Settled alongside the west financial institution of the Potomac River is a scenic little metropolis that oozes historic allure. Relationship again to the 18th century, Alexandria has had centuries to amass a set of sights and sights to make sure that any customer has a lot to select from.
The city that may develop into the town of Alexandria was based in 1749. Most of the metropolis’s historic options have been preserved, lending Alexandria an endearingly Previous-World really feel. The Previous City specifically, is a well-liked place to wander alongside cobbled streets and soak within the environment.
Simply south of Washington, DC, Alexandria is an ideal add-on for anybody visiting the capital. Alternatively, Alexandria makes a comfortable and quiet base from which to discover Washington DC for those who’d quite not keep within the greater, extra city metropolis. Because it’s so near the US capital metropolis, Alexandria has loads of political historical past and locations the place the Founding Fathers frequented.
If you happen to want additional convincing that Alexandria, Virginia, is nicely value a go to, then it’s best to know that, regardless of its small dimension, it’s steadily ranked as the most effective cities within the nation to go to. In 2020, it was voted by Southern Dwelling to be among the many South’s Greatest Cities and it’s one of many Prime 5 Greatest Small Cities within the U.S., in keeping with Conde Nast.
So now that we’ve completely established that Alexandria is a perfect vacation spot for a metropolis break let’s get into what precisely there’s to do there. Right here’s an inventory of the 20 finest issues to do in Alexandria, Virginia, so you will get straight into exploring this charming metropolis.
For extra concepts in Virginia and West Virginia:
Alexandria, Virginia
20 Issues To Do In Alexandria, Virginia
1- See The Historic Jones Level Lighthouse
At first look, many could not instantly recognise Jones Level Lighthouse for what it’s.
A small, wood lake home with a lantern perched on its roof, it bears little resemblance to the tower lighthouses that the majority are extra aware of.
Constructed in 1855, it was in use for underneath a century earlier than being retired in 1926.
Varied teams have tried to have the lighthouse reinstated, however have to date been unsuccessful, so don’t anticipate to see its gentle flashing throughout the river.
If the historical past of Jones Level Lighthouse isn’t sufficient to influence you to go to, then the unobstructed views throughout the Potomac River ought to do the trick.
Historic Jones Level Lighthouse is at Jones Level Park, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
2- Embrace The Conventional Stylings Of The Previous City Alexandria Waterfront
Arguably the prettiest space in the whole metropolis, the Previous City stretches alongside the waterfront, offering a whimsical, romantic environment and scenic views.
The Previous City is understood for its distinctly historic vibe, with cobbled streets, purple brick buildings, and native companies established centuries in the past.
The world is full of small museums and galleries, cosy cafes and leafy parks.
The charming streets are lined with small, unbiased companies, from stylish boutiques to fashionable bars and eating places.
House to a few of Alexandria’s finest sights, together with Jones Level, Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary, and Gadsby’s Tavern, you’ll probably end up within the Previous City anyway.
Even for those who solely have a day to spend within the metropolis, the Previous City ought to be excessive in your record of locations to go to.
1 Prince Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
3- Take pleasure in A Day Out In Jones Level Park
If you happen to’re heading out to see Jones Level Lighthouse, you may as nicely make a day of it and revel in a day stress-free on this pretty riverside park.
Jones Factors has gorgeous views throughout the water, making it the best setting for a picnic.
Jones Level Park is ideal for a laid-back household time out with two playgrounds, an academic strolling path, and frequent child-friendly occasions.
There’s a lot for grown-ups to do too.
There are areas for launching canoes and kayaks and several other fishing factors, so it’s fairly the hive of exercise on sunny days.
Jones Level Drive, Alexandria, Virginia, 23242.
4- Study About The Metropolis’s Historical past At Carlyle Home
Constructed round 1753, Carlyle Home is a surprising manor positioned proper on the coronary heart of the Previous City.
A fantastic instance of the mid-Georgian fashion, furnished as it will have been within the 18th century, Carlyle Home presents a flawless glimpse of the magnificence of ages previous.
Guests can tour the home and surrounding decorative gardens.
Varied occasions are additionally hosted at Carlyle Home Historic Park, from historic re-enactments to concert events and even common yoga courses.
Carlyle Home Historic Park is at 121 North Fairfax Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
5- Catch A Boat To Mount Vernon Wharf
Simply south of Alexandria is Mount Vernon, as soon as the property of George Washington.
