Things to do & places to visit in Alexandria, Virginia, United States

A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, the city retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town, Gadsby's Tavern, a restaurant serving food since 1770, and centers of learning like the Black History Museum. For a more contemporary side of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where local artists operate boutiques and studios.

Alexandria city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 23:04.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Pedego Electric Bikes (201 reviews)
- Excellent customer service and SO fun!!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bike Tours • Gear Rentals

If I could, I would give infinity stars to Pedego Electric bikes and Todd in particular. Wow. Where do I even start? On our last day in the DC area, my family of four wanted to squeeze in a bike ride before our evening flight home. I corresponded via email with Todd to make the arrangements. He was incredibly helpful, flexible, responsive, and went way beyond expectations to make our experience safe and fun. Amazing customer service, and these bikes are SO fun! We had a blast zipping along the Mt. Vernon trail. I highly recommend Pedego and Todd if you want to rent bikes and have a great time. See more..
5.0 Manumission Tour Company (159 reviews)
- Book a tour now
Wednesday: Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours

Great tour. The Duke Street tour starts out at Freedom House Museum (this Museum is a must visit!). Very reasonably priced. We learned a lot about the history of the enslaved and African Americans in Alexandria. Book a tour, you will not be disappointed. See more..
5.0 Alfred Street Baptist Church (29 reviews)
- New Year’s Blessing
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Alfred Street is among the oldest African American Baptist Churches in America, celebrating its bicentennial in 2003. See more..
4.5 Old Town (2.802 reviews)
- Historic and Walkable Destination
Historic Sites • Neighborhoods

Quaint old seaport section of Alexandria on the National Register of Historic Places. See more..
4.5 Old Town Waterfront (1.304 reviews)
- Scenic and Vibrant
Piers & Boardwalks

Alexandria’s riverfront is lined with lush public parks in its entirety (about 2 miles). The blocks at the end of King offer a number of restaurants on the water. In the last few years, the city has closed the blocks towards the water to traffic making it a lot easier to walk around and take in the public art and musicians by the water in the evenings. The views are tremendous with DC to the North and National Harbor to the South. If you like boats, I recommend walking along the marinas and seeing the yachts. In addition to the Water Taxi, you can also charter boat tours and cruises on the Potomac River that can take you by the National Mall or down to Mount Vernon. The kayaks also offer a fresh perspective for seeing the city. See more..
4.5 Torpedo Factory Art Center (1.218 reviews)
- 3 stories of art
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Galleries

Art in Person and in Progress. Located in Old Town Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to 150 working artists, 7 galleries, The Art League, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. See more..
4.5 Escape Room Live Alexandria (771 reviews)
- A fun time for a birthday!
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Put on your Sherlock cap and come test your wits at one of Old Town Alexandria's most unique attractions—Escape Room Live. Step into one of our four, cleverly appointed rooms for a unique 'live-mystery-solving' experience themed as Sherlock, Moriarty, Edgar Allan Poe and the Wizard's Apothecary. You and your family, friends and colleagues will work together to uncover hidden clues, solve puzzles and connect the dots to solve the mystery and escape before time is up! See more..
4.5 George Washington Masonic National Memorial (690 reviews)
- Stunning Landmark
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monuments & Statues • History Museums

A very visible tribute to George Washington stands on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia. See more..
4.5 Alexandria's Christ Church (416 reviews)
- Appreciate the past
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

We went here for service on New Year’s Day 2023. We were interested in the history of the church and thought a service would be a nice way to visit. After the service we were looking around a bit and a parishioner took the time to point out George Washington’s pew and Robert E Lee’s too. He and another parishioner spent a generous amount of time telling us about the interesting parts of the church—old and new—and share some church history. Amazing experience. See more..
4.5 Carlyle House (325 reviews)
- Sublime house restored to time period
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

A Georgian mansion built in 1753 by merchant and City founder John Carlyle. Five governors and General Braddock met here to discuss funding the French and Indian War. This historic meeting influenced the call for American independence in the 1770s, and sparked the concept of taxation without representation. Daily tours, youth programs, special events, exhibits, and lectures offer visitors a chance to experience eighteenth century life. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday: Noon-4 p.m. (tours on the hour, last tour at 4 p.m.). Call ahead to schedule a tour! See more..
4.5 Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (291 reviews)
- So interesting
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Apothecary served local customers, including the Washingtons and Robert E. Lee, between 1792 and 1933. The shop was transformed into a museum shortly after its closing and visitors can still view the original ingredients, products, and documents left behind by this 141-year-old family business. See more..
4.5 Gadsby's Tavern Museum (267 reviews)
- Interesting museum
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

