Historic Sites • Neighbourhoods
Old Town
Top Things to Do in Alexandria, VA - Alexandria Attractions
Things to Do in Alexandria
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Alexandria.
Top Attractions in Alexandria
Monuments & Statues • History Museums
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Speciality Museums
Old Town
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History Museums
Old Town
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Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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Historic Sites • Gardens
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Eisenhower East
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Parks
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Architectural Buildings • Fountains
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
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Churches & Cathedrals
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History Museums
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- SylviaDetroit, MI9 contributionsNever traveled to this city (Alexandria Virginia) however was quite impressed with the beautiful architecture. The quant shops were nice and the people were very helpful in directing when I was lost.Written 15 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JktchorneFort Smith, AR1,044 contributionsI love when they take an old space like a factory they create a space for art or small business. That is what this old building that use to be a torpedo Factory has done.
The Torpedo museum was once just that a factory where torpedo was made and after the war it was decommissioned. The building sat empty a while till the city created this amazing space for artist.
Artist are fantastic! Paint, sculpture, photography, jewelry just about all art imaginable. We did go on a Sunday half the artist were not open. You can still walk through look in the windows what they are creating!Written 1 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - nycebhNew York City, NY246 contributionsWent on Saturday and Sunday evenings in the hour before sunset. On Saturday, experienced slight downpour and smell of ozone. Beavers are doing great job of raising water levels. Wonderful experience walking through the forest. Saw recent arrival of beautiful bright yellow prothonotary warbler. Saw muskrats, beavers, and hooded mergansers with babies and huge alligator snapping turtles. Sunday was much cooler and windy but saw muskrats being amorous, Sora in grass and many Redwing Blackbirds in full red display mode. Practiced my photography.Written 24 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ScenicSightsWauwatosa, WI688 contributionsWe went to take the water taxi. Didn't do much at the waterfront itself, but there seemed to be a concert as we heard lovely music coming from our right. There were places to get food, places to sit, lots of things to see, etc. It seemed to be a nice bustling place with good vibes. Hope to go back.Written 18 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Deborah8 contributionsThere are two tours. the free tou will provide a good base of education , knowlege and the most beautiful mural I have seen.
There is another tour if you have the time to take too. I cannot review as i had to leave after being there already for 2 hours.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - PosttimeUnited States229 contributionsOn Sat. morning June 18th, 10:00am, we did the Harry Potter Tour and had Hufflepuff Kristy as out tour guide, OMG! she could have not made this tour any better. The tour was amazing, the four adults were just as intrigued and fascinated throughout the tour as our little 9 yr. old Harry Potter fan. Many thanks to Lauren who helped me set this up, Liz who confirmed it for me, and of course special thanks to Kristy. Can't wait to come back and try the other tours, programs, etc, that are offered as well.Written 19 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Emily MUnited States1,024 contributionsWe really enjoyed the tour. We were the only ones on our particular tour, and were able to ask a lot of questions. Tour guide was great. Definitely recommend the tour. But if time doesn't allow, the grounds and garden area are accessible without the tour and worth a stop.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Christine SPhiladelphia, PA30 contributionsOur tour guide was excellent, presenting a comprehensive account of the history of the plantation and house. One of our objectives for the tour was to satisfy our curiosity. We suspected our current residence had been part of George Washington's Mt. Vernon plantation and knowing a little bit of the history of Woodlawn Plantation, that it had been owned by Washington's nephew, Laurence and his wife, Nelly. Our guide, Sylvia, confirmed these suspicions, a good beginning!
Sylvia pointed out features of the house, such as the holes in the rope bed where the crank was inserted, the archaeological work that had been done to determine the original color of the paint on the walls, and how subsequent owners had cared for and improved upon it. Sylvia interspersed her lecture with opportunities for questions Since there was a lot of standing, we were glad that in each room there were upholsterd side chairs where we could rest our legs. We were not bored!
