Mount Vernon (Virginia)

Mount Vernon is a district in Fairfax County, Virginia, situated on the Potomac River. It takes its name from the country home and plantation of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America.

Since 2008, Mount Vernon has been on UNESCO's tentative list for its structures from the 18th century.

Understand
The Washington family acquired the land, then known as Little Hunting Creek Plantation, in the late 17th century. When Washington's elder half-brother inherited the land, he named it Mount Vernon in honor of Edward Vernon, a hero of the War of Jenkins's Ear and his commanding officer in the navy. Washington inherited the land in 1754 and had the manor house built up in phases from 1758 to 1778. In the mid-19th century, the Washington family sold it to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, who have since maintained it and the grounds for the benefit of the public.

Get in
Mount Vernon is miles south of Washington, D.C.

By car
The Mount Vernon estate lies at the southern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which follows the Potomac River from I-495 in Langley to the northwest. Along the way, it passes through parts of McLean, Arlington, and Old Town Alexandria, including Reagan Washington National Airport. The parkway, which is a national park, is pleasantly scenic.

By tour bus
Several tour companies operate bus tours from Washington to Mount Vernon.


 * Gray Line,, offers tours of Mount Vernon bundled with tours of Old Town Alexandria, Arlington National Cemetery, or Washington, D.C. daily except certain holidays (check website for details). Prices start at $55 adults, $30 children. Departs from Washington Union Station.
 * DC Trails,, offers a full-day package including a drive through Old Town Alexandria and self-guided activities at the estate. Prices start at $53 adults, $23 children.
 * OnBoard Tours,, offers a package that includes guided walks through Arlington National Cemetery and the Mount Vernon estate. Prices start at $69.99 adults, $59.99 children.

By bicycle
The fully paved, 18-mile-long Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac River from Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington all the way to the Mount Vernon estate. The trail is scenic, passing almost entirely through parkland, including the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. "Bike and Roll" tours are also available during the warm season, whereby you ride a rented bike from Alexandria to Mount Vernon, then return by boat. See "Bike and Roll" below under "Do."

By boat
While you cannot dock your own boat at Mount Vernon, several cruise companies offer Mount Vernon excursions.


 * Spirit Cruises, daily departure from the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, D.C.
 * Potomac Riverboat Company, departures from Old Town Alexandria and from National Harbor in Maryland.

Get around
The Mount Vernon estate is compact, but beyond the manor house, there are some steep hills. Private motor vehicles are not allowed on the grounds, but a half-hourly shuttle service connects the Education Center near the entrance, the Pioneer Farm, and the Wharf between 9:15AM and 4:45PM. During the peak tourist season between April 1 and October 31, an hourly shuttle also runs between noon and 5:30PM between the Education Center and the Distillery & Gristmill.

To go beyond the estate, a car is recommended. Fairfax Connector bus 101 stops at Fort Hunt Park, which is also accessible on foot or by bicycle from the Mount Vernon Trail.

Go next

 * Washington, D.C. - Explore America's national capital
 * Arlington - Location of the Pentagon, Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue), and Arlington National Cemetery.
 * Alexandria - former hometown to famous American heroes and rebels that claims some of the richest history in the DC metro area
 * Visitors to President Washington's plantation at Mount Vernon may also want to visit Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, James Monroe's home, Ash Lawn Highland, or James Madison's home, Montpelier, all near Charlottesville, Virginia.