This was definitely a highlight of our vacation last month. It was even one of my son's favorite places we visited. The estate is spectacular, even in January. The house is undergoing restoration. It didn't affect the tour, which was interesting. The only downside of the restoration is that it prevents visitors from taking an unobstructed photo of the exterior of the house. If you're visiting with kids, remember to ask about the adventure map. Our son had a blast finding the different stations and solving the puzzle. Once completed, take it to the visitor's center for a prize. Another kid friendly thing they had was a presentation in the Greenhouse about musical instruments of the era. The Shops and food court were also closed for renovations, but the restaurant was open. It's worth checking out. If you have time, the George Washington Presidential Library is across the street. There is also a hiking trail. read more

Brought the family here on October 18th, 2025. This place is amazing. The main house was under renovations. I would recommand that if you are wanting to try any of the food made onsite. Skip everything and head down to the farm. We missed it but about 10 minutes. The unmarked graves of the slaves that worked on the farm was probably the most sad part of the visit. Everyone that works here is always in character so keep that in mind if you talk to anyone once you're outside of the entrance. I would recommand this place if you are into history. read more

The SHUTTLE from Alexandria is not a good move. It's a bad deal since you only get 3.5 hours at the estate before your return shuttle. And you probably paid over $100 for two peope...too short without feeling super rushed and cut short. Also the Gardens and Landscape tour guide was disappointing. Spoke too quietly, not engaging, and no interesting content. Basically just summarizing what was already on the printed signs. Don't recommend. We bailed halfway through. We got more content from 5 minutes of interacting with the Spinning Wheel demonstration actors than 45 minutes of the Landscape tour. read more

George Washington's Mount Vernon - Vegetable Garden - Museums Near Me - Mount Vernon, Virginia

It's beautiful but I have extremely mixed feelings since I am a descendant of America's slaves. I'm glad work has been done to preserve the memories of the slaves who lived on Mount Vernon. read more

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Beautiful grounds and friendly staff. It's a lot to take in on one trip I'd plan for 2 days. Only complaint is the process for the mansion tours, it's a bit chaotic. Also the food court is currently closed for renovations replaced by a snack station, and food truck. read more

Absolutely gorgeous place. In order to get here from DC, you can take the yellow line to the Huntington station. Exit at the lower level of the station and catch the Fairfax Connector Bus #101 (I'll add a picture). You can pay with cash (around $2.50 I think) or with a Smartrip card. It seems like the buses are every 30 minutes. The staff at Mount Vernon is very friendly, especially at the souvenir shop. Please note, Washington's home is currently being renovated so you can only access a few rooms on a tour, but there is still so much to see. I will definitely come back in the future when the house is ready and to do some of the other tours. read more

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Lovely experience! Great for all ages. Super friendly and helpful staff. I can't wait to come again! read more

George Washington's Mount Vernon - Museums Near Me - Mount Vernon, Virginia

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Mount Vernon was hands down my favorite part of our D.C. trip. The estate is breathtaking, and even though the house was under renovation, you could still appreciate all of the incredible details. The staff and volunteers are so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the history here. There's so much to learn and reflect on throughout the property. We took the enslaved tour, and it was powerful--it really highlights the huge role enslaved people played in building our nation. An absolute must-visit if you're in the area! read more

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Our candlelight tour of Moint Vernon was an interesting way to enjoy the home and grounds of George Washington. A short 20 minute drive south of DC, with plenty of parking. The tour was about 30 minutes with (Gary) our tour guide, stopping at points of interest and ending at the mansion, where period appropriate actions gave short but informative narration of the kitchen, study, bedroom and ending in the main dining room with (Martha Washington) giving the final presentation before exiting the building and walking down the trail back to the visitors center. Each time I return, I learn more. read more

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It was beautiful and it was cool to see the place George Washington lived. The workers are rather bitter and strict.

This was our last tourist attraction visit while in the DC area, and it was spectacular. We found parking fairly easily and then made our way to the estate. We were able to tour most of it, but some of the buildings were under renovation. We did get to see some of the main house and walk through the rooms. For two history buffs, this was pure joy. There were volunteers to answer our questions and guide us across the huge estate. We did do a lot of walking to see just about everything and the gorgeous weather during our visit was a huge bonus. There is a tram to take tourists around if you prefer not to do a lot of walking. We found the area where they think the slave's graves are to be the most interesting and unexpected part of our visit. The tour also includes the burial site of George and Martha Washington. This is definitely an all-day to do right kind of place. The views along the Potomac River are breathtaking. And don't miss the huge shopping area known as the Shops at Mount Vernon. read more

