Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
Visit sites throughout Virginia that are connected to George Washington.
Follow in George Washington's footsteps and go back in time to Colonial Virginia. Visit his birthplace in Westmoreland County and his beloved plantation home, Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Potomac River.
Your tour will also visit sites that pay tribute to George Washington or that are associated with the Washington family.
Virginia is the perfect destination for vacationers or DC residents seeking a day trip from the nation's capital.
Northern Virginia is a twenty-minute drive from the city. Yorktown Battlefield, the furthest destination on this list, is about a three-hour drive from D.C.
Mount Vernon
Northern Virginia – Mount Vernon, VA
George Washington once said of his plantation home:
I can truly say that I would rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of state and the representatives of every power in Europe.
Just a short drive up the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year, including holidays.
Distillery
Northern Virginia – Mount Vernon, VA
These working reconstructions of George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill are just 2.7 miles from Mount Vernon and are included with Mount Vernon admission. Guests can see where George Washington distilled whiskey and how he produced flour from wheat grown at Mount Vernon.
Arlington House
Northern Virginia –Arlington, VA
Arlington House was built by George Washington's step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Admission is free.
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Christ Church
Northern Virginia – Alexandria, VA
George and Martha Washington worshipped at this Alexandria church; their pew is still preserved. Tours are available.
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Gadsby's Tavern
Northern Virginia – Alexandria, VA
At this Alexandria tavern, George Washington attended two Birthnight Balls held in his honor. Gadsby's Tavern continues to operate as a restaurant and museum.
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George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Northern Virginia – Alexandria, VA
This memorial was built for George Washington in 1922 and is located on the area once proposed by Thomas Jefferson as the ideal site for the nation's Capitol.
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Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Northern Virginia – Alexandria, VA
This 1792 apothecary displays medical equipment, journals, letters, and customer orders. Martha Washington and Nelly Custis were among its patrons.
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Woodlawn
Northern Virginia – Alexandria, VA
The home of George Washington's nephew, Lawrence Lewis, and Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis, Woodlawn was built on land given to them by George Washington. It is now a historic house museum.
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Gunston Hall
Northern Virginia-Mason Neck, VA
Gunston Hall was the home of founding father George Mason. Located only a few miles along the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, Mason and Washington frequently exchanged ideas around establishing the nation.
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Great Falls Park (NPS)
Northern Virginia – McLean, VA
In 1754, George Washington wrote of the difficulty of crossing the Great Falls of the Potomac River, which drop 76 feet in a little over 1 mile.
Today Great Falls Park is a popular national park among both locals and tourists.
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Ferry Farm
Northern Virginia – Fredericksburg, VA
George Washington was 6 years old when his family moved to Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, VA.
Guests can see a replica of the home where it once stood, as well as colonial artifacts found on the property.
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Kenmore Plantation
Northern Virginia – Fredericksburg, VA
The Fredericksburg home of George Washington's sister, Betty Washington Lewis, is a Georgian-style brick mansion. The site includes a museum with displays of 18th-century furniture and decorative arts.
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Mary Washington House
Northern Virginia – Fredericksburg, VA
In 1772, George Washington purchased this home in Fredericksburg for his mother, Mary Ball Washington. She spent her last 17 years here.
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George Washington Statue
Central Virginia – Richmond, VA
The state capitol building in Richmond is open to the public and houses a statue that is considered one of the most accurate depictions of George Washington. The statue was created by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.
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Colonial Williamsburg
Coastal Virginia (Hampton Roads) – Williamsburg, VA
George Washington became well-acquainted with Williamsburg after he took a seat in the House of Burgesses. He dined in Williamsburg, including at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, attended church, and enjoyed the theater. He and Martha honeymooned in Williamsburg following their marriage.
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Yorktown
Coastal Virginia (Hampton Roads) – Yorktown, VA
In 1781, General George Washington besieged the British army at Yorktown. Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, and Yorktown became the final battle of the American Revolution.
Moore House, part of Yorktown Battlefield, was the site of surrender negotiations.
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George Washington’s Office Museum
Shenandoah Valley – Winchester, VA
At this log cabin in Winchester, VA, George Washington kept a small office while he supervised the construction of Fort Loudoun. Washington's personal effects and survey equipment are on display.
Plan Your VisitFor more information about things to do in Virginia, visit Virginia.org, the official tourism website for the state of Virginia. You’ll find an overview of each region in Virginia, as well as information about cultural attractions, upcoming events, and where to stay. You can also purchase merchandise featuring the official Virginia slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.”
