Things to do in Alexandria

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Alexandria

Types of activities

Where to stay

Alexandria travel guide

Alexandria featuring café lifestyle, a small town or village and street scenes

Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes a garden

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What to do in Alexandria

Popular places to visit

George Washington's Mount Vernon

5/5(2 reviews)

Gain fascinating insights into the life of America’s first president at this beautifully restored country estate set on the shores of the Potomac River.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

See the views from the observation deck of this iconic memorial, which is dedicated to the contributions of Freemasons, and specifically George Washington, to the United States.

Alexandria City Hall

After visiting Alexandria City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Alexandria. Discover the area's great live music and shops.

Market Square

4/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Alexandria with a stop at Market Square. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the notable monuments in the area.

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House during your trip to Mount Vernon. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

During your trip to Arlington, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Fashion Center at Pentagon City. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Birchmere

Get tickets for a show at Birchmere, a popular theatre in Alexandria. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Torpedo Factory Art Center, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Alexandria. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its fascinating museums.

United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum

You can browse the exhibits at United States Patent and Trademark Office Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Alexandria. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Areas of Alexandria

Groveton

Groveton is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Huntley Meadows Park and Greendale Golf Course.

Rose Hill

Golf courses and sporting events are just a few things travellers like about Rose Hill. A stop by Greendale Golf Course is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Lincolnia

The restaurants and gardens are just a few features travellers like about Lincolnia. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, The St. James Sports Complex and Signature Theatre are a few top places to visit.

Landmark

Even though there aren't top sights in Landmark, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like The St. James Sports Complex. Jump on the metro at Van Dorn Station to see more of the city.

Franconia

If you're spending some time in Franconia, Regal Kingstowne and TopGolf Alexandria are top sights worth seeing.

West End

When in West End, you can plan a visit to Fort Ward and Signature Theatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Washington

Lorton

Frequently asked questions

Is Alexandria worth visiting?

Famous for its history and festivals, finding fun things to do in Alexandria is simple. Make sure to add National Mall to your itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Alexandria?

After you've visited major attractions like Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture, spend some time experiencing Alexandria's retail and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Alexandria?

National Mall is one of the top tourist attractions in Alexandria and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Alexandria?

Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city attractions, including National Mall, National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of Natural History. The average stay in Alexandria is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Washington isn't far away.

Is Alexandria a walkable city?

That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Alexandria. Several sights, such as The Capital Wheel and National Children's Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Alexandria's best neighbourhoods, Old Town Alexandria is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Eisenhower East is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Alexandria with kids?

Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Alexandria with kids.

What to do in Alexandria for adults?

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or adventure seeker, there are lots of things to do in Alexandria for adults including George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill and K Street.

Are there free things to do in Alexandria?

One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Alexandria is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without getting your cash out. National Mall is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.