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Great experience...The person in the gift shop overheard what kind of gifts I was looking for... He fulfilled all my items... !!! He gets 10 stars!!! BTW...The clerk's name is "John"!!!! So very helpful!!! read more

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Beautiful place! I remember going as a kid and thinking it was really cool and then went back as an adult and it was just as cool! So much history and information. The audio tours are great, as well as the tour guides. One part was closed of the house so we didn't get to see much inside the main mansion, but were able to do a guided virtual tour of that area. The grounds are beautiful and we have fun walking through the gardens. The gift shops and all the building are well maintained and very nice! We had a wonderful gluten free pizza here. It was $12 for a larger personal size pizza with 4 large slices. Very tasty - lots of cheese and pepperoni. I talked with the manager and he said they would make it with fresh spoons, etc, so as to ensure no cross contamination and seemed very confident that he was able to keep us safe! They weren't making any other pizzas at the time anyways, but always make sure and ask! The first person I talked to said "no, there would be cross contamination" but didn't know, so he went to get the manager who was very knowledgeable. Great place for celiacs who need a snack after a long day touring the grounds. They had a few other GF options too. read more

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Gift shop was terrible with incompetent staff. Nothing has price tags and took them over 10 minutes to complete an order of 4 items. Ridiculous. You might as well go somewhere else to buy mount vernon stuff. Museum was lovely however. Very educational experience. Staff on the museum grounds were knowledgeable and kind. read more

Enjoyed our visit to Mt. Vernon home of George Washington. The estate is on approximately 8000 acres of land overlooking the Potomac River in Virginia. The views are amazing!! If you go on their website, www.mountvernon.org, you can see their events calendar. You can also purchase tickets to visit George Washington 's mansion and other museums within the compound. There are farm animals for kids to enjoy. The estate has a food truck along with a sit down restaurant and hotel. Mt. Vernon is a must visit be sure to wear comfortable shoes to walk in the compound's beautiful trails. Happy Yelping :) read more

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Most people may just do a house tour. But if that's all you're doing, you're missing out on a lot. The grounds are amazing and they have great historic interpreters. While I've visited several times, this was the first time I ever visited GW's tomb. While there, I also discovered the burial ground for the plantation's enslaved population. Be careful about going on weekends; it will be CROWDED. But even weekdays aren't a guarantee, since I was just barely ahead of a school trip. Ask lots of questions and enjoy. read more

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READ THIS FIRST! THE MAIN MOUNT VERNON MANSION IS ABOUT TO UNDERGO A PROLONGED RENOVATION FOR THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES. IN NOVEMBER, THE WHOLE MANSION MINUS ONE ROOM WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL 2026, SO GO WHILE YOU CAN! As a history nerd, I've been wanting to go to Mount Vernon for years. I took the opportunity while visiting DC . . . it's about 17 miles by lyft/uber/car, but takes 35-50 minutes depending on traffic. This is a sprawling property, surrounded by beautiful forest and many nature trails. There are also shops and a restaurant nearby. You could make a whole day of it! I wish I had been able to have the whole day here . . . if it were a little cooler. But on an 85 degree day . . . I could only do so much! You start at the education center and small museum. There are interpretive actors at various spots to educate you about life on the plantation . . . whether it be sewing, blacksmithing, and there's even a great spot where you can learn about the Hog Island sheep that live there (very cool, as it's a breed native to Virginia that has been there since the 1600s). You can see multiple buildings, including the quarters of the enslaved, the salt shed, the ice house, etc. You can see Washington's old tomb as well as his family tomb/final resting place. You can purchase a grounds pass and enjoy the whole place (minus the home tour) for 24 dollars. The mansion tour only adds 2 dollars. You can also take a Potomac river cruise for 7-11 dollars. The house tour itself is worthwhile because when else will you see the home of the first president? For example, the pine that makes the house, there are parts that are over 90% original to Washington. The staff are kind and funny and helpful. That being said, they do herd people through the mansion in hordes, like cattle. It's very quick . . . maybe 20 minutes . . . churning through constantly. But again, the house tour is worthwhile at least once. The real gem here is the expansive grounds, beautiful surroundings . . . There are also gardens . . . and events! They often have events with music and wines, whiskey tastings, Washington's distillery tours, book talks, history classes, festivals, and more. I would love to visit here again and maybe even have a short vacation in just this area only. read more

