Grounds Pass & Gardens and Groves Tour

Highlights

  • Historic outbuildings

  • Museum exhibits

  • Working farm

  • George Washington's final resting place

  • Slave memorial

  • Gardens and Groves tour

Summary

Tour the estate that George Washington, America's first president, called home. The Mount Vernon grounds pass provides access to the 18th-century grounds and Mount Vernon's museum exhibits. 

On the Gardens and Groves tour, get an in-depth look at the carefully crafted landscape that George Washington designed.

Why take this tour?

Take a self-guided tour of the first American president’s historic estate. Stroll through the 18th-century gardens and grounds, visit the Washington family tombs, and meet heritage-breed animals.

During the Gardens and Groves tour, you'll get a closer look at the landscape that Washington designed. 

  • Visit the upper garden teeming with beautiful flowers and the greenhouse that once housed exotic plants. 
  • On the bowling green, trace the path 18th-century visitors traveled to the Mansion and learn how the enslaved workers maintained the grounds and greenery. 
  • As you move into the lower garden where the estate's produce was grown, you'll pass by trees dating to Washington's time.



What’s included?

  • Access to the historic area, gardens, tomb, farm, trails and museum

  • Audio tour

  • Gardens and Groves tour

  • Food and drinks

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Access to the Mansion

Things to know

Before you go

  • Bring comfortable shoes, as there are dirt paths and some uneven walkways.

  • The entrance is a five to eight-minute walk from the parking lot, depending on which parking lot you park in. Visitors with mobility issues may be dropped off in the traffic circle.

  • Standard, non-motorized wheelchairs and wheeled walkers are available free of charge inside the Ford Orientation Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Outside food and drink other than bottled water are prohibited.

  • Leashed dogs are allowed on the property, but they cannot enter the Mansion.

Covid Policy

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

About operator:

Mount Vernon is the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, just a short drive from Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, VA.