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Experience the Alexandria Waterfront

A Water Taxi on the Alexandria Waterfront
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Old Town 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, Georgetown and National Harbor.

Explore the Waterfront

Pier Lounge on the Alexandria Waterfront

Featured Waterfront Activities

Waterfront Dining

BARCA

Waterfront Public Art

A large decorative black fan with white patterns stands behind a pile of black sandbags with white stripes, under a clear blue sky with a small tree visible to the left.

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.

Outdoor Dining in Alexandria

A collage shows people walking past shops, friends clinking drinks at an outdoor restaurant by the water, and groups enjoying vibrant outdoor dining at colorful tables on a brick sidewalk in a lively town.

Get Out on the Water

A Water Taxi On The Alexandria Waterfront

NEW: Take the Water Taxi to Navy Yard on Game Days

Beginning in spring 2025, fans can take the City Cruises water taxi from the Alexandria Marina straight to D.C.’s Navy Yard on game days. Skip the traffic and get out on the water before watching the Washington Nationals, D.C. United, Washington Spirit and D.C. Defenders. Plus, in June 2025, take the water taxi to live matches at Audi Field during FIFA Club World Cup.

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Activities on the Potomac

Water Taxis

Couple on Water Taxi

Boat Cruises

Potomac Riverboat on the Alexandria Waterfront

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.

Tall Ship Providence

Person On A Sailboat In Period Clothing On The Alexandria Waterfront

Enjoy Riverside Recreation

People On Bikes At Waterfront Park In Alexandria

Riverside Fun

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.

African American Heritage Trail

Jones-Point At Dusk

Mount Vernon Trail

Cyclist on Mount Vernon Trail

Alexandria Waterfront Improvement Project

See here for the latest updates on the City of Alexandria’s waterfront improvement project.

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Waterfront Restaurants and Activities

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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Glass-walled exhibit space for the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, with display cases and informational panels inside; a museum sign and artwork are visible at the entrance.

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 dish topped with a poached egg and crispy shredded garnish, served with sautéed greens and a dollop of green sauce on a white plate with a silver rim.

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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A plate with a bacon cheeseburger topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, served with a side of French fries. A red-striped napkin and a mustard bottle are nearby on a wooden 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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People walk along a waterfront boardwalk with benches, boats docked in the marina, a teal building with a gazebo roof, and shops—including a Bass Pro Shops—visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.

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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People walk along a waterfront boardwalk near docked boats and a large building with an American flag. The scene is lively, with clear skies and groups of people enjoying the area.

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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Rectangular mini cakes topped with piped white frosting and sprinkled with chopped nuts, arranged neatly on a wooden board.

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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Modern, upscale restaurant interior with dark blue upholstered chairs, wooden tables set for dining, large windows offering city views at dusk, and soft ambient lighting.

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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