Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
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10 Things to do 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. 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.
2. 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
3. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,765 reviews
Quaint old seaport section of Alexandria on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By TorquayIain - Torquay, United Kingdom
we stayed at the Embassy Suites at the top of King Street near the metro station and thoroughly enjoyed our strolls down King Street with its plethora of small stores and eating establishments, very nice area and would stay again.
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. Old Town Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,282 reviews
Reviewed By Diane22309 - Alexandria, United States
You haven’t fully appreciated Alexandria if you haven’t been to its downtown Waterfront. Whether you tour the Torpedo Factory’s spaces filled with artisans, watch the coming and going of the ships, feed the sea gulls or enjoy a meal at the Chart House, there is something for everyone.
6. 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.
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. Huntley Meadows Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By SherlockHolmesRun - Falls Church, United States
This is my favorite park in the area and has been since I was a child. But this review is specifically for those visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic: I found it harder to socially distance here than at other local parks. Though the boardwalk is pretty wide, this isn't really a place to just keep a steady walking pace. You'll want to stop and look for wildlife or watch birds or set up to take photos. While I was there, the park was packed with people and it was hard to maintain a safe distance from others. Avoid peak times and weekends if you can. When we went (10:30 AM on a Sunday), the entire parking lot was full and we had to park on the road-already a bad sign. That said, it's so popular for a reason. This is a GORGEOUS wetland environment with all kinds of birds, amphibians, turtles, and more! It's such an astonishing sight so close to DC. From the wide open views of the wetlands to the beautifully constructed boardwalks and observation tower to the stunning forests and informative signs, it's like the ideal park! Another note for visitors: there isn't much of a picnic area here. We brought a picnic and discovered that their picnic shelter had no tables (some families were sitting under it on blankets). We opted instead for a cozy, shady bench near the closed nature center-- but we'd recommend eating before you go!
10. Alexandria - National Harbor Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By breinhaugen - Fargo, United States
This was our third year visiting the area. This year we used a water taxi. We rented a nice Airbnb in Old Alexandria and we found the water taxi to be a quick, convenient, and scenic way to travel. It took us about 25 minutes to travel from Washington D.C. to Alexandria. The captain of the boat pointed out different buildings along the way. We also were able to bypass the terrible D.C. car traffic! Even though it was mid-December it wasn't that cold. You can sit outside or inside.
