Washington DC Sightseeing Flex Pass: 15+ Experiences in DC

7. Washington DC Sightseeing Flex Pass: 15+ Experiences in DC

The easy-to-use Sightseeing Flex Pass is the easiest way to see the best of D.C. Select 1, 2, or 4 attractions, and take advantage of full admission to the experiences that interest you the most, saving you up to 60% on total visitation costs.  Stand in awe at the iconic landscape of Washington D.C. and witness the splendor of the revolutionaries who defined the United States. Tour through the landmarked capital and see The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  Admire the visionary architecture of D.C. and take a selfie from the top of the Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour, as you pass by the United States Capitol Building, the scenic National Mall, the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Washington National Cathedral. Complete list of attractions can be found on the following link: https://www.sightseeingpass.com/en/washington-dc/flex-pass/attraction-list/ota.

Other Sightseeing Options in George Washington's Mount Vernon

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What people are saying about George Washington's Mount Vernon

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 385 reviews

Our guide and driver Dion was absolutely superb! He was so knowledgeable and explained everything so well, it was a true delight having him as our guide. Being so warm and gracious ,he made our day trip to Alexandria and Mount Vernon one of the highlights of our trip to Washington D.C.

This was a lovely tour. The guide, Terri, was extremely knowledgeable and gave us even more than we expected. The driver was excellent and we felt very safe. The Alexandria portion of the tour was delightful and much better than expected. All in all, a very good day!

Meeting point easy to find as was our tour. Our guide was excellent, friendly and informative . Left to our own devices at mount vernon . Pick up point east to find and bus was on time .. would definitely recommend

This was my wife and my first trip to the Washington DC area. The trip to Mount Vernon was definitely one of our highlights. Joie was our tour guide and she was terrific. Very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Booked this tour as a last minute tour since it was our last day in DC. Tour did not disappoint! Tour guide was awesome and very knowledgeable!