We love visiting the homeplace, monuments, and memorials of our United States Presidents, so of course, when we planned a trip to Washington DC area, we knew that a visit to George Washington’s Mt Vernon was definitely going to be on the list. If you are planning your next road trip, there are some things you should know about George Washington’s estate- Mount Vernon.

Hobbies on a Budget received tickets or discounts for the purpose of this post. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

What to Know about Washington’s Mount Vernon

Get your tickets online

The number one thing you need to know about Mount Vernon is that this is a popular tourist destination. We were surprised to find the parking lot packed and the ticket line quite long. To tour the house, you will need a timed ticket. If you show up without tickets, you can still get a tour time, but you will have to wait in line and possibly wait several hours before your tour. So skip the line, and just buy your ticket online.

You must have tickets to enter the estate, tour the house or visit the grounds and museums.

You will need to have your bags searched before you enter the museum and property. It’s a simple process but be prepared for a brief delay.

Be prepared to walk

The Mount Vernon estate is large and situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac River. In order to best enjoy your visit, wear walking shoes so you can see the gardens, historic cabins, working farm and of course the bank of the Potomac River.

Don’t miss Washington’s Teeth

Did you know that you can see George Washington’s false teeth in the Museum at Mount Vernon? I know this may sound weird to some, but we were quite fascinated. After all, when is the last time you saw the first President’s teeth on display?

Tour the Mansion

When you purchase your ticket, you will be assigned a tour time. Feel free to explore the grounds and museum before your tour time or after you finish the Mansion tour. About 10 minutes before your assigned time, you will need to get in line and be ready to start your tour. Our tour was a little different from other historic mansion tours. At Mount Vernon, there is a tour guide at each of the sections of the house. They deliver a prepared statement about the room and then take minimal questions as the tours quickly cycle through the house.

You are not allowed to take pictures in the house.

Once you finish your tour, make sure you go around to the front of the house so you can get a view of the Mansion. Just imagine how it must have felt to sit on the steps of the front porch and enjoy relaxing at the end of the day overlooking the Potomac.

Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington. It is located near the Potomac River in Fairfax county, Virginia, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Washington, D.C. It is the most popular historic estate in the United States. More than 80 million people have visited Mount Vernon since it opened in 1860.

Interact in the Museum

There are several exhibits in the main museum area and they are worth exploring. But make sure you watch carefully. There are some places that are off limits for photography.

There are interactive exhibits and displays which help keep the kids attention. This is a great way to learn all about the life of George Washington.

Connect with Mt Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

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Looking for more things to do in the area? Check out this link of my top 20 things to see near Washington DC!