Getting to Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

By Sheridan Alexander

Updated 07/28/17

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
••• M Timothy O'Keefe / Getty Images

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the beloved historic home of George Washington, is located in Northern Virginia along the banks of the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. Offering 50 acres of gardens, the mansion house, and many estate buildings, Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in the nation. A true treasure, Mount Vernon appeals to all ages and is a top Southeast U.S. attraction.
 

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    Where is it?

    Mount Vernon is located in Northern Virginia at the southern end point of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

    The exact address, which is unlikely to change, is:
    3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
    Mount Vernon, Virginia 22309
     

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    Driving Directions

    From the George Washington Memorial Parkway - Follow the Parkway to the large traffic circle at the southern terminus. Note: The Parkway becomes Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

    From I-95 and points South of Mount Vernon - Exit 161 - Route 1 North, marked Ft. Belvoir / Mt. Vernon. Drive north on Route 1 for about six miles. Just after Ft. Belvoir, turn right on Route 235 North and continue about three miles to Mount Vernon.

    From I-95 and points East of Mount Vernon - I-95 becomes the Capital Beltway (495). After crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bride, take the right-hand Exit 177 to Mount Vernon. Turn right on S. Washington Street, which becomes the George Washington Parkway. Continue to the large traffic circle at the southern terminus.

    From I-66 and points West of Mount Vernon - Follow I-66 East to the Capital Beltway (Route 495 South Outer Beltway, which turns into I-95 North toward Baltimore.) Take Exit 177-B / Route 1 North marked Alexandria / Mount Vernon. From Route 1, turn...MORE right onto Franklin Street and another right onto S. Washington Street, which becomes the George Washington Parkway. Continue to the large traffic circle at the southern terminus.

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    Tours and Cruises

    Several tours, including tours by motor coach and by boat, make traveling to and from Mount Vernon, as interesting and as much fun as your actual visit to the estate, enhancing and adding another dimension to the overall experience. 

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    Getting There by Bicycle

    The Mount Vernon Trail is a popular biking/running trail that parallels the George Washington Memorial Parkway for much of its length. The trail extends about 18.5 miles from Theodore Roosevelt Island parking lot to Mount Vernon, offering majestic views of many area landmarks. The trail is mostly flat with a few gentle hills. The last mile or so to Mount Vernon involves a somewhat challenging climb and portions of the trail involve traveling along city streets, especially through Alexandria.

    A good alternative to traveling the entire 18.5 miles is to depart from Old Town Alexandria, about 8 miles north of Mount Vernon. Bicycle rentals are available in Alexandria a block or so from the Mount Vernon Trail. More about the Mount Vernon Trail

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
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    Using the Metro to Get to Mount Vernon

    The closest Metro Station (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metrorail and Metrobus system) to Mount Vernon is the Huntington Station n the Yellow Line. Take the lower level station Huntington Avenue exit to transfer to a Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon.

    While relatively inexpensive and easy to navigate, this trip can take well over an hour from downtown Washington, D.C. and other Metro Stations in Northern Virginia, depending on the Metrorail and Fairfax Connector bus schedules. The best way to plan your trip by public transportation is to visit the Metro Web Site and select Trip Planner. Instructions on the site are easy to follow.