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If this isn't a 5-star historical site and museum, I don't know what is...maybe Disneyland? Seriously, George Washington's Mount Vernon is everything you could want from a historical destination. The estate is absolutely stunning, with beautifully preserved buildings, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Potomac River. You truly feel like you're stepping back in time, walking in the footsteps of the nation's first president. Plus, no lines for the rides, so that's a bonus! The museum is top-notch--informative, interactive, and engaging. I learned more about George Washington than I ever thought I'd know. Did you know he was an actual person with hobbies, not just a marble bust on a dollar bill? Who knew?! The exhibits really bring his life and leadership to life, and there's no shortage of cool facts. History buffs will be in heaven, and for those of us who maybe slept through history class--fear not! You'll leave here feeling like you aced the test. The grounds are gorgeous--perfect for pretending you're in the 18th century, minus no WiFi and the fact that you can't take a selfie with Washington's ghost. But there's plenty to see, from the gardens to the farm and, of course, Washington's tomb (spoiler: he's still there). It's a peaceful and educational experience that gives you all the "founding father feels." The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, so if you have any questions, just ask. They won't look at you like you're crazy when you ask if George Washington thought Trump was a moron like the rest of us. All in all, Mount Vernon is a must-see. It's beautiful, historic, and a great way to geek out about America's first president while getting some fresh air. A perfect mix of learning and leisure--and, trust me, you won't be disappointed! 5 stars read more

I have visited Mt Vernon about 4 times. If there's one take away that I've learned about George Washington through exploring the property today is that his military and political successes carried over into his daily life as an innovative farmer that really utilized every piece of this amazing property. I feel like the scope of your exploration will depend on three main things: time, season and physical capabilities. The most explored areas are probably the Mansion , The Mausoleum and the Museum. During the summer, we were about done in about 2-2.5 hrs ( ages 4-65). Today without a child stroller we were able to venture beyond that as the weather was near perfect and we could go down to the wharf ( without a stroller in tow) Today (3/1/25) the gardens were barren so the spring and summer would probably be more exciting at that time. The property does start on the top where the Museum and Mansion are and then slopes down. It's easy to walk down, but if you don't like inclines walking back up may be a challenge particularly for an elderly companion. The Mansion is currently be remodeled which is an amazing part of the experience, but it did allow us to appreciate the other areas we hadn't discovered in the previous three visits. There's two gift shops and a food court. There's also a more sit in type dining restaurant where they recreate culinary fare that Washington liked . Try the how cakes if you go. read more

I've been here a few times and seen most of the sights. If you only go once, you have to walk through the house/mansion, but get ready for a long wait in proportion to the amount of time you spend in the mansion. In my opinion, another highlight of visiting Mt. Vernon is seeing the slave quarters. This gave my kids more appreciation of how good they've got it. My latest visit was on Presidents Day so I had the pleasure of meeting General Washington himself. You wait in line outdoors for 5-10 minutes with George Washington and 20 other people, where he'll answer your questions and take pictures at the end. He was super authentic - only taking questions from people who raised hands, pretending to not know about things from beyond his time (like political parties), and being very formal. He's even 6'1" like the real George (or General Washington as he asks to be called). I heard they fly him in from California because he's so good! Honestly, I wish I had just lined up outside his room and rotated in over and over again so I could hear all the different questions people ask him - he was my favorite part of Mt. Vernon! Another bonus of visiting on Presidents Day is that they have a military demonstration with smoke and cannons (not to mention it's free on Presidents Day)! read more

George Washington's Mount Vernon - Posing with General Washington - Museums Near Me - Mount Vernon, Virginia

It was my first time visiting President George Washington's Mount Vernon. The main building was under construction but some parts of the house were open to the public to see/tour. It was a learning experience to know more about George Washington's hobbies and things he likes doing within the corners of his state. Well, the place was huge and I felt one day was not enough for us to walk around. I believe next year GWMV will have a big celebration commemorating the 250 years of the Declaration of Independence. I hope to visit again next year! read more

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This is one of the best run historical destinations that I have ever been to So much care and curating has been done and continues to be done for the home of our first president The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and the grounds are just beyond beautiful I was surprised to learn that this was privately owned, and I think it shows They know they have to put on a good show to keep people coming to pay the bills Happen to be there on a day where they had the revolutionary war days which included a reenactment of revolution era combat Absolutely a unique experience. It happens every year in May so keep your eyes open for that. It's an incredible monument to the story of the man and is one of the most important things one can do when touring Virginia read more

Mount Vernon was a nice, touristy way to spend part of a day in the DC metro area. The grounds have a lot to offer, including GW's house, his tombs (old and "new"), a wharf, and quarters and working areas of enslaved peoples. The grounds are pleasant for exploring on foot, but the mansion tour (which costs extra) was pretty crowded and not the most well run. Overall worth a visit, even if it does get a bit crowded from tourist buses and school trips. Just plan ahead for lots of waiting in line if you go during busier hours/weekends. Oh, and don't throw your knives in the bushes, have some respect please. read more

