AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Virginia
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Flowers Below Netherlands Carillon · Public Domain. Photo by Catie Drew · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

This scenic grand gateway and greenway to our Nation’s Capital offers the opportunity to experience the historic story of the birth of our Nation. See Mount Vernon where George Washington lived, sweeping views of our Nation s Capital, and the breathtaking Great Falls of the Potomac.

The experienceAll-American Road
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
The carillon tower rises 127 feet high and sits on a commanding hillside overlooking the banks of the Potomac River and across to the monuments and skyline of Washington, DC. This photo shows the formally arranged flower garden below the Netherlands Carillon.
Flowers Below Netherlands Carillon
Public Domain. Photo by Catie Drew · Photo credits
High up inside the Washington Monument you can see the World War II Memorial, the Reflection Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Potomac River.
View from Washington Monument
Public Domain. Photo by Amy Davis · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.