Are you looking for unique and fun things to do in Old Town Alexandria? I have some great suggestions that involve history, fun, and food.
I explored Old Town Alexandria during one of my trips to Washington DC. The town is colorful and being a history lover, I was drawn by its vintage buildings and small-town charm.
Located just down the Potomac River 30 minutes from Washington DC, Old Town Alexandria is a historic town, worth visiting in Virginia. This historic port city reminds me of Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, SC.
Founded in 1749, the Old Town of Alexandria boasts beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century colonial architecture, making it one of the most charming destinations in the USA. Alexandria was named for the family of John Alexander, a Virginia planter who in 1669 acquired the tract on which the town began.
Old Town Alexandria is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or weekend with a beautiful waterfront, delicious restaurants, plenty of shopping, and lots of history to explore. I highly recommend spending one full day during your Washington DC Trip.
From the weekend farmer’s market in the town square and historic buildings to the spooky ghost tours around town, the place is rich with history. It has a peaceful, quiet, small-town vibe to it, making it a lovely place for a relaxing trip. The town is super walkable and charming!
The Old Town Alexandria also makes perfect for a weekend trip to escape the hustle and bustle of DC for a short staycation with so many places to see and restaurants to enjoy! Here are some of my favorite things to do in Old Town Alexandria.
Best Things to Do and See in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Walk the Historic Streets
Old Town Alexandria is full of history and architecture. One of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria is to walk the cute streets. You’ll find some amazing hidden gems just by walking around.
Even though most of the things to see and do in Alexandria lie along King Street, make sure you also visit other major streets such as Duke Street, Queen Street, and Princess Street. Some of these streets are cobblestoned, and as you can note, they were named after noble and royal figures.
Don’t miss the Freedom House Museum (1315 Duke St). It was once the headquarters of domestic slave-trading firms, this museum is dedicated to the lives and stories of the enslaved people who passed through it.
Grab a coffee at Misha’s or Cafe du Soleil and meander through the streets to admire the beautiful architecture with all the colors and brick!
Spot the Skinniest Historic House in America
Yes, you heard it right! Old Town Alexandria is home to the narrowest house and holds the record in the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s tiny and one of the best photo spots in Old Town Alexandria.
Spite House is 7 feet wide, about 25 feet deep, and 325 square feet in two stories home and landmark located at 523, Queen Street.
The legend goes that it was built in an alleyway when people kept walking down the alleyway loudly at night. So, in 1830 John Hollensbury, the owner of one of the adjacent houses built the house out of spite to keep people from walking through! It’s the tiniest house I’ve ever seen, and it makes for a great stroll!
See Captains Row
Captain’s Row(100th block of Prince Street) is the oldest block in Old Town Alexandria, with the cobblestone street leading right down to the waterfront. The homes there are beautiful, and residents decorate for different holidays throughout the year. It’s worth a stroll through this cobblestone street. Visiting this place during Halloween is a different charm!
Find Cute Murals and Arts
There are several different spots to find cool murals and art throughout Old Town Alexandria. Visit a gallery or walk the streets and find some awesome street art! More on the details of murals in this article. Most of them are in the Del Ray neighborhood of the town.
Explore a Torpedo Factory
One of the absolute best things to do in Old Town Alexandria is to visit Torpedo Art Factory. Here you’ll find tons of local D.C. artists painting, creating, and displaying their beautiful shops.
The Torpedo Factory is the former U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, a naval munitions factory on the banks of the Potomac River. In 1974, it was converted into an art center.
Today, more than 82 artists have studios here, is home to the nation’s largest collection of working artists’ open studios under one roof. This means there is no shortage of spots to explore and most importantly you can buy original artwork from artists here!
It’s open from 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, with special events and activities on weekends.
Know the Revolutionary history at the Carlyle House
Carlyle House is a historic mansion built by Scottish merchant John Carlyle in 1751–53 who was the founder of Alexandria. It’s now a museum that exhibits about different American Revolution events. There is also a beautiful garden in the back.
The first floor is free to explore, and the second/third floors require a tour ($8). It is situated on North Fairfax Street between Cameron and King Streets.
Eat at Gadsyb’s Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern is an absolute must-have thing to do in Old Town Alexandria. The historic American decor matches the energy of the town. Gadsby’s Tavern is a historic tavern that operated in the 17080s onward. Presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams stayed there while on trips to Washington, DC.
