17 Ways to Experience the Charm of Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria beautifully blends historic allure with modern flair. Founded in 1749, this city thrived as a bustling seaport for over 40 years before Washington, DC, became the nation’s capital.

Over 200 of Alexandria's original buildings have been preserved, creating a historic atmosphere, especially in Old Town, with its tree-lined streets and charming redbrick sidewalks perfect for leisurely strolls. A variety of engaging (and not dull!) museums showcase the city’s intriguing history.

Beyond its rich history, Alexandria boasts a vibrant urban scene, featuring acclaimed restaurants, trendy boutiques, scenic parks, and a stunning waterfront along the Potomac River.

Wondering how to fully enjoy this captivating blend of old and new? Start by exploring these 17 top attractions and activities in Alexandria.

1. Explore the potion attic at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The walls of this historic apothecary are lined with rows of hand-blown medicine bottles, just as they would have been in the late 1700s when George Washington and Thomas Jefferson visited. One display includes a copy of Martha Washington's order for 'a quart bottle of his [Edward Stabler's] best castor oil' for her intestinal issues (she sadly passed from fever weeks later). However, the real gem of this longest-running business in Alexandria (1792–1933) is the upstairs mixing room, filled with mysterious bins of ingredients like Unicorn Root and Dragon's Blood.

Tip for planning: Harry Potter's birthday is celebrated here every year on July 31.

2. Connect with local artisans at the Torpedo Factory Art Center

Over 165 talented artists create their work in the sought-after studios of this three-story art center, established in 1974 at the foot of King Street. Many of their stunning creations—ranging from pottery and paintings to textiles, glassworks, and jewelry—are available for purchase, though it's also a delight to simply explore and watch the artists at work. Year-round, special events take place, including juried exhibitions, art sales, and artist discussions.

Originally a torpedo factory that operated from 1918 to 1923, the building still features remnants of its past, including a striking bright-green Mark XIV torpedo displayed in the main hall.

Local tip: The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is located on the third floor of the same building, showcasing the recent discovery of four 18th-century ships found along the city's waterfront, among other archaeological findings.

3. Enjoy outdoor cocktails along the Old Town Waterfront

Situated along the Potomac River—key to its historic success as a thriving seaport—Alexandria's waterfront has recently undergone improvements to make the most of its stunning views. Visitors can already relish the lush green spaces of Oronoco Bay and Founder's Parks, the sailboat-filled marina, and the bustling riverfront behind the Torpedo Factory, which is lined with restaurants, cruise docks, and street performers. Now, the pathways extend further south, offering even more benches, al fresco dining spots, and public art installations along the way.

Side note: Take a sunset cruise to enjoy views of nearby DC monuments; settle in at a waterfront bar or dining venue (like BARCA Pier and Wine Bar, Ada's on the River, and Vola's Dockside Grill for great options); or simply stroll along the river in this charming urban park setting.

4. Savor peanut soup at the historic Gadsby's Tavern

In the heart of Alexandria's Old Town, Gadsby's Tavern was the gathering place for George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other colonial leaders to debate the principles of democracy over pints of ale. This tavern, dating back to 1789, along with its neighboring rooming house, has been carefully preserved as a museum that offers both self-guided and guided tours. Next door, Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant features a menu filled with Early Americana dishes in an 18th-century atmosphere, complete with waitstaff in period attire. Highlights include peanut soup, vegetable pastries, and meatloaf à la Daube, alongside Washington's favorite: half a grilled duck served with scalloped potatoes, corn pudding, and rhotekraut (sweet and sour red cabbage), finished with a cherry orange glacé.

5. Take a seat in George Washington's pew at Christ Church

At this English Georgian country-style church on Washington Street, George Washington and his family occupied pews 59 and 60, having paid a substantial fee for the privilege. Constructed in 1773 by James Wren, the church retains its original features, including a Palladian chancel window and a cut-glass chandelier. Sermons during the Revolutionary War often took a political tone, advocating for independence. The surrounding churchyard is the final resting place for many early residents of Alexandria, including city founder Lord Mayor William Ramsay and his wife. The church continues to function as an active parish, with docents available for guided tours.

