Recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the Best Cities in the U.S., Alexandria, Virginia is where stories are rooted in history and progress. Across Alexandria, an independent spirit thrives in a modern, robust community of locally owned shops, art spaces and immigrant-owned businesses. Located on the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria continues to evolve with waterfront experiences, expanded hotel offerings and vibrant neighborhoods filled with artists, historians, makers, small business owners and culinary artisans. As Alexandria prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, visitors will find meaningful ways to engage with the past while enjoying the city’s cosmopolitan energy. At Visit Alexandria, we cannot wait to showcase what’s new across Alexandria’s restaurants, hotels, shops and beyond in 2026.
Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary
As the United States turns 250 years old in 2026, the 277-year-old city of Alexandria continues to evolve with new experiences that bring the story of the city and the nation to life. With special experiences, tours, exhibits, public art, lectures, music, family activities and more commemorating America’s 250th, Alexandria is a must-visit destination for the semiquincentennial that also offers contemporary amenities. Located on the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C. and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria is easy to explore and a gateway to the larger D.C. region.
Alexandria’s major 250th-themed events include the February 14th George Washington Birthday Parade, the oldest and largest parade of its kind in the country. The city’s signature event, Sails on the Potomac, will welcome iconic tall ships as Alexandria serves as a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor June 12 to 14, 2026, for a weekend filled with waterfront festivities including ALX Jazz Fest performances, activity stations and more. Additional celebrations will take place during the City of Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration along Alexandria’s waterfront on July 11, featuring fireworks, music and more.
Several new and temporary exhibitions offer visitors opportunities to connect with both national and local history. From May through November, the city’s Time & Place 2026 temporary public art installation will be on view as part of Alexandria’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In June, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will debut a new exhibition, Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History, showcasing objects that reflect the diverse narratives shaping Alexandria and the nation and are rarely seen.
Just eight miles south of Old Town, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a must-visit destination for America’s 250th. Following a major multi-year renovation, the Mansion fully reopened in December 2025, offering visitors refreshed and enhanced access to Washington’s iconic home. In March 2026, Mount Vernon debuts a new exhibition, George Washington: A Revolutionary Life. Fireworks at Mount Vernon will illuminate the Potomac over two nights for the Fourth of July, adding to the area’s patriotic celebrations.
Beyond 250th-focused programming, Alexandria is participating in the Virginia 250 Passport and offers Alexandria’s Key to the City attractions pass, both available at the Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King Street), which will also feature 250-themed merchandise for sale.
Learn more and explore all 250 offerings at VisitAlexandria.com/250.
New Along Alexandria’s Waterfront
In 2026, Alexandria’s waterfront continues to evolve with new amenities, public spaces and art that enhance the area along the Potomac River.
Returning to Waterfront Park this spring, the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town series introduces its eighth temporary waterfront public art installation. Debuting in March 2026, Now or Never by interdisciplinary artist Alicia Eggert uses shifting perspectives of the words “NOW” and “NEVER” to explore themes of urgency, time and shared responsibility. “Just like the waterfront has shifted over time, this piece encourages folks to think about the longer view of time because we won’t always be in this exact situation, despite a moment seeming inescapable,” said Eggert. The immersive installation invites visitors to engage with contemporary art in a historic setting, continuing the series’ tradition of activating the waterfront through bold, thought-provoking works.
In Old Town North, the city unveiled the Pendleton Street Promenade in fall 2025. The design connects visitors more closely with the waterfront by blending engineering innovation with riverfront access, creating a space that supports environmental protection and community enjoyment, complete with swings for relaxing and enjoying in the view.
Late last year, Alexandria debuted its first public ADA-accessible Potomac River paddling access with the opening of a kayak launch at Four Mile Run Park in the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood. The launch features a raised boardwalk, gangway and floating dock, providing inclusive access to the river and expanding opportunities to explore Alexandria by water within the park’s 51-acre setting.
Where the waterfront meets Old Town’s bustling commercial corridor, the popular pedestrian zone on lower King Street was permanently extended in September 2025 to include the 200 block. This vibrant stretch invites visitors to stroll, shop and dine, with a lively mix of boutiques, eateries and local favorites creating the perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon or evening along the city’s iconic King Street mile.
New Shops
Alexandria’s retail scene continues to expand with new spots that make it easy to shop, pamper yourself and discover something special. Coming early 2026 to Old Town, DCanter brings its D.C.-based wine boutique to Alexandria, offering a sustainably sourced libations for wine lovers. Also coming soon, Ulta Beauty will open in Potomac Yard, adding a go-to destination for beauty and self-care essentials.
Recent Old Town openings throughout 2025 offer something for every taste. Perfume shop Arielle Shoshana opened in November, featuring niche fragrances including the boutique’s own line. Georgetown Olive Oil Co. debuted in October, inviting visitors to explore high-quality olive oils, aged Italian balsamic and other gourmet delights. Interior Instincts, a modern homeware store with Mediterranean inspired décor, opened in November. Jewelry lovers can explore Eliana Curated, which opened in May. The national yoga shop ALO opened an Alexandira location in the fall, rounding out wellness and lifestyle offerings.
