George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia
Set on a hill overlooking Alexandria, the towering George Washington Masonic National Memorial honors the nation’s first president as well as the history and heritage of the Freemasons. The 9-story neoclassical structure and the museum within it tell the story of Washington and the contributions his Freemason fraternity made to the United States.
Built by the Freemason society in the 1920s, the memorial is easy to recognize by its granite tower, but the landmark represents far more than just impressive architecture. Inside, visitors discover a museum and memorial as well as a research center, library, concert hall, performing arts center, and banquet hall.
Visitors can explore the museum on their own or join an hour-long guided tour. Tours run five times a day and offer in-depth historical details and insights into the intricacies of the Freemasons. The tour includes exhibit rooms and the observation deck where visitors can enjoy views of the city. You can visit the memorial on a tour of Mt. Vernon and Old Town Alexandria or stop in on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
- The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is popular amongst history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- The site is wheelchair accessible with an elevator available to take guests to the observation deck.
- The memorial is included in the Washington DC Explorer Pass, which allows you to visit more than 25 different sites over a 30 day period.
- Individuals do not need reservations to join daily tours. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations.
The easiest way to reach the George Washington Masonic National Memorial from Washington DC is by Metrorail. Take the yellow or blue line and get off at the King Street Station in Alexandria. From there, make the short walk to the site while enjoying views of the tower. If you want to avoid public transportation, book a tour that includes a stop at the memorial.
The memorial is open daily from 9am to 5pm and visitors can join a tour at 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm. Visit on a clear day to enjoy views of Alexandria, Washington DC, and the Potomac River Valley from the observation deck.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from Old Town Alexandria and visitors should not miss the chance to explore the town’s historic attractions, restaurants, and quaint streets. You can stroll the classic cobblestone alleyways and marvel at the historic architecture, take a ride on the King Street Trolly, or enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!