There's much to see and do at Mount Vernon.
We remain open during our preservation work, and we recommend that you plan to spend 2-3 hours on the estate to see as much as possible. Only a short drive from Washington, D.C., George Washington’s Mount Vernon is filled with rich history.
Expert-led Tours
During this 75-minute guided tour, discover more than 250 years of Mount Vernon history as you explore available rooms of the Mansion, and the surrounding outbuildings and gardens.
This tour provides behind-the-scenes access to buildings typically closed to the public, like the Old Tomb, and an in-depth experience of the estate.
Explore the lives and contributions of the enslaved community who built and operated Mount Vernon. In 1799, more than 300 slaves lived and worked on the five farms that made up Washington’s 8,000-acre plantation. Listen to their stories and learn more about their daily life. Visit the slave quarters and view reproduction clothing, tools, furniture, cookware, ceramics, toys, and personal accessories that represent their experiences.
Please budget 10-15 minutes to walk from the Ford Orientation Center to the Mansion Circle to meet your guide.
Step back in time for an immersive experience and see Mount Vernon through the eyes of the people who knew George Washington best. A character interpreter, such as Washington's granddaughter, personal secretary, farm manager, or enslaved valet, will guide you across the estate as they go about their daily activities, making several stops along the way.
What is a legacy? Join Tobias Lear mere moments after George Washington's death as he considers how George Washington will be remembered.
At stops in selected Mansion rooms, learn more about the people who played a key part in trying to keep Washington alive. After viewing Washington’s deathbed in the Mansion, guests will have the unique opportunity to look inside the Old Tomb where Washington was originally interred in 1799.
This 20-minute tour introduces you to staff favorites in the “Mount Vernon: Story of an American Icon” exhibition on display at the Museum. See treasured items that tell the full story of Mount Vernon from prehistoric times to today.
Mansion & Grounds
Entry to the Mansion is by guided tour only and requires a Mansion tour ticket (a grounds pass allows access to the estate).
Preservation Work
The first and second floors of the Mansion are now open.
Learn More About Preservation Work
Visit Time
Mansion Tour Time: 10 minutes
You can also visit our outbuildings, gardens, Washington's tomb, the slave memorial, a working farm, and more.
Grounds Visit Time: 1 hour
Museums
Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon
In the museum, discover the people who shaped Mount Vernon, including Washington and Custis family members, enslaved and hired laborers, and Vice Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, which has owned and preserved Mount Vernon since the 19th century.
Museum Visit Time: 1 hour
Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon
Explore the lives of the enslaved people at Mount Vernon with our new exhibit, included with admission. Learn about the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at George Washington’s five farms, gristmill, and distillery. Find out how enslaved people formed families, created tight-knit communities, earned money, and acquired personal possessions.
Museum Visit Time: 15-30 mins
Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment
Experience the American Revolution as you walk through an 18th-century Continental Army encampment featuring soldiers' tents and an officer’s tent.
At this hands-on attraction, you can touch the items inside the tents, wash clothes in the laundry yard, and examine cooking utensils used by camp followers.
Interpreters will be on hand 7 days a week to share information about the life in the encampment and answer questions.
Education Center
The Education Center is closed. A new George Washington exhibit will open in 2026.
Learn about the upcoming exhibit
In the Education Center, trace Washington’s life story through exhibits, a 4D Revolutionary War film, and the Be Washington Interactive Theater.
Dining
Enjoy cornbread and other Virginia favorites at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant or get a quick meal or snack at the Food Court.
Restaurant Visit Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Food Court Visit Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Food Court Closed for Renovations: Nov. 1, 2025 - Mar. 15, 2026
The Food Court Pavilion will be undergoing renovations from November 1 to March 15 to enhance your future dining experience.
In the meantime, guests can grab a quick bite at our concessions stand in the Vaughan Lobby or enjoy a full-service meal at the charming Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
For groups, boxed lunches are available to enjoy on the go; for a seated experience, group breakfast, lunch, and dinners are available at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
Shopping
The Shops at Mount Vernon offers unique gifts, reproductions of Mount Vernon treasures, books, toys, and more.
You can also shop our online store.
George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill
Open seasonally: weekends in Apr. - Oct.
Tour fully-functioning reconstructions of Washington's gristmill and whiskey distillery. Both buildings are located 2.7 miles from the estate’s main entrance.
