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Whether a PCS move made you the new kid on the block or you’re already living in Alexandria looking for a new adventure, there are plenty of sites to see and things to do in the city. The trick is to make sure your family checks off as many attractions as possible before it’s time to move again.
Because Alexandria is close to Washington, DC, big names in tourism like the Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Lincoln Memorial often sidetrack new residents. Once you’ve lived here a while, residents realize it's best to save those iconic monuments and museums for the fall and winter months when tourists aren’t running mad dashes through the heat and humidity to fit each one into three days.
During those crowded days, do yourself a favor and hit the unique opportunities in and around Alexandria. There’s plenty of history, art, and culture to rival the DC offerings.
1. Walking Tours of Alexandria
A great way to learn your bearings and street names is to sign up for a walking tour. Self-guided and professionally guided options exist, with plenty to choose from. Of course, ghost tours are always popular, but you'll also find colonial history, food, beer and wine, and, yes, even dessert here.
Not sure where to look? Alexandria’s Visitor Center is a helpful resource.
Photo from Heather Whitfield
2. Hiking and Biking
The Mount Vernon Trail is beloved by tourists and residents alike. Walking, biking, or hiking along the Potomac’s shores offers views of Virginia’s wooded banks. You’ll also see Maryland’s riverbanks, flights in and out of Reagan International Airport, and cityscapes. The National Park Service cares for the 18-mile paved trail that stretches from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Living on or near The Parkway, as it’s known, is a perk that many commuters (by both bike and car) to the Pentagon and Fort Belvoir look for when buying or renting a house in Alexandria.
Other popular locations for outdoor fun:
3. Experience History
Alexandria, Virginia's historical significance is due to its role as a port city during the colonial era, pivotal in the American Revolution, and now cherished for its well-preserved historic district and cultural heritage.
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Mount Vernon
There’s no way to separate George and Martha Washington from Alexandria’s history. The Washington family and the city are intricately intertwined, making it hard to distinguish where his properties ended and began. Our first president farmed the Mount Vernon and Fort Hunt areas, which now house many in-demand homes.
Washington’s most cherished property was certainly his home at Mount Vernon. Although privately owned, the plantation welcomes millions of visitors annually and is typically on any must-do list for Washington, DC.
Military families who remain in Alexandria often take advantage of Mount Vernon memberships, as they usually pay for themselves after one visit. Because of its easy-to-find location and the myriad of exhibitions, events, and festivals, it's best to plan to visit more than once a year.
Pro tip: Guest passes come with memberships and are perfect for the dozens of friends and family who will inevitably want to visit while you're in Alexandria. See our insider tips for your visit to Mount Vernon.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Speaking of George Washington (See, it's hard to exclude him!), the George Washington Masonic National Memorial offers another perspective of him and his dedication to the Mason way of life. If you live near this part of Alexandria, keep your snow sleds close, as this memorial hosts sledding days when a few inches of snow stick to the ground.
For history with a Harry Potter twist, visit the Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, where tours and birthday parties have Harry Potter fans in mind.
4. Explore Old Town and the Waterfront
A simple stroll through Old Town is a day of entertainment by itself. You'll find everything from boutique and antique shopping to museums, art galleries, and waterside lounges for sunset cocktails.
Photo from Heather Whitfield
The Torpedo Factory isn’t what it sounds like anymore, but instead houses artists of all media. Whether creating or selling, someone in the building is perfecting their craft.
The restaurant choices are so superior that it can be overwhelming to choose one. While walking King Street, make time to visit at least one of the ice cream parlors. If a hot day makes walking unbearable, take advantage of the free King Street Trolley, which covers the most popular destinations on the length of King Street.
Photo from Heather Whitfield
Old Town is also the perfect docking spot for a boat tour up and down the Potomac. Options vary in size and amenities, so it's likely one fits your itinerary. Water taxis are popular and shuttle guests to fun places like the National Harbor and Nationals Park. A stop by the Carlyle House Historic Park in Old Town is a must.
These things are only a taste of the things to see and do in Alexandria. The city is family-friendly and offers year-round adventures from parades to festivals and fireworks. There is truly something to explore every weekend and holiday!