Discover Alexandria’s five-star hotel of the 18th century! Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of the c. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. The buildings were constructed by John Wise, but made famous by John Gadsby. Mr. Gadsby’s establishment was the center of political, business, and social life in Alexandria and hosted the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today the Museum offers tours, programs and special events. See more..
4.5 Huntley Meadows Park (241 reviews)
- A treasure for birding in Fairfax County
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

I have been birding here weekly for 5 years and it is a treasure. Has trails and a boardwalk that reaches over the wetlands. No jogging or bikes allowed on the boardwalk and all dogs must be on leash. The wildlife is clinging here to one of the last undisturbed parcels of wetland and woods--you can see deer, beaver, turtles and frogs but it is mostly bird habitat. See more..
4.5 Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House (241 reviews)
- Pope-Leighey House a true gem!
Wednesday: Historic Sites • History Museums

Woodlawn Estate and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey House are two iconic architectural sites of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, located on the same property in historic Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. Our Federal Georgian Mansion, built in 1805 for Nelly Parke Custis Lewis and Lawrence Lewis and our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian House, built in 1940 and moved to our property in the 60's both sit in a beautiful landscape. Visitors are encouraged to explore the contrasting architectural and historical stories of these two masterpiece homes, set in glorious landscape. Our site is also home to the non-profit farm, Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. We host extraordinary catered celebrations in our luxury event space with exclusive partner, Design Cuisine. Do come and visit us! See more..
4.5 Port City Brewing Company (110 reviews)
- Great local spot with curbside pickup and a spacious patio for those who choose
Wednesday: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Open every day Port City offers year-round award-winning craft beer in an inviting setting. You are welcome to sample a tasting, enjoy a pint, or grab growler fills, six-packs and kegs to-go! We host tours Thursdays through Sundays. You will find local food trucks on busy days but outside food is always welcome. Check out our special events each month such as Guided Pairings, beer releases, Joggers & Lagers, Beer Yoga, Trivia, Comedy Nights, Pedals ‘N’ Pints and more. See more..
4.5 Alexandria National Cemetery (109 reviews)
- Reverant history, peacful beauty
Cemeteries

We were surprised to learn so much about the history of this military cemetary. Simple reflective beauty. We learned about this cemeterys history starting as a cemetery for union lives lost farburied here. We learned about the flags and meaning of each grave receiving a rose for memorial day. from home. We saw the cemetery is still used today for current militery and wives of those served. Women who served during WW II and current wars are honored and See more..
4.5 Alexandria City Hall & Market Square (109 reviews)
- Variety of offerings
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Fountains

I just went here and I have to say the offerings of fresh fruits, vegetables, and teas was enough to keep me stocked up. I recommend bring your own bags, get there early and parking within a block should not be an issue. They do take credit cards, and there is prepped foods so you can eat, shop and get on with the sightseeing. See more..
4.5 The Little Theatre of Alexandria (73 reviews)
- Absolutely Delightful!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Theaters

If you have a hankering for a personal and up-close engagement with a wonderful little theater, this is the one for you! We just attended our second show in two months. Parking is available on the street nearby or in garages several blocks away. Beautiful old town neighborhood area all around. Not a bad seat in the house. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Tall Ship Providence (68 reviews)
- All Anoard!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Hop aboard Tall Ship Providence and step back in time, to get a taste of what life was like aboard an 18th-century sloop during the American Revolution. Enjoy a guided tour, public sail up the Potomac, or private charter. Dockside Tours -- you are greeted by a historical interpreter in period costume who will guide your visit to the quarterdeck, main deck, aft cabin and the hold, to see where sailors lived. Sails -- we offer a Saturday and Sunday Sunset Sail, and a Thursday evening "Tall Ship Tasting" cruise with a wine, rum, bourbon or bubbly tasting. Private Events/Charters - rent out the ship for your next event or special occasion. Tall Ship Providence provides a living link to our rich maritime, naval, and Revolutionary history. She was the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy, the first ship to serve in the Rhode Island Colonial Navy and Captain John Paul Jones’ first American command. Visit tallshipprovidence.org for our schedule. See more..
4.5 Potomac Water Taxi (59 reviews)
- Amazing views, great boats, and a lovely way to spend some time.
Spent 2-3 hours Ferries

