What to do in Mount Vernon, VA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Mount Vernon

Types of activities

Mount Vernon travel 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

Magnolia Blossom. Huge flower that only lasts a few days.

Mount Vernon Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Mount Vernon has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Mount Vernon, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Mount Vernon with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Mount Vernon, and make it a breeze to explore Mount Vernon and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Mount Vernon to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Mount Vernon, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon attractions

Mount Vernon has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Mount Vernon to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Mount Vernon.

Looking for things to do in Mount Vernon can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Mount Vernon or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Mount Vernon attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Mount Vernon

Number of things to do	84
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: £7
Top 5 things to do	Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns! LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C. Ghost and Graveyard Tour Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour Alexandria: Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria
Half-day tours	Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns! LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C. Ghost and Graveyard Tour Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour Alexandria: Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria
With kids	LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C. Ghost and Graveyard Tour A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria Arlington Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards 1-Hour Walk In Axe Throwing Experience Alexandria (797649 - Active

What to do in Mount Vernon

Popular places to visit

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mt Vernon Ave

You can enjoy retail therapy at Mt Vernon Ave during your visit to Alexandria.

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.

Day trip destinations from Mount Vernon

Alexandria

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.