Mount Vernon welcomes guests arriving by the Potomac, including private boats.

Wharf Hours

Summer Hours (Through September 1): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday - Sunday

Fall Hours (September 6 - October 27): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday – Sunday

Wharf Guidelines

To provide the very best experience to all of our guests we ask that those wishing to use our wharf abide by the following guidelines:

• The estate’s contracted commercial sightseeing vessels have priority for tying up, arriving, and departing.
  
  
• All private vessels are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

• We are not able to accommodate Kayak docking.

• Boats are only allowed to dock on the up-river side of the Wharf.
  
  • Approaching vessels should navigate to starboard, leaving Wharf Pavilion to Port.
  • Approaching vessels should hail Wharf Master on Marine VHF Radio Channel 16 for docking instructions.
    
    
• Captain must check and secure any lines the Wharf Master has handled while assisting docking. This includes protective devices such as fenders.
  
  
• Docking Agreement must be signed and returned to Wharf Master.
  
  • Agreement must contain a mobile phone number for emergency contact.
    
    
• Estate Admission is required for all arriving guests.
  
  • Government-issued ID to be held by Wharf Master until proof of purchase is shown.
  • Tickets may be purchased either online from a mobile device or at the Mount Vernon Ticket window.
    
    
• Rafting is only allowed with the permission of the Wharf Master.

• Please keep off the beach because of the dangerous debris.

Contact the Wharf Master

The Wharf Master can be reached by:

Phone: 703.799.6856
Marine VHF Radio Channel 16
wharf@mountvernon.org