This point-to-point experience combines one of the region’s best riverside cycle routes with a scenic boat journey into the heart of Washington DC. You’ll ride from Old Town Alexandria to George Washington’s Mount Vernon along the Mount Vernon Trail, explore the estate on foot, then return by riverboat along the Potomac River.
It’s a well-paced full-day outing that links cycling, history and water travel without the need to ride back the same way.
The day begins in Old Town Alexandria with bike collection and a short briefing before joining the Mount Vernon Trail. The route follows the Potomac south, staying largely separated from traffic and offering a steady, easy-to-follow ride. Most riders take their time, stopping to enjoy the quieter stretches through woodland and parkland.
After arriving at Mount Vernon, bikes are secured for collection and you’ll enter the estate to explore at your own pace. Time is built in to walk the grounds, gardens and riverside viewpoints, giving context to the site beyond the mansion itself. The gradual approach by bike adds to the sense of arrival, especially compared with arriving by road.
In the early afternoon, you’ll board a riverboat departing from Mount Vernon for the return journey. The boat travels north along the Potomac, passing back towards Washington DC and arriving at The Wharf. From here, you’re free to continue exploring the capital on foot or using public transport, with no need to return to Alexandria.
Old Town Alexandria provides direct access to the Mount Vernon Trail, allowing you to leave historic streets behind almost immediately and settle into uninterrupted riding. The trail’s layout makes navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors.
Ending the day in Washington DC adds variety and avoids retracing the route. Arriving by water offers a different perspective on the city’s waterfront and connects naturally with nearby districts and attractions.
All riders must be able to ride a bicycle independently unless using an approved child attachment. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Double trailers and tag-a-longs for young children are available on request at an additional cost. One government-issued photo ID is required and will be held as a deposit for the duration of the rental, with a credit card kept on file for bike security. eBike upgrades are available for riders aged 16 and over.
This experience removes the main logistical challenge of visiting Mount Vernon by bike: getting back. Combining cycling with a boat return allows you to enjoy the full ride south without worrying about energy levels for the return journey.
Including estate admission, bike collection and boat tickets in one package keeps the day simple and well structured. It’s an efficient way to link Alexandria, Mount Vernon and Washington DC while seeing the Potomac corridor from both land and water.
About the centre
Alexandria, VA
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