The view along the Parkway is spectacular. Love this drive from Georgetown to Mount Vernon every so often, relaxing and so green it is. More often, I have driven from D.C. to Tyson Corner and closer towns in Virginia in visiting friends and family using this parkway. Depending on the time of day, I might stop and watch the water activities on the river or I could be watching the sunset. A luscious drive all year round! Cheers! read more

The Washington monument is an iconic beautiful landmark and a must see. There's something remarkable seeing this towering structure in the center of the National Mall. If you're able to go to the top, the views are incredible with panoramic views of Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and the White House! read more

George Washington Memorial Parkway - Parks Near Me - McLean, Virginia

GW parkway is absolutely lovely - it's a great spot to walk, run, bike or hang out. whether you are going in spring, summer, fall or winter it captures the beauty of the DMV area. read more

Beautiful road that is unfortunately undergoing intense repair. It's quite the eyesore and makes driving the road extremely difficult. Extremely narrow lanes. I'd love to give this a 5 star as I know how great driving this road can be, but right now, it's really not worth the trouble if you're exploring the area to take this road for the scenery. If you're using it normally, I'm sorry read more

GW Parkway / NPS LOVES dead animals. In 2022, the neighboring public formally requested wildlife corridors. NPS refused, and so now daily on the GW Parkway you will see dead foxes, dead turtles including protected species (!!), dead hawks including threatened species (!), dead raccoons still nursing, dead possums and more. GW Parkway should be ashamed of itself. Build AT LEAST ONE wildlife corridor PLEASE read more

George Washington Memorial Parkway - Parks Near Me - McLean, Virginia

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One of the beautifully scenic roads in the DC area, and there are even scenic outlooks built in on the Eastern side of the Parkway where you can pull off out of traffic and look out over the beautiful Potomac River. This is a particularly gorgeous view in the fall. But with construction narrowing the Parkway to two lanes for an extended period of time, don't plan on using this road during high-traffic periods if you don't have time to spare and enjoy the scrner read more

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I have a love/hate relationship with this road. First off it's one of the prettiest in the DC area. Looking out at the Potomac, the views are difficult to put into words. Please don't get distracted by it, but hope you'll stop at one of the viewing spots. This goes through a lot of park land. Also you'll see close historic markers, and at one point be next to Mount Vernon Estate. The circle there is a little tricky, so please be aware and careful. On the other side of the spectrum, non drivers amok here. There are a fair amount of accidents due to careless folks. Congestion during rush hour, can be frustrating and a work of zen meditation. Bring an audio book on your phone, if you have to be on this during these periods of the day. One cool view is Fort Washington, from the opposite side of the river. I like this middays on weekends. That seems to be the most laid back time. read more

This must be one of the most bumpiest roads I've ever ridden to approach downtown DC. There's not much to look at except trees until you come closer to the city itself. There was an exit to some park but the exit ramp was barricaded. The only thing I did like about this parkway was that it was free and it wasn't congested as some of the other access roads into the district outside the Capitol beltway. It does lead to the Key bridge which will take you into Georgetown. Other than that it seemed to me nothing more than a 4 lane divided highway. read more

George Washington Memorial Parkway - View from car - Parks Near Me - McLean, Virginia

Tried to think if there is another Highway I can give 5 stars to, and all I can think about is the 1 Highway in California. So here is another one. Where you can see other things other than the bumper of the vehicle that drives in front of you. A road I enjoyed driving. I landed in the area for a week, and found some time to explore. And I personally will choose off highway road on any given day (If I am not in a rush). This Highway show so much, and you can actually make a day trip just to drive it and exit on points of interest. It is just before the spring beauty all over. Everything is alive again. Hope to have a chance to be here on the fall. I know I am going to come back here with no doubt. read more

George Washington Memorial Parkway - Parks Near Me - McLean, Virginia

Dear GW Parkway - Thank you for being the best damned highway in the DMV area! Love the fact that traffic jams never last and the scenery is so beautiful..! I LOVE travelling on your windy road down to DC all decked up for partying. I also love zooming down back home late at night, trashed with the sun-roof down and hanging outside the car.. haha!! Oh.. but can you PLEASE tell the surly cops that since I practically take you every weekend, NOT to stop me when the car is going just a few miles over speed limit?SUCH party poopers! read more

Reviewing a road? Indeed so. I absolutely love this stretch of road. It is very scenic and you can stop off at different look out points to enjoy the scenery. Everything about it absolutely beautiful... minus the asphalt. Anyway, I can't wait for the Autumn to roll around so I can enjoy the beautiful colors of the falling leaves. I take this road anytime I can for good reason. read more

