George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway
4.5
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Preserving the natural scenery along the Potomac River, this scenic highway connects many historic attractions between Mount Vernon and Great Falls.
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4.5
18 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,283 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a unit of the National Park Service. The Parkway HQ are in McLean, VA. This is a toll-free roadway.
The Parkway is a great secondary roadway that can help travelers take a scenic drive and/or to escape from gridlock on Route I-95 and other primary highways in the DC/VA area during the commuter hours.
I’ve driven the full length of the parkway several times on various trips to the Greater DC area. It links a number of parks and historic sites over its 25 miles. And, I’ve visited the primary attractions along the route.
The parkway goes from the must-see George Washington’s Mount Vernon past Riverside Park, the Collingwood Picnic Area, and Fort Hunt Park and then runs alongside the Mount Vernon Trail up to Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and nearby Belle Haven Park and Belle Haven Marina. A few miles further up it passes near the Jones Point Lighthouse before passing through the approximate middle of the City of Alexandria.
Next, it passes Daingerfield Island and the Washington Sailing Marina. It continues on past Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, and Gravelly Point before passing Columbia Island Marina, the Navy and Marine Memorial, and LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac.
Then, it leads to the impressive Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, and the rest of Arlington National Cemetery, plus the Lady Bird Johnson Park. Just beyond, the Netherlands Carillon, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and Theodore Roosevelt Island are clustered together. A few miles north, the parkway passes Fort Marcy. At this point, it is opposite the Clara Barton Parkway on the opposite shore of the Potomac River.
Continuing northwest, one comes to the NPS HQ for the parkway. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm is nearby along with Turkey Run Park where the parkway ends at the junction with Route I-495.
Along the parkway, one gets scenic views of the Potomac and the historic and recreational attractions on the route.
For those who participate in the Passport to Your National Parks Program, there are cancellation stamps for this park unit. Cancellation stations are at the visitor centers and G.W. Parkway HQ, Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery, Glen Echo Park in Maryland, and Great Falls Park in Virginia which is across the Potomac River from the C & O Canal National Historical Park.
To date, I’ve visited the visitor centers at Arlington National Cemetery and Glen Echo Park. I plan to visit the others on a future trip that concentrates on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
The cancellation stamp at Arlington National Cemetery reads:
● George Washington Memorial Parkway - McLean, VA
The cancellation stamp at Glen Echo Park reads:
● George Washington Memorial Parkway - DC, MD, VA
There is a related cancellation stamp at Glen Echo Park. It reads:
● Clara Barton Parkway - MD-GWMP-VA
The reason for this one is that the Clara Barton Parkway was part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway until 1989. It was changed because having the George Washington Memorial Parkway on both sides of the Potomac River was confusing to people driving the two roadways.
We rate this attraction a solid 5.0 because of the scenic views of the Potomac and the many attractions it connects to.
We highly recommend a drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway as well as a drive on the other side of the Potomac on the Clara Barton Parkway which leads to Clara Barton National Historic Site and Glen Echo Park ~ two more National Park Service units right next door to each other. That parkway is accessible by crossing the Potomac near Fort Marcy via Chain Bridge or the American Legion Memorial Bridge. The latter bridge is considered as the “official” link between the two parkways.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
The Parkway is a great secondary roadway that can help travelers take a scenic drive and/or to escape from gridlock on Route I-95 and other primary highways in the DC/VA area during the commuter hours.
I’ve driven the full length of the parkway several times on various trips to the Greater DC area. It links a number of parks and historic sites over its 25 miles. And, I’ve visited the primary attractions along the route.
The parkway goes from the must-see George Washington’s Mount Vernon past Riverside Park, the Collingwood Picnic Area, and Fort Hunt Park and then runs alongside the Mount Vernon Trail up to Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and nearby Belle Haven Park and Belle Haven Marina. A few miles further up it passes near the Jones Point Lighthouse before passing through the approximate middle of the City of Alexandria.
Next, it passes Daingerfield Island and the Washington Sailing Marina. It continues on past Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, and Gravelly Point before passing Columbia Island Marina, the Navy and Marine Memorial, and LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac.
Then, it leads to the impressive Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, and the rest of Arlington National Cemetery, plus the Lady Bird Johnson Park. Just beyond, the Netherlands Carillon, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and Theodore Roosevelt Island are clustered together. A few miles north, the parkway passes Fort Marcy. At this point, it is opposite the Clara Barton Parkway on the opposite shore of the Potomac River.
Continuing northwest, one comes to the NPS HQ for the parkway. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm is nearby along with Turkey Run Park where the parkway ends at the junction with Route I-495.
Along the parkway, one gets scenic views of the Potomac and the historic and recreational attractions on the route.
For those who participate in the Passport to Your National Parks Program, there are cancellation stamps for this park unit. Cancellation stations are at the visitor centers and G.W. Parkway HQ, Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery, Glen Echo Park in Maryland, and Great Falls Park in Virginia which is across the Potomac River from the C & O Canal National Historical Park.
To date, I’ve visited the visitor centers at Arlington National Cemetery and Glen Echo Park. I plan to visit the others on a future trip that concentrates on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
The cancellation stamp at Arlington National Cemetery reads:
● George Washington Memorial Parkway - McLean, VA
The cancellation stamp at Glen Echo Park reads:
● George Washington Memorial Parkway - DC, MD, VA
There is a related cancellation stamp at Glen Echo Park. It reads:
● Clara Barton Parkway - MD-GWMP-VA
The reason for this one is that the Clara Barton Parkway was part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway until 1989. It was changed because having the George Washington Memorial Parkway on both sides of the Potomac River was confusing to people driving the two roadways.
