Mount Vernon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Alexandria, across from Prince George's County, Maryland. The Washington family had owned land in the area since the time of Washington's great-grandfather in 1674. In 1739 they embarked on an expansion of the estate that continued under George Washington, who came into possession of the estate in 1754, but did not become its sole owner until 1761. The mansion is built of wood in a loose Palladian style, and was constructed by George Washington in stages between 1758 and 1778. It occupies the site of an earlier, smaller house built by George Washington's father Augustine, some time between 1726 and 1735. It remained Washington's country home for the rest of his life. Following his death in 1799, under the ownership of several successive generations of the family, the estate progressively declined as revenues were insufficient to maintain it adequately. In 1858, the house's historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association; this philanthropic organization acquired it together with part of the Washington property estate. Escaping the damage suffered by many plantation houses during the American Civil War, Mount Vernon was restored. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and is open every day of the year. Allowing the public to see the estate is not an innovation, but part of a 200-year-old tradition started by George Washington himself. In 1794 he wrote: "I have no objection to any sober or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, &ca. about Mount Verno
Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Alexandria, across from Prince George's County, Maryland. The Washington family had owned land in the area since the time of Washington's great-grandfather in 1674. In 1739 they embarked on an expansion of the estate that continued under George Washington, who came into possession of the estate in 1754, but did not become its sole owner until 1761. The mansion is built of wood in a loose Palladian style, and was constructed by George Washington in stages between 1758 and 1778. It occupies the site of an earlier, smaller house built by George Washington's father Augustine, some time between 1726 and 1735. It remained Washington's country home for the rest of his life. Following his death in 1799, under the ownership of several successive generations of the family, the estate progressively declined as revenues were insufficient to maintain it adequately. In 1858, the house's historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association; this philanthropic organization acquired it together with part of the Washington property estate. Escaping the damage suffered by many plantation houses during the American Civil War, Mount Vernon was restored. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and is open every day of the year. Allowing the public to see the estate is not an innovation, but part of a 200-year-old tradition started by George Washington himself. In 1794 he wrote: "I have no objection to any sober or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, &ca. about Mount Verno
Well worth the drive outside if DC.
Mount Vernon
Magnolia Blossom. Huge flower that only lasts a few days.
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$237 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
AU$237
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,116 reviews)
Had a small issue with Airco on first night but the Hamilton hotel team quickly responded and, change rooms and provided an upgraded room. Hotel staff is super friendly, knowledgeable and in gagging. Perfect location, wry central.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC NoMa

citizenM Washington DC NoMa

4 out of 5
1222 1ST STREET NE Washington DC
The price is AU$147 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
AU$147
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,739 reviews)
Staff was accommodating and the hotel is super cute!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

citizenM Washington DC NoMa
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St Arlington VA
The price is AU$179 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$179
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,977 reviews)
Staff from the check in to check out was friendly and helpful. Rooms got cleaned everyday and were in great conditions. Bed was very comfortable and room size was great.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
See all 6,163 properties in Mount Vernon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw Washington DC
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,866 reviews)
Room was great and all staff were courteous and helpful.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

The Dupont Circle Hotel
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw Washington DC
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,636 reviews)
Wonderful stay! Polite staff!

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
Glover Park - Georgetown

Glover Park - Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,809 reviews)
Great service

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Glover Park - Georgetown
See all properties in Mount Vernon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon featuring heritage elements and a house

George Washington's Mount Vernon

4/5(1 review)

Gain fascinating insights into the life of America’s first president at this beautifully restored country estate set on the shores of the Potomac River.

George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington Masonic National Memorial featuring a memorial, a park and heritage architecture

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

4.5/5(4 reviews)

See the views from the observation deck of this iconic memorial, which is dedicated to the contributions of Freemasons, and specifically George Washington, to the United States.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Alexandria Market House and City Hall

Alexandria City Hall

After visiting Alexandria City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Alexandria. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.

Alexandria City Hall
Market Square and City Hall, in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.

Market Square

You can find out about the history of Alexandria with a stop at Market Square. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the notable monuments in the area.

Market Square

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

During your trip to Arlington, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Fashion Center at Pentagon City. Experience the area's fascinating museums and great live music.

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

Birchmere

Get tickets for a show at Birchmere, a popular theatre in Alexandria. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Birchmere

Activities

Ghost and Graveyard Tour

Ghost and Graveyard Tour

AU$30
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ghost and Graveyard Tour
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

AU$42
per adult
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission
DC Monuments with River Cruise, Cherry Blossoms, Entry Tickets

National Mall Tour with 10+ Stops, Boat Cruise, Entry Tickets

AU$130
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
National Mall Tour with 10+ Stops, Boat Cruise, Entry Tickets
The White House

Washington, D.C. Day Trip with Transportation from NYC

AU$193
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Washington, D.C. Day Trip with Transportation from NYC
DC: Monuments & History Guided Tour by E-Cart - Day &Night

DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets

AU$93
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

AU$37
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
See all activities in Mount Vernon

Cities near Mount Vernon

Alexandria featuring a small town or village, street scenes and café scenes

Alexandria