Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
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The 7 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia (VA)
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. Manumission Tour Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 94 reviews
Manumission Tour Company curates guided cultural heritage tours designed to highlight Alexandria’s extensive African American History. Owned by a fourth generation Alexandria, this company offers weekend guided walking February thru December. Our signature tour "Freedom’s Fight in Alexandria” is a 90 minute guided walking tour on the streets of Old Town which will give participants insight into Alexandria's pre-civil war history of urban slavery, and highlight runaway slaves, like Oscar Ball, and abolitionists, such as pharmacist Edward Stabler, who fought back against the "Peculiar Institution" of slavery.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. River Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
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.
Reviewed By avril-1974 - Arlington, United States
I visited River Farm recently after a friend told me about their beautiful gardens. Well she wasn’t kidding. It is charming and delightful - a gardener’s paradise. It’s just off of the GW Parkway on your way to Mount Vernon. They are rolling hills, meticulous gardens and a view of the Potomac River. Just lovely.
6. Jones Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By ITRT
Another visit to Jones Point Park and I have come to appreciate it more. Again, it did not disappoint! Jones Point has it all: open spaces, beautiful views, a lighthouse, the first boundary stone for the District of Columbia, paved and well-marked bicycle paths, basketball courts, restroom facilities, benches, fishing, paved and dirt trails, a playground, and large grassy areas suitable for a picnic. Just as interesting is the underbelly of the Wilson Bridge. It is amazing construction. Be sure to look for the copper-color pyramid so you can see George Washington’s corner stone marking the south corner of Washington, D.C. The lighthouse was first lit in 1856. There are signs describing the events of the area including the beginning of the Nation’s capital, the first people on Jones Point, Battery Rodgers and several more happenings. There is a fantastic boardwalk. If you follow it, you will end up at the waterfront area of Old Alexandria. Adequate free parking is available. We visited during a weekday, so I am not sure about weekend parking. This park is family and dog friendly too. Highly recommend this gem.
7. National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 57 reviews
The National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum, located at the United States Patent and Trademark Office Headquarters, is the National Monument to Innovation® that allows you to step into a world of inspiration, challenge and discovery. Inside the museum, visitors can explore the stories and inventions of more than 540 National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees, through the one-of-a-kind Gallery of Icons™ exhibit, original artifacts and inspirational videos. Celebrate the story of intellectual property and its significance to progress, innovation and culture in the Intellectual Property Power exhibit. There, you will discover the importance of trademarks and patents and how they make modern amenities possible. After exploring, test your knowledge of iconic trademarks, logos and sound marks on various interactive kiosks throughout the museum.
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