George Washington Birthplace National Monument

George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in Westmoreland County, Virginia, along the Potomac River. It is approximately 38 miles east of Fredericksburg and 55 miles southeast of Washington D.C. The park covers an area of 550 acres.

The national monument commemorates the birthplace of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The site was purchased in 1657 by Washington's great-grandfather, John Washington. It remained in the family for several generations until it was acquired by the federal government in 1858. The original plantation house was destroyed by fire in 1779, but a replica was built in the 1930s and stands on the site today.

Visitors to George Washington Birthplace National Monument can explore the colonial-era tobacco plantation, which includes the replica of the original home and various outbuildings. The George Washington Birthplace Memorial House provides insight into the life and times of the Washington family. A visitor center offers exhibits and a film about the site's history.

Apart from exploring the plantation, visitors can enjoy walking trails that wind through the beautiful natural surroundings. The Potomac River can be accessed from the park, providing opportunities for boating and fishing.

Nearby attractions include the Historic Port Royal, an 18th-century colonial port town that is now a National Historic Landmark. Stratford Hall, the ancestral home of the Lee family and birthplace of Robert E. Lee, is also in close proximity. Visitors may also consider visiting the birthplaces of fellow presidents, James Madison and James Monroe, which are located nearby.

In summary, the George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Virginia offers visitors a chance to explore the birthplace of one of America's most important historical figures. With a replica of the original plantation house and beautiful natural surroundings, the park provides a glimpse into Washington's early life. Additionally, attractions like Historic Port Royal and Stratford Hall add to the historical richness of the area.

Location

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is nestled in Virginia's Northern Neck Peninsula, a region blessed with stunning geographical features. Situated in Westmoreland County along the banks of the mighty Potomac River, the monument is encompassed by lush forests, rolling hills, and serene wetlands. Bordered by the serene waters of Pope's Creek, the birthplace honors the first President of the United States. This idyllic spot is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, gentle breezes, and a sense of tranquility that is only enhanced by the monument's historical significance. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region while also paying homage to the birthplace of one of America's greatest leaders.

Address & Contact

1732 Popes Creek Road
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Driving Directions
Phone: 8042241732
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit George Washington Birthplace National Monument is during the months of April and May. These months offer pleasant temperatures, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 70°F to 78°F, and average minimum temperatures ranging from 46°F to 56°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is around 3.4 inches and 4.0 inches respectively, providing a pleasant outdoor environment without excessive rainfall. These months also have a moderate number of visitors, allowing for a more relaxed and less crowded experience.

Things to do and learn in George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in George Washington Birthplace National Monument are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Hiking Fishing Paddling Canoeing Kayaking

Topics

Learn about these topics at George Washington Birthplace National Monument: Birthplace Presidents Animals Geology Architecture and Building Archeology Native American Heritage Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Natural Sounds Scenic Views Wetlands American Revolution Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Marshes Swamps Enslavement Plantations Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Farming and Agriculture

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 - 4:00. On Mondays and Tuesdays, there are no park staff to assist visitors.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near George Washington Birthplace National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near George Washington Birthplace National Monument

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Super 8 by Wyndham Lexington Park/California Area

Located in California, Super 8 by Wyndham Lexington Park/California Area is within a 5-minute drive of Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22801 Three Notch Rd, Rt 5 to Rt 235 Rt 4 to Rt 235, California, Maryland 20619
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Tappahannock VA

Located in Tappahannock, Super 8 by Wyndham Tappahannock VA is within a 15-minute drive of Riverside Tappahannock Hospital and Rappahannock Community College. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1800 Tappahannock Blvd, Tappahannock, Virginia 22560
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Dahlgren, VA

Located in King George, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Dahlgren, VA is within a 15-minute drive of Aqualand Marina and Caledon State Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4755 James Madison Pkwy, King George, Virginia 22485
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lexington Park - Patuxent

Located in California, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lexington Park - Patuxent is within a 5-minute drive of Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in California? This hotel has facilities measuring 1073 square feet (97 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22769 Three Notch Rd, California, Maryland 20619
Web: Link

TownePlace Suites Patuxent River Naval Air Station

In the heart of Lexington Park, TownePlace Suites Patuxent River Naval Air Station is within a 5-minute drive of Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22520 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, Maryland 20653
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lexington Park (Patuxent River

When you stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lexington Park (Patuxent River Naval Air Station), MD in California, you'll be in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of St. Mary's River State Park and Patuxent River. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in California? This hotel features 1100 square feet (99 square meters) of event facilities.
Address: 44941 Worth Ave, California, Maryland 20619
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington Park-California, an IHG H

A stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington Park-California, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of California, a 5-minute drive from Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and 5 minutes from Patuxent River. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in California? This hotel has 1800 square feet (167 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 45260 Abell House Lane, California, Maryland 20619
Web: Link

Washington & Lee Motel

With a stay at Washington & Lee Motel, you'll be centrally located in Montross, within a 15-minute drive of Westmoreland State Park and Stratford Hall Plantation. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 17055 Kings Hwy, Montross, Virginia 22520
Web: Link

Temple in the Woods

With a stay at Temple in the Woods in Caret, you'll be 16.2 mi (26 km) from Caret Cellars and 18.9 mi (30.4 km) from Cameron Hills Golf Links. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1585 Ullainee Rd, Caret, Virginia 22436
Web: Link

My Place Hotel-Dahlgren/ King George, VA

With a stay at My Place Hotel-Dahlgren/ King George, VA in King George, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Potomac River and Caledon State Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a computer station, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4235 Market Center Drive, King George, Virginia 22485
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-01-22Presumptive Positive Result for Bird Flu at George Washington Birthplace
George Washington Birthplace National Monument officials have been notified of a presumptive positive case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a deceased juvenile bald eagle discovered at the park on January 4th. The United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center received the eagle for evaluation, and the virus was detected upon initial testing. Samples were forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmatory testing, and updates will be posted to the park website and through social media channels. More
2025-11-26Birthplace Welcomes Winter With a Day of Demonstrations
George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the warmth and wonder of colonial life during the holiday season with “Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions” on Saturday, December 20, the day before the winter solstice. This festive event offers a full day of demonstrations to mark the beginning of winter. More
2025-11-13The Picnic Area, Burial Ground, and Potomac River Beach are open Wednesday through Sunday
The Picnic Area, Washington Family Burial Ground, and Potomac River Beach are open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2025-11-13The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2025-09-10Birthplace to Host Night Sky Program on National Public Lands Day
In celebration of National Public Lands Day, George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the wonder of the cosmos during a special evening program, “The Star-Spangled Night Sky,” on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 7:30 p.m. More
2025-05-22Birthplace to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of George Washington’s Command of the Continental Army
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is kicking off the summer with "Washington’s Call to Command," a two-day event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and honoring George Washington as the Army’s first Commander in Chief. The event will take place on June 14th and 15th, promising a memorable weekend of history and celebration. More