Does anyone have advice on the many tours that leave from D.C. and go to Mount Vernon? We will not have a car in the city and would like to choose a tour company with good reviews. Thanks!

Twice we have taken the Grayline tour to Mt. Vernon/Monticello....also a superb tour to Gettysburg..wonderful.

We took the cruise from DC to Mt. Vernon and enjoyed it. The view as the boat approaches Mt Vernon is spectacular.

Here are two cruise tours to Mount Vernon:
1. Spirit of Washington cruise leaves from D.C.
http://www.spiritofwashington.com/dc...rnon/index.jsp
2. Potomac Riverboat Company cruise leaves from Old Town Alexandria http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/mo...non_cruise.php

When we lived in D.C. back in the early 80's there was a little ticket office on Water St. SW, a little ways down from the Flagship Restaurant, that sold tickets for a day trip to Mount Vernon. I have no idea whether they're still in business. But, if so, I highly recommend it!

It was a wonderful, leisurely trip down the river. There was a concession stand on the boat that sold beer, soda, hot dogs, etc. I don't remember exactly how long they allowed you at Mount Vernon. But it was definitely an adequate amount of time to see everything.

We discovered it because my mother visited at a time when we didn't have a car and really wanted to go to Mount Vernon. We enjoyed it so much that my husband and I did it two or three times just because it was such a pleasant way to spend a day.

Another option - from 15 June to Labor Day, Tourmobile have daily 5 hour tours departing from Arlington Cemetery. However, they don't take reservations.

http://www.tourmobile.com/tours_seasonal.php

I'll be in DC in August (staying out at Pentagon City) and have decided to take public transport - Metro to Huntington, then 101 bus to Mt Vernon. I've decided to do this due to cost and flexibility.

Some Fodorites have mentioned the bus tours don't allow enough time at the estate. I also want to visit Old Town Alexandria and most of the tours simply drive past or through it, but don't stop there. As I'm not staying in central DC, I thought an 8am Union Station departure, which some tours offer, was a hassle too.

I don't know how athletic or interested in bicycling you are, so this might not be a useful option for you.... But possibly my favorite thing to do in the whole D.C. area is to ride the Mt. Vernon Trail. You can cross over the Memorial Bridge from D.C. and hop right on the bike trail, which travels along the Potomac all the way to Mt. Vernon. I believe it's about 15 miles or so each way, and is very easy (there are only a few spots with hills, and they're not too bad -- and not too long, should you choose to walk the bike). I can't emphasize just how gorgeous this ride is... it winds in and out of trees, travels along the water... just fabulous. If you rent bikes, you'll just have to also be sure to rent bike locks, so when you reach Mt. Vernon, you can lock them up while you go into Mt. Vernon to see all the sights.

Here's more detailed info about the Mt. Vernon bike trail: http://www.bikewashington.org/trails/vernon/vernon.htm

Have fun!
Mike
My travel blog: www.stricklandia.com

Thanks to everyone for all the good ideas. We were looking at the cruises, because it seemed like a relaxing alternative to all the walking we will be doing the rest of the trip. I'm glad to hear someone has taken the Spirit of Washington cruise and enjoyed it. I think it's our first choice. Thanks again.