We throughly enjoyed crossing the river in this manner and at this time! Everything came together perfectly to afford us a new experience in a new place. The ride is over all too soon, but the opportunities to explore are endless. See more..
4.5 Fort Hunt Park (57 reviews)
- Great place to explore
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

We stopped here on our way to Mount Vernon. There’s a lot to explore and many opportunities for stretching your legs on a long trip. Picnic areas abound and clean rest rooms available. Parking was convenient too! See more..
4.5 Green Spring Gardens (56 reviews)
- Beautiful local park and gardens
Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens

A local gem. Shady spots, garden center, ponds, well manicured lawns, shady walking paths, and so much more to explore in this place. Set in the heart of Annandale, it is a great place to enjoy nature. Definitely worth visiting in different seasons throughout the year. See more..
4.5 The Basilica of Saint Mary (54 reviews)
- Beautiful
Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is the first Catholic parish in the Commonwealth of Virginia and West Virginia, which were one state up until 1863. President George Washington made the first contribution in the late 1700s, equivalent to approximately $1,200 today. In 1810, the parish moved to its present location in the heart of the city at 310 South Royal Street. By 1826, Pastor Fr. Joseph Fairclough erected the Sanctuary and the major portion of the present-day Basilica, which was formally dedicated in 1827. Throughout the 1800s, the Basilica of Saint Mary played a crucial role in the growth of Catholicism in Virginia. Many mission churches that the Basilica of Saint Mary established have gone on to become independent parishes within the Diocese of Arlington. See more..
4.5 River Farm (51 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens

River Farm is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. Situated on 25 landscaped acres overlooking the Potomac river, it is an idyllic escape within the Washington, D.C. area. Enjoy walking in our gardens and four-acre Meadow. Bring kids to enjoy the Children's Garden. We are open year-round Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm. From April through September we are also open Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm. See more..
4.5 Alexandria Farmers Market (Old Town Farmer's Market) (42 reviews)
- Best farmers market in the country.
Wednesday: Farmers Markets

This is one if not the oldest and still the best. They have such a wide variety of fruits vegetables bread etc. See more..
4.5 Old Presbyterian Meeting House (41 reviews)
- don't miss the tomb of the unknown Revolutionary War soldier
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

I walk through this mini-cemetery often on my to and from church and the nearby Safeway. I always feel like I'm walking through history. Here is where George Washington delivered our first national prayer. Here is where his physician and others of the Revolutionary War period were buried and remembered. But what makes this so unique is the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War soldier. Until I walked onto this property for the first time four years ago, I had no idea such a tomb even existed. American are all aware of the tombs of the unknowns at Arlington Cemetery, but few know about this tomb. It's worth a moment to stop by to remember those who died to make us free...for the first time. Without them, we would not become a free and independent country. See more..
4.5 Freedom House Museum (31 reviews)
- Must-see in Alexandria
Speciality Museums

Excellent museum about the domestic slave trade through Alexandria. It is a small museum but the docent, Karen, does a great job explaining the slave trade from VA down to the Lower South for the cotton trade. My teenage daughters are now of the age they understand the content so they enjoyed talking with Karen. A must see in the area. See more..
4.5 Grist Mill Park (27 reviews)
- One of the best Parks in CNY and Jamesville
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds

Great park in Jamesville for all ages. Truly an asset to CNY and Onondaga County. Upstate NY has so many beautiful parks and so much nature to enjoy. Grist mill Park is at the top of the list and one of the best. Procopio Real Estate highly reccomends a visit to Grist mill Park in jamesville, NY. See more..
4.5 Alexandria Black History Museum (20 reviews)
- Small, but good.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Small, with just one room dedicated to exhibits and another with picture type displays. The price was right, (free) but donations were requested but not required. The exhibit room was well lighted and laid out with artifacts and lots of good clear narration. Concentrated on slavery in and around Alexandria, but also covered African American history after emancipation in Alexandria. Takes about a half hour to forty-five minutes. Well worth the time. See more..
4.0 Alexandria Visitors Center (128 reviews)
- Great resource!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Go-to for sightseeing brochures, attraction tickets, maps & gifts. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Open year-round. See more..