Among the finest methods to journey to the property from Alexandria is to catch a ship from Alexandria Metropolis Marina all the way down to Mount Vernon Wharf.
It’s a laid-back journey that allows you to loosen up and take within the scenic views alongside the banks as you drift down river.
The wharf is of historic significance, having been the primary entry level to the property for hundreds of years.
The charming wood pier understandably wanted some restoration work by 1991, the completion of which was commemorated by a go to from Queen Elizabeth II.
6- Discover The Stabler – Leadbetter Apothecary Museum
Inbuilt 1775 and established because the native apothecary in 1792, the Stabler-Leadbetter apothecary has been a landmark of Alexandria virtually because the metropolis’s founding.
The apothecary remained as a household enterprise, handed down by the generations, till it was sadly pushed to shut by the Nice Despair.
Instantly recognised for its historic significance as one of many oldest apothecaries within the nation, it reopened as a museum in 1939.
It has since been exquisitely preserved, with the shop furnished and introduced as it will have been when it was final buying and selling, proper all the way down to having the merchandise displayed in the identical spots.
Stabler – Leadbetter Apothecary Museum is at 105-107 South Fairfax Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
7- Soak In The Displays At The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
I discussed earlier that Alexandria has a number of places linked to the founding fathers, and the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is considered one of them.
Because the title suggests, the museum was as soon as a bustling tavern the place the founding fathers are identified to have dined on at the least one event.
Many of the tavern buildings have been transformed right into a museum to guard and show the location’s historic significance.
Costumed actors and tour guides assist add to the immersive expertise and to essentially immerse your self in historical past, cease for a meal.
A number of the tavern’s eating rooms have been transformed right into a fine-dining restaurant providing glorious meals and a surprising environment.
Take pleasure in a comfortable, candle-lit lunch or dinner the place the founding fathers as soon as did the identical.
The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is at 134 North Royal Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
8- Discover The Lee – Fendall Home Museum & Backyard
The Lee-Fendall Home is one other lovely, historic location in Alexandria’s Previous City.
Inbuilt 1785, and boasting varied additions and modifications from over the centuries, Lee-Fendall Home is a stunning instance of the completely different architectural fashions the realm has seen.
The home was a household house for many of its existence, having been handed down by varied generations and several other distinguished households.
The home and surrounding gardens have been transformed right into a museum and opened to guests in 1974.
Between its allure and historical past, the Lee-Fendall home is a vital cultural location listed on registers, together with the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Lee – Fendall Home is at 614 Oronoco Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
9- Go to The Alexandria Black Historical past Museum
For a glance into one other aspect of Alexandria’s historical past, wander across the Alexandria Black Historical past Museum.
Housed within the Nineteen Forties Robert Robinson library, the primary within the metropolis to welcome African Individuals, the museum has displays about Alexandria’s black inhabitants.
Common occasions are additionally held right here to teach guests additional and enrich the area people.
Alexandria Black Historical past Museum is at 902 Wythe Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
10- Take A Journey To The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Web site
Just a little means outdoors of the town centre, the previous Fort Ward in Alexandria West has authentic buildings and stations which were preserved, offering a glance again at what a civil battle period army put up would have been like.
You’ll be able to discover the grounds, varied buildings and even full-sized cannons.
Frequent civil battle re-enactments are additionally held right here, providing an much more immersive expertise.
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Web site is at 4301 West Braddock Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22304.
11- Be Amazed By The George Washington Masonic Nationwide Memorial
One other celebration of George Washington’s legacy, the Masonic Nationwide Memorial commemorates the primary president’s contributions to the masonic order.
The grand halls are lined with marble pillars, spectacular murals, and varied statues and portraits.
Look by the displays to find out about this distinctive facet of Washington’s life and the masonic traditions.
Occasions are held all year long too, so there could also be one thing so that you can get personally concerned with.
The constructing alone is value visiting, and with its classical, columned corridor topped with a four-story tower hovering 333 toes (101 metres) tall, you’ll haven’t any hassle recognizing it.
George Washington Masonic Nationwide Memorial 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia, 22301.
12- Witness The Magnificence Of Alexandria’s Washington Monument
Alexandria’s Washington Monument is an understated but elegant set up, perched proper by the waterfront of Canal Centre Plaza within the Previous City.
The monument consists of a single marble obelisk set amongst the bushes.