Yeah, the scenery is nice but this road is unbelievably confusing at some intersectionsand one wrong turn can make it almost impossible to get back on track. Also, watch out for constant speed traps if traffic isn't too thick and some merges are awful when traffic is heavy. Overall, this isn't a bad road just really confusing but compared to the BW Parkway it's almost a paradise. read more

I don't travel GW Parkway much, but since this is my way to a newfound Sunday Brunch place, I'll be on it more often now. The Scenic Overlook views are nice. Depending on where you stand, you can get a good view of the river (or just the shrubbery). and the houses that overlook it all. It's also nice for picture-taking and shooting the breeze. read more

The GW Parkway is an exceptionally verdant highway that starts well north of the District, goes by it and gives you a view across the river of the entire District, and then ends well south of it at Mount Vernon. There are numerous parks along the way, and this is also a commuter thoroughfare. There are no traffic lights except in Old Town Alexandria for a while when it becomes Washington Street. This is also the way to get to the airport. There are many places to stop and get out for some great views, generally on the northbound side of the road. Downsides: Signage is often poor and there are some confusing intersections. There are enormous miles-long backups during peak rush hour. At most other times it is extremely fast and even during rush hour it may be the least of the available evils. Some of the parks and exits are only accessible going in one direction, and opportunities to turn around are rare. Speed limits change randomly and are often unreasonably low. Watch out for deer though. And Virginia drivers, who have their own brand of recklessness and ignorance (as compared to the DC drivers who think the whole road is for them and the Maryland drivers who simply don't know how to drive). Bottom line though, is it's such a pleasant parkway you can forget you're in Virginia. read more

By far my favorite road in the area and a beautiful scenic drive no matter the season. Its my route of choice whenever I need to get from Alexandria up to Bethesda, Rockville or beyond to WVA and western PA. Also super convenient for getting to Tyson's from the District (via Chain Bridge Rd) when you can't go out 66. Definitely not the place for those with a lead foot however unless you can pay the price. Confession: I have a selfish fantasy that if I ever won a mega lottery - I'd rent out the GW Parkway for 1 hr on a lovely crisp fall day simply so I could drive as fast as I wanted with the wind ripping through my hair. read more

It's super fast! It's amazingly pretty! But oh geezus why are there so many friggin' cops on here?!? SAD! read more

This has to be one of the best roads ever created (at least in the DC area). I live right off Georgetown Pike, so this is a common route for me to get in or out of the city, and I almost never get any traffic at any time of day. I realize there are some hiccups along the way now and then, but it's generally problem free. The views are really pretty, and make the drive so much more relaxing. I've never stopped to look at one of the scenic points, but there are always plenty of spots if you're interested, and the water looks beautiful from the ridge. The best part? NO TRUCKS! What a brilliant idea. There are several great things to check out in DC along the parkway, including Gravelly Point, the Mount Vernon Trail, Old Town and of course Reagan for anyone traveling. read more

George Washington has his name and face plastered over monuments, an asteroid (in1917), towns, states, buildings, universities, temples, money and roads throughout the US and several other countries have payed homage to him as well. I'm surprised that our country wasn't called, the United States under George Washington. After awhile it's easy to overlook anything with the man's name on it, particularly if you grew up here in the Washington, or should I say, Mr. Washington's D.C. area. If I only had one parkway named in my honor, this stretch of road would be a remarkable tribute. Hmm the DV Memorial Parkway has a nice ring to it, but I think George has earned the honor in full. Now, it's been said that her forests are shrouded with mysteries and I've heard tales of apparitions, secret government caves, civl war standoffs and untimely deaths, but what beautiful women doesn't have secrets? But I do urge caution during inclement weather- there is nothing mysterious about falling limbs tumbling onto the roadway. This isn't just a road, it's a state of mind. It's a safe haven for a few bald eagles, families of deer, wild turkeys, and the mythical creatures known as the...shhh...CIA. It's a hikers retreat (well, far awaaaaay from CIA HQ), it's a leaf peepers dream and it's great way to unload your mind as you drive to/from work and back to your own personal retreat. She's a lady of all seasons and is as versatile as they come. In the spring, you'll get a chance to see that nature's first green is gold. Blooming trees in the spring become lush green forests by early summer. In the fall, the afternoon sunlight makes the golden yellow, orange and red leaves glisten like a Edward Hopper painting. In the winter, the hidden views along the Potomac become visible and you can watch the eagles soaring between the snow-covered trees. Verdict: Live. Breath. Drive. Be. She's worth it. read more

Scenic. Spacious. Medians. No trucks. Watch out for deer and people from Maryland. Five stars. read more

