President’s Day Weekend Fun in and Near Northern Virginia

The long President’s Day weekend adds a boost of extra fun to a chilly month and is a great opportunity to explore new destinations in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC region. We’ve rounded up presidential destinations and annual events that offer fun for all ages over the three-day weekend.

Every three day weekend is a chance to discover a new place to visit or return to an old favorite. We love to uncover hidden gems in the greater DC region. And in the Washington DC area, there are many destinations that have a presidential connection. Here are some fun and interesting places to visit during the President’s Day weekend, though all have year-round appeal.

Trace George Washington’s Life in Virginia

Washington DC is home to many iconic presidential places. The steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument obelisk, and the Jefferson Memorial rotunda are known throughout the world. But Northern Virginia has a very special relationship with George Washington, who lived here for much of his life. Trace the changing fortunes of Washington’s life at these Virginia destinations.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia

If you can only visit one George Washington site in Northern Virginia, take a trip to his beloved home, Mount Vernon. Washington spent much of his life here. He lived at the mansion both before and after his time as a General in the Revolutionary War, and his two terms as the first President of the United States.

Washington’s home and grounds are beautifully preserved and fun to explore. A mix of indoor and outdoor activities give you plenty of options on a chilly day and make Mount Vernon an excellent place to visit with kids.

In the Reynolds Museum, tackle real challenges that George Washington faced at the Be Washington interactive exhibit. Interesting storylines, digital technology, and smart design make the Be Washington experience both fun and informative. There is also a great 4D Revolutionary War Theater featuring snow, fog, and rumbling seats.

Plan your visit with our complete guide: Fun Things to do at George Washington’s Estate in Mount Vernon Virginia.

Mount Vernon hosts special activities during each President’s Day weekend (more info below) and admission is free on President’s Day.

George Washington Birthplace, Colonial Beach, Northern Neck, Virginia

Virginia’s Northern Neck is the birthplace and first home of George Washington, though he only lived at the farm on Pope’s Creek for 3 years. The original buildings were destroyed by fire, but the National Park Service has done an excellent job recreating the site. Here you can learn about the life of a Virginia gentleman farmer, and the influences that shaped Washington’s life.

Plan a visit to George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument, or a longer getaway to Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg, Virginia

At the age of 6, Washington and his family moved to a farm along the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg. The site is now preserved and the Washington home has been reconstructed on its original site. Ferry Farm is closed during January and February, but they open you can not visit on President’s Day (details below).

Plan your visit with our guide: 8 Great Things to Do on a Fredericksburg Virginia Day Trip.

Great Falls Park, Great Falls, Virginia

Washington surveyed the banks of the Potomac River as a young man. But his larger contribution to Great Falls came after the Revolutionary War. Here was the site of George Washington’s ambitious project to build a canal from Ohio to the Chesapeake. He believed that trade between the states would help to uniting the new country. Today, you can visit the remains of his Patowmack Canal, a system built to safely bypass the treacherous waterfalls at Great Falls Park.

Unfortunately, President’s Day is not usually included in the National Park free entrance days, so you will have to pay the regular entry fee. This is also a great time to purchase an annual National Park pass.

Take a hike to the Potomac River in nearby Seneca Regional Park to see another small remaining section of George Washington’s Potowmack Canal.

Visit Presidential Homes In and Near Charlottesville Virginia

Of course, Washington was not the only US President born locally. In fact, eight presidents were born in Virginia, the most of any state. You can tour three fascinating presidential homes in and near Charlottesville VA.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville

Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s home and plantation for much of his life, both before and after he served as America’s third President. Tours of Monticello highlight Jefferson’s life as a scholar, inventor, and founding father. Docents also discuss the conflicting reality of his devotion to American freedom, and his role as a slaveholder.

James Monroe Highland, Charlottesville

Highland is close to Monticello for good reason—Monroe chose the site to he near his mentor, Thomas Jefferson. James Monroe was America’s fifth President and the last from the Founding Fathers. He served with George Washington at Valley Forge, studied law under Jefferson, and served 50 years in public office as Senator, Ambassador, Secretary of State, and President.

