About George Washington
The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Mid-Atlantic
- States
- District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia
- Designation
- Memorial Parkway
- Entrance fee
- None listed
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to George Washington.
Entrance fees
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.
Hours
George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
- Mon
- 8:15AM - 4:15PM
- Tue
- 8:15AM - 4:15PM
- Wed
- 8:15AM - 4:15PM
- Thu
- 8:15AM - 4:15PM
- Fri
- 8:15AM - 4:15PM
- Sat
- Closed
- Sun
- Closed
Parkway headquarters is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays.
Weather and when to go
Summers on the parkway are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. Winters on the parkway are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Please be alert for snowplows and icy spots on roadways. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.
Getting there
Directions to Parkway Headquarters From the south, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north. Just past the CIA exit turn right into the parking lot for the US Park Police and parkway headquarters. Go through the chain link fence and take an immediate right. Follow the road down to a stop sign and turn right into the parking lot for the headquarters building.
Contact the park
- Address
- George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters, 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101
- Phone
- (703) 289-2500
- Official site
- nps.gov/gwmp
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for George Washington
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
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Things to do in George Washington
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!
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Hike between Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt Island
The ten-mile Potomac Heritage Trail within George Washington Memorial Parkway is a popular path, connecting at some places to neighborhood trails, Turkey Run picnic area and Chain…
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Take a walk or bike ride on the Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail winds alongside the Potomac River offering uninterrupted views of Washington, D.C.'s skyline. A run, walk, or cycle along the trail leads to all of the same…
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Panoramic Views at the US Marine Corps War Memorial
From Arlington Ridge, experience a panoramic view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the US Marine Corps War Memorial, and Capitol Building behind the US Marine Corps W…
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Retreat to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove
From this distance the seat of national power appears pristine across the river, so President Johnson came here often when he needed to escape from the stresses of building a Grea…
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Clara Barton National Historic Site
Clara Barton dedicated her life and energies to help others in times of need - both home and abroad, in peacetime as well as during military emergencies. Glen Echo was her home th…
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Drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway
Take a drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Make stops at scenic overlooks, drive over historic Arlington Memorial Bridge, and visit our first president's home at Moun…
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Cast Your Gaze Across the City Skyline from the Netherlands Carillon
Visitors can view the Washington, DC city skyline from the base of the Netherlands Carillon along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
What to pack for George Washington
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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