Dining Trends
Alexandria’s dining scene tells stories from around the world, with the city’s newest restaurants reflecting both its global spirit and its growing appeal to beloved American brands. Across Alexandria, these openings transform personal journeys and entrepreneurial ideas into unforgettable dining experiences, ranging from globally inspired kitchens to homegrown and nationally recognized concepts.
Expanding to Alexandria
Alexandria continues to attract restaurants and cafes with roots in other cities and states, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a welcoming place to start and grow a business.
Several highly anticipated openings are on the horizon in 2026. Coming to Old Town this year are Finn & Fire, a seafood and steak restaurant opening in spring, Washington D.C. favorite Floriana, an Italian restaurant debuting in summer, and Live Alive, a national fast-casual organic cafe. Grazie Nonna, an Italian restaurant, is also coming soon to Old Town North. Coffee lovers can look forward to Mudhouse Coffee Roasters, which is coming soon to Old Town.
Recent openings from late 2025 and early 2026 continue to add momentum across Alexandria’s neighborhoods. Wonder Food Hall opened in January 2026 in Potomac Yard, bringing its multi-concept dining experience to the city. In Old Town, HomeGrown opened inside the Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria in August 2025, followed by the December 2025 opening of Maman, the popular cafe known for its coffee, baked goods and French inspired fare. Old Town North welcomed Pupatella pizzeria in September 2025 serving up VPN certified Neapolitan pizza and Tortas y Tacos La Chiquita Taqueria in summer 2025.
Creative Cocktails and Vintage Vibes
Step into Continues Arcade, which opened in summer 2025 in Old Town North, for a playful night out. Fifty vintage arcade cabinets, skee-ball and pinball await, alongside a full-service restaurant and bar from Iron Chef America alum Brian Lacayo with guidance from Top Chef’s Spike Mendelsohn. It’s retro fun with a modern twist.
Keep the night going at the new Bar 86, which opened in October 2025 inside Café du Soleil in Old Town. Here, creative cocktails meet an artfully designed speakeasy atmosphere that blends vintage and modern elegance for an unforgettable evening.
Coffee and Cafes
Alexandria’s coffee scene continues to perk up with new spots that invite visitors to linger from morning to night. Coming soon to Old Town, Cherry on Top will blend coffee and wine in a laid-back setting, perfect for everything from an early espresso to an evening glass of wine. In Old Town North, For Five Coffee is also coming soon, bringing a polished atmosphere and thoughtfully sourced beans to the neighborhood.
Already adding buzz since 2025 is LaPluma Coffee & Wine, which serves Guatemalan- and Salvadoran-inspired dishes alongside coffee and wine in Old Town.
Asian-Inspired Flavors
Asian-inspired dining offerings continue to grow across Alexandria, with new restaurants opening in neighborhoods throughout the city. In Old Town, Akeno sushi bar opened in December 2025. The Del Ray neighborhood welcomed Pak Soii Izakaya in October 2025, adding Japanese small plates and a lively dining option along Mount Vernon Avenue. In August 2025, Umiya Sushi opened in the West End and 2D Noodles, a Vietnamese-Japanese concept, opened in the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood.
Something Sweet
Alexandria’s dessert scene is getting even sweeter. Coming soon to Old Town, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will bring its beloved, ultra-creamy flavors to the historic district, making it an easy stop for a classic scoop or a creative seasonal offering.
Recent 2025 openings have already helped satisfy sweet cravings. Sweetside Café & Creamery opened in September in the north Del Ray/Arlandria area, serving ice cream and baked goods in a friendly setting. Southern restaurant Milk & Honey also opened earlier in the year in Old Town, with a menu that includes indulgent treats like banana cheesecake pudding.
Hotel Upgrades
Alexandria’s hotel scene continues to evolve with thoughtful enhancements that elevate the visitor experience, from inclusive initiatives to refreshed spaces and new amenities.
Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria welcomed several exciting updates in the second half of 2025. HomeGrown opened inside the hotel in August, followed by the October debut of JoyLife SPA, Alexandria’s only in-hotel spa. The hotel also introduced AKB, a cozy neighborhood gathering spot and hotel bar, along with refreshed finishes and updated rooms and public spaces that further elevate the guest experience at Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria.
In summer 2025, Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria partnered with KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit for sensory accessibility and inclusion. Through this partnership, the hotel became Sensory Inclusive® certified, with specially trained staff and on-site tools designed to support guests with sensory sensitivities, helping to ensure a comfortable and welcoming stay for all travelers.
Hotel Heron, which opened in 2024, has recently joined Hilton’s Curio Collection, a global portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels, offering new Hilton benefits to guests. Housed in a historic landmark building, the hotel blends classic charm with vibrant social spaces. Guests can unwind with handcrafted cocktails in a tucked-away bar or take in skyline views from the rooftop lounge.
Header image credits:
- Continues Arcade: Alex Kubitza
- Fireworks: Chris Fukuda
- Arielle Shoshana: Tiara Castillo for Foraged Photo