Simply a beautiful scenic drive. It's not the longest, but it's good enough. As others have said, it's great that there aren't any trucks... your biggest dangers are potholes and apparently deer. This parkway is perfect during the spring and fall, when it's warm out so you can roll the windows down (or drop the top if you're in a convertible). You don't seem to get any knuckleheads driving here either. People going the speed limit stick to the right, and nobody's going so fast that they're gonna kill someone. So get into your favorite sporty car, crank down the windows and crank up the tunes, and enjoy a leisurely drive down this beautiful road that will really make you happy to live in this area. read more

I've been driving on this parkway almost every day for the greater part of a year now. I think it's absolutely lovely and it makes my commutes very relaxing and scenic! I stopped at the scenic overlook for the first time recently. I was a bit disappointed, as I had expected to see more of the Potomac river and Georgetown / the Palisades across the river. The scenic overlook is mostly overgrown with brush now, so you can't see much. It's still very lush and green and worth a stop, though. Downsides of the Parkway - TONS of potholes, especially after cold winters when the weather warms up and the potholes appear en masse. It seems like the road is relatively well-maintained and potholes are fixed quickly, but there has been a sinkhole as well. Another downside is that since there are only two lanes, if there is an accident, the traffic can get backed up for quite some ways. But there miraculously usually isn't traffic on the parkway (or at least not in the directions I drive). Bottom line - Very scenic and lovely, though traffic and potholes can sometimes be an issue. Check out the scenic overlook at least once! read more

After taking a quick trip up to CT this weekend, I realized I was long overdue in extolling the majesty of the GW Parkway. Why do I like it so much? For starters, it reminds me of the Merritt Parkway up in CT (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-merritt-parkway-stamford#hrid:5VEW3JRoI-A6c33ua6ssWQ/src:self). Taking the GW and the Merritt are a great way to bookend a trip to see the family up in CT. I like the GW for the same reasons as I do the Merritt: park-like atmosphere, no trucks and rarely a cop on the side of the road. After suffering the ride on I-95 and the Beltway, the GW may be the nicest way to enter NOVA and DC. There is one spot on the GW where you an awesome view of the city including the Capitol and the monuments. And the views of Georgetown on the way in aren't too shabby either. I'd probably dock half a star because of the hazards from potholes and deer. Also, it can be a pain in the ass with no breakdown lanes and when they do road maintenance. Still, it's a great way to enter and leave the city. read more

I gotta hand it to us Yelpers for reviewing a highway. While I agree that the GW Parkway is lovely and - during select hours of the day and on weekends - often traffic-free, I have to give it 3.5 stars because of all the construction and accident-related delays I have experienced over the years. Sorry, GWP fans: but those lovely woods take on a menacing quality when you have to stare at the same tree for hours while the traffic is in lock-down. read more

This is by far one of the more gorgeous looking roads in the Northern VA area. Now that I live in Arlington, whenever I come home from the Rockville area or anywhere up north, I can spend less time on the miserable 495 S and hop off at the GW Parkway. There, I can actually be surrounded by the color green, and the road can be a bit twisty. On the weekends, there usually aren't too many cars during the day. There are also some scenic overlooks, and the closer you get to DC, the better the views are. I especially like the Georgetown/DC view. Also, the road is right by the river, so there are nice views there as well. I haven't been on this road that often during rush hour, only a few times here and there. From what I recall, it is better to be stuck on this road than 66, 495, or 395. At least there's something to look at. read more

Great way into dc, but watch out for traffic and cops. Rush hour here can be a mess if theres an accident on the road somewhere. Even without an accident it can be slow at times, but its still one of the fastest ways into downtown. Also has some great overlooks if you're going northbound from downtown. read more

Laughing at myself for taking the time to review a highway, but here goes. I'm originally a Marylander, and my 1st experience on this road was during a date with my now husband. I was so impressed by the scenery, especially at the scenic overviews. We parked and got out at one of the lookouts and the views were amazing. The cops are out often so control your lead foot, and traffic can be a beast during weekday rush hour, so watch out. read more

I didn't think I'd be reviewing a road here, but what the hey. I live close enough to Georgetown Pike that it's better than going south to hit I-66. Actually, infinitely better at 4:30pm on a weekday. The views are fantastic and for just two lanes each way, the traffic moves really well - no one dodders along 10 under the limit or screams by doing 80, and there's no trucks (note: there is the occasional cop). I just love having my stereo going and driving to work - especially compared to freezing my butt off (or alternately boiling inside a button down shirt) on the metro platform while my music plays on irritating earbuds which still don't block out the sound of others' music. But I digress. I would maaaaaaaybe subtract half a star for the potholes but I don't have the heart. I just tend to drive slightly off center in my lane... (I have a small car, really). read more

