Southern Maryland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Alexandria, across from Prince George's County, Maryland. The Washington family had owned land in the area since the time of Washington's great-grandfather in 1674. In 1739 they embarked on an expansion of the estate that continued under George Washington, who came into possession of the estate in 1754, but did not become its sole owner until 1761. The mansion is built of wood in a loose Palladian style, and was constructed by George Washington in stages between 1758 and 1778. It occupies the site of an earlier, smaller house built by George Washington's father Augustine, some time between 1726 and 1735. It remained Washington's country home for the rest of his life. Following his death in 1799, under the ownership of several successive generations of the family, the estate progressively declined as revenues were insufficient to maintain it adequately. In 1858, the house's historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association; this philanthropic organization acquired it together with part of the Washington property estate. Escaping the damage suffered by many plantation houses during the American Civil War, Mount Vernon was restored. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and is open every day of the year. Allowing the public to see the estate is not an innovation, but part of a 200-year-old tradition started by George Washington himself. In 1794 he wrote: "I have no objection to any sober or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, &ca. about Mount Verno
Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, first President of the United States and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Alexandria, across from Prince George's County, Maryland. The Washington family had owned land in the area since the time of Washington's great-grandfather in 1674. In 1739 they embarked on an expansion of the estate that continued under George Washington, who came into possession of the estate in 1754, but did not become its sole owner until 1761. The mansion is built of wood in a loose Palladian style, and was constructed by George Washington in stages between 1758 and 1778. It occupies the site of an earlier, smaller house built by George Washington's father Augustine, some time between 1726 and 1735. It remained Washington's country home for the rest of his life. Following his death in 1799, under the ownership of several successive generations of the family, the estate progressively declined as revenues were insufficient to maintain it adequately. In 1858, the house's historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association; this philanthropic organization acquired it together with part of the Washington property estate. Escaping the damage suffered by many plantation houses during the American Civil War, Mount Vernon was restored. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and is open every day of the year. Allowing the public to see the estate is not an innovation, but part of a 200-year-old tradition started by George Washington himself. In 1794 he wrote: "I have no objection to any sober or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, &ca. about Mount Verno
Such a peaceful little harbor #sunset #maryland
Well worth the drive outside if DC.
Mount Vernon

Where to stay in Southern Maryland

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Point Lookout

If you're spending some time in Point Lookout, Point Lookout State Park and Chesapeake Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Point Lookout
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Friendly

Though Friendly may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Harmony Hall and Olde Forte Village Shopping Center.

Friendly
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Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like MGM National Harbor Casino and Tanger Outlets.

Historic District
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

4 out of 5
201 Waterfront Street Fort Washington MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹21,536 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
₹21,536
₹28,013 total
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in National Harbor. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
Nice stay

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor - Alexandria Area

Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor - Alexandria Area

2.5 out of 5
250 Waterfront St Oxon Hill MD
The price is ₹11,831 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
₹11,831
₹13,960 total
5 Feb - 6 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in National Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Boogie on the wall, swimming pool was closed both days

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor - Alexandria Area
Residence Inn by Marriott Waldorf

Residence Inn by Marriott Waldorf

3 out of 5
3020 Technology Place Waldorf MD
The price is ₹9,617 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
₹9,617
₹10,675 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waldorf. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (636 reviews)
Yea it was good and nice

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Residence Inn by Marriott Waldorf
See all 699 properties in Southern Maryland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peaceful Pet Friendly Chesapeake Escape 4 Bedroom Home

Peaceful Pet Friendly Chesapeake Escape 4 Bedroom Home

3 out of 5
3992 Hallowing Point Road Prince Frederick MD
Stay at this holiday home in Prince Frederick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Running Hare Vineyard and Hallowing Point District ...
Peaceful Pet Friendly Chesapeake Escape 4 Bedroom Home
See all properties in Southern Maryland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes heritage elements and a house

George Washington's Mount Vernon

5/5(2 reviews)

Gain fascinating insights into the life of America’s first president at this beautifully restored country estate set on the shores of the Potomac River.

George Washington's Mount Vernon
Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs State Park

You can take time to visit Calvert Cliffs State Park during your travels to Lusby. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Calvert Cliffs State Park
Chesapeake Beach Water Park

Chesapeake Beach Water Park

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Chesapeake Beach Water Park as part of your trip to Chesapeake Beach. Visit the spas in this relaxing area or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Chesapeake Beach Water Park
Fort Washington Park

Fort Washington Park

Fort Washington Park is just one of the places to see in Fort Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Fort Washington Park

Patuxent River Naval Air Station

Patuxent River Naval Air Station is just one of the places to see in Lexington Park, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or experience the museums in this family-friendly area.

Patuxent River Naval Air Station

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Walk around the campus at St. Mary's College of Maryland as part of your travels around Lexington Park. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or experience its museums.

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Cities near Southern Maryland

Alexandria featuring café lifestyle, street scenes and a small town or village

Alexandria

Known largely for midnight bonfires, guitar circles and skinnydipping, The Point is also great for sunbathing and wading. Available for a limited time only - the sand is eroding away.

Lexington Park

Indian head rail trail by the mattawoman creek (doesn't look like a creek) I've come here for years. Highly haunted and I've had my arm grabbed on this trail. Plus a ton of other stories that are to long to include. However in the winter it is empty and scarce of visitors. Truly a gem

La Plata

National Harbor waterfront panorama in Oxon Hill, Maryland, USA. Water transport pier services visitors coming from Washington DC.

Oxon Hill

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