Updated for 2026
Did you know that Presidents Day originated as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday? What better way to celebrate this former Fairfax County resident (and the dozens of leaders who have followed in his footsteps) than to dive into some of the presidential history found in the Capital Region? There are plenty of things to do in the DC area and in Northern Virginia for Presidents Day weekend.
Here are a few activities and events to attend to make the most of Presidents Day Weekend:
Celebrate with George at Mount Vernon
General Washington’s beloved home, Mount Vernon, sits atop a hill along the Potomac River in the southern part of Fairfax County. Presidents Day is one of the only times throughout the year that you can visit this famous estate for free. Admission tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival - a limited number of tickets are available.
On Washington’s actual birthday, February 22, join Mount Vernon to celebrate General Washington in honor of his 294th birthday. Don't miss the opportunity to watch an 18th-Century Hoecake Demonstration With General Washington from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Along with many other amazing performances and activities, view the full schedule here.
Big News: After months of careful preservation work, the first and second floors of the Mansion are fully reopened!🥳 In addition to these newly restored rooms, visitors will also see a new look in the Washingtons' Bedchamber, which has been updated to better reflect how the room would have looked in 1799.
Learn About Washington's Military Life
Visit the Founding the Nation Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Army to learn about the origins and formation of the Continental Army with George Washington as its Major General and Commander-in-Chief. Explore its role in the Revolutionary War and the Army’s development as a professional force. Be sure to check back on the museum's calendar for the latest events and registration.
You can also take a free guided tour at 10:15am and 1:15pm daily, which visits the Fighting for the Nation Galleries for approximately 50 minutes.
Hot Tip: In honor of the Army’s 250th Birthday and America’s 250th Anniversary, the National Museum of the United States Army's brand new exhibit, CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War, features more than 285 rare artifacts from England, France, Canada, and the original 13 colonies and more than 5,000 sq. ft. of stories. Highlights include a pair of George Washington's pistols.
Salute Washington at the Annual Birthday Parade
The George Washington Birthday Parade is the largest in America celebrating the birth of George Washington. Find a spot along the parade route in Old Town Alexandria to celebrate our Founding Father’s 294th birthday along with America's Semiquincentennial on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Parade details found here.
Take a Tour of the Presidential Sites in DC
Washington, DC is intrinsically linked to presidential history, so during your long weekend, take a tour of some of the city’s key presidential sites, including:
- The White House
- Lincoln Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
- The Washington Monument
- Woodrow Wilson House
- President Lincoln’s Cottage
Here's our guide to exploring the must-sees in Washington D.C. by foot.
Explore the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
Dive into the fascinating world of presidential history at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This museum has a collection of artifacts from former U.S. presidents and gives a deeper look at their lives and legacies. Notable exhibits include George Washington’s military uniform, Abraham Lincoln’s iconic top hat, and the desk Thomas Jefferson used while drafting the Declaration of Independence.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s interactive displays that detail pivotal moments in the history of the presidency. Check for special events or programs that may be offered during Presidents Day weekend for a better visit.
Tour the U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is a must-see destination in the DC area for anyone interested in American politics and presidential history. Guided tours take you through the historic halls of Congress, where many important presidential moments have taken place.
The Capitol Rotunda features famous paintings and sculptures showing key events in American history, including several involving former presidents. Be sure to stop by the Statuary Hall, where statues of notable figures – including many presidents – are displayed.
Local Sites for Little-Known Presidential History
Maltidaville: George Washington's Ghost Town
Although Mount Vernon is often hailed for its association with Washington's everyday life, it's little known that Great Falls was also a huge part of his life. In fact, he began a project there to create a series of canals that would open up a waterway from DC to Pittsburgh for commerce to flow - establishing the Patowmack Canal Company. Of course, there needed to be a town established with a market, gristmill, inn, workers' barracks, homes, and more to host the construction company's workers. In the age of the Revolutionary War, Harry Lee (father of Robert E. Lee) named the town for his first wife, Matilda Lee. The town of Matildaville served as the home of the Patowmack Company while they operated on the project for 26 years, but unfortunately, it was shut down due to high costs. Now recognized as an Atlas Obscura site, Matildaville stands as a ghost town of stone ruins off the beaten path of Great Falls National Park.
Hamrock's Restaurant
Nestled in charming Old Town Fairfax, Hamrock's Restaurant is located in the historic Moore-McCandlish House, which was built in 1842. The house has seen its share of history - including housing Confederate Colonel Mosby while he was plotting to capture Union General Stoughton during the Civil War. This eventually landed him in jail, and the property was purchased by Thomas Moore, Assistant Secretary of State for the Roosevelt Administration who visited the property. Although not confirmed, it's rumored to have had a visit from William Howard Taft during a garden party after his presidency. Bask in the footsteps of previous presidents while enjoying afternoon tea, a great glass of wine, or a fresh plate of food on their wrap-around porch.
Home of The Forgotten Founder
George Mason, who was great friends with George Washington, is often referred to as "The Forgotten Founder" because of his integral role in the shaping of core concepts and much of the language in both the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Gunston Hall, completed in 1759, was the plantation home of George Mason. His home is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture and is highly regarded for its elegant interiors. The elaborate interior carvings, designed by indentured servant William Buckland and carved by William Bernard Sears, provide an impressive backdrop for guided tours of the 18th-century plantation household.
Curious about more POTUS spots to visit around the National Capital Region? Read some interesting tales of history and special anecdotes highlighting some truly presidential spots in Fairfax County and put some of these presidential stops on your itinerary today! Tell us about your favorite presidential spots in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
