Touring Time
We recommend that you plan to spend several hours touring the estate. There is a lot to see and do, so you can spend a whole day if you want to experience everything that is offered. During popular traveling times there can be a line to get into the Mansion. The approximate waiting time will be listed at the Ford Orientation Center where tickets are purchased.
Visitors sometimes rush to get in line for the Mansion tour. If you have an hour or less, this may be your best option. During January, February, March, November and December, there is usually no wait to enter the Mansion, although the holiday weekend after Thanksgiving can be a busy time at Mount Vernon. Lines tend to be the longest in April and May. Weekends are far busier than weekdays, and mornings are usually more crowded than afternoons.
What to Wear
We recommend walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Please keep in mind that Mount Vernon is very much an outdoor experience so prepare accordingly for various weather conditions.
Local Monthly Weather Averages:
- Jan: Hi 42oF, Lo 27oF, Precip 3.21in.
- Feb: Hi 47oF, Lo 30oF, Precip 2.63in.
- Mar: Hi 56oF, Lo 37oF, Precip 3.60in.
- Apr: Hi 66oF, Lo 46oF, Precip 2.77in.
- May: Hi 75oF, Lo 56oF, Precip 3.82in.
- Jun: Hi 84oF, Lo 65oF, Precip 3.13in.
- Jul: Hi 88oF, Lo 70oF, Precip 3.66in.
- Aug: Hi 86oF, Lo 69oF, Precip 3.44in.
- Sep: Hi 79oF, Lo 62oF, Precip 3.79in.
- Oct: Hi 68oF, Lo 50oF, Precip 3.22in.
- Nov: Hi 57oF, Lo 40oF, Precip 3.03in.
- Dec: Hi 47oF, Lo 32oF, Precip 3.05in.
Flag Raising Ceremony at the Gate
Each morning when Mount Vernon opens to the public, the American flag is raised above the Main Gate. Contact groups@mountvernon.org if you would like to do the honors!
Seeing the Mansion's Third Floor
After her husband's death in 1799, Martha Washington closed the bedroom they shared and moved to the Mansion's third floor. This area of the Mansion is seldom open to visitors. You can see it during Christmas at Mount Vernon, November 28 - January 6.
Dogs are Welcome
Mount Vernon welcomes visitors to bring dogs on leashes during daytime visitation hours. The gate attendants provide a bowl of water for your special family friend.
Don't Miss the Animals
Mount Vernon is home to many farm animals. Many are born in the spring. Ask a gate attendant or security guard to direct you to their locations.
Park and Ride -- your bicycle, that is
Kristin from Maryland suggests parking at one of many parks along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and biking or walking to Mount Vernon. She and her husband added the bike ride to their trips to Mount Vernon when their boys were toddlers. With parking located all along the parkway, you can choose your distance. Aside from beautiful wooded views of the Potomac, the trail goes from Washington DC, past the Ronald Reagan Washington Airport and through Alexandria.
