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Stay in Alexandria for Your D.C. Vacation

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Planning a Washington, D.C. vacation and looking for the perfect home base? Stay in Alexandria, with hotels on average 30% more affordable than D.C., voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. 2024 and one of The South’s Best Cities 2024 by Southern Living. A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria hums with more than 200 independent restaurants tucked into 18th- and 19th-century architecture still intact from the city’s days as George Washington’s hometown, making Alexandria the perfect place to come home to after a busy day exploring the nation’s capital. Visitors love staying in Alexandria because of its accessibility via Metrorail, water taxi and more, historic charm, waterfront location, proximity to D.C. and walkability. Alexandria was also named one of the Top 3 Best Small Cities in the U.S. 2024 by Condé Nast Traveler, making it the perfect launchpad for your D.C. vacation.

Plan Your D.C. Vacation

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Find a Place to Stay

Explore Alexandria’s diverse selection of hotels, private rentals and extended stay properties. From upscale boutiques to affordable national chains, we’ve got you covered.

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Take the Water Taxi to D.C.

Take the scenic route from Old Town Alexandria to The Wharf or Georgetown in D.C. on City Cruises by Hornblower’s high-speed water taxi. From there, find access to the National Mall, monuments and museums.

Visitors observe a Triceratops skeleton and a T. rex skeleton in a museum exhibit. A woman and children read an information display while other people look at the dinosaur fossils behind a barrier.

Explore Washington, D.C.

From festivals and events to neighborhoods and attractions, visit the official tourism site of Washington, D.C. to start planning your monumental vacation.

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Four friends are sitting at an outdoor restaurant near a marina, smiling and taking a selfie after a day of shopping. Boats are docked in the background, and plates of food and drinks fill the table. The atmosphere is cheerful and relaxed.

Dine Al Fresco in Alexandria

With over 200 independent restaurants, settle in for dinner along Alexandria’s waterfront with many new al fresco dining options.”

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Explore the Waterfront

Spend time at the Old Town Waterfront and enjoy a host of outdoor activities; Take a picture in front of the I Love You art installation, have a picnic at one of Alexandria’s public parks or take a self-guided tour along the African American Heritage Trail.

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Bring the Whole Family

Find activities and hotels the whole family will love with an action-packed itinerary that will be memorable for years to come.

Old Town Alexandria

A marina with numerous docked boats and yachts, a large blue waterfront building with a shingled roof, and people walking along the pier under a clear sky.

After a busy day in D.C., come home to Old Town Alexandria to stroll, dine, relax and enjoy waterfront views. With intimate historic sites and attractions like the Freedom House Museum and Torpedo Factory Art Center you’ll want to make time to explore Alexandria during your stay.

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Old Town Alexandria

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Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

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Old Town Alexandria Restaurants

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The Ultimate King Street Shopping Guide for Old Town Alexandria

Transportation Options

Getting To & Around Alexandria

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Parking

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