Top Things to Do in Alexandria, Virginia

The charming city of Alexandria is packed with history and gorgeous 18th century – 19th century preserved neighborhoods that I can’t seem to get enough of. This hidden gem of a town is located only a few miles from the heart of our nation, Washington DC; about a 20-minute boat ride down the Potomac River. If you are looking to make a day trip during your DC visit or explore a weekend here in Alexandria, then this guide is for you. Read on below for the top things to do in Alexandria during your visit!

Top Things to Do in Alexandria, Virginia

As of April 2021, many museums and historic sites are still closed to the public due to COVID-19. Make sure you check out The City of Alexandria’s homepage HERE before your visit to check what museums are now open and any events coming up.

Carlyle House

If you are looking for a beautiful and authentic 18th-century garden then check out Carlyle House Historic Park. The house itself is a restored Georgian mansion built in 1753 by merchant and city founder John Carlyle and is the only stone 18th-century Palladian Revival-style residence in Alexandria. The Carlyle House’s well-kept garden lies over three-quarters of an acre, making for a serene oasis right in the middle of the city. You can go tour this architecturally unique mansion or just relax and admire its beautiful gardens. 

Shop & Dine on King Street

A no-brainer activity to experience in Alexandria is strolling down the twenty blocks of King Street, between the Potomac River and King Street Metro Station, dining and window-shopping along the way. Like the rest of Old Town, the 18th and 19th-century buildings were preserved through strict architectural and demolition control. To this day there are about 300 retail businesses along King Street and adjacent blocks; the majority of them independently run.

The Oldest Farmer’s Market in America

If you visit Market Square on a Saturday morning, you will be participating in one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the country where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. One of their most notable vendors was George Washington. It is said that he sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. You can expect vendors to be selling fresh local produce and a wide range of delicious foods to sample.

See Also: Tips to See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C.

Torpedo Factory

As the name suggests, this building used to be a torpedo factory during WWI and WWII. It has since been transformed into an art center showcasing art galleries, art studios for local artists, and even offering art classes available to the public. Make sure to check out their website for any seasonal events as well.

Explore Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park features an open plaza, cool art installations, and shady areas perfect for enjoying views of the Potomac River. There are several great dining options nearby and in the direct vicinity of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Waterfront Park is also where boat cruises and water taxis launch from if you were interested in exploring the Potomac first hand!

Gadsby Tavern

The Gadsby Tavern Museum is an 18th-century tavern and hotel that has been turned into a historical museum. The national landmark site was built in 1875 and is named after its original owner, John Gadsby. Washington frequently visited here during his trips into Alexandria, as well as other famous guests like Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The tavern held many important events like George Washington’s Birthnight Ball in 1789.

Visit the Spite House

When strolling Old Town Alexandria, make sure to check out the Spite House located on Queen Street. This unusual home is named the smallest house in America, being only 7 feet wide and about 325 square feet. The Spite House was built in 1830 to keep horse-drawn carriages and loiterers out of an alleyway owned by an adjacent house. It is now a private residence and a popular photo spot.

Walk Down Captain’s Row

Captain’s Row is a cobblestone street with many ties to the past. Located on the 100 block of Prince Street in the heart of Old Town, the street got its name from housing sea captains from the port. The cobblestones themselves are said to have been laid in 1795 with river rocks from the Potomac. Walking down Captain’s Row is a must, as it is just one of two streets in all of Alexandria that is paved with cobblestones rather than asphalt.

The Alexandria Black History Museum

A great museum to visit in Alexandria is the Black History Museum located on Wythe Street. Originally the building was a segregated library for Black Alexandria residents. Now it has been converted to a museum documenting the local and national history of Black America, offering group tours and lectures on site. 

Tour Mount Vernon

Touring George Washington’s Estate, Mount Vernon, is perhaps the most popular bucket list tour of post-revolutionary war historical sites and something you can’t pass up when visiting this area. Just eight miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon is the best place to learn all about George Washington and life during the 18th century. The 500-acre estate is open daily and ticket prices are around $28.