Today, there is a special restaurant here that serves food and you can take a moment to journey back to an 18th-century tavern where famous historical figures dined! It’s located at the corner of N. Royal and Cameron Street
Take a Ghost Tour
Ghost tours are a must in Old Town! Because the town was founded back in the 1700s, some spooky stories live on to this day. There are very old cemeteries, houses, and more throughout Old Town. The tours are fun as guides dress up in period costumes to set the mood for your ghost tour.
If you’re looking for a ghost tour that involves alcohol—good news, there’s a Frights and Pints Tour that takes you to some of the most haunted buildings and pubs in the area.
Take Free Trolley on King Street
The King Street Trolley is a delightful experience and it’s easy to hop on and off, too! It runs every 15 minutes between Alexandria City Hall/Market Square and the King St – Old Town Metrorail station from 11 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week, including holidays.
The trolley stops every two to three blocks and you can check this map to consult the full route. It’s such a quick and easy way to navigate the heart of Old Town if you don’t feel like walking!
Upon stepping off the free trolley, meander the quiet cobble-stoned streets, past the historical colonial home, and discover the unique shops hidden on the side streets and artsy alleyways. There is so much history to be discovered here, and you’ll find historic stone plaques on the brick homes dating back to the early 1700s!
Shopping on King Street
You can find all sorts of shops and restaurants along King Street. Outdoor seating is plentiful and the historic buildings are beautiful to look at. There are over 70 independent small businesses, shops, and boutiques along King Street so it’s the perfect place to support locals and find unique things for you or your loved ones!
Old Town Books is also a must for book lovers! Similar to the shops, there are some amazing spots for food on King Street.
Visit Oldest Farmer’s Market in the USA
Every Saturday for the last 200 years, this farmers’ market has been open to the public, known as the USA’s longest-running market! George Washington used to bring produce from his farms here to sell! It’s located directly under Market Square Plaza from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM year-round. So if you’re in town on the weekend, must visit this local spot.
Visit the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and Park
Like the Washington DC Wharf, Old Town Alexandria has a beautiful bustling Waterfront. One of my favorite things to do in Old Town Alexandria is to walk the waterfront. You’ll see some docks that are open to the public with large gazebos at the end. These offer a great view of National Harbor and put you right on the water.
This is a great spot to dine, walk around, take a ride along the Potomac River, and imagine how life was in this major 18th-century port city.
When visiting Alexandria, don’t miss out on its waterfront parks:
- Oronoco Bay Park
- Founders Park
- Windmill Hill Park
- Rivergate City Park
- Jones Point Park: look for the lighthouse here!
Also, you can check out a few of the restaurants at Waterfront for eating. They offer beautiful views and happy hour cocktails.
Go For Ice Cream Crawl
If you’re going to Old Town Alexandria, one thing you have to do is to eat ice cream. Old Town Alexandria is home to over ten different ice cream shops. You’ll need to try the famous Ice cream shops here while you’re walking around.
A few famous ice cream places to try are:
- Casa Rosada Gelato
- The Creamery
- Dolci Gelati Café (their selection is large!)
- Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream (must try this traditional shop)
George Washington Masonic Temple
The George Washington National Masonic Memorial is just one of many historic landmarks in the town. If you’re a history buff, this site is one of the must-visit! The memorial is a symbol of the Freemason’s respect for George Washington(the first president of the United States) and their role in shaping the United States. The memorial showcases Washington’s beliefs and character as a Freemason.
The Memorial was built in the 1920s by American Freemasons. It is a nine-story neoclassical structure and is known as the largest-scale private memorial to honor Washington. The architecture is stunning and worth visiting. From the observation deck of the 9th floor, you can get 360-degree views of Old Town Alexandria, District of British Columbia, and surrounding places.
Plan your visit to the Memorial here to purchase your tickets in advance and to schedule group tours. Admission is $20 per person and free parking is available on the premises.
Ride the Bikes along Mount Vernon Trail
Mount Vernon is George Washington’s home in Virginia and this trail connects Old Town Alexandria to Mount Vernon. The trail is nearly 18 miles long and follows the Potomac River’s Virginia shoreline. It begins at Theodore Roosevelt Island and continues through Alexandria, ending at Mount Vernon.
Pick up a bike from Old Town and cruise along the Mount Vernon Trail. Even you can bike one way and can even take a boat in return. I’d recommend going north, toward DC, to Gravelly Point, where you can watch planes fly over into Washington Reagan Airport and enjoy a great view of the monuments. The trail is primarily flat and makes for a beautiful ride for the whole family!
Enjoy a Scenic Cruise Over the Potomac River
Seeing Old Town, and DC, in general, from the water is one of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria.
