Mount Vernon

Visit Mount Vernon

Spring is when the gardens are in full bloom, and baby lambs venture the farm. It's also the busiest season of the year for visiting Mount Vernon. Winter is the least busy time to see Mount Vernon. The crowds are also minimal during fall, compared to spring and summer. If you want to see the distillery and gristmill, then schedule your trip from April through October. This section of the estate is closed during the other months.

Mount Vernon is open all days of the year. From April through October, the estate is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes one hour earlier from November through March.

There are more than 12 outbuildings to explore in addition to the mansion. These outbuildings include a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, spinning shop and stable.

The tombs of George and Martha Washington are viewable at Mount Vernon too. George Washington requested in his will that his burial take place on the property. You can participate in the daily wreath laying ceremony at the Washingtons' tomb.

You can also check out the old tomb, which was where older family members of George Washington were buried. Because the old tomb was beginning to deteriorate, George Washington specified in his will that he wanted a new brick tomb constructed for his burial.

An on-site museum teaches you about the lives of George Washington and his family's slaves. There are hundreds of artifacts, a 4D theater and an interactive theater.

Ticket Information

A grounds pass is $28 for people 12+, $15 for 6–11 and free for children who are 5 and under. Adults need to accompany children who are 15 and under. Parking at Mount Vernon is free.

You'll save $2 on your ticket by purchasing at least three days in advance. Employees of historic homes and museums enjoy free entry at Mount Vernon. Discounts are available for EBT card holders, military members, first responders and medical professionals. EBT card holders can get tickets for $2, but they can only claim this discount in person. Military members, first responders and medical professionals get a $3 discount.

You can order a ticket online or in person. During high-traffic periods, however, you should buy a grounds pass online to guarantee entry. You'll have access for the entire day when you buy a grounds pass. EBT card holders can visit over a four-day period. If you buy a ticket in person, show up early on a weekday. Tickets sell out fast, especially on the weekends.

Guided mansion interior tours are $2 extra per person. The National Treasure Tour, Gardens and Landscape Tour and Mrs. Washington's Mount Vernon Tour cost $10 each. An in-depth tour, which includes areas that aren't accessible with a general admissions pass, is $60. You can also buy an official guidebook for $10. A tour on the enslaved people of Mount Vernon is free.

Family-Friendly Options

At the education center, families who have kids ages 3–10 can take part in themed activities. Children can dress up in 18th-century costumes, explore a dollhouse and read books.

During the Hands-On History Spies in the American Revolution event, kids can make a cipher wheel and go on a scavenger hunt. The cipher wheel activity is suitable for ages 7 and up. All ages can participate in the scavenger hunt.

You can't bring food with you, so you may want to eat before visiting. There is an on-site restaurant and a food court too if you or your child becomes hungry.

Strollers are allowed on the grounds, but it's a bumpy ride. Your toddler might find it more comfortable to walk.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Set aside at least three or four hours to get the most out of your visit. With so much to do at the estate, you should also plan in advance what tours and activities you're interested in.

Touring the interior mansion is a must. It was 10 times larger than the average colonial home in Virginia at the time. Family portraits, the Washington coat of arms and the Key to Bastille are inside the mansion. You can also enter Washington's private study.

The distillery and gristmill are fully functioning after reconstructions. Mount Vernon staff continue to produce whiskey at the distillery. A turning water wheel helps grind grain at the gristmill. On Saturdays in May, June and September, you can taste whiskey. You can also buy George Washington's whiskey at Mount Vernon's shop. The on-site restaurant offers samples of this whiskey.

Check out the farm from April through October where costumed interpreters show how Washington's workers fished, farmed, sheared sheep and cooked over a fire. You can see what slave cabins looked like too. Animals on the farm include horses, mules, oxen, Dominique chickens and Ossabaw Island hogs. Walk out on the wharf, and relax for a moment in the serenity of the Potomac River.

Discover 18th-century cuisine at the on-site restaurant. A buffet is available in addition to individual meals.

Mount Vernon Accommodations

Activities Near Mount Vernon

Weather, Safety & Accessibility

Weather & Packing

Wear comfortable shoes when you visit Mount Vernon because some of the walkways are uneven. There are also dirt paths. You'll spend a lot of time walking outside, as the estate is large, so bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially if you're visiting during the summer.

Be aware that strollers are only allowed outside. If you're not comfortable with leaving the stroller outside during the tour, then you may want to use a baby sling carrier.

Bags are limited to a size of 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches and are subject to inspections. Weapons aren't allowed.

Come prepared for driving in snowy conditions if you visit in the winter. Fall has mild temperatures with beautiful autumn colors from the leaves changing.

Safety & Accessibility

Accessible parking is available at Mount Vernon, and motorized mobility devices are allowed. You can also take an accessible route to the main entrance that has hand rails. The museum, education center and food court are fully accessible. Take the north lane for the easiest path to the house.

If you're interested in a sightseeing cruise, you need to check with the boating company to know if they have accommodations. On the weekends in August, you can take a golf cart to visit the tomb, slave cemetery and wharf. Shuttle buses provide transportation to the farm and wharf from April through October. Each shuttle bus can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. You can access the restaurant through the gift shop.

If you're in need of a descriptive tour or sign language, you can make a request with Mount Vernon by calling or emailing their accessibility email [email protected]. You need to schedule at least one week in advance to have a sign language interpreter. All on-site films have captions available upon request. Braille books and color blind glasses are also offered at Mount Vernon. You can bring a service animal as well.