George Washington's Mount Vernon - Museums Near Me - Mount Vernon, Virginia

This is a great historical site - old Gearge Washington's house and estate. It is kept up very well. I like to wander and relax here. Sure there are parks around, but not like this. There is a restaurant, gift shops, and a cafeteria. It's a nice ride down the GW parkway from DC. read more

This was our first visit to Mt Vernon and it did not disappoint! Had a lot of fun exploring the grounds, going inside during the renovation to see the first floor areas, learned quite a bit of history about our first President. Amazing views from the backyard. Also fortunate to see baby sheep and even cows. It's a nice excursion from the DC area, and worth a visit if you have a morning to spare! read more

Giving it 1 star because of our experience from our Sunday, 8/4/24 visit to the Mount Vernon mansion. We purchased tickets for 11:25am, but only got there after waiting in line for 30-40 minutes. Once inside, the line in the mansion was so long that we could only make one step at a time. This visit was the worst out of all our previous visits. I would have been embarrassed to bring friends or family over for the tour and have them have to zigzag in a small room and make half steps because there was no limit to how many people were let inside. I've visited a few times and this by far is the worst experience. It appears they sell tickets with no limitations and you can tell people just walk through because they want to get out. We saw many people moving past significant stops because of how bad it was inside. read more

We were there as part of the Juneteenth celebration which included the League of Descendants of the Enslaved at Mount Vernon. Considering the heat and a somewhat long day for us (in particular on day two), we had an amazing experience! We especially loved the hospitality of ALL the volunteers and employees there. We want to recognize one of our host in particular. Her name is Jocelyn McLaughlin. She is the African American Community Outreach Coordinator and she is very AWESOME! Professional, caring, and attentive to the needs of all the guests. While toting us here and there for the events of the day, she also took time to make sure she carted around other guests or gave a warm assurance that another shuttle was coming through for them. Jocelyn, I'm sure is an added gift to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Thank you for everything you did to make us feel comfortable. read more

An absolute must. Was lucky enough to have a private after hours tour. Highly recommended.

This place is amazing! Can't imagine what these walls have seen or heard. We bought upgraded tickets for a 1 hour $60 tour inside the mansion. It was worth it! It was a long way from our DC rental and we struggled getting a ride which made us miss the first half of the tour. I called on our way, explained the situation and the nice gentleman I spoke to on the phone gave me the option of joining a later tour, getting a full credit for later use or to join the tour when we arrived. We opted for the 3rd and when we arrived, the entire staff at every point saw to it that we didn't miss out! After the group finished, our guide took us back and showed us what we missed, explaining everything in great detail. Incredible customer service! The grounds are stunning! Inside the home you'll see exactly what it looked like 250+ years ago when Washington & his wife/family resided there. Original pieces and personal artifacts can be seen throughout the home & grounds. Both are buried onsite, near the garden that is still used for donations & meals next door at the Inn restaurant. The stories, beauty of each room and history of these grounds will impress you. It's a hike out there but one you shouldn't miss! read more

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A must see if you're in the DC area. Some pro tips: 1. Listen to the self guided audio tour on your phone. The hand held devices they provide have poor audio. 2. Pay for the mansion tour. 3. Take your time. There's a lot of ground to cover. You don't want to miss anything. 4. Don't skip the museum and education center! It is fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend the 4D movie. 5. Bring snacks. Our daughter got hungry and there aren't options once you start the tour of the grounds. 6. There are ticket discounts, but only if you buy tickets in advance. 7. Wear comfy shoes. Have fun! read more

The tour, grounds and the docents. Avoid the rude food court cashier! She points her finger instead of using her words. read more

A MUST SEE when in DC. So much history. So much to see. I can visit again and probably learn more as my brain was fried when we visitors form 3 days of other museums. I would go here day one. Tons of walking. Walk down to the water. Go tot he restaurant (very affordable) and delicious. Also has Gluten free options (besides salad!) and GF bread! I will definitely be back! read more

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Spent the day with George and Martha Washington at their estate on the Potomac. Overall, lovely. We only bought the house and garden tours. The grounds were crowded with scores and hordes of school kids. Lines were long. The mansion tour was more like a walk through. It isn't a traditional museum exhibit with plaques and other information provided. There are guides in each room to keep all the kids on the path and answer questions. The tours seem to only be spaced by 5-10 minutes and it bottlenecks. You end up just standing waiting to walk to the next room. It's a supervised tour vs guided. The view of the Potomac is spectacular. They even provide a row of chairs to sit and enjoy it. So nice with a cool breeze on a hot day. The grounds themselves are gorgeous with well restored outbuildings that offer additional info about life on the grounds. It also acknowledges and has a memorial to the slaved that worked the land and ran the house. Great shops with lots of stuff you can't live without. There is a food court with decent burgers and onion rings. It's just spendy, which is to be expected. I would avoid being in the food court around noon. The sound of kids is deafening. If you want to eat at the Inn, get a reservation. Makes it easier. read more

