I grew up in Southern California, where unattractive interstates are everywhere. This is why my first experience driving Virginia’s George Washington Memorial Parkway one April long ago — a road used by commuters, to be sure, but also a parkway that connects locals and tourists to parks, overlooks, and memorials — a magical memory. Trees blooming everywhere, daffodils next to onramps, and the sparkling Potomac River encouraged me to fall in love with the George Washington Memorial Parkway. For me, this enchantment has never ended, even when I traveled the Parkway as part of my daily commute.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway runs between McLean, Virginia, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Along the way, you’ll find parks, hiking trails, overlooks, memorials, and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether you pack a picnic and spend a day exploring or quickly stop at one or two places, the Parkway’s attractions are enticing at any time of year.
George Washington Memorial Parkway Highlights
Parkway entrances and exits abound, making access simple. For convenience, this list of Parkway highlights is arranged from north to south.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island features walking paths and the only memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt in the District of Columbia. Naturalized pathways and the memorial to our 26th president pay tribute to TR’s achievements and his groundbreaking work as a conservation-oriented president.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac at Lady Bird Johnson Park
Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson not only made the beautification of Washington, DC, and our nation’s highways and byways her personal cause, but she also shaped the role of modern First Ladies. President Johnson’s Texas granite memorial stands in a restful grove in the park that bears his spouse’s name. Don’t miss the park’s lovely views of the Potomac River and Washington, DC.
US Marine Corps War Memorial
This iconic memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, depicts a group of US Marines raising the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, during a World War II battle to capture the island. Reaching the parking lot is a bit tricky, but you can walk over from Arlington National Cemetery.
Netherlands Carillon
Fifteen years after World War II ended, a dedication ceremony marked the official acceptance of the Netherlands Carillon, with its 49 bells (now 53), a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the American people. Daily automated concerts and September live Carillon concerts are well-attended during warm months.
Arlington National Cemetery/Arlington House/Military Women’s Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery is sacred ground. Over 400,000 service members, veterans, and military family members are buried at Arlington. President John F. Kennedy and his brothers Robert and Edward (Ted) are buried here, too. Popular sights include Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by members of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment.
Arlington House and the Robert E. Lee Memorial showcase the Cemetery’s history, honor the lives of the enslaved and newly freed Black residents of Arlington House, and explain Robert E. Lee’s contributions to post-Civil War peace and reunification efforts. The hike up to Arlington House looks daunting, but it’s worth the effort.
Don’t miss the Military Women’s Memorial, which honors women who have served in the US Armed Forces.
Park in the pay garage near the entrance to the Cemetery.
Gravelly Point Park
Located north of Reagan National Airport, Gravelly Point Park attracts plane spotters, photographers, kite flyers, and families. It’s a great, if noisy, place to watch airplanes take off. Access is from the northbound Parkway only.
Jones Point Park and Lighthouse
Jones Point Park is built on land that was once a World War I shipyard. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge towers overhead. There’s a playground to the left of the parking lot entrance. Restrooms and basketball courts are located under the bridge (bring a basketball). Take the trail to the 1856 lighthouse. Between the lighthouse and the river, you’ll find the original south cornerstone of the District of Columbia.
Belle Haven Park/Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Belle Haven Park is very popular with locals, not only for its marina and river views but also for the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Dyke Marsh was once home to a mining operation. Today, birders and hikers walk the Haul Trail to see bald eagles, great horned owls, tree sparrows, and many other resident and migratory birds. You can also visit the marsh by boat — Belle Haven Marina rents boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards by the hour.
Fort Hunt Park
Construction on Fort Hunt began in 1897, just before the Spanish-American War began. Fort Hunt transitioned to a recreational area in 1930, but the Army and Navy used it in various classified capacities during World War II. Today, Fort Hunt Park is a popular destination due to its picnic tables, walking paths, and volleyball courts. You can also explore the existing gun batteries.
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail runs alongside the Parkway, connecting the Francis Scott Key Bridge in DC to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Park at an overlook or parking lot along the Parkway and walk/bike at your leisure.
George Washington Memorial Parkway Travel Tips
Construction on the north end of the Parkway will impact your travel. From 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. weekdays, two Parkway lanes are open in the southbound direction, with one lane heading north. This pattern is reversed from 2:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. At other times, one lane will be open in each direction.
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, currently closed for construction near the Parkway, is scheduled to reopen in late Spring 2024.
The Parkway passes through Alexandria, Virginia. You’ll encounter stoplights on this stretch of the Parkway.
Restrooms are open at most of these stops from April to October. Restrooms at Fort Hunt Park and Arlington National Cemetery are open year-round.
By Nancy Parode