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
Well worth the drive outside if DC.
Mount Vernon
Magnolia Blossom. Huge flower that only lasts a few days.
One of our highlights of our road trip to the USA was visiting here - great to get to find out more about George Washington
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
The price is AU$213 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$213
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,978 reviews)
Disappointed

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
The price is AU$325 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$325
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,223 reviews)
Gym

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Arlo Washington DC

Arlo Washington DC

4 out of 5
333 G St NW Washington DC
The price is AU$518 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$518
11 Apr - 12 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Union Station Shopping Center and Smithsonian Institution ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,383 reviews)
Upscale property with excellent customer care. Great parking option, location and daily activities! I will definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Arlo Washington DC
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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.
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! (2,862 reviews)
The shower had mildew in the corners and there was hair all over the floor. The room was dingy and rundown.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Glover Park - Georgetown
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,715 reviews)
Location is near the metro and shopping center. We arrived early and they were so kind to let us check in early morning.

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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! (1,929 reviews)
Great stay! Only thing we did not realize was the small size of the rooms.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

The Dupont Circle Hotel
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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
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 fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Alexandria City Hall
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
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 great live music and fascinating museums.

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

Birchmere

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

Birchmere

Activities

Discover DC Tour

Discover DC Tour

AU$126
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Discover DC Tour
Washington Capitals Ice Hockey Game at Capital One Arena

Washington Capitals Ice Hockey Game at Capital One Arena

AU$100
per adult
Washington Capitals Ice Hockey Game at Capital One Arena
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

AU$40
per adult
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission
The White House

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

AU$183
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$88
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!

Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!

AU$42
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!
See all activities in Mount Vernon

Cities near Mount Vernon

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

Alexandria