The Complete Guide to Visiting Alexandria, Virginia

Just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., the historic city of Alexandria is home to lively entertainment, waterfront dining, scenic trails, and the shopping and dining treasure trove of the Old Town neighborhood. 

Start planning your trip to Alexandria and discover its bounty of culture, community, and charm. 

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria has plenty going on throughout the year, even in hotter summer months. However, there’s something special about walking the cobblestoned streets of Old Town during the holiday season. 

With dozens of shops, you’ll be able to find gifts for everyone on your list, plus take in annual festivities that light up the city like the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. 

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Heron: Local Charm and Modern Amenities $$

Historic accents and contemporary comforts merge at Hotel Heron, which offers spacious rooms complete with private bars, bluetooth speakers, and in-room streaming. There are also three restaurant concepts at the hotel, including the rooftop bar Good Fortune, where you can look out over Old Town after a day of fun. 

Hotel Indigo: A Relaxing Stay on the Waterfront $$

Nestled on the Potomac River in Old Town, Hotel Indigo provides easy access to the vibrant neighborhood alongside an array of amenities at the hotel. Book a suite or room and savor a coastal brunch at the on-site Hummingbird Bar and Kitchen. 

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria: Boutique Benefits Steps from City Life $$

You’ll be steps away from the bustle of Old Town when you stay at the Archer Hotel, but don’t worry—you can always take a minute away from the action in the hotel’s secluded brick courtyard. Some suites include roomy terraces and oversized clawfoot tubs. 

The Alexandrian: A Refined Urban Retreat $$$

Authenticity is key at this Old Town establishment. Start your day with coffee in the courtyard, then fuel up at King & Rye after a day of exploring all Alexandria has to offer. Located right on King Street, The Alexandrian fits right into the neighborhood with its Federalist-era architecture and upscale vibe. 

Morrison House: Historic Luxury and Intimacy $$$ 

Built to emulate a Federalist mansion, Morrison House blends into its Old Town setting and prioritizes formal spaces and friendly service. You’ll notice the literary inspiration in the hotel’s meeting spaces, cozy library, and the award-winning bar and restaurant, The Study. 

WHERE TO EAT

Hummingbird Bar and Kitchen

Revel in the flavors of Americana at this coastal-inspired restaurant. 

Evening Star Cafe

This Del Ray neighborhood cafe has been serving up American fare since 1997. Don’t miss the Majestic Bar downstairs and No. 9 Lounge upstairs for evening dinner and drinks. 

Chewish Deli 

Start your morning with hand-rolled bagels and cream cheese, or choose from their creative menu of breakfast sandwiches. 

Ada’s on the River

Dine on fresh seafood, grilled salads, and other unique dishes as you take in views of the Potomac. 

Barca Pier & Wine Bar

Mediterranean flavors are the star of the show at this waterfront establishment with breathtaking views and an industrial-chic design. 

Los Tios Grill 

There are two Alexandria locations of this family owned and operated Tex-Mex restaurant, plus two more in Northern Virginia. The original Del Ray spot is an institution, known for its flavors, fast service, and atmosphere. 

Virtue Feed & Grain

Enjoy lunch, dinner, or brunch at this two-story restaurant and bar located in an 1800s feed and grain warehouse. 

Pork Barrel BBQ

Dig into oak and hickory-smoked barbecue that’s loved by locals and visitors alike. 

Still hungry? Find more places to eat in Alexandria and nearby Arlington. 

TOP ATTRACTIONS & LANDMARKS

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Explore the work of dozens of artists and stop in to open studios in this converted munitions plant. There are three stories of art to explore and admission is always free. Take a piece home with you or just get inspired by the creativity around you. 

Athenaeum

This gallery and performance space is recognizable from its Greek Revival architecture. Step inside and you’ll find a contemporary art exhibit and special events hosted by the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association. 

Daingerfield Island

From the Mount Vernon Trail you can access Daingerfield Island, a natural area with a marina and trails. It’s also home to Catboat Pizza Bar, a casual eatery with great views of D.C. monuments and the mighty Potomac. 