6. Explore unique boutiques along the King Street Mile

Lined with vibrant, flower-adorned redbrick row houses, hundreds of independent shops and eateries stretch along historic King Street from the King St–Old Town metro to the Potomac River waterfront. As you stroll, you can fill your shopping bags with an array of items, including shoes, books, designer apparel, high-end consignment finds, antiques, art, jewelry, and home goods. The restaurants offer diverse cuisines, from local seafood to Italian and Thai, with Il Porto and Fish Market being beloved staples. Enjoy a leisurely walk, or hop on the King Street Trolley for a complimentary ride to take in the sights.

Local tip: The 100 block at the foot of King Street is closed to traffic, creating a charming pedestrian-only area reminiscent of European hubs.

7. Discover the true history behind 12 Years a Slave at the Freedom House Museum

In the antebellum era, Alexandria was the nation’s second-largest hub for the human trade, trailing only New Orleans. The site on Duke Street once housed the offices of Franklin and Armfield, the most powerful slave-trading business in the South. James Birch, a later owner of Price, Birch, and Co., was responsible for the abduction of Solomon Northup, whose harrowing story is recounted in 12 Years A Slave. Northup was confined in a pen similar to those found in the basement of this house, which today features haunting exhibits and screens that share personal narratives and provide context to confront this horrific chapter in history.

8. Experience 18th-century elegance at Carlyle House

Envision the splendor of this graceful Georgian Palladian-style mansion when it first towered over the log cabins of Alexandria in 1753. Built by enslaved workers for merchant and town founder John Carlyle, this was the most prestigious residence for miles, hosting significant social and political gatherings.

Today, the house showcases a glimpse of refined 18th-century life, adorned with paintings, historical artifacts, and period furnishings in each room. The gardens feature plants familiar to Carlyle, such as boxwood parterres and a cutting garden. However, it’s the special events, like the candlelit Christmas tours, that truly capture the essence of elegant pre-Revolutionary American life.

9. Uncover the secrets of a clandestine society at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

The impressive George Washington Masonic National Memorial stands tall on a hill overlooking the King Street Mile, visible for miles around. This granite monument honors George Washington, one of the first 14 presidents who were Freemasons—a secret society committed to leading a moral and ethical life.

Inaugurated in 1932, the nine-story building is reminiscent of the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt. The first two floors feature a replica lodge room and a small museum, while the upper floors, accessible only via guided tours, house an array of Washington's personal belongings, including his family Bible, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, and a reproduction of King Solomon's throne room. At the top, an open-air observation deck offers stunning views of Alexandria and the surrounding area.

Planning tip: Be sure to check the website for current tour availability. 

10. Delve into Civil War fortifications at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

During the Civil War (1861–65), a network of forts and batteries encircled Washington, DC, with Fort Ward being the most well-preserved, located on the outskirts of Alexandria. A scenic, tree-lined path winds alongside the fort's earthworks, of which about 90% still exist; informative panels explain the sights. A small reconstructed headquarters serves as a museum displaying soldiers' uniforms, medical equipment, and various artifacts. After the war, African American families established a community in the Fort Ward area, and their history is also shared here.

Planning tip: Visit the website for the schedule of regular reenactments.

11. Visit Mount Vernon to discover that George Washington did not actually have wooden teeth (and other intriguing facts)

Although George Washington traveled extensively as a Revolutionary War general and the first president of the United States, Mount Vernon always held a special place in his heart. This historic plantation on the banks of the Potomac River, located about 8 miles south of Old Town, remains almost exactly as he would have known it.

Guided tours of the house reveal meticulously maintained rooms filled with original furnishings, including Washington's study, his bedroom (where he passed away in 1799), and the grand New Room. Surrounding the estate's 500 acres are four gardens, farm animals, and the restored quarters of enslaved people, providing deeper insight into Washington as a farmer. An award-winning educational center features interactive exhibits, films, and games that highlight Washington's life and legacy – here you'll discover that his dentures were crafted from rare hippo ivory and the teeth of enslaved individuals, not wood.

