Tours
Explore Mount Vernon!
Mount Vernon, one of Baltimore's grandest neighborhoods, has many architecturally significant buildings within walking distance. One can enjoy several walking tours in the Mount Vernon area, which are highlighted below. We also provide a list of books for those who wish to be self-guided.
We are presently working on developing a virtual tour of Mount Vernon's beautiful homes and an iPod walking tour. There will be more to come on this in the future!
Walking Tours of Mount Vernon Churches
On February 5th 2006, the Mount Vernon Cultural District (MVCD) inaugurated its Walking Tours of Mount Vernon Churches. Four different tours are offered, with locations rotating weekly. Participants rotate among the churches on their own and are met at each church by trained docents who give a guided tour. The tours, which are offered every Sunday from May through October and start at 12:30 PM, are free and open to the public.
For more information on the tour and churches to visit, please click here. To access the brochure, which includes the schedule, map and information on the churches, please click here.
Mount Vernon Place Walking Tour
The Mount Vernon Cultural District (MVCD) offers The Mount Vernon Place Walking Tour. Take a 100-year trip through Baltimore's history and discover Mount Vernon's diverse and fascinating architecture.
The tour begins in the lobby of the Peabody Court Hotel located at 612 Cathedral Street after 10 AM on Saturday mornings. The price is $10 per person. The tour, which is guided and takes 1 ½ hours, requires a reservation. To make a reservation, call (410) 889-0894 (preferably between 4-6 PM). Group tours of 10 or more can be scheduled. For more information, please click here.
Self-Guided Tours
For those interested in leisurely walking around the neighborhood and discovering its beautiful architecture and rich history, the following books can be helpful guides:
- Historic Baltimore: Twelve Walking Tours of Downtown, Fells Point, Locust Point, Federal Hill and Mount Clare by Priscilla Miles. Includes a section on Mount Vernon
- Walking in Baltimore: An Intimate Guide to the Old City by Frank R., Jr. Shivers. Includes a section on Mount Vernon
In addition, the MVCD also has an Audio Tour of Mount Vernon Place. For more details, please click here.
Holly Tour – Mount Vernon's Historical Homes, Churches and Buildings (December only)
To celebrate the start of the Christmas season and get in the holiday spirit, take an enchanted tour of Mount Vernon's beautiful homes and historical structures with the Sunday Daylight Tour. Historic homes that have been lovingly restored by their homeowners, beautiful churches and other historic buildings open their doors on the first Sunday of December. In addition, following upon the success of its first Intimate Candlelight Tour in 2005, the Holly Tour will once again sell a limited number of tickets to this one-of-a kind event. The proceeds of the tickets sales will benefit the Mount Vernon Park restoration effort.
Both events are organized by the Friends of Mount Vernon - a non-profit organization dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of Mount Vernon's four European-style parks, the centerpiece of which is the nation's first monument to George Washington, built in 1815.
For details on the Sunday Daylight Tour and/or Intimate Candlelight Tour or to purchase the tickets, please click here.
Baltimore Trolley Tour
For more information, click here.
The Garrett-Jacobs Mansion
11 W. Mt. Vernon Place
This brownstone manor was once the home of Mary Garrett-Jacobs, the undisputed Grand Dame of Baltimore Society. When it was constructed, it was the second largest private home in the U.S. In fact, only the White House was larger. Today, the Mansion is the home of The Engineers Club. To learn about the mansion's history, take a virtual tour or obtain tour information, please click here or call (410) 539-6914.
Washington Monument and Museum at Mount Vernon Place
699 North Charles Street
(410) 396-1049 or (410) 396-0929
Visit Baltimore's 19th-century Washington Monument, the first memorial erected in the United States to honor our nation's first President and Commander-in-Chief George Washington.
Visit the museum and walk up the 228 steps to catch a beautiful view of the city. The Monument is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays.