Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Get practical details for your trip. Learn how to reach the estate from Washington D.C. and how to organize your day.

Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA

GPS 38.7079, -77.0861

Open directions

Getting there

Arrival options include driving, public transit, and boat cruises.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive south from Washington D.C. via the George Washington Memorial Parkway.	30-45 minutes	Free parking	Use 3500 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309 in older GPS systems as it points to the post office across the street.
Bus: Take the Washington Metro Yellow Line to Huntington Station, then transfer to the Fairfax Connector Bus (Route 101) directly to the estate entrance.	Approx 1 hour from central D.C.	Regular Metro/bus transit fare ($4-6)	An affordable and reliable public transportation method for visitors without a car.
Boat: Take a narrated sightseeing river cruise with City Experiences from Washington, D.C. or Old Town Alexandria.	45-90 minutes each way, plus 3 hours at the estate	Varies by operator (package usually includes admission)	A scenic, historic way to arrive down the Potomac River directly to Mount Vernon's wharf.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The estate is open 365 days a year. April through October offers the best weather for the gardens. Winter visits mean fewer crowds but cold river winds.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes for uneven 18th-century pathways and dirt roads
Weather-appropriate clothing as the majority of the estate tour is outdoors
Warm coat and accessories for winter visits along the windy river
Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for the summer months
Bug repellent for exploring the farm and lower garden areas
Reusable water bottle (water distribution stations are available on hot days)
Small day bag or purse (must comply with the 16x16x8 inch security rule)
Smartphone and headphones to access the multi-language audio tour
Pre-purchased online tickets to ensure your preferred Mansion tour time slot

Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

Parking at the estate is completely free.

Use 3500 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy in older GPS systems.

How the day runs

Maximize your time on the 500-acre property.

A typical 3.5-hour visit covering the essentials.

9:00
Arrival & Security
Enter through the visitor center and clear the bag check.
9:30
Mansion Tour
Line up at your exact reserved time to walk through the home.
10:00
Outbuildings & Gardens
Explore the upper and lower gardens and the wash house.
11:00
Tomb & Memorial
Walk down to Washington's Tomb and the Slave Memorial.
11:45
Museums
Finish indoors at the Education Center and Museum.

Security and Packing

All bags must be 16x16x8 inches or smaller. Larger bags are strictly prohibited on the estate. Bags are inspected upon arrival.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The pathways use uneven 18th-century materials and dirt. Bring weather-appropriate clothing since most of the estate is outdoors. Review Packing Guide for seasonal tips.

Easiest way to do it

Four children running towards a wooden barn at Mount Vernon.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

30 min to 4 h 4.3 (370)

George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill (weekends, April-October)
Skip the Ticket Office line

From$30per person

Viator$30 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How long does it take?

Plan for 3 to 4 hours. You need about 20-30 minutes for the Mansion itself. The rest of the time goes to the extensive grounds and museums.

Can you visit by boat?

Yes. Sightseeing cruises run from Washington D.C. and Old Town Alexandria. These drop you directly at Mount Vernon's wharf.

Where do I park?

Parking is free in the lots outside the main entrance. Space is usually plentiful. Use the nearby post office address for older GPS systems.