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Alexandria, VA: A Waterfront City Within Eyesight of Washington, D.C.

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Alexandria, Virginia welcomes you to drop anchor and see for yourself why we were named one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S 2023 and one of The South’s Best Cities 2024 by Southern Living. Stroll cobblestoned streets and stumble upon the unexpected, including more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques.

During your visit, discover dozens of Black-owned businesses to upgrade your wardrobe, visit an Insta-worthy sweets spot or raise a glass over a delicious meal. Wander through immersive waterfront experiences including public artwork and the expanded African American Heritage Trails. Unpack history with the reopened Freedom House Museum and Alexandria Black History Museum. Start planning your stay—There’s a seat for you here.

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“Some places take you by the hand and make you want to stay a while – That’s Alexandria.”

– Gary Williams Jr., Creator, Entrepreneur, Alexandria Resident

Discover Our City

Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

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DC Vacation

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Experience the Alexandria Waterfront

The Alexandria Waterfront At Dusk

Dig In

Outdoor Dining in Alexandria

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Brunch Spots in Alexandria, VA

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Sweets Spots for Alexandria Treats

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“From green space to restaurants to shops to architecture, Alexandria has everything.”

– Nicole McGrew, Entrepreneur and Alexandria resident

Start Shopping

Visit These Black-Owned Businesses in Alexandria

A smiling woman sits cross-legged on a yoga mat in a bright studio, hands in prayer position, surrounded by crystal singing bowls. A plant, cushions, and a sign reading PIES Fitness Yoga Studio are in the background.

The Ultimate King Street Shopping Guide for Old Town Alexandria

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“From the labor of the enslaved, political reformation, to business, community and culture, Black folks have built Alexandria into what it is today. And we are still building.”

– John T. Chapman, Founder of Manumission Tour Company

Uncover History

Black History & Culture

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Alexandria Black History Museum

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Manumission Tour Company

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Freedom House Museum

Two women stand and talk outside the Freedom House Museum, a historic brick building on a tree-lined street. Another person walks by on the sidewalk near colorful row houses.

Great Walks in Alexandria

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Alexandria Black History Driving Tour

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In The News

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Wanderlust: Marching On: Where to learn about African American history in the U.S. Capital Region

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A museum guide speaks to three visitors in an exhibit room with historical displays about slavery, featuring text panels, artifacts, and images on the walls. The visitors listen attentively.

U.S. News: 13 Best Places to Celebrate Juneteenth

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Condé Nast Traveler: 7 Black History Museums Across the U.S. Worth Visiting

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Four people interact at an outdoor memorial with metal tree-like sculptures and a large stone, surrounded by a low stone wall and trees, on a sunny day.

RoadTrippers Magazine: How Alexandria’s Black History Has Helped Shape the City

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A group of people stands outdoors, listening to a man speak in front of a sculpture depicting several figures. Trees and buildings are visible in the background on a sunny day.

Travel + Leisure: 4 Amazing Stories From the Underground Railroad

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More to Explore

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Alexandria in 2024

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Summer in Alexandria

Vola-s-Dockside

Alexandria Hotels

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25+ New Restaurants to Try in Alexandria in 2025

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