The best way to unlock Alexandria’s rich culture and history is with our Key to the City attractions pass. From Alexandria’s co-founders to the nation’s first president and from the Civil War to civil rights, learn about our remarkable history and walk amongst original 18th-and 19th-century architecture preserved by a city dedicated to honoring its past. Plus, enjoy discounts on some of the top regional attractions.
For only $20 (a $60 value!) the Key to the City attractions pass includes:
Here for 24 hours or less? Have several days to spend exploring? Below are some suggested ways to utilize our Key to the City. Be sure to check the hours noted on the Key to the City for each historic site, as hours of operation vary by site and several are closed on Mondays. All museums are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day (except Mount Vernon, which is open 365 days a year).
Walkable!
Insider tip! Take a stroll by George Washington’s townhouse (508 Cameron St.), then tour nearby Christ Church (118 N. Washington St.), where Washington attended. You can even sit in his pew!
Take in breathtaking 360 views of Alexandria, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region from the observation deck atop the ninth floor of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, a national historic landmark.
Walkable!
Alexandria has a wealth of African-American historic sites. Start at the Alexandria Black History Museum to discover the history, culture and contributions of African-Americans locally and nationally. Then, head to the Freedom House Museum, once the location of one of the largest slave-trading companies in the country, the museum now preserves the story of thousands of men, women and children who passed through this place. Next, head outside Old Town and discover Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, which was a post-Civil War African-American community known as The Fort.
In Old Town, kids will love getting hands-on at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Then, take them to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum where they can see real-life ingredients featured in Harry Potter, from dragon’s blood to mandrake root. Find room to roam at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site. George Washington’s Mount Vernon also has plenty for kids to do, from scavenger hunts to a Hands-On-History Center. Older kids will love the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