12. Honor the legacy at the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial

During the Civil War, many African Americans escaping slavery found refuge in Alexandria, a Union-held city. Some secured jobs, while others lived in overcrowded, disease-ridden barracks, leading to thousands of deaths. In 1864, land was taken on the city’s southern edge to establish a cemetery, where 1,800 contrabands and freedmen were buried before it closed in 1869. A memorial park now commemorates this burial site, featuring the sculpture The Path of Thorns and Roses, which symbolizes the struggle for freedom.

13. Discover the nation's first federal monument (and a lighthouse) at Jones Point Park

Rising majestically over the scenic Jones Point Park, one of the nation’s few remaining river lighthouses recalls a time when Alexandria's port thrived with activity. This lighthouse, operational from 1856 to 1926, featured a fifth-order Fresnel Lens, capable of shining a beam nine miles away. Now restored, it is accessible through scheduled tours. If you look closely beneath the lighthouse’s seawall, you’ll spot the South Boundary Stone, the first federal monument in the country, laid in 1791 by surveyor and mathematician Benjamin Banneker while he was defining the boundaries of the new capital, Washington, DC.

14. Paddle along the Potomac at Belle Haven Marina

Canoeing on the tranquil Potomac River, encountering ducks, great blue herons, and beavers, offers a distinctive perspective of Alexandria. Located just south of Old Town off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Belle Haven Marina rents kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and sailboats. Paddle north to admire Old Town’s brick-fronted buildings from the water, or venture south into the rich birdlife of the tidal Dyke Marsh, one of the largest freshwater tidal wetlands in the DC area. A boardwalk also meanders through Dyke Marsh for those who prefer land exploration.

Detour: Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway south to Mount Vernon.

15. Fill your picnic basket at Old Town's farmers market

George Washington used to sell his Mount Vernon produce at the Old Town's farmers market, which has operated continuously for 250 years at the same location. Today, it remains the go-to spot for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, cut flowers, soaps, jewelry, and art from over 70 vendors during peak season. You can visit every Saturday year-round, regardless of the weather, in the expansive Market Square in front of Alexandria's historic City Hall on King Street.

Planning tip: On other days, King Street offers a variety of options, from pre-made salads to pizza and gourmet chocolates, along with excellent restaurants to enjoy.

16. Wander through the beautiful gardens at River Farm

Nestled along the Potomac River, just south of Old Town, River Farm's lush gardens were once part of George Washington's five farms, although he never lived or worked here, choosing instead to rent the property. The manor house's lower level welcomes visitors with a delightful parlor and ballroom, along with breathtaking views of the river. Among the grounds, you'll spot an ancient black walnut tree and several Kentucky coffee trees, descendants of those Washington cultivated. The oldest tree here is the Osage orange, the largest in the country and possibly a gift from Thomas Jefferson to the Washington family, located in the shaded garden north of the main house. As the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, this spot is beloved by locals for picnicking, painting, birdwatching, and enjoying the stunning riverfront landscape.

17. Connect with locals in the Del Ray neighborhood

Mount Vernon Avenue runs through the lively Del Ray area, which feels a world apart from Old Town. This charming neighborhood offers a relaxed, Main Street USA vibe, perfect for exploring eclectic shops and art galleries, sipping cappuccinos, savoring international cuisine (especially El Salvadorian, Peruvian, and Nepalese), and enjoying some people-watching.

The ideal times to visit are during weekend brunch or on 'First Thursdays,' a street party with ever-changing themes held on the first Thursday of each month (previous themes include 'aloha,' 'dog days,' and 'superheroes'). This area is also home to the famed Birchmere music hall, a hotspot for folk, bluegrass, and acoustic performances, featuring regulars like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, and Emmylou Harris. Throughout the neighborhood, interpretive signs narrate Del Ray's rich history as a railroad hub.