Mount Vernon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Alexandria, across from Prince George's County, Maryland. The Washington family had owned land in the area since the time of Washington's great-grandfather in 1674. In 1739 they embarked on an expansion of the estate that continued under George Washington, who came into possession of the estate in 1754, but did not become its sole owner until 1761. The mansion is built of wood in a loose Palladian style, and was constructed by George Washington in stages between 1758 and 1778. It occupies the site of an earlier, smaller house built by George Washington's father Augustine, some time between 1726 and 1735. It remained Washington's country home for the rest of his life. Following his death in 1799, under the ownership of several successive generations of the family, the estate progressively declined as revenues were insufficient to maintain it adequately. In 1858, the house's historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association; this philanthropic organization acquired it together with part of the Washington property estate. Escaping the damage suffered by many plantation houses during the American Civil War, Mount Vernon was restored. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and is open every day of the year. Allowing the public to see the estate is not an innovation, but part of a 200-year-old tradition started by George Washington himself. In 1794 he wrote: "I have no objection to any sober or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, &ca. about Mount Verno
Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Alexandria, across from Prince George's County, Maryland. The Washington family had owned land in the area since the time of Washington's great-grandfather in 1674. In 1739 they embarked on an expansion of the estate that continued under George Washington, who came into possession of the estate in 1754, but did not become its sole owner until 1761. The mansion is built of wood in a loose Palladian style, and was constructed by George Washington in stages between 1758 and 1778. It occupies the site of an earlier, smaller house built by George Washington's father Augustine, some time between 1726 and 1735. It remained Washington's country home for the rest of his life. Following his death in 1799, under the ownership of several successive generations of the family, the estate progressively declined as revenues were insufficient to maintain it adequately. In 1858, the house's historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association; this philanthropic organization acquired it together with part of the Washington property estate. Escaping the damage suffered by many plantation houses during the American Civil War, Mount Vernon was restored. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and is open every day of the year. Allowing the public to see the estate is not an innovation, but part of a 200-year-old tradition started by George Washington himself. In 1794 he wrote: "I have no objection to any sober or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, &ca. about Mount Verno
Well worth the drive outside if DC.
Mount Vernon
Magnolia Blossom. Huge flower that only lasts a few days.

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Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
The price is NZ$229 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
NZ$229
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,166 reviews)
Room was excellent. The Internet would fail connect many times in the room. I would not take this room again because of the Internet.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
The price is NZ$191 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
NZ$191
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,928 reviews)
Great staff, a bit dated

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Washington D.C.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Washington D.C.

3 out of 5
2305 New York Ave Ne Washington DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$239 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
NZ$239
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,276 reviews)
Room was good, staff was great but there were people screaming in the hallways and loud bangings on the walls. I was too scared to call the lobby and say something. Also there was a poor issue and water was shut off for 4 hours in the entire building. They claim Expedia was informed about this. I ...

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Washington D.C.
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw Washington DC
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,902 reviews)
always lovely. we have stayed here a few times, and it’s been fantastic every time. the heated bathroom floors are an added bonus that is sooo cozy.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

The Dupont Circle Hotel
Glover Park - Georgetown

Glover Park - Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,834 reviews)
Helpful staff, nice breakfast

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Glover Park - Georgetown
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw Washington DC
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,665 reviews)
The room was very clean, the staff were great, & the location was very convenient. I would definitely visit again.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon featuring heritage elements and a house

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Gain fascinating insights into the life of America’s first president at this beautifully restored country estate set on the shores of the Potomac River.

George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington Masonic National Memorial featuring a memorial, a park and heritage architecture

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

See the views from the observation deck of this iconic memorial, which is dedicated to the contributions of Freemasons, and specifically George Washington, to the United States.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Alexandria Market House and City Hall

Alexandria City Hall

After visiting Alexandria City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Alexandria. Discover the area's great live music and notable monuments.

Alexandria City Hall
Market Square and City Hall, in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.

Market Square

You can find out about the history of Alexandria with a stop at Market Square. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the notable monuments in the area.

Market Square

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

During your trip to Arlington, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Fashion Center at Pentagon City. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

Birchmere

Get tickets for a show at Birchmere, a popular theatre in Alexandria. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Birchmere

Activities

Washington: Small-Group Major Landmarks by Night Tour

Washington DC Icons at Night: Small Group & Eco-Friendly Electric Cart Tour

NZ$93
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Icons at Night: Small Group & Eco-Friendly Electric Cart Tour
Discover DC Tour

Discover DC Tour

NZ$148
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Discover DC Tour
Capitol Building in Washington DC

One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York

NZ$214
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
DC: Monuments & History Guided Tour by E-Cart - Day &Night

DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets

NZ$88
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission

NZ$47
per adult
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission
DC Highlights Tour

DC Highlights Tour

NZ$89
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
DC Highlights Tour
See all activities in Mount Vernon