What to do in Mount Vernon, VA

Activities, attractions and tours

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.

Places to Visit in Mount Vernon

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Mount Vernon, Alexandria while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Mount Vernon attractions from NZ$16, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Mount Vernon tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 90 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Mount Vernon. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Mount Vernon

Tours & day trips

See all 76 activities
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!

Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$50 per adult
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 29 activities
Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport Transfers

Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport Transfers

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$467 per traveller*
Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport TransfersOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 6 activities
Alexandria: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour

Alexandria: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
7.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$50 per adult
Alexandria: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities
3- Hour Private Customisable Washington, DC Tour

3- Hour Private Customisable Washington, DC Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$750 per traveller*
3- Hour Private Customisable Washington, DC TourOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 5 activities
1-Hour Walk In Axe Throwing Experience Alexandria (797649 - Active

1-Hour Walk In Axe Throwing Experience Alexandria (797649 - Active

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$65 per adult
1-Hour Walk In Axe Throwing Experience Alexandria (797649 - ActiveOpens in new tab

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Recommended things to do in Mount Vernon

Number of things to do
90
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: NZ$16
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Mount Vernon

Discover the most popular places to visit in Mount Vernon

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

Torpedo Factory Art Center

You can browse the exhibits at Torpedo Factory Art Center, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Alexandria. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum

You can browse the exhibits at United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Alexandria. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House during your trip to Mount Vernon. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Mount Vernon worth visiting?
Mount Vernon offers a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local culinary flavours, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Mount Vernon?
After you've visited the leading attractions, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Mount Vernon.
What is the top tourist attraction in Mount Vernon?
From low-cost activities for all kinds of travellers to sought-after attractions and tours, browse above for a selection of the best things to do in Mount Vernon.
Is three days enough to stay in Mount Vernon?
Three days is plenty for a quick trip to Mount Vernon — you'll hit the main attractions and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you want to really experience it all, hang around for at least a week or more to check out some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Mount Vernon with kids?
Deciding what to do in Mount Vernon with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Mount Vernon for adults?
From local cuisine and cultural gems to outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are loads of exciting things to do in Mount Vernon for adults.
Are there free things to do in Mount Vernon?
With loads of free things to do in Mount Vernon, you can enjoy the area without reaching for your wallet. Catch free shows and events or stroll through the local markets.