A day trip from the hotel: Mount Vernon or Old Town Alexandria
From Marriott Marquis Washington, DC you can reach George Washington’s Mount Vernon in about a 30-minute drive (or by Metro + bus) for a riverside plantation visit; Old Town Alexandria is closer and easier for a short walking-and-dining day trip with colonial streets, waterfront views, and shops. Choose Mount Vernon for focused history and grounds; choose Old Town Alexandria for a flexible mix of history, shopping, and restaurants.
In this guide
Getting there from Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
The hotel address is 901 Massachusetts Ave NW. For either destination you can use taxi/rideshare from the hotel entrance or take public transit. The hotel links to the Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro station (Green & Yellow Lines).
Mount Vernon is commonly reached by car in roughly 30 minutes from central DC. By public transit one option is Yellow Line to Huntington then Fairfax Connector 101 bus to the estate gate.
Old Town Alexandria is closer: a short rideshare trip or a Metro ride into the King Street–Old Town station makes it an easy half-day or full-day outing.
- Taxi/rideshare: fastest door-to-door for both destinations; travel time varies with traffic.
- To Mount Vernon by transit: Yellow Line to Huntington + Fairfax Connector 101 bus (last leg to estate gate).
- To Old Town: Metro to King Street–Old Town or a 20–30 minute taxi depending on traffic.
| Destination | Typical travel time (car) | Public-transit notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon | About 30 minutes | Yellow Line to Huntington + Fairfax Connector 101 bus |
| Old Town Alexandria | 15–30 minutes | Metro to King Street–Old Town or short rideshare |
Mount Vernon: what you’ll see and do
Mount Vernon is George Washington’s plantation home on the Potomac. The estate includes the mansion (tours available), gardens, outbuildings, a working farm area, and Washington’s tomb overlooking the river.
Visitors typically allow a few hours to half a day to tour the mansion, visit the museum and education center, and walk the grounds.
- Mansion guided or self-guided tours (check current schedules on the estate site).
- Museum and special exhibitions that explain Washington’s life and leadership.
- Riverside views, reconstructed outbuildings, and seasonal garden displays.
| Good for | Time needed |
|---|---|
| History-focused visitors | 3–4 hours |
| Photography and gardens | 2–3 hours |
| Families with mixed interests | Half to most of a day |
Old Town Alexandria: highlights and pace
Old Town Alexandria offers brick sidewalks, 18th- and 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, galleries, and a scenic waterfront promenade along the Potomac. King Street is the main corridor for dining and shopping.
A visit to Old Town is flexible: you can plan a short 2–3 hour stroll with a meal, or spend a half to full day visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center, waterfront parks, and independent shops.
- King Street shopping and restaurants.
- Torpedo Factory Art Center (local artists’ studios and exhibits).
- Waterfront Park and promenade for river views and photo opportunities.
| Good for | Time needed |
|---|---|
| Casual shoppers and diners | 2–4 hours |
| Art and galleries | 2–3 hours |
| Leisurely waterfront time | 1–2 hours |
Practical tips: timing, tickets, and comfort
Check opening hours and ticket requirements before you leave. Mount Vernon often recommends buying timed-entry tickets in advance; Old Town sites are a mix of free public spaces and attractions with separate admission.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a light layer—both places involve outdoor walking. In summer expect heat and humidity; spring and fall are generally more comfortable.
- Mount Vernon: consider advance tickets or a guided tour to secure a desired time slot.
- Old Town: parking can be limited; using Metro or a short rideshare may be easier.
- Carry water, sunscreen, and a charged phone for maps and transit apps.
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes | Cobblestones and ground surfaces at both sites |
| Water and sunscreen | Outdoor walking and seasonal sun exposure |
| Transit app / cashless payment | For rideshare, Metro fares, and entry where needed |
Dining and snack options during your day trip
Back at the hotel, Anthem serves breakfast and lunch; the Lobby Bar and The Dignitary provide drinks and evening fare if you want to return for dinner. The hotel also has a lobby Starbucks for quick coffee and snacks.
On location: Mount Vernon offers on-site dining and seasonal concessions; Old Town has many independent restaurants and cafes along King Street and the waterfront.
- Anthem (on-site): breakfast and lunch with diner-style American classics; reservations accepted.
- Lobby Bar: casual bar menu beneath the atrium good for a late-afternoon stop.
- Old Town dining: wide range from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants—check hours before you go.
| Location | Typical offering |
|---|---|
| Mount Vernon | On-site dining and seasonal concessions |
| Old Town Alexandria | Independent restaurants, seafood, cafes, and bakeries |
| Marriott Marquis (return) | Anthem, Lobby Bar, The Dignitary, Starbucks |
Accessibility and family considerations
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC welcomes families and lists rooms that can accommodate up to 8 total guests per room. The hotel also provides complimentary access to a two-level fitness center and concierge services to help arrange tours or transit.
Both Mount Vernon and many Old Town streets are accessible, but historic buildings and uneven surfaces can present limits; check each attraction’s accessibility info if mobility is a concern.
- Hotel: concierge can help arrange tickets, transit, and directions.
- Bring a stroller or lightweight carrier for young children; some historic spaces have restricted access.
- If you require mobility assistance, verify accessibility details with each attraction in advance.
| Need | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| Tour and ticket help | Hotel concierge / front desk |
| Accessibility specifics | Mount Vernon or Old Town attraction websites |
| Transport with mobility needs | Ask concierge about wheelchair-accessible vehicles |
