Visiting Washington D.C. for the first time and want to have the trip of a lifetime? Look no further than a day trip to Mount Vernon. Located roughly 30 minutes from Washington by car, Mount Vernon is a great escape from the bustling city life of downtown D.C. You can walk the grounds where our nation’s first president grew up and would later retire after serving in the Revolutionary War.
The Man
Born on February 22, 1732, George Washington was an American political leader, war hero, founding father, and first president of the United States of America. He was born into a wealthy family that gained their money through land speculation in Virginia. Before Mount Vernon would be called by this name, generations of Washington’s owned this land and passed it down through inheritance.
Before Mount Vernon
Several generations of Washington’s owned this massive plot of land throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1674, John Washington (George’s great-grandfather) received a 2500-acre land grant from Lord Thomas Culpeper, the proprietor of the Northern Neck. This land and even surrounding plots would one day encompass George Washington’s Mount Vernon home. George Washington lived at Mount Vernon starting at the age of three. While he lived there nearly his whole life, he did not take ownership of it until the year 1762. At that time, he added on to the one-and-a-half story home, expanding it into the 11,028 ft. mansion visitors can see today. Mount Vernon is open every day of the week and offers a variety of activities to enjoy during your visit. Tickets can be purchased online, so we suggest that you plan your visit ahead of time. Mount Vernon offers tours of the mansion and grounds, as well as two places to grab a bite to eat while there. If you plan to eat at Mount Vernon Inn, also be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Tickets and Fees
Tickets to visit Mount Vernon vary based on age. For adults, tickets cost $20. Children between the ages of 6-11 are $12. Children under the age of 5 are free. However, on or around George Washington’s birthday (February 22) each year, entrance is free for all visitors. A unique treat is the George Washington’s Birthday Celebration. Stop by from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm to enjoy various tributes and musical and military demonstrations taking place all day long.
**Please note that Mount Vernon is closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic
WASHINGTON D.C ACCOMMODATIONS
Our nation’s capital is home to many great neighborhoods – each with its own unique character and aesthetic. If you are looking to break out of the normal big hotel routine, we would love to have you stay at our Dupont circle bed and breakfast during your visit to Washington D.C. and Mount Vernon. We are conveniently located between Woodley Park and Dupont Circle. Additionally, our bed and breakfast is a brisk 12-minute walk to the metro where you can easily access downtown D.C. and the National Mall. For the trip to Mount Vernon, plan on a 40 minute car ride. Those wishing to take public transport to Mount Vernon will board Metrorail’s Yellow Line to Huntington Station. Exit at the lower level of the station (Huntington Avenue) to catch a Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon. Board the Fairfax Connector Bus #101, the Fort Hunt Line, for a 20-minute trip to Mount Vernon’s entrance gate.