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SHOULD have been much better. The main section of the mansion was opened in Dec after renovation for that part was complete...only it wasn't. The "green room" contained floor runners intended for work folks, and there wasn't a piece of furniture or artwork in the room. The library, a stick or two of furniture (nothing like as is shown in the virtual presentation) and not a single book on the shelves. For the great part, those individuals who provided area/room information did a nice job. The chap in the library didn't have much to say...bc there wasn't much in there (and what there was, we had to ask about. E.G.: Who is the guy in the portrait? oh, George's brother.). The lighting...omg...just use window light if you can't afford simple day-light temperature paint/wallpaper-safe puck lighting that can be discretely placed...or something along those lines. These out-of-date for now, and obviously then, floor lamps with the hideous yellow bulbs, along with the cords dropped along the walls/floor vs being carefully and safely fastened to baseboards...tacky tacky tacky. On the exterior, nothing was done to keep up the aesthetics...construction grade rubbish bags, sand bags, orange electrical cords, ill-fitting barriers, etc...nothing was done to minimize the "work in progress" appearance. The grand porch was covered with plywood (not sure why...unless it was completely rotted underneath?). Surely there is a better way to ensure safety while maintaining at least some of its aesthetic (all the chairs were out on the grass...mind you, this is not prime tourist season so there was ample room for chairs). And finally, poor Aladdin the camel was all alone in a penned area. Camels are social animals who live in groups. I don't care if George had one. If that's the argument, George also had hundreds of enslaved people...sooooo. (Note: The room that were completed were done so nicely. The house should not have been opened without every room completed to the same standard.) read more

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Was given a private tour for our group of seven and it was fantastic. Tried the restaurant at lunch and every dish was delicious. Great place to learn about our nation and to give context to our forefather's living arrangements. read more

Lovely grounds and very informative signage and staff! They had mini recreations of various colonial time things (battle field tents, women spinning, blacksmith). Could easily spend a few hours wandering and exploring! read more

My family and I recently took a trip down to the DC/VA area, and planned a visit here. We really enjoyed our time learning all about our famous first President and walking around the beautiful property. Definitely take the mansion tour; watch the film at the orientation center and by the gift shop; visit the museum, restaurant, and gift shop; and take some time exploring and talking to the staff and docents. There is so much to learn and appreciate. We spent a good three hours here, so plan accordingly and make it a day trip. read more

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Really cool experience with the VIP private guided tour. Our tour guide has worked here for well over 20 years and her attention to detail and explanation was apparent. This was our 2nd time visiting Mount Vernon but this experience was worth every penny! We were able to experience so many new things on the tour that were not obvious on our first visit (self tour) It was also great to see places that were under construction to refurbish and make sturdy and safe again for visitors that we couldn't see a few years back. We finished up our tour with brunch in the restaurant with our large party of 9. Brunch was great and on this hot day in August the endless lemonade was very refreshing and appreciated! read more

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Great docent; well-maintained grounds; beautiful views; very informative; and with many aspects of Washington's life. My only critiques are that a lot of stuff happens to be seasonal/often closed; closes without notice at times; admission price is quite high; and less possessions and exhibits to view compared to other presidential estates. Nonetheless, a great testament to a great man. read more

George Washington's Mount Vernon - Museums Near Me - Mount Vernon, Virginia

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Fantastic experience. The main house is undergoing renovation, but was open for tours. Mansion tour started at exactly the specified time (no line). The house is amazing for its age and well-maintained (although I am told not quite as impressive as Monticello). Tour is small enough and calm enough to get a good look at the rooms. The tour guide is fantastically knowledgeable. There are many additional buildings, and each is worth a look. View of the Potomac River from the top of this hill (Mount Vernon) is great. Visiting George Washington's tomb is poignant. Be sure to cease talking, take off your hat, and quietly pay respects. The wharf is worth visiting. Gardens and "enslaved persons" quarters are interesting. Outside the exit the Mount Vernon Inn has delicious food, great service, and the restaurant even does a good job capturing the essence of George Washington's architectural style. The more I learn about George Washington, the more I admire his life, character, and accomplishments. read more