George Washington Memorial Parkway

Things To Do Near George Washington Memorial Parkway

Consider starting your drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway by exiting Route 495. Enjoy the views of the Potomac River along its northern section, and then view many monuments from its southern end before you reach Mount Vernon and Great Falls Park. There are numerous places to stop and hike. You will also want to spend time paying tribute at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Hiking Trails

• Dead Run Loop 

  Begin the Dead Run Loop at the C-2 Parking Area in the northwest corner of Turkey Run Park. Climb down the two-stone stairway to reach the Potomac River, and take the footbridge across it. Follow the west rim of Dead Rim where you will cross the parkway twice before hiking through Langley Oaks Park. Weave your way across two deep ravines before getting back to the starting point. 

  Location

  C-2 Parking Area, Turkey Run Park, Turkey Run Loop Road, McLean, Virginia 22101 

  Length

  3.5 miles 

  Intensity

  Moderate 

• Swamp Trail

  Reach the Swamp Trail by going northbound on the George Washington Memorial Parkway and parking in the lot in Alexandria, Virginia. Hike across the footbridge to reach Theodore Roosevelt Island. Follow the boardwalk along this trail through swampy woods and cattail marsh. In places where this loop trail is not swampy, the surface is pea gravel. 

  Location

  Theodore Roosevelt Island, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Washington, D.C. 20004 

  Length

  1.5 miles 

  Intensity

  Easy

• Dyke Marsh Trail 

  The Dyke Marsh Trail runs through Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Start near the marina and follow this course to see beautiful views of the National Harbor. Then, walk across the boardwalk to enjoy the views of the preserve with its wildlife. 

  Location

  Belle Haven Marina, Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria, Virginia 22307 

  Length

  1.3 miles 

  Intensity

  Easy 

Sightseeing

• Lady Bird Johnson Park 

  Lady Bird Johnson Park is only accessible by taking the George Washington Memorial Parkway south. This park is gorgeous in the spring when over 1,000 daffodils and over 100 tulips are in bloom. On a small island, the park is home to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac, which Lady Bird chose as the location because the president would often go there to think. It is also home to the Navy and Marine Memorial, created by Ernesto Begni del Piatta to honor the navy and marine soldiers after World War I. 

  Location

  Columbia Island, off Washington Boulevard, Washington, D.C. 20037 

• Netherlands Carillon 

  The people of the Netherlands gave the people of the United States the 53 bells in the Netherlands Carillon in 1945 to thank them for their friendship. Hear a recorded version of the bells play at noon and 6:00 p.m. daily, or hear the bells played live on summer Saturdays. Special concerts are held on Memorial Day and Labor Day. You will love seeing the sculptures and flowers at this location. 

  Location

  Near the Marine Corps War Memorial, Marshall Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22209 

Museums

• Mount Vernon Museum and Education Center 

  Explore the galleries at the Mount Vernon Museum and Education Center to learn more about George Washington’s life. Several of the exhibits focus on Washington’s slaves and his changing stance on slavery. Then, watch shows in both the 4-D and interactive theaters. 

  Location

  3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

• Gadsby's Tavern Museum 

  Tour a 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson held dances at this location. See where numerous political discussions were hosted as Washington, D.C., became the nation's capital. 

  Location

  134 N Royal Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 

• Friendship Firehouse Museum 

  View antique fire equipment and learn about the men who operated it by touring the Friendship Firehouse Museum. Learn about the big fires that almost burned down the city in 1827, 1855, 1871, and 1922. 

  Location

  107 S Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Shops at Mount Vernon 

  Select from food, clothing, home décor, fashion accessories, and holiday items at Mount Vernon's Shops. They try to feature items made in the United States when possible. This store also offers exclusive items, and you will not want to leave without trying their historic chocolates. 

  Location

  The Shops at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt Vernon, Virginia 22121 

• Heart + Paw 

  Select from a range of toys for your pets at Heart + Paw. They also offer pet grooming services, which may be just what your pup needs after a day on the trail. If you want to plan activities designed for humans only, use their pet daycare. 

  Location

  Balston Quarter, 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203 

• Ada’s on the River 

  Take a seat near the wood-fired ovens at Ada’s on the River to enjoy prime steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian fare. Try their fun cocktails during their weekend brunches. Watch the Potomac River through the large windows while dining. 

  Location

  3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

• Founding Fathers 

  If you want a traditional-style breakfast, head to Founding Fathers, located only three blocks from the White House. They also serve a lunch-and-dinner menu featuring farm-raised favorites. You will love the farmhouse vibe of this restaurant. 

  Location

  1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 

How To Get To George Washington Memorial Parkway

The George Washington National Parkway is a road that can be accessed at numerous points. If you have been visiting the National Mall in Washington, D.C., it is easy to get on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Start by going south on US 1 South. Take the exit onto Interstate 395 South. Exit onto Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, and then, keep right at the fork to get on George Washington Memorial Parkway. 

Address

George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters, 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101

Fee: Entry fee $0

The George Washington Memorial Parkway connects many sites along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. You can travel from the National Mall to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in about 20 minutes using the parkway. There are plenty of other places to explore, hiking trails, and activities near the parkway as well. The best way to explore the parkway is in an RV. You can fix your meals, have a comfortable place to rest, and look forward to sleeping well at night in a bed of your own.