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Exploring the DC Region

Couple on A Water Taxi in Alexandria
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Within eyesight of Washington, D.C. on the Potomac River waterfront and minutes from the Reagan National Airport, Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect launchpad for your next vacation. Accessible via Metrowater taxi and bike sharestaying in Alexandria makes it easy to also explore nearby attractions during your visit. Alexandria is the perfect place to come home to. Follow in George Washington’s footsteps and survey the region. Here are some must-see sites near Alexandria.

A historic mansion with white siding and green shutters sits beside a curved gravel path and manicured lawn at sunrise, with sunlight streaming between the buildings.

MOUNT VERNON

Only eight miles south of Alexandria lies the most visited historic estate in America: George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Step back in time at the first president’s beautiful riverside estate, and explore the mansion, working farm, tomb, visitor facilities with 25 galleries and theaters, and more.

Two women take a selfie in front of a large elephant statue inside a grand museum lobby, with people walking and an information desk nearby.

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS ON THE NATIONAL MALL

Awe-inducing museums and monuments on the National Mall. The sense that things happen here. A trip to D.C. pairs with an Alexandria vacation like democracy and America. Leave the car behind and get to D.C. via water taxi or Metro and explore our nation’s capital.

A marina at sunset with several docked boats in the foreground and a large Ferris wheel spinning in the background, its lights creating a motion blur against the colorful sky.

NATIONAL HARBOR

All aboard! Located just across the Potomac River, cruise on a water taxi to National Harbor, where you’ll find a carousel, the Capital Wheel, Tanger Outlets and Topgolf National Harbor.

Aerial view of the modern MGM National Harbor resort and casino, featuring a tall glass building and surrounding roads, with a river and cloudy sky in the background.

MGM NATIONAL HARBOR

Accessible via water taxi or the NH2 shuttle, MGM National Harbor features restaurants led by celebrity chefs such as José Andrés and the Voltaggio brothers, a casino and a 3,000-seat theater that brings in acts such as Bruno Mars, Sting and Kings of Leon.

THE WHARF

DC’s Southwest Waterfront known as “The Wharf” features a mile-long stretch along the Potomac River with concert venues like The Anthem, restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses. Have dinner in Old Town and then hop on the Potomac Riverboat Company by Hornblower’s high-speed water taxi to The Wharf to catch your favorite show.

Rows of white headstones stand in a cemetery with vibrant orange and green autumn trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

ARLINGTON, VA.

Visit Arlington House and pay your respects to America’s bravest or see the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame at the Arlington National Cemetery, only a few Metro stops away from Alexandria. While in Arlington, visit the US Marine Corps War Memorial and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

Aerial view of a vineyard estate with rows of grapevines, several buildings with red roofs, a small pond, trees, and a parking lot with cars.

WINE COUNTRY

Clink! Find delicious blends and picturesque views at nearby wineries. You won’t even need a designated driver with Fleet Transportation’s tour that leaves from Alexandria, taking visitors to Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in Delaplane, Virginia. Or, hit the road to “D.C.’s wine country” in Loudoun County, where you’ll find more than 35 wineries.

Things To Do

Couple Biking Down King Street In Alexandria, VA

Getting To & Around Alexandria

Train station

Alexandria Hotels

A modern hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, abstract art above the headboard, a window with sheer curtains, and a green armchair in the corner.

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