Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
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10 Museums in Alexandria That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
Restaurants in Alexandria
1. Tall Ship Providence
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
The tall ship Providence provides a living link to our rich maritime, naval, and Revolutionary history. Our Providence is a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and John Paul Jones’ first American command. Come aboard to meet John Paul Jones, and get a taste of what life was like aboard an eighteenth-century sloop. Enjoy a guided tour, take a public cruise up the Potomac, or book your private charter.
Reviewed By MarcW38
A replica of an 18th century tall ship, The Providence gives the guest a glimpse of life on board a sailing ship when the wind was the only propulsion. Today, a very quiet Detroit diesel moves you along at a stately 4 knots. The craft beer tasting cruise included nice tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole...totally delicious. The female Captain, Sam, was a delight. My wife and I had a wonderful time.
2. Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
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.
Reviewed By byteforbyte - Alexandria, United States
Gadsby’s offers self tours and staffed tours depending on what you like. During the summer on Sundays they have Jr Docents who take you through the tavern. I have been through the tavern many times for different events.
3. George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
A very visible tribute to George Washington stands on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Reviewed By mesmith14 - Winter Garden, United States
Lots of American history on display. $15 dollar admission gets you a tour as well - tours are very well done - informative but also give you time on your own to explore. Tours give you access to upper floors of the building... including a ride on the elevator which goes up on a 7.5 degree angle ... views from the observation deck are great and the deck goes all the way around the building. Wheel chair accessible. Kid friendly
4. Torpedo Factory Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,200 reviews
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.
Reviewed By PRGLewes - Lewes, United States
Wide variety of artwork -- pottery, painting, photography, fiber arts, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture.... It's great to be able to chat with the artists.
5. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 433marydiannem - Alexandria, United States
The Apothecary Museum in Alexandria is like walking into a time capsule. It was family owned from Washington’s day, made it thru the Civil War as Alexandria was a Union hospital center, and thrived until the Great Depression. Alexandrians saved much of the equipment, bottles, pill rollers etc. Though this is a business, like the other 2 House museums in Alexandria ( Carlyle house and Lee-Fendall house), it is all original and well worth the visitors effort.
6. Alexandria Black History Museum
7. Carlyle House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
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!
Reviewed By coombsfamily5
We visited on a cold rainy day in January and we were so glad we did, from the informative tour to the beautifully restored house, it was a true delight. The curator was very kind to us and provided additional info and additional information about other places we could visit. There is a very steep staircase from the room where the tour begins up to the second floor.
8. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
PLEASE NOTE: Our property closes for the 2019 Season on December 13 and re-opens for 2020 Season and public tours on April 10, 2020. 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!
Reviewed By SGCAVER12 - Rockville, United States
We had reservations in March 2020 but they closed before we could visit. I was happy to see they are now open and we booked easily online for the combination tour of both houses. There is a limit of 6 people per tour so it was like getting our own personal tour. We visited the Pope-Leighey House first a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house that has been relocated to this spot. We have visited a few of the homes he has designed and this one did not disappoint. It is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking lot all downhill. The tour guide gave a very informative tour to the 5 of us on the tour. Everyone wore a mask and kept their distance despite it being a small house. It's an hour tour, but we were done in about 30 minutes so we were permitted to continue looking inside and outside at all of the details of this wonderful Frank Lloyd Wright designed house and ask questions. We made the 5 minute walk back up to the parking lot to start the tour of Woodlawn mansion. Again, our tour guide gave a great tour, she was engaging and answered all of our questions.She and the 5 people on the tour all kept their distance and wore their masks. They have a small gift shop attached to Woodlawn that offers items related to both houses. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday learning about the history of these 2 great houses. I'd highly recommend the tour.
9. Fort Ward Museum and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Wendybeth16 - Washington DC, United States
Ft. Ward Park is a park for all seasons and interests - truly an oasis in the Washington suburbs. Numerous exercise options are available, The park's trails and paths welcome walkers (both human and canine) and joggers. A scenic spot where one can easily earn those daily steps. There is a playground and spots perfect for a picnic. Here one can relax and enjoy nature. The location is also of historic importance for here was one of the circle of Lincoln's forts which offered protection to Washington during the Civil War. The Ft. Ward Museum assists visitors with interpretation of both the site (which includes the fort, earthworks and all), the "Defenses of Washington" and this period in our nation's history. The museum frequently offers special programs including soldier-led tours of the fort and encampments (where soldiers describe their daily life). In December a patriotic Santa makes a visit. Interesting too is the stories of the residents who lived in the area following the war. Highly recommended. Ft. Ward has something for all.
10. Freedom House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By LisandroVoyager - Washington DC, United States
The posted info is clear and well written, and attractively displayed. There is a video and books for sale in the entrance hall. It's a good first stop to walk along a circuit of several historic attractions in Old Town Alexandria. They give a map out to orient visitors to the city. Open only Friday and Saturday afternoons. They may let groups in at other times by prior arrangement. Especially important stop for anyone wishing to understand the reasons for the Domestic Slave Trade pattern of the 19th century linking Virginia and Louisiana and the Deep South.