This is a scenic parkway and good way to get in and out of DC. But be careful driving it. There are places where the speed limit changes suddenly and you can leave with a souvenir ticket. Also, really watch the areas where there are bicycling/pedestrian crossings, such as near the Pentagon and I-395. These are dangerous places, and there have been many accidents and even cyclists and walkers hit by cars. I don't understand why traffic designers in the DC area - this is on the Virginia side - came up with the bright idea to let hike and bike trails intersect with what is a major vehicle thruway. But that is DC/Virginia/MD planning. Officials don't seem to care about this dangerous situation, as people keep getting hit and nothing is really done. There needs to be elevated crossovers for cyclists and walkers, but I doubt those will ever get built unless some Arlington, Va., or DC council member's family member dies in an accident here. Even then, it's doubtful. I was in a fender bender here once when a motorist in front of me suddenly stopped for a pedestrian on a rainy day. I was lucky to swerve enough to avoid more than a slight impact. This situation is dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, but no official really cares enough to execute a real solution. read more

Great parkway to get from DC to areas in northern VA. Clean, nice scenery along the river. Pavement is pretty good and well-kept. Stay right if you're just putting along, please. There are some nice stop-overs for scenic views. read more

this is actually a great alternative to taking the beltway when driving into washington d.c. or going to reagan airport. i generally find the traffic on gw parkway to be much lighter than the beltway or 295 or any other major artery...and somedays, the traffic is almost nonexistent. there's no toll for taking this express way, no traffic lights, and best of all, it's very scenic. whether i'm driving or sitting in the passenger seat, i really enjoy taking in the foliage and water and nature that lines this parkway. i only wish it extended further up into maryland so that i wouldn't have to touch the beltway at all! read more

One of me and my Porsche's favorite roads. The two lane park-like atmosphere makes you feel like you're in Europe. It's great for weaving in and out of lanes. There aren't a lot of cops so that is good as well. You get a few hiccups here and there, but nothing like the beltway. All in all good stuff, especially when slow left laners get out of the way. read more

When I drive along the GW Parkway, I'm reminded why I love living in DC. I'm tempted to subtract a star for the incredibly poor road signs (whoever though that white on a small brown sign would be a good idea??)...I'm sure everyone has had the experience of shooting off in the wrong direction at night because the signs are practically illegible. However, the views from the Parkway are so beautiful that I just don't have the heart to subtract that star. read more

I love the GW Parkway! Its such a beautiful drive. As Dee said, it makes you thankful to live in this area where you can enjoy the culture of the city yet be immersed in nature by driving a few minutes over a bridge. read more

I look forward to my weekly drive in a national park, which somehow combines with driving in DC. I thought the words "DC roads" and "Rejuvenation" were antonyms, but the GW Parkway IS rejuvenating. You see vistas of Georgetown, the Potomac, and the neat historic houses built on the waterfront. You pass Teddy Roosevelt Island Bridge and Reagan National Airport. You run parallel to the Mt Vernon Trail. Gorgeous sunsets, views of the monuments and National Harbor, scenic pullover spots, all for free. read more

I love driving down GW between chain bridge road and Arlington. The views are awesome in the winter when the leaves have fallen; great view across the Potomac River into Georgetown. On the northbound side of GW there are several scenic pull-offs. A word of caution....DO NOT try to take GW during peak rush hours, it can be very messy. From time to time there are also fallen trees during storms (I've experienced this thee times in two years). read more

This review covers the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon, George Washington's house and museum. Being our first time seeing George Washington's estate and house, it was wonderful. At first it may seem boring, but the museum has lots of theaters and exhibits. The house tour is really neat and great. The views of the Potomac from the house is just perfect. George was a lucky man to get this view. The grounds are huge and make sure you bring comfortable shoes because there is lots of walking. Its worth it. The parking lot gets pretty full quick so get there early. Our two kids ages 8 and 7 loved it and want to come back again. That is a good thing. As for the Parkway, its great to drive on and beautiful to see. It was hard to drive because I kept on looking at the Potomac River =). Its a great place to bike on and run on. Next time, we are bringing the bikes and seeing the Potomac up close and personal. read more

The George Washington Memorial parkway is a roadway that stretches from Mt. Vernon to Great falls, it traverses the City of Alexandria, Arlington county and Fairfax county. The GW parkway is deemed a historic site in 1995. It is a very scenic route and there are a couple of overlooks along the road from where the Potomac River can be viewed. There are no tolls nor fees associated with the road. The site was dedicated to George Washington, originally proposed to serve as a road way from DC to Mt. Vernon. The site is made up by the entire roadway. I use this roadway to commute on a regular basis from Alexandria to Maryland. I visited the overlooks and some near by parks on 7/24/2016. I'm a big fan of the scenery driving and when there is no traffic is a really relaxing road to be in. read more