The Washington Monument shares the plaza with a sculpture backyard, so you possibly can benefit from the distinction between the clear strains of the obelisk and the extra intricate particulars of the summary sculptures.
13- Research The Structure Of Mount Vernon
A brief means south of Alexandria is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s previous property, which you will get to both by automobile or by boat from Alexandria Metropolis Marina to Mount Vernon Wharf.
The grand home and grounds can be found to tour by the general public.
The property is furnished and introduced within the fashion of the interval by which George Washington lived, with lots of his personal private objects on show.
Mount Vernon is at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Freeway, Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia, 22121.
14- Expertise Rural Facet At River Farm
Take a break from the town and the frenzy of sightseeing by escaping to River Farm.
Simply south of Alexandria, the farm is positioned proper on the banks of the Potomac River.
The beneficiant gardens of River Farm are good for having fun with the view throughout the water in a extra peaceable setting than the town’s parks can present.
As the house to the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, you possibly can ensure that the gardens will at all times be beautiful, regardless of the season.
You can even look across the historic River Farm manor home together with the tranquil gardens.
River Farm is at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia, 22308.
15- Loosen up And Take pleasure in The Views In Founders Park
One other great place for whenever you wish to sit back and loosen up is Founders Park.
Positioned proper on the coronary heart of Alexandria Previous City and overlooking the Potomac River, Founders Park is surrounded by cafes, retailers, and museums.
It’s ideally suited for whenever you want a fast break from sightseeing.
Positioned proper subsequent to the Previous City Harbour, you possibly can typically sit and watch the boats drifting out and in of the little marina.
Founders Park is at 351 North Union Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
16- Uncover The Previous In The Washington Household Tomb
On the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Property lies the Washington Household Tomb.
The tomb was constructed as per requested in George Washington’s will and is now the ultimate resting place for over 25 members of his household, together with the person himself.
The tomb might be visited by these wishing to pay respects to the primary president of america.
The stone sarcophagi of George Washington and his spouse Martha might be seen by the tomb’s iron gates.
The Washington Household Tomb is at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Freeway, Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia, 22309.
17- Go For A Stroll Round The Ford Orientation Heart
Cease by the Ford Orientation Centre to take advantage of your time at Mount Vernon.
The centre supplies customer data, guides, and assets that will help you plan learn how to spend your day across the property.
Together with the data desk, the Ford Orientation Centre additionally displays varied artefacts of its personal.
A number of the shows you possibly can get pleasure from are bronze statues of the Washington household, miniature replicas of the property buildings, and stained-glass murals depicting moments from George’s life.
The Ford Orientation Heart is at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Freeway, The Common’s Retailer, Alexandria, Virginia, 22309.
18- See The Displays In The Donald W. Reynolds Museum
Simply subsequent door to the Ford Orientation Centre is the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Training Centre, with over 700 artefacts and displays displayed in 23 rooms.
The museum presents the proper introduction to the historical past of the Mount Vernon property.
Varied occasions and particular exhibitions are held right here, too, so make sure that to test the schedule to see what’s on throughout your go to.
Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Training Centre is at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Freeway, Alexandria, Virginia, 22309.
19- Step Again In Historical past At The Alexandria Historical past Museum
Pay a go to to the Alexandria Historical past Museum on the Lyceum to study extra in regards to the historical past of the town of Alexandria itself.
Housed inside an imposing 1830s home, the museum chronicles the event of Alexandria from its founding by to the current day.
With over 5000 artefacts to peruse, you’re positive to study some attention-grabbing secrets and techniques about Alexandria’s previous.
The Alexandria Historical past Museum is at 201 South Washington Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
20- Go to The Nation’s Capital In Washington D.C.
As I discussed earlier, Alexandria is only a few miles south of Washington, DC and a brief journey to the opposite aspect of the Potomac River, the place you possibly can immerse your self within the political historical past of america capital metropolis.
With its huge white dome, america Capitol Constructing is among the many most recognisable constructions within the nation.
Positioned within the Nationwide Mall, it’s surrounded by different main sights just like the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and, after all, the White Home.
With so many massively iconic sights, a visit into the capital is a should whenever you’re this shut.
Helpfully, with most of Washington, DC’s massive sights packed into such a small space, you received’t have to put aside an excessive amount of time to see the whole lot.
For extra locations to go to within the Southern states see:
