Things to Do

George Washington’s Mansion is currently undergoing preservation work. During this Mansion Revitalization Project, rooms will be taken off display for extended periods. Although you can't see some of the rooms in person, you can view them and the objects inside with an interpreter-led virtual tour.

Inside our Orientation Center theater, you'll get an in-depth look at the Mansion and have an opportunity to ask questions of our expert guides.

During this 75-minute guided tour, discover more than 250 years of Mount Vernon history as you explore available rooms of the Mansion, and the surrounding outbuildings and gardens.

This tour provides behind-the-scenes access to buildings typically closed to the public, like the Old Tomb, and an in-depth experience of the estate. 

Explore the lives and contributions of the enslaved community who built and operated Mount Vernon. In 1799, more than 300 slaves lived and worked on the five farms that made up Washington’s 8,000-acre plantation. Listen to their stories and learn more about their daily life. Visit the slave quarters and view reproduction clothing, tools, furniture, cookware, ceramics, toys, and personal accessories that represent their experiences.

See Mount Vernon from a different perspective during this 45-minute narrated excursion on the Potomac River. Learn about the river's history and discover how it contributed to Washington's business ventures. Be sure to look for the eagles and osprey that live along the shores.

Step back in time for a 45-minute immersive experience and see Mount Vernon through the eyes of the people who knew George Washington best. A character interpreter, such as Washington's granddaughter, personal secretary, farm manager, or enslaved valet, will guide you across the estate as they go about their daily activities, making several stops along the way.

Look around, look around at Mount Vernon and discover Washington’s role in Hamilton The Musical, and his views on many of the themes that the musical addresses in our new tour.

This 60-minute specialty tour highlights the history of preservation at George Washington’s estate. Hear how a group of women, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, restored Mount Vernon in the 19th century and how their work continues today. Plus, learn about the discoveries that have transformed our understanding of Mount Vernon and those who lived at the estate.

Note: This tour does not enter the Mansion.

Bring your dog along for this 1.25-mile special walking tour and explore canine life at Mount Vernon, from the dogs of the first president to the dogs that live at the estate today. The tour stops at five historic locations, including Mount Vernon’s west gate. Learn about George Washington’s love for dogs, the unusual names he chose for them, and his efforts to improve the quality of his hunting dogs through breeding.

This tour's route requires visitors to walk on uneven surfaces including hilly terrain, grass, and gravel.

Explore how the people who lived at Mount Vernon in the 18th century dined on a tour that takes you to the gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the Mansion’s kitchen. 

Discover how food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. You'll leave this specialty tour knowing the Washingtons’ favorite recipes, what hired and enslaved servants at Mount Vernon ate, and why Martha Washington wasn’t a fan of Vulcan, Washington’s French hound.