Things To Do

Things to Do on the Alexandria Waterfront

A Water Taxi on the Alexandria Waterfront
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A busy seaport for centuries, Alexandria’s waterfront juxtaposes historic authenticity and new happenings among a growing scene of D.C.-area waterfront destinations. Named one of the Best River Walks in the USA by Fodor’s Travel, Alexandria’s waterfront is the best place to take in picturesque views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. Enjoy al fresco drinks and dining with street performers and music, take a riverside run or set sail with water taxis and river cruises by City Cruises Alexandria, offering scenic commutes between Alexandria and The Wharf, Navy Yard, Georgetown and National Harbor.

Waterfront Highlights

Alexandria’s iconic Potomac River waterfront is rich with year-round activities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the view from a restaurant’s dining table, stroll through a riverfront park or get out on the water yourself, here are some must-try waterfront experiences.

Waterfront Dining

two people dining with a view of the river

Old Town Alexandria

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.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

A man shapes clay on a pottery wheel in an art studio while a smiling couple stands behind him, watching. The studio has shelves with supplies and colorful paintings on the walls.

Activities on the Potomac

Let Alexandria be your starting point for exploring the Potomac River and accessing nearby attractions from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to National Harbor and Washington D.C.

A family of four walks on a dock near a bright yellow water taxi on a sunny day. Other people are on the boat and dock. A sign provides information about the water taxi service. The sky is clear and blue.

Board the Water Taxi

On the Potomac River, within sight of Washington, DC, Alexandria’s marina offers stunning views and convenient access to premier transportation to and from the city. Take the scenic route on board the City Cruises water taxi from the Alexandria Marina straight to The Wharf, Georgetown and National Harbor.

View Water Taxi Details & Routes

Boat Cruises

Couple on A Water Taxi in Alexandria

Sail, Kayak, or Paddleboard

A group of people practice yoga on paddleboards in calm water, performing a bow pose at sunset with trees in the background.

Four Mile Run

Waterfront Parks, Walks & Trails

Alexandria’s abundant green spaces make it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take in iconic scenery by foot or by bike along the Mount Vernon Trail, set up a picnic in Founders Park or rent a kayak or paddleboard to see the city from a different perspective.

People On Bikes At Waterfront Park In Alexandria

Great Walks in Alexandria

A couple walks hand in hand, smiling at each other, on a cobblestone street lined with historic houses and trees on a sunny day.

Waterfront Parks

A small, fluffy white dog runs on grass, holding a white textured toy with a rope in its mouth. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor park setting.

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.

Mount Vernon Trail

Cyclist on Mount Vernon Trail

Browse All Waterfront Restaurants & Activities

Explore all of Alexandria’s waterfront attractions below, and start building your perfect itinerary.

A modern restaurant interior with colorful geometric-patterned booth seating, wooden walls, potted plants, and a counter with plates and hanging red lamps. The space is brightly lit with natural light.

Ada’s on the River

A homage to 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, Ada’s on the River offers a sweeping view of the Potomac and features...
3 Pioneer Mill Way Alexandria, Virginia
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People explore and interact with artifacts and displays at a museum exhibit, with several adults and children working on activities at tables and examining objects in a busy, well-lit room.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum

Step right into the museum’s laboratory where archaeologists reconstruct Alexandria’s history, fragment by fragment. The museum’s exhibits highlight the process...
105 N. Union Street, Torpedo Factory Art Center Third Floor, #327 Alexandria, Virginia
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People dine at an outdoor waterfront restaurant with a wooden building labeled BARCA under a blue sky. The restaurant is situated on a pier over the water, with tables and seating areas on both sides.

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar

Located on the water in historic Old Town Alexandria, Barca Pier is a modern version of the traditional Spanish beach...
2 Pioneer Mill Way Alexandria, Virginia
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Front view of Blackwall Hitch restaurant with a glass entrance, outdoor seating on both sides with umbrellas, brick steps, and a partly cloudy sky above.

Blackwall Hitch

A dining experience blending the area’s finest in tastes & talents, Blackwall Hitch is a coastally inspired concept that creates...
5 Cameron Street Alexandria, Virginia
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A plated steak topped with a poached egg and crispy shredded garnish, served with roasted vegetables and a green sauce on a white, rimmed plate.

Cedar Knoll

Situated on property once owned by our first president, Cedar Knoll offers American and French cuisine with waterfront views. History,...
9030 Lucia Lane Alexandria, Virginia
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Spacious restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and a high, beamed wooden ceiling. Natural light enters through windows, and napkins are neatly placed on each table.

Chadwicks

Serving classic American cuisine. Best brunch in Old Town, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kitchen open ’til...
203 The Strand Alexandria, Virginia
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A plated dish featuring grilled shrimp and scallops on a creamy green sauce, served with mashed potatoes topped with a colorful microgreen and vegetable garnish.

Chart House Restaurant

Chart House offers world-class dining and impeccable service. Our culinary team has crafted cuisine that infuses local flavors with a...
1 Cameron Street Alexandria, Virginia
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A white and blue tour boat named “Admiral Tilp” with passengers on board cruises on a river. In the background, a larger riverboat with yellow trim is docked. The weather is sunny and calm.

City Cruises

City Cruises provides water taxi service from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C. via water taxis to The Wharf, National...
105 N. Union Street Alexandria, Virginia
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Modern restaurant interior with blue chairs, white tables, and small flower vases. A long bar with high stools runs along the right side. The ceiling is exposed concrete, and the space is well-lit with large windows.

Hummingbird

Beautiful orange flowers called Tangerine Beauty fill a garden wall at the bottom of Union Street in Old Town Alexandria.
220 S. Union Street Alexandria, Virginia
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Elegant dining room with waterfront views at Jula's restaurant

Jula’s on the Potomac

Best known for its spectacular panoramic views, Jula’s on the Potomac is one of the most sought-after dining spots in...
44 Canal Center Plaza Suite 401 Alexandria, Virginia
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A floral teacup with a saucer and plate is set on a table with a silver spoon, sugar pot, and napkin. A printed afternoon tea menu is placed beside the setting. The table has a glossy, elegant surface.

Lady Camellia Pastry & Tearoom

It’s always teatime here at Lady Camellia! Warm, freshly baked English scones, mouthwatering finger sandwiches, and delectable pastries accompanied with...
229 Strand Street Alexandria, Virginia
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Street view of a brick building with a sign reading Mai Thai above a glass door entrance, surrounded by flowers and outdoor seating under an awning.

Mai Thai Restaurant

Enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River while dining on authentic Thai cuisine just steps from the famous Torpedo Factory. Mai Thai...
6 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
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