Photo from Canva
Whether you’re moving to Alexandria or visiting for the day, a stop at Mount Vernon is likely at the top of your list to visit. The plantation has iconic, historic, and patriotic flourishes that wrap around a beautiful home with a Potomac River view that the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association lovingly cares for year after year.
Mount Vernon isn’t part of the Smithsonian Museum collection, so there is a paid entrance. However, consider your fee a contribution to the first national historic preservation organization and the oldest women's patriotic society in the U.S. (Military members are eligible for a discount with verification through ID.Me.)
Planning Your Day at Mount Vernon
The best way to plan a day on the property is to connect with Mount Vernon on social media and review the website. You’ll find dozens of scheduled lectures, exhibits, tours, and events. You won’t want to miss anything because you weren't aware of the timing!
Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year, but it does have varied hours depending on the season.
- April through October: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The nearby Gristmill and distillery are only open from April 1 through October 1.
- November through March: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- The Museum and Education Center is open for guests one hour after closing. Note that portions of the Education Center will be closed from July 8, 2024, through 2025 for an extensive rebuild.
Photo from Canva
Now, for more tips to make the most of the day spent at Mount Vernon!
Locals note that buying a membership pays for itself after the first visit. Most membership packages include free passes for guests.
If you plan to live in Alexandria, take advantage of the off-season to visit. School field trips from across the country head to Washington, DC, and Mount Vernon becomes a magnet for tour buses filled with school-aged kids and tourists in the spring and summer.
The two main parking lots are expansive but fill up quickly during peak morning hours. Overflow parking is available if needed. Those with trouble walking the half-mile distance can be dropped off out front; a traffic circle makes it easy. Parking is free.
Mount Vernon offers both indoor and outdoor exploration. The Education Center and museums are located inside, the mansion sits alone, outbuildings such as slave quarters and a blacksmith shack surround the property, and the remaining farmland and gardens make up the rest of the area. If bad weather does occur, there’s plenty to do inside.
Mount Vernon rests on the banks of the Potomac River, which means the property has a wharf for commercial cruises. A multi-day trip allows enough time to jump aboard and tour the DC monuments by boat.
Take advantage of the full-service menu at the Mount Vernon Inn. The food will exceed your expectations both in quality and selection. Casual food is also available in a food court-style environment.
Slave memorial at Mount Vernon. Photo from Canva.
Do not miss the award-winning “Be Washington” interactive exhibit. Visitors get to put themselves in Washington’s shoes as he makes important decisions for the country's future. Check the schedule before arriving; access may be restricted due to scheduled improvements.
No museum visit is complete without a pass or two through the gift shop! Both shops rival any competitors in DC. The general public can enter without admission. It's not uncommon for locals to pick up holiday gifts unique to Alexandria. Remember, much of the Fort Hunt portion of Alexandria was once George Washington’s personal farmland.
Mount Vernon is dog-friendly! Miles of walking is open to leashed pets and makes for a scenic trek during most months, especially during the fall. Dogs have to stay outside of the buildings, however.
Photo from Canva
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon is an easy walk from the mansion site. It’s not typically open to the public, but exclusive special events are scheduled throughout the year, especially for members. Researchers and professionals can make appointments to visit the library.
A trip or move to Alexandria is incomplete unless you’ve visited Mount Vernon. Leave yourself plenty of time to explore and enjoy. There is so much to learn and take in from the property's history.
Moving to Alexandria? Click the image below to get MilitaryByOwner's free guide to the area!
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