We rate this attraction a solid 5.0 because of the scenic views of the Potomac and the many attractions it connects to.
We highly recommend a drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway as well as a drive on the other side of the Potomac on the Clara Barton Parkway which leads to Clara Barton National Historic Site and Glen Echo Park ~ two more National Park Service units right next door to each other. That parkway is accessible by crossing the Potomac near Fort Marcy via Chain Bridge or the American Legion Memorial Bridge. The latter bridge is considered as the “official” link between the two parkways.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Written 10 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇫🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧
Israel35,133 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
PROS
• Outstanding Road
• Lush green verdant and pastoral
• Relaxing pleasure to drive
CONS
• Are there picnic tables or hikes in the section that I traveled?
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… when I took Prince Place from Maryland to DCA airport- I drive from the Beltway 495 to Reagan Airport, and I White a wonderful and relaxing journey.
• Outstanding Road
• Lush green verdant and pastoral
• Relaxing pleasure to drive
CONS
• Are there picnic tables or hikes in the section that I traveled?
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… when I took Prince Place from Maryland to DCA airport- I drive from the Beltway 495 to Reagan Airport, and I White a wonderful and relaxing journey.
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alaskadliteful
Plano, TX4 contributions
One of the nicest drives In the country. And I've done many!!! Had to commute to Tysens Corner from DC 2x daily for about a week. Made sure to include this portion of the area as part of my drive.
Written 2 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just a camper
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
DO NOT RISK DRIVING INTO WASHINGTON ON THE GWP if you have any trouble with perfect vision at night, nor if you have trouble driving down a "chute"... on-coming traffic barricade on one side and a physical barricade on the other. Lots of "road narrows" areas...totally and completely INSANE. What person designed this atrocity? Is the NPS TRYING to kill seniors? We hit the worst stretch around 7:00 pm...and luckily, made it through...but there was a steaming two-car wreck on our right, on just about the only block of "shoulder" on the whole friggin' trip. Absolutely the worst designed "renovation" we've ever experienced....and you go into it with NO WARNING of what's ahead...People are going to get hurt on this...or die. It's totally unsafe...can't believe it is allowed to exist in this state.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becohen
Ashburn, VA41 contributions
Feb 2019
Starting or ending (my usual route) at Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, has superb view of DC the Potomac and ancient Virginia landscapes. The driving itself can be pleasant though Reagan Airport and downtown Alexandria can be challenging. All together one of the best, no-cost attractions to the area.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MBATHEMBA
Houston, TX12 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Today we joined National Park Service Rangers Mireya and Stephanie for a Kayak tour of Roosevelt Island in the Potomac. The island is located right off the GW Parkway (otherwise accessible from north bound lanes, with memorial statue of T. Roosevelt, and nice shady hiking trails-- do this part on your own before or after). Our kayak tour started from Thompson's Boat Center on the Georgetown waterfront (DC Side) where we could rent kayaks for about $16/hr. The boathouse staff are very helpful in getting you on your way. The NPS tour was free, and excellent. Our Rangers were helpful, informative, and friendly . We enjoyed a 2 hour tour around the island, and heard about the history, flora and fauna. We are 58 and 62 and were able to keep up fine (others on the tour were 20-somethings). A fun outting, and only one more offering August 13! Highly recommend!! We happened upon a sign pinned up on the info board at Roosevelt Island, but a range of other programs can be found https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
Written 23 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travel7continents
Norfolk, VA1,381 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
I lived near Mount Vernon for years. I used the section of the Parkway from Mt. Vernon to Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River whenever I left the house. The locals use this road to avoid the stress of the freeways. The Memorial Parkway takes you through the traffic circle at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. Between the Potomac River and the Parkway is a path for walking, running, biking. It is used in every season of the year by families or by athletes for workouts.There are pocket parks with parking and picnic tables. The speed limit of 40-50 miles an hour is enforced. I believe that at most times of the day this 40 mile per hour drive will get you to your destination faster than the daily congestion on the freeways in the area. The driving is scenic. I drove home on the Parkway during an severe ice storm one Winter. The trees were covered in ice and the scene was gorgeous. Yesterday we drove from DC to visit Mount Vernon as tourists now since we left this area. The trees are taking on their Autumn color and I took photos as my husband drove. It is cooler in the Summer and great for view flowering trees and day lilies in the Spring.
Written 3 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeweltones
Great Falls, VA482 contributions
Sept 2015 • Solo
Sometimes I take the GW Parkway home from shopping at the commissary at Fort Myer, just to enjoy the scenery driving to the McLean exit. On the parkway, you can look across to Washington and see Georgetown, the National Cathedral spire, Washington Monument and further up you are across from Maryland. Turkey Run Park is on this leg of the parkway. In the spring and summer you can see rowers on the Potomac. The parkway is part of the National Park Service and is a beautiful drive any time of the year!
Written 21 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSUTraveller
Watson, LA1,919 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Enjoyed a couple of cab rides to and from Reagan National Airport along the GW Parkway. Colors were beginning to change and the parkway seemed so serene and was very beautiful. It's well kept up by the NPS.
Written 20 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandStaircaseFan
Utah76 contributions
Aug 2015
Amazing place in person. Seen this on TV many times but finally was able to visit. Thank you George Washington.
Written 27 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best public transportation route to the GWMP Headquarters building from Georgetown?
Written 21 August 2019
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