All in all, it was interesting and informative. We've been on many tours of historic houses and this was high quality. If there were additional tours featuring the more modern sections of the house and grounds, we'd certainly come again.
Notes:
I suspect that the Covid closures severely impacted this place financially. The grounds are in need of care: sumac growing up in the hedges, rose bushes out of control, weeds everywhere.
The website needs updating. The information about 2019-2020 hours needs to be taken down.
We passed on the Pope-Leighy tour because we wanted to keep the two house tours separate. We'll be back!Written 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - swearengenColonia, NJ754 contributionsWe took the taxi from National Harbor to Alexandria and back. Nice little ride. Didn't have to worry about parking. On time. Definitely do this if you're going between the 2.Written 21 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- swearengenColonia, NJ754 contributionsGreat tour. The guide made it very interesting, explaining the history, the people, and how the tavern was used back in the day. Fun tour. Recommended.Written 21 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SylviaDetroit, MI9 contributionsA woman was present to tell the history of this church and the importance of its role. There were quite a few people coming in/out admiring the architecture of the churchWritten 15 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- RYC88Centreville, VA1,079 contributionsIt's not a huge park, but it's just so pretty and it feels so peaceful even though it's so close to Little River Turnpike. The grounds are beautifully kept and there are plenty of formal flower beds, as well as working gardens and lovely ponds. It's a great place for walking, as there are nice trails through the entire place. All the plants and trees have signs, so it's a great place to find out what things are. The visitor center is really nice and has a small shop and rooms for classes. The staff are very helpful and obviously love working there with all the wonderful plants.Written 16 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TennisStar602Florida399 contributionsI went to Port City Brewing with a few of my friends who are transplants in Alexandria. The beers were very good and I liked the service and the quality. It was great to eat outdoors and socialize with other people. There was also a food truck which served Latino food. The food, the portions, and the prices of the food truck were very good, but the service was not my favorite.Written 26 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Taylor BChicago, IL7,645 contributionsRiver Farm is a 27-acre landscape that takes its name from a larger plot of land which once formed an outlying part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Located at 7931 East Boulevard Drive in Alexandria, Virginia, it was established in 1653-54 and was designated a Horticultural Landmark by the American Society for Horticultural Science in 2004. The recognition was due to the ability to retain its historic character while at the same time showcasing the best and most environmentally responsible gardening practices. Aside from vistas stretching down to the Potomac River, the property also features extensive and creative play areas for children, a four-acre meadow, an orchard, one of the largest Osage-orange trees in the nation, a grove of rare Franklinia trees, gardens for edible and ornamental plants and scenic resting places for picnickers. Historically, the Kentucky coffeetrees are descendants of those first introduced to Virginia upon Washington's return from surveys in the Ohio River Valley. Such wildlife as bald eagles, foxes and bluebirds are frequently sighted. Visitors to the gardens will marvel at the Andre Bluemel Meadow that features two large black walnut trees dating to Washington's ownership, the George Harding Memorial Azalea Garden, the Wildlife Garden's small pond with frogs, goldfish, tilapia and turtles and the White House Gates, first installed at the White House in 1819 and used for more than 120 years at the White House's northeast entrance.Written 20 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TravelwestportAlexandria, VA385 contributionsThis museum insdie the Patent and Trade building is very interesting. It has many facts that were new to me. Walk in the front door and out the back to find several of restaurants.Written 7 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alexandria
- The top attractions to visit in Alexandria are:
- Old Town
- Torpedo Factory Art Center
- Huntley Meadows Park
- Old Town Waterfront
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial
- The best outdoor activities in Alexandria according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Alexandria on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Alexandria according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC
- George Washington's Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria Half-Day Guided Tour from DC
- Full-Day Tour of Washington DC with Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria
- Luxury Tours of Mount Vernon
- Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-guided Ride with Optional Boat Cruise Return
- The most popular things to do in Alexandria with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Huntley Meadows Park
- Alexandria's Christ Church
- Old Town
- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
- Old Town Waterfront