You can also join a historic boat cruise on the Tall Ship Providence, a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy. Step back in time and take on the role of a sailor under the command of the legendary Captain John Paul Jones during an immersive one-hour dockside tour at the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center.
So, just come aboard to tour the ship, meet a historic figure, and get a taste of what life was like aboard an 18th-century sloop.
You can also opt for an excursion with City Cruises, connecting the Wharf to Georgetown in Washington DC, Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, and George Washington’s estate in Mt Vernon.
Visit Local Breweries & sample craft Beer
No trip to Virginia is complete without sampling a craft beer or wine. Just head to any local pub or restaurant or head to the brewery in Alexandria’s West End to experience the tasting room or sip outside in the beautiful setting.
You can check out the award-winning craft beer from Port City Brewing Company or sample the creative brews at Aslin Beer Company and continue your craft beverage tour by checking out Lost Boy Cider, Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery.
Take a Guided Walking Tour
If you’re looking for a history tour of Old Town, you can take a self-guided historical walking tour, I’d recommend stopping by the Visitor’s Center right on King Street. The Visitor’s Center is worth a stop regardless—it’s in a historic building and they have lots of helpful maps and brochures/discounts for local attractions.
Enjoy the Yearly Holiday festivities taking place in Alexandria
President’s Day is celebrated across the USA yearly every third Monday in February. This date honors all past Presidents of the United States. The commemoration arose because two of the most important Presidents in American history, George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12), were born during this month.
Since George Washington was a distinguished figure playing a key role in shaping Alexandria’s history, the city celebrates him with parades, performances, and dances, the most remarkable being the yearly George Washington’s birthday parade.
In addition to this celebration, make sure to write down these additional happenings in Alexandria:
- Historic Homes & Garden Tour (April): the spring season is perfect for touring gorgeous Old Town homes and gardens as part of the Annual Historic Garden Week of Virginia.
- Portside in Old Town (June): Kick off summer with a two-day festival of live music, local food and beer, and hands-on arts and history activities.
- Alexandria Old Town Art Festival (September): this annual art festival features a variety of works by artists from all over the country.
- Historic Alexandria Homes Tour (September): enjoy an autumnal walking tour of beautiful homes, gardens, and backyard entertaining spaces in Old Town.
- Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (December): celebrate the Christmas season and Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with dozens of Scottish clans, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region.
- Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (December): the city’s historic waterfront shines as numerous brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River.
How To Get To Old Town Alexandria?
Old Town Alexandria is very accessible via Metro from Washington DC. Just take the King Street-Old Town stop on the Blue or Yellow line.
Once you’re at the King Street-Old Town Station, you can easily hop on and off the free trolley to explore the historic district.
In addition to the trolley, you can also hop on the free DASH metro buses running the same route (such as line 30/Old Town Circulator, line 31/Old Town Circulator, King St Trolley). Check the schedules for additional information.
It’s also very easy to drive to Old Town Alexandria especially if you’re coming from Washington DC. Once you’re here, look for street parking near King Street. Usually, it is for two hours and you can pay with the Parkmobile app.
If for some reason you can’t find street parking, there are several well-marked garages in the Old Town. You’ll pay at least $10-15 to park for a day, so it’s not the cheapest, but good for the day!
If the above options look hassle to you and want a more unique form of transportation, definitely check out the water taxi that runs from Georgetown to Old Town Alexandria.
What to see and do beyond Old Town Alexandria
As you can read, there are certainly plenty of things to see and do in Alexandria. But it is also worth exploring beyond it. Here are some ideas on what to visit around Alexandria:
- Visit Washington DC: the Capital of the USA, just a few minutes away from Alexandria.
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House: located just 10 miles south of Old Town, Wright designed this one-of-a-kind L-shaped home in 1940.
- Great Falls Park: 800-acre national park in Virginia just 35 minutes from Old Town Alexandria.
- Shenandoah National Park: just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington DC, this is the best national park with beautiful hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and fields of wildflowers.
FAQs About Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Can You Walk Around Old Town Alexandria?
Yes, you can easily walk around Old Town Alexandria. You can easily walk the downtown area, King Street, and beyond. You can take art art-inspired walk or an architecture-themed excursion to a waterfront side stroll and more in Old Town Alexandria.
How Many Days Do You Need in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia?
There are tons of attractions to see in Old Town Alexandria, but if you’re on limited time, 2 days are enough to cover the major highlights of the city. You can cover historic landmarks, walk downtown, and try some delicious food.
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