Mount Vernon day trip from Washington
Discover Mount Vernon, George Washington's home near the U.S. capital, and learn about the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in the nation's history.
Washington Mansion Dock on the Potomac | ©David Baron
Make the most of your trip to Washington DC by taking a fun excursion to some of the most popular sites around the capital, such as the charming town of Alexandria or the Mount Vernon estate, owned by President George Washington and a popular National Historic Landmark in the country.
Excursions to Mount Vernon and Alexandria from Washington DC
Washington DC is an exciting city full of history, memorials and culture with plenty to do. However, the area around the capital is also very interesting to explore during a trip, so it's worth setting aside at least one full day for an excursion that will take you to discover other sites and landscapes.
One of the most beloved historic sites for Americans is Mount Vernon, the former family home of George Washington, the country's first president. Touring the sites that marked his life is a great way to get a closer look at the man who led the way to independence and changed the history of the United States.
The best way to do this is to take a trip to Mount Vernon with a guide who will show you the mansion and gardens of the estate, as well as other interesting places such as the Potomac River, the colonial farm, the museum and the tombs of this hero of the country and his beloved wife Martha. Listening to his commentary will take you back in time to the 18th century and give you a greater context for how and why the Revolution of the Thirteen Colonies came about.
After visiting Mount Vernon the next stop on this tour is Alexandria, one of the oldest cities in the country located just 10 kilometres southwest of Washington DC.
Today, Alexandria is a satellite city of the capital and is home to many of the professionals who work in Washington's institutions.
However, its Old Town is its main attraction, with many places of interest, including many original 17th- and 18th-century buildings and a number of beautiful monuments. Take a bus tour through the streets of Alexandria to see them.
What is the best way to visit Mount Vernon from Washington?
Although you can drive to this National Historic Landmark on your own by renting a car, in my opinion the best way to visit Mount Vernon from Washington DC is to book a place on an organised tour with a professional guide who will explain the history of the site and George Washington.
These tours often include visits to other nearby sites such as Alexandria, one of the oldest cities in the country, so it's an excellent opportunity to discover several interesting places on the East Coast in a single day.
How much does it cost to tour Mount Vernon?
A trip to the US capital is not complete without a trip to Mount Vernon and historic downtown Alexandria.
Not only will you enjoy doing something different during your stay in Washington DC by seeing other places close to the city and seeing other landscapes, but you'll also learn more about the origins of the country, the context in which independence from Britain came about and the role of personalities such as George Washington in the events.
Although you could visit Mount Vernon on your own, in my opinion it's more convenient and entertaining to join one of the organised tours that depart from Washington which have different prices.
Depending on factors such as the length of the tour, the size of the group, the locations visited on the route and whether you have a guide, prices can vary. You can find options from 70 euros to visit this popular place.
Is Mount Vernon worth a visit during my trip to Washington?
Absolutely. It is one of the most visited historic sites in the United States, not only because of its proximity to the nation's capital but also because of its beautiful scenery and historical significance as the home of the nation's first president.
In fact, many people consider Mount Vernon to be the historic heart of the country, so it's interesting to step inside the house where George Washington lived and wander around the grounds, taking in the views and imagining what life on the estate was like in the 18th century.
If you're taking a trip to Mount Vernon as a family, the kids will have a great time during the visit because the original setting is very well preserved and for added authenticity there are even actors in colonial costume working in a blacksmith shop and on the farm, so it's like a fun trip back in time for the little ones.
How long does it take to get to Mount Vernon from Washington?
Mount Vernon is located 30 kilometres south of Washington DC and takes about half an hour by car.
So it's an ideal excursion to make during a Washington holiday given its proximity to the nation's capital.
You can do it in half a day and then return to the city to continue with your agenda by visiting other tourist attractions or making other plans such as a cruise on the Potomac River.
What will I see in Mount Vernon in one day?
During a trip to Mount Vernon you will be able to see places such as:
- President George Washington's white marble tomb next to that of his wife Martha within a memorial.
- His family's plantation estate where tobacco and other crops were grown.
- The house-museum on the banks of the Potomac River and its gardens, which were designed by the President himself.
- The Mount Vernon Museum, which focuses on the life and legacy of George Washington.
- Slave memorial to those who worked on the plantation and were owned by George Washington.
- The colonial farm and greenhouse.
- A whiskey distillery that was one of the largest in America in the 19th century.
- A mill that produced wheat and corn flour.
- And more surprises.