Alexandria Mount Vernon Bike and Boat Tour: Potomac River ride

Ride the scenic trail to Mount Vernon, then choose your return

This bike tour from Old Town Alexandria follows the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River to historic Mount Vernon Estate, where you explore the grounds at your own pace. The tour includes bike rental, helmet and Mount Vernon admission. You return to Alexandria by bike or upgrade to a narrated river cruise back (boats depart Mount Vernon at 1:45 PM). The route is roughly 10 miles each way on relatively flat terrain with a few rolling hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike and explore Mount Vernon

• Explore Old Town Alexandria
• Bike along Mount Vernon Trail
• Stop at Jones Point Lighthouse
• Visit Mount Vernon Estate and grounds
• Explore mansion, gardens, and exhibits
• Return by bike or optional boat cruise

The experience

How do you get from Old Town Alexandria to Mount Vernon without a car? You pedal. The Mount Vernon Trail hugs the Potomac River for the entire ride, about an hour each way, and the route is flat enough that you set your own pace. Stop at Jones Point Light House if you want, or keep moving. The bike comes with a helmet and a bag to carry what you need. When you reach Mount Vernon, the grounds admission is already paid for, so you walk straight in to the mansion, gardens and exhibits without another transaction.

Mount Vernon is George Washington's 18th-century estate, and the grounds are large enough that most people spend two to three hours there. You're on your own schedule: explore the mansion if you want, wander the gardens, read the educational exhibits, sit by the river. There's no guide narration or group timing once you arrive. When you're ready to leave, you have two choices. Bike back the way you came (the return ride is the same 10 miles), or if you booked the boat option, head to the dock at 1:45 PM for a narrated Potomac River cruise back to Alexandria. The boat arrives at Alexandria City Marina around 2:40 PM, and if you stay on board, it continues to Washington, DC, arriving at The Wharf around 3:10 PM.

The whole day runs four to seven hours depending on how long you linger at Mount Vernon and which return you choose. Bring water and snacks. Food and drinks aren't included. Children as young as one can ride in a specialized infant seat. Riders must be at least 16 for an electric bike, and anyone under 18 needs an adult to sign the waiver at check-in. The bikes have a weight limit of 300 pounds. Bikes are rented from a shop near Union Street in Old Town, and you'll pick up your admission tickets and boat tickets there too.

What’s included

• Bike rental with helmet and bag.
• Mount Vernon grounds admission.
• narrated Potomac River cruise back to Alexandria (if you select this option at checkout).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Unlimited Biking formerly Bike and Roll DC

Is this one for you?Choose the bike-only return if you want to control your pace and spend as much time as you want at Mount Vernon. Pick the boat option if you'd rather relax on the water and end your day in Alexandria or continue to Washington, DC.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years).

How long is the bike ride from Alexandria to Mount Vernon?

The Mount Vernon Trail is approximately 10 miles from Old Town Alexandria to the estate, taking about one hour to ride. The route is relatively flat with a few rolling hills, and you can stop along the way to see sites like Jones Point Light House or simply enjoy the Potomac River views.

What's included in the Mount Vernon Bike and Boat Tour?

Bike rental, helmet, bike bag and admission to Mount Vernon grounds are included. If you book the boat option, the narrated Potomac River cruise back to Alexandria is also included. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included.

Can I take the boat back instead of biking?

Yes, if you select the boat option at checkout. The narrated cruise departs Mount Vernon at 1:45 PM and returns to Alexandria City Marina by approximately 2:40 PM. You can also continue on the boat to Washington, DC, arriving at The Wharf around 3:10 PM. If you don't book the boat option, you bike back or can leave your bike at Mount Vernon by letting staff know.

What's the physical fitness level needed for this tour?

Riders should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The route is relatively flat with some rolling hills, and the 10-mile ride takes about an hour. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Where do I pick up the bike and what do I need to bring?

Bikes are rented from Unlimited Biking's store near Union Street in Old Town Alexandria (125 S Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314). You'll pick up your bike, helmet, bag and admission tickets there. Bring a valid identity card. Anyone under 18 must have an adult present to sign the waiver. Children must be at least one year old to ride.