Visit Christ Church

Another historical site worth visiting during your walking tour of Old Town Alexandria is Christ Chruch. The church was built around 1765 and up until the 21st-century, it was a tradition for the U.S. Presidents to attend a service. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the Church itself is closed to the public. However, you can still peek through the windows and admire the pew that George Washington sat in during his own Sunday services.

George Washington Masonic Memorial

If you are looking for more George Washington history then reserve a one-hour guided tour at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. This memorial design is inspired by the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt and honors the memory of America’s very first president. Tours operate daily and cost $18.

How to Navigate Old Town Alexandria

If you plan on driving your own car, there are plenty of parking garages and street parking throughout the neighborhoods. I recommend downloading the ParkMobile App which makes it super easy to park and pay. However, if you visit on a weekend, most of the parking spaces are free. You can also utilize other transportation apps like Capital Bikeshare and the multitude of electric scooters in the area.

If you are staying in Washington D.C. and don’t plan on driving, you can take the Metro all the way to King Street – Old Town Station. From there, it is about a half-mile walk down King Street to get to the heart of Alexandria. You can also cut the walk time by taking the scenic route down the Potomac River on Water Taxi – a great experience for anyone who wants to see the surrounding landscape of the DC area.

Here are several navigation options in Alexandria:

• ParkMobile App
• Capital Bikeshare App
• Metro Station – King Street
• Water taxi
• Countless electric scooters

Other Notable Activities in Alexandria

During my 10-day stay in Alexandria, I made a point to try some other local experiences involving the present-day culture of the town. Here are a few other personal experiences in Alexandria that I have had and recommend to anyone visiting!

Get Drinks at Lost Boy Cider

If you are in the mood for some tasty locally made ciders and seltzers then check out Lost Boy Cider! These are some of the best ciders I have ever had, as they are made from real apples and other natural ingredients. On top of the quality of drinks, the atmosphere is welcoming and fun whether you are in a large group or sitting solo in the tasting room.

Visit Mount Purrnon

Bring out your inner cat-lover and visit Mount Purrnon, a cat cafe and wine bar that features rescued (and adoptable) cats that you can pet and play with. The name itself drew me in instantly so I decided to walk over experience the cat cafe for myself. This was my first cat cafe visit and I was not disappointed! Wish I could have taken every cat home with me. 

Try Out Different Work-Out Studios

Not only is Alexandria a great walkable city, but it also has a plethora of workout studios sprinkled throughout! I tried several classes while I was here, from Barre routines to Pilates. My personal recommendations are Purre Bar and Club Pilates. Ultimately, I feel like I left Alexandria stronger than I arrived, and in better shape from all of the walking I did.

Take Your Dog Out On the Town

During my stay, I quickly discovered that Alexandria is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. I was blown away by the number of dogs I saw walking around with their owners! There are endless things to do with your beloved pooch when visiting Alexandria, from dog parks to walking tours of the city. On top of this, most restaurants and shops on King Street are dog-friendly. Below is a short and sweet list of activities to do with your dog in Alexandria:

• Visit the Dog Parks: The City of Alexandria has 18 public, off-leash dog parks. Some popular parks include Founder’s Park, Waterfront Park (leash required), Oronco Park, & Montgomery Park.
• Outdoor Dining: You are in luck because there are a great number of dog-friendly restaurants in Alexandria. The picture above features Virtue Feed & Grain, a popular restaurant where my cousin and I dined on the patio with his dogs Phoebe & Sasha. Check out a full list of dog-friendly restaurants here.
• Stroll Down King Street: King Street is practically a red carpet for dogs, with water bowls lining the red brick sidewalks and several locally-owned dog stores offering free treats. On top of this, people will be complimenting your dog left and right, treating them like royalty (as they should). This would be a great place to try a self-guided walking tour as well – check out the visitor information center for more info.
• Canine Cruise: During the summer months, you and your dog can tour Alexandria by water on a 60-minute boat ride around the port. Most importantly, dogs ride FREE.