Mount Vernon Trail 

Walk, bike, or roll down this 18-mile, paved multi-use trail. Hop on for a short excursion or take the trail all the way from Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Fun fact: The trail hosts over one million pedestrians and bicyclists a year. 

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Experience the birth of our country from inside buildings George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette were known to frequent. Take a tour of the two 18th century taverns to learn more about Alexandria’s economic and political history. 

Carlyle House Historic Park

Walk the grounds and gardens of this 18th century mansion which was home to the founder of Alexandria, John Carlyle. Tours of the Georgian residence run throughout the day. 

Huntley Meadows Park

Some of the best wildlife watching in the area can be found at Huntley Meadows Park, where flora and fauna abound in forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park is also home to Historic Huntley, a 19th century villa built for Thomas Francis Mason, the mayor of Alexandria from 1827-1830. 

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House

See two iconic homes on the same 126-acre swath of land. Completed in 1805, Woodlawn was built on land previously owned by George Washington and was a plantation, then a free labor colony, then the first public site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Pope-Leighey House has a more recent history, as it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1940s. Originally built in Falls Church, the home was moved to Woodlawn in the 1960s.  

Potomac Heritage Trail

This 10-mile stretch of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail traces the waters of the Potomac from Live Oak Drive to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington. A hotspot for birders, the trail connects to hundreds of miles of scenic walking paths, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Allegheny Highlands. 

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

This striking memorial is dedicated to the memory of George Washington. Stop by the museum for a tour of the Memorial Hall and replica lodge rooms, where Washingtonian artifacts are on display. 

Ben Brenman Park

Located on the western side of Alexandria, this public park features an amphitheatre, dog park area, and picturesque walking trails. 

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

Alexandria isn’t just notable for its Revolutionary Era history. Spend some time at this Union Army fort built to defend Washington D.C. during the Civil War. The largely preserved historic site is located on the grounds of a 45-acre park, so you can explore the outdoors and take in the history. 

SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

Boutiques along King Street 

This iconic stretch of Old Town Alexandria has dozens of boutique shops to stop into, plus local restaurants to fuel your spree. Old Town is also home to some of the best antiquing in Alexandria, with shops like The Antique Guild, Van Bommel Antiek Haus, and Silverman Galleries.

Shops on Mount Vernon Avenue

The Main Street of the Del Ray neighborhood, stroll-worthy Mount Vernon Avenue is home to several quality shops including Crooked Beat Records, hat store Tops of Old Town, and The Dog Store. 

Del Ray Farmers Market

This year-round farmers market sets up shop on Saturdays at the corner of East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues. Shop from local artisans and farmers selling meats, eggs, fresh pasta, preserves, and sweet treats. 

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Relax at Balian Springs

This immersive spa and wellness retreat offers hydrotherapy, saunas, an aqua lounge, and a variety of spa treatments. 

See a show at The Birchmere

All kinds of acts perform at this legendary music venue, which has hosted icons like John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. 

Cheers at Port City Brewing Co.

The longest operating brewery in the DC area, Port City has a slew of tasty beers at its tasting room and outdoor beer garden. 

Drinks and views at Good Fortune Rooftop Bar

Sip and savor the views from the top of the boutique Hotel Heron in Old Town.

Hearty Vibes at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub

An Old Town establishment since 1978, this classic Irish pub has nightly entertainment and food and drink specials. 

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

George Washington Birthday Parade

When: February

Where: Old Town Alexandria

Spectators line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to see this annual parade organized by the Gorge Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. The march includes community organizations, costumed interpreters, local businesses, and pipe and drum bands. 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

When: Late March/Early April 

Where: Multiple locations around D.C./Northern Virginia

Although the National Cherry Blossom Festival is concentrated at the Tidal Basin in the District, the whole area blooms. Avoid the crowds and take part in Alexandria’s festivities.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style

When: May

Where: 200-500 King Street

Automotive enthusiasts travel from far and wide to see exotic and timeless vehicles on display, plus car shows and live music. 

Alexandria Art Festival

When: May and Sept. 13-14, 2025

Where: John Carlyle Square

Find unique works of art at this juried, two-day art show. Exhibitors come from all over the country and the festival takes place twice a year, in the spring and fall. 

Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

When: December 

Where: Old Town Alexandria

For over 50 years, this holiday parade has enchanted spectators as dozens of Scottish clans march in honor of the city’s 1749 founding by Scottish merchants. Pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and community groups join the mile-long parade. 

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

When: December

Where: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Cozy up along the waterfront as dozens of festively decorated boats cruise down the Potomac. The festivities include food, drinks, and activities on land before and after the parade. 

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

…Towns to Explore

Arlington | Neighboring Alexandria is the county of Arlington, which has its own share of monuments, outdoor adventure, and quality restaurants. Don’t miss lively neighborhoods including Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn, or the small(er) town vibes of Shirlington. 

Falls Church | You’ll find walkable neighborhoods and plenty of tasty restaurants on your journey through “The Little City.” Stop by the Eden Center for Vietnamese eats and shopping or visit historic attractions like the Cherry Hill Farmhouse.

Tysons | This segment of Fairfax County has grown into a charming commercial district in its own right. Easily accessible by the Silver Line of the Metro, Tysons is known for its shopping and entertainment. 

…More Outdoor Fun

Great Falls Park | You might find it hard to believe that this 800-acre park with cascading waterfalls is only 15 miles from D.C., but it’s true. The park sees the Potomac River pick up speed and flow through Mather Gorge, resulting in beautiful views and bountiful opportunities for recreation.

Roosevelt Island Park | Explore a memorial to the outdoorsman President that he likely would have loved to explore. Walk or bike through miles of forested trails—you’ll find the entrance to the park as you travel northbound on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park | Trace the former Washington & Old Dominion Railbed as you explore this paved trail by foot or on bike. It runs from Shirlington to Purcellville and is often called the “skinniest park in Virginia.” There’s also an adjacent trail for equestrians. 

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts | Make sure to check the schedule for this performing arts venue before or during your Northern Virginia vacation. From touring artists across genres to music festivals and opera residencies, this indoor and outdoor venue has something for everyone.

Gravelly Point | Just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington is Gravelly Point, a riverside park where runners, bikers, boaters, and relaxers are known to coalesce. Bring a picnic lunch to watch planes take off and land at nearby Reagan National Airport.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | Explore 95 acres of greenery and blooms in Vienna when you purchase admission to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Highlights include the Butterfly Garden, Experimental Meadow, and Virginia Native Tree Trail. Don’t miss art shows at the Visitor Center and the gift shop, which features local art and plants.

The Perch | Located at Capital One Center in Tysons, this “park in the sky” has mini golf, a brewery, eats, and live events. 

…Noteworthy Attractions

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | An annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly has an expansive collection of aviation and space artifacts. Visitors can see the space shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde, plus thousands of other items from the collection. Admission is free; parking is $15.

Arlington National Cemetery | Free and open to the public every day, the 639-acre Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864 and is the final resting place of more than 400,000 people, including President John F. Kennedy and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and several other memorials. 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon | The home of our nation’s first president is just a thirty minute drive from Arlington. Once there, take a tour and learn about the people, both free and enslaved, who lived on the estate. You can also examine the history of American spirits at George Washington’s Distillery, reconstructed at the site and open to visitors seasonally on the weekends.

George Mason’s Gunston Hall | Explore the home of the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which directly influenced the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. 

National Museum of the U.S. Army | Over 245 years of US army history are on display at this museum in Fort Belvoir. Admission is free.

…Keep Shopping

Eden Center | You’ll find more than 100 stores at this Falls Church strip mall, known as the largest Vietnamese commercial center on the East Coast. Find restaurants, markets, and artisan shops, open daily. 

Tysons Corner Center | You’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for at this massive mall. 

Mosaic District | This 31-acre mixed-use development brings premier dining, shopping, and entertainment to nearby Fairfax. For film buffs, don’t miss a screening at the Angelika at Mosaic, a sister arthouse theater of the legendary Angelika Film Center in New York City. 

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Use this guide to Alexandria to help you start planning your Virginia vacation today!