Free Things to Do in Alexandria, VA

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There are plenty of fun and free things to do in Alexandria, located just minutes from Washington, D.C. Give your wallet a rest as you relax with the sights and sounds of the waterfront or watch boats dock at the Marina while enjoying performances from local buskers. Stroll historic King Street, a walkable mile with more than 200 independent shops and restaurants, or take the free King Street Trolley and enjoy beautifully-preserved Old Town along the way. See art in person and in progress at the free Torpedo Factory Art Center or be inspired at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum. Love history? Purchase a Key to the City museum pass for only $20 and get access to 9 historic sites plus 40% off admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and more. Whether you’re in Alexandria for a weekend or a week, make the most out of your trip with these no or low-cost suggestions.

Free Things to Do Outside

Experience completely free al fresco activities, from finding hidden photo spots to taking historic walking tours to relaxing in natural escapes.

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Great Walks in Alexandria

Get inspired with our curated walks, from an architecture-themed excursion to a waterside stroll to a Del Ray mural tour and more.

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King Street Stroll

Old Town Alexandria’s main thoroughfare features independent restaurants and boutiques, the perfect locale for strolling and people-watching.

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Torpedo Factory Art Center

Peruse this former munitions factory and peek in at the 82 artist studios, six galleries and Alexandria Archaeology Museum.

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Mount Vernon Bike Trail

Bring a bike and a picnic basket, and coast along the scenic Potomac waterfront for an afternoon outdoors.

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Farmers Market

Every weekend, Alexandria communities head out and wander through stalls of high-quality produce and goods made and grown regionally.

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Historic Seaport

Amble alongside the docks just at the base of King Street and treat your ears and eyes to the colorful Potomac River waterfront.

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The Athenaeum

Home to the Northern Virginia Fine Art Association, the Athenaeum is Alexandria’s prime fine art gallery.

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Deals and Happenings

Save money on your trip to Alexandria, Virginia with these special deals from Alexandria hotels, shops, restaurants, and attractions.

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Free King Street Trolley

Ride in style and explore King Street via the city’s most convenient mode of transportation.

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Explore Alexandria

The African American Hall of Fame is a visually-stimulating account of the movers and shakers who made Alexandria the city...
Charles Houston Recreation Center 901 Wythe Street Alexandria, Virginia
The American Horticultural Society’s River Farm is a popular rental venue in the Washington, D.C. metro area that serves as...
7931 E. Boulevard Drive Alexandria, Virginia
Christ Church is an English country-style church built between 1767 and 1773 to meet the spiritual needs of its parishioners...
118 N. Washington Street Alexandria, Virginia
Kyo Gallery is an international art gallery, showcasing the most talented artists from around the world. Kyo Gallery often presents...
111 S. Patrick Street Alexandria, Virginia
The newly renovated National Inventors Hall of Fame is located on the United States Patent and Trademark Office campus in...
600 Dulany Street Alexandria, Virginia
Shiloh Baptist Church has been pointing souls to a better religious, social, and economic life since its beginning in 1863.
1429 Duke Street Alexandria, Virginia
The Athenaeum is a Greek Revival building built in 1851 and was home to the Bank of the Old Dominion.
201 Prince Street Alexandria, Virginia
FREE! First known as Soldiers’ Cemetery, this sacred military burial ground was designated by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. The...
1450 Wilkes Street Alexandria, Virginia
Named for Scottish merchant and city founder William Ramsay, the Alexandria Visitor Center is the go-to place for sightseeing brochures,...
221 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
The Ballyshaners, Inc. were founded in 1980 by a small group of dedicated volunteers for the explicit purpose of organizing...
P.O. Box 320722 Alexandria, Virginia
Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is the first Catholic parish in the Commonwealth...
310 S. Royal Street Alexandria, Virginia

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Things To Do

Couple Biking Down King Street In Alexandria, VA

Restaurants

Top 18 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

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