EST
Alexandria

VA

1749

Things to Do in Alexandria, VA

Couple Biking Down King Street In Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, Virginia is a city where waterfront dining and centuries of history share the same block, where arts and culture, independent boutiques and neighborhood dining scenes are woven through the city’s distinct and walkable communities.

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Washington, D.C. or a longer getaway, there’s always more to discover. Voted a Travel + Leisure Top 10 Best City in the U.S. 2026 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2025.

A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria hums 200+ independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and a waterfront that keeps reinventing itself, all surrounding the walkable King Street. It’s the heart of the city and the perfect place to start.

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Start Here: Alexandria’s Top Experiences

Use these as your starting point, then give yourself permission to wander. The best Alexandria stories are often the ones you unlock on your own.

Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

Spite House in Old Town Alexandria

Fall in Alexandria

A row of colorful storefronts and parked cars along a tree-lined street in autumn, with orange and yellow leaves framing the scene.

Things to Do on the Alexandria Waterfront

The Alexandria Waterfront At Dusk

Historic Attractions and Museums

Carlyle House

Things to Do This Weekend in Alexandria, VA

A woman in a white dress walks on a brick path toward the camera, with a large, historic beige building behind her under a blue sky with some clouds. The building has tall chimneys and symmetrical windows.

Alexandria Neighborhoods Guide

Visitor Guide

A smiling family walks together outdoors at a lively street market, with the woman gesturing as she talks, the man holding her hand, and a girl in front wearing overalls. Other people and market stalls are in the background.

Exploring & Getting Around During City Hall & Market Square Renovations

Alexandria City Hall and Market Square are undergoing renovations, but independent shops, restaurants, museums and historic attractions remain open. Discover the nearby businesses and museums impacted by the project. With parking limited, we encourage visitors to consider using transit. Plan your visit and learn more below.

Learn More

Choose Things to Do by Interest

Whether you are here for a girlfriends’ getaway, an anniversary trip or a family vacation, there is plenty to do. Check out our ideas, from boutique shopping to specialty tours, below. The best way to unlock Alexandria’s rich history and culture is with our Key to the City attractions pass.

People enjoy outdoor dining under red umbrellas on a lively street lined with restaurants, including an ice cream shop, on a sunny day. Trees and flower planters decorate the scene as pedestrians walk by.
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Three women walk down a brick sidewalk, carrying shopping bags and smiling, in front of shops with large windows and hanging signs on a sunny day. Trees line the street, and a man is seen in the background.
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Three women sit at an outdoor restaurant table by the water, laughing and enjoying food and drinks on a sunny day. A bridge and a fourth person sitting alone are visible in the background.
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A group of five people walk through a brick gate with a tour guide in a white shirt at the entrance of Carlyle House, surrounded by trees and historical signage.
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New Year's Eve Fireworks displayed over Old Town Alexandria.
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Cyclist on Mount Vernon Trail
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A family of four takes a selfie with a smiling costumed historical reenactor outside a large stone colonial-era building on a sunny day.
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Explore Alexandria’s Neighborhoods

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Alexandria’s neighborhoods each offer something meaningfully different and invite you to linger a little longer. Old Town is where centuries of history meet a thriving waterfront and more than 200 independent shops and restaurants. Del Ray brings a creative, community-driven energy with public art, local dining and wellness destinations. The West End is home to international cuisine, craft breweries and expansive parks. And Arlandria-Chirilagua reflects the rich Latino heritage and global flavors that make Alexandria’s dining scene so distinctive. Wherever you start, there’s always more to discover.

Alexandria Neighborhoods Guide

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Photos submitted by Alexandria visitors like you.