George Washington's Mount Vernon

One of America's most iconic mansions is this aristocratic estate overlooking the Potomac River in Virginia. The historic mansion was George Washington's treasured home, initially built by his father in 1734 as a tiny farmhouse. George Washington later expanded and improved Mount Vernon, transforming it into a magnificent 21-room manor residence during a 45-year period. The 11,028-square-foot estate is ten times larger than the average Virginia colonial house. The cupola, which was finished in 1774, has a weathervane topped with a dove to represent peace.

It can be seen as one of the Best Day Trips from Washington. Visitors enter the Central Passage, a large space with beautiful views of the Potomac. This center hallway exhibits the Key to the Bastille, which was given to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette of France after the siege of the Paris prison in 1790.

Visitors can dine on the estate grounds at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant (admission to Mount Vernon is not required). This welcoming restaurant has an authentic 18th-century atmosphere and serves early American classics like peanut soup and sirloin steak.

Consider taking a guided tour to discover more about early American history during your visit. The Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour is a half-day tour from Washington, D.C. that includes a guided stroll through old Alexandra, Virginia; a stop at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial; and admission to Mount Vernon, with an hour to view the mansion and estate.

Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, United States
Phone: +1 703-780-2000
Opening hours: 9AM–5PM
Rating: 4.8/5.0, 12,477 Google reviews
Website: www.mountvernon.org