James Madison’s Montpelier, Orange

James Madison, America’s fourth President, spent much of his life at Montpelier, as a boy, a family man, and a founding father. Tours of the mansion at Montpelier interpret the life of James and Dolley—the first American power couple—after he was elected President. The building underwent extensive restoration to bring it back to the time when James entertained the nation’s founders, and Dolley defined the role of First Lady. Specialty tours are offered on President’s Day weekend.

Plan a Charlottesville, Virginia getaway to visit all three Presidential homes. Be sure to include a visit to Jefferson’s masterpiece of higher learning, the University of Virginia.

Explore Other Washington DC Area Destinations with a Presidential Link

Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington House, Arlington

Only two Presidents are buried in Arlington National Cemetery—John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft—but the eternal flame at the Kennedy gravesite is one of the most visited spots in the cemetery. Arlington House, which sits on a hill in the cemetery, was intended as a living memorial to George Washington. It was built by George Washington Parker Custis, Washington’s adopted son.

Today the mansion is more often associated with Confederate General Robert E. Lee, whose family lived here before the Civil War. During the war, the federal government took over the property and buried 2,111 war casualties there. Today, visitors can tour Arlington House and learn about the Lee family and the enslaved people who lived there.

Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Located next to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the site preserves the home and farm of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 34th President used the home as a family retreat and as a meeting place for world leaders. He purchased his Gettysburg home after retiring from a life of military and public service—the only home he ever owned.

Plan a Gettysburg holiday visit to see the Eisenhower’s modest home carefully preserved and decorated for the season in Mamie’s holiday style.

George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria

View a giant statue of George Washington, murals, and artifacts including the Washington family Bible at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.  “The exhibit’s alcoves present Brother Washington as a Virginia Planter, Model Citizen, Military Officer, our Nation’s First President, Mourned Hero, and American Icon.” Note that tours end early on the President’s Day weekend in preparation for an annual Washington’s birthday gala.

Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond

Two US Presidents are buried in Hollywood Cemetery—James Monroe and John Tyler—along with Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America. Other important Hollywood Cemetery burials include six Virginia governors, two Supreme Court justices, and over 18,000 Confederate soldiers (including 22 Generals). The cemetery offers beautiful views of the James River and is an interesting stop to include in a Richmond, Virginia getaway.

Maryland State House, Annapolis

At the Maryland State House, take a self-guided tour to see the restored Old Senate Chamber, where George Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief in 1783. Annapolis Maryland makes a wonderful day trip or weekend getaway from the Northern Virginia area.

Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington

On Theodore Roosevelt Island you can stroll a boardwalk along the Potomac and check out the statue and sayings of Teddy Roosevelt at the top of the hill. The island is actually in DC, but you’ll park in Virginia before crossing a footbridge to the island.

Find more easy hikes in our guide 6 Beautiful Boardwalk Hikes in Northern Virginia.

President’s Day Weekend Special Events

Here is a sampling of President’s Day celebrations in Northern Virginia. Find more fun events in our guide to February Events in Northern Virginia – Festivals and Fun Near DC.

Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Mount Vernon

Special activities honor and celebrate George Washington, with free admission on President’s Day. Activities include dancing demonstrations, character performances, and birthday cake. 9:00 – 5:00.

Mount Vernon also celebrates George Washington’s actual birthday on February 22nd with free entry to his beloved estate. Join in special wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the day and enjoy a patriotic concert. 9:00 – 5:00.

George Washington Birthday Parade, Alexandria

Celebrate the anniversary of George Washington’s birth at the nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade. The one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria attracts nearly 3,500 participants and honors one of Alexandria’s favorite sons. The parade is free; 1:00 – 3:00.

Additional events throughout the month of February include a Cherry Challenge among Alexandria’s best restaurants, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, and an 18th-century banquet and ball.

George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg

Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at his boyhood home with fun activities for the whole family. Ferry Farm is closed in January and February, but they open on President’s Day for a day of games, crafts, archaeology lab tours, living history activities, the Stone Throw Challenge (weather permitting), history theater, and birthday cake. $5 adults, under 17 free. 10:00 – 4:00.

While special celebrations add extra fun to the President’s Day weekend, these historic and natural sites are worth visiting any time of year. However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a very happy President’s Day weekend.

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This article was published in February 2017, and updated in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

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