Mount Vernon Tours and Tickets

Whether or not the Mount Vernon tour is worth it depends on your interests—but for anyone who can appreciate American history, the answer is a resounding yes. From walking through George Washington’s very own estate and visiting the on-site distillery to exploring the lives of the enslaved who labored here, there’s much to discover with a knowledgeable guide.

How long it takes to tour Mount Vernon depends on how you want to go about it. The Mansion Tour—which is separate from general admission—lasts 45 minutes; the Gardens & Landscapes Tour lasts one hour (also separate); several other tours are available. Of course, you’re welcome to buy the general Grounds Pass and explore on your own schedule.

Yes, you need reservations to visit Mount Vernon—it’s called a Grounds Pass, and it can be booked online. That gets you an audio tour and self-guided access to the historic area, outbuildings, gardens, tombs, trails, and more. If you’d like to explore inside Washington’s former home, you’ll need to purchase a separate mansion tour ticket.

Yes, parking is free at Mount Vernon. You’ll find parking lots on both the east and west sides of the George Washington Memorial Parkway as you’re looking for the entrance. If these parking lots happen to be full, simply follow the signs to the overflow parking lot. RVs, motorhomes, and trailers should always park in the overflow lot as well.

With a grounds pass, you’ll be able to hit up most of Mount Vernon’s can’t-miss spots, including the outbuildings—where the enslaved lived and worked—the gardens, the tombs, and trails around the estate. If your schedule and budget allow, getting a look inside Washington’s mansion itself is a fascinating dive into American history.

Yes, taking photos is permitted inside the Mount Vernon estate and throughout the grounds, except for inside the theaters and inside specific museum galleries. That being said, flash photography is not permitted inside the mansion—and should generally be avoided for etiquette reasons—and all photography should be for personal, non-commercial use only.