Things to See and Do in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, the hometown of George Washington, still retains the character and charm of a historic port city. Today, Alexandria boasts citizens who are noted for their participation in local government and for their strong sense of community. Alexandria was recently cited as one of only six cities in the nation to receive the coveted "Innovation Award for Outstanding Community Building" by the National League of Cities. In addition, Alexandria is ranked as the fifth best "Big City for Doing Business" in the U.S. and is first in the rankings of the "Best Cities for Women."

Spring and Summer Highlights

National Harbor
Old Town Alexandria is known as “The Fun Side of the Potomac,” but there’s plenty of fun to be had across the river, too. Board the Potomac River Company’s water taxi at Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront and set sail for National Harbor, a $2 billion, 300-acre, urbanist mixed-use waterfront development. The 20-minute cruise will drop you at one of two docks, where you can begin exploring its countless cafes and shops, riverside promenade, and the Gaylord Resort & Conference Center. From May through September, National Harbor also offers “Movies on the Potomac” every Sunday night at sunset. Special events are also scheduled throughout the summer, including arts, wine, barbeque, and classic car festivals, as well as a July 4 celebration.

Mount Vernon
George Washington’s home is the most popular historic estate in America, and with its location just eight miles from Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon is a must-see for anyone in the area. Admission includes a tour of two levels of the mansion and access to more than a dozen outbuildings, four gardens, a four-acre working farm, burial grounds, and the recently opened $24 million interactive museum and education center. Summer-time visitors can also view the pioneer farmer site, as well as Washington’s distillery and gristmill (located three miles west of the Estate).

Old Town Alexandria
With Civil War-era buildings, a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and bragging rights as George Washington’s hometown, Old Town Alexandria is a major tourist destination. Thankfully, it’s easy to tour this incredible city, with sightseeing tours offered throughout the season in every format imaginable: walking tours, ghost and graveyard tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, candle-light tours, and sightseeing boats. No matter your preference, be sure to take in Alexandria’s farmer’s market (the longest continuously running market in the nation!) every Saturday from 5am to 10am; dine at Gadsby’s Tavern, just like Washington & Jefferson once did; and stroll King Street, from the Masonic Temple all the way to the waterfront. This is one city you’ll never forget!

Torpedo Factory Art Center
In most cities, you’d pay dearly to visit a world-renowned art center. But in Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is free to the public and showcases nearly 100 artists’ masterpieces in studio galleries on all three levels of the former World War 1 factory. Meet at the main entrance every Wednesday and Friday for a free, artist-led tour of the facility, and take advantage of special receptions and art shows scheduled throughout the summer season. The Torpedo Factory is open daily from 10:00 to 6:00, with “Second Thursday Art Nights” held every month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Just outside the Factory, visitors will often find art of a different kind, as entertainers delight passersby on Old Town’s waterfront boardwalk with performances ranging from balloon twisting to playing water glass harmonicas.

River Farm
Mount Vernon gets all the glory, but it wasn’t George Washington’s only property … and River Farm, the northernmost of his five farms, is perhaps among the most beautiful. Now home to the American Horticultural Society, something is always blooming on its 25 acres of landscaped lawns and gardens. Visitors are welcome to explore its fanciful children’s garden, wildflower meadow, azalea and wildlife gardens, and the first floor of the Estate. Located on the Potomac River between Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon, River Farm is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm during the spring and summer seasons.

More Highlights: Washington | Arlington |  Montgomery County

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