It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Washington was born in 1732. The park was also central to one of the earliest efforts to memorialize George Washington during the celebration of his bicentennial birth anniversary in 1932.
Photo: NPS / Cleo Kantz-Schultz
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
- LocationColonial Beach, VA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
-
Weather now78°F Overcast
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- American Revolution
- American Revolutionary War
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Birthplace
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Climate Change
18 more topics
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Enslavement
- Farming and Agriculture
- Forests and Woodlands
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- Marshes
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Plantations
- Presidents
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Swamps
- Wars and Conflicts
- Wetlands
- Women's History
Alerts (2)
InformationThe Picnic Area, Burial Ground, and Potomac River Beach are open Wednesday through Sunday
The Picnic Area, Washington Family Burial Ground, and Potomac River Beach are open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
InformationThe Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Things to Do
9 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
-
Attend a George Washington Birthplace Ranger Program
Join a park ranger at the visitor center for a short half mile walking tour to explore the stories of this land from Colonial to Colonial Revival.
Learn more about Attend a George Washington Birthplace Ranger Program on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Bicycle the Northern Neck Heritage Trail
Bicycling between George Washington Birthplace National Monument/Westmoreland State Park and Reedville, Virginia.
Learn more about Bicycle the Northern Neck Heritage Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Birding at the Birthplace
Discover the different species of birds that have called the birthplace home.
Learn more about Birding at the Birthplace on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park
Reservation required
With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic…
Learn more about Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Fishing at the Birthplace
George Washington Birthplace National Monument allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a…
Learn more about Fishing at the Birthplace on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking the Dancing Marsh Loop Trail
Enjoy a walk along the Dancing Marsh Loop Trail at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and experience different habitats that are home to different plants and animals.
Learn more about Hiking the Dancing Marsh Loop Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking the Nature Trail
Enjoy a walk along the nature trail at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and experience different habitats that are home to different plants and animals.
Learn more about Hiking the Nature Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Picnicking at the Birthplace
Spending the day at the park? Bring a lunch and enjoy the scenery of the Picnic Area.
Learn more about Picnicking at the Birthplace on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visiting with Pets
Discover where you can go with your pet on a visit to George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
Learn more about Visiting with Pets on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 9 of 9
All 14 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Guided Tours
- Junior Ranger Program
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Canoeing
- Food
- Kayaking
Show 2 more activities
Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
-
Picnic Pavilion
Reservable Campground
The Popes Creek Picnic Area Pavilion is located within George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The surrounding picnic grounds were built by the Civilian…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
Details
Overview
The Popes Creek Picnic Area Pavilion is located within George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The surrounding picnic grounds were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. A connecting foot bridge leads to the historic area, farm, colonial garden, visitor center and gift shop. The Washington family burial ground is located one mile away.Recreation
George Washington Birthplace offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing on Popes Creek and on the Potomac River, canoeing and kayaking from the Potomac River beach, hiking, bike riding on park roads, and bird watching.
Facilities
The 30' by 42' picnic pavilion contains 12 picnic tables and two grills. Restrooms and a water fountain are 80' away. (The use of amplified music and public address systems requires a permit and a portable power source.) Parking is available for 25 vehicles on a first come first served basis.
Natural Features
The pavilion and picnic area sit on a bluff overlooking the mouth of Pope's Creek with views of the Potomac River in the distance. A one mile nature trail meanders along the shore of Popes Creek and through wooded areas. A connecting trail and series of boardwalks takes visitors through Dancing Marsh and into the historic area.Nearby Attractions
Numerous attractions surround the area, including: Westmoreland State Park, Stratford Hall Plantation (Birthplace of Robert E. Lee), Historic Christ Church, Historic Fredericksburg, Menokin (Home of Francis Lightfoot Lee), Northern Neck Wine Trail, The Lower Potomac River Water Trail, The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Belle Isle State Park and James Monroe Birthplace.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (804) 761-5160.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
-
Visitor Center
Facility
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 - 4:00. On Mondays and Tuesdays, there are no park staff to assist visitors.
1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA (804) 224-1732 Directions
Details
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:30 - 4:00. On Mondays and Tuesdays, there are no park staff to assist visitors.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Main
Hours details
-
MainDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
The Memorial Area is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
1732 Popes Creek RoadColonial Beach, VA 22443
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
78°F
Overcast · feels like 81°
-
Today
90° 64°
Overcast9% rain -
Tomorrow
74° 56°
Patchy rain nearby92% rain -
Sunday
65° 61°
Light rain shower94% rain
Updated 37 min ago
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 9:45AM EDT until October 2 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 9:45AM EDT until October 3 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to expect by season
George Washington Birthplace can be very warm and humid in the summer months while cold and dry in the winter. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit.
Upcoming Events
4 coming up-
Step into the Memorial House Museum
About
By the early 1800s, the house in which George Washington was born no longer stood, and its exact location was forgotten. In 1923, the Wakefield National Memorial Association envisioned an uplifting commemorative tribute to Washington that would, in their view, symbolize his early life and experiences. In 1931, the Memorial House Museum was built— and a new chapter in how we remember the origins of our first President began.
The Memorial House Museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Step into the story and meet a ranger, view exhibits, or take an audio tour using the NPS app.
-
Step into the Memorial House Museum
About
By the early 1800s, the house in which George Washington was born no longer stood, and its exact location was forgotten. In 1923, the Wakefield National Memorial Association envisioned an uplifting commemorative tribute to Washington that would, in their view, symbolize his early life and experiences. In 1931, the Memorial House Museum was built— and a new chapter in how we remember the origins of our first President began.
The Memorial House Museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Step into the story and meet a ranger, view exhibits, or take an audio tour using the NPS app.
-
Taken to the Grave
About
Join park rangers on October 24th for a free, family-friendly evening program titled Taken to the Grave. This special one-hour presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. near the Washington Family Burial Ground at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Glowing lanterns will illuminate the final resting place of Washington family members and shine light on mysteries that only they can solve. Taken to the Grave promises to be fun for all ages… and perhaps just a little spooky.
To participate in this special program, visitors should meet no later than 6:15 p.m. in the Washington Family Burial Ground parking lot. Staff will be on hand to assist with parking. -
Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions
About
George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the warmth and wonder of colonial life during the holiday season with “Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions” on Saturday, December 19, two days before the winter solstice. This festive event offers a full day of demonstrations to mark the beginning of winter.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Memorial Area will be abuzz with activity. Blacksmiths will fire up the forge, seasonal recipes will be cooked over an open hearth, and skilled textile artisans will weave on the loom.Adding a touch of holiday fun, the Annual Holiday Ornament Hunt invites you to search the Memorial Area for hidden ornaments that reveal clues to a Christmas-themed riddle. Those who solve the riddle can return to the Visitor Center to receive a special seasonal gift.
In the event of inclement weather, programming may be altered or canceled.
Photos
-
George Washington Birthplace National Monument during the winter season. — NPS Photo / Cleo Kantz-Schultz -
-
-
-
Getting There
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
George Washington Birthplace is located two miles from Virginia State Highway 3 on Virginia State Route 204. The park is located 38 miles east of Fredericksburg, 11 miles west of Montross, and 10 miles west of Colonial Beach.
Mailing address: 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Map loads when you scroll here