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A woman and a man ride red rental bikes together on a leafy street lined with colorful historic houses, one displaying an American flag.

Visit Alexandria, a Top 3 Small City with Big Cosmopolitan Vibes

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On the Potomac River within eyesight of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA is nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S 2024 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2024, Alexandria is a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital.

Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Alexandria is the perfect home base for your D.C. vacation and an unforgettable getaway of its own.

Spring in Alexandria

Row of charming townhouses with white brick exteriors, colorful shutters, and bright red doors. Flowering tree branches with pink blossoms hang in the foreground, adding a touch of spring to the scene.

Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

Explore Alexandria During WorldPride 2025

Alexandria Tours

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.

Shopping

Alexandria is 5 miles south of Washington, D.C., a water taxi ride away from National Harbor and a bike ride from Mount Vernon.

Alexandria’s Accolades

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From Travel + Leisure and Money to Southern Living and Condé Nast Traveler, everybody is buzzing about Alexandria, Virginia.

Discover seasonal events, where to shop, sip and savor and more insider intel in “The Best Of” series.

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Events & Festivals

April 26, 2025
Throughout Old Town Alexandria
April 26, 2025
John Carlyle Square
April 27, 2025
Starts and ends in Old Town Alexandria

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