Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia
- Alexandria was once part of the District of Columbia between 1801 and 1846 before being retroceded to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- The city’s historic district contains over 200 buildings that date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- During the American Civil War, Alexandria was under Union military occupation for the entirety of the conflict, the longest of any captured Southern city.
- The city serves as the official headquarters for the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
- Alexandria was a major colonial port and played a significant role in the transatlantic tobacco trade.
About Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is a historic independent city on the Potomac River, known for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and deep colonial roots. Visitors can explore the waterfront charm at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront or take in the sweeping panoramic views from The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The city serves as a central hub for commuters to the nation's capital while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in its maritime past. Beyond the historic district, residents and travelers utilize expansive green spaces like Huntley Meadows Park for local biodiversity.
Highlights of Alexandria, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy the active marina views along the Potomac River.
Museums
Climb the observation deck for a detailed perspective on the city's urban planning and the D.C. skyline.
Parks
Navigate the boardwalks through this expansive wetland to observe local migratory birds and marsh wildlife.
Temples
Visit one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the region, featuring significant architectural history.
Parks
Relax in this peaceful green space that provides direct views across the river toward the District of Columbia.
Top things to do in Alexandria, Virginia
The 111 highest-rated places in Alexandria, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is an 18th-century plantation estate situated along the Potomac River in Virginia. The...
2
Places of interest
The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is a historic maritime district along the Potomac River serving as a central hub for...
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Places of interest
National Harbor is a 350-acre mixed-use development situated along the banks of the Potomac River. The destination is an...
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Parks
Lake Accotink Park is a 493-acre Fairfax County facility centered around a 55-acre lake created by the U.S. Army in 1918...
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Parks
Huntley Meadows Park is a 1,500-acre protected wilderness area that serves as a vital wetland sanctuary within the urban...
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Parks
Pohick Bay Regional Park is a 1,000-acre outdoor destination situated on the Mason Neck Peninsula along the Potomac Rive...
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Parks
Fort Washington Park preserves a coastal defense fort originally constructed in 1809 to protect the Potomac River approa...
8
Museums
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a distinctive neoclassical landmark modeled after the ancient Lightho...
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Parks
Mason Neck State Park is a 1,814-acre preserve situated on a peninsula jutting into the Potomac River, serving as a crit...
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Temples
Alfred Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the United States, with a history...
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Parks
Green Spring Gardens is a 31-acre public park and historic site located in Alexandria, Virginia, managed by the Fairfax...
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Parks
Cameron Run Regional Park is a Northern Virginia recreation hub centered around the Great Waves Waterpark, which feature...
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Parks
Fort Hunt Park is a former coastal defense fortification and World War II intelligence interrogation center located on t...
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Parks
Barcroft Park serves as a premier athletic hub in Arlington, Virginia, featuring extensive synthetic turf fields designe...
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Parks
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park is a 670-acre woodland facility located in Clinton, Maryland, operated by the Maryland-Nat...
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Parks
Hidden Oaks Nature Center is a 52-acre woodland park integrated into the larger Annandale Community Park. The site featu...
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Parks
Dora Kelley Nature Park is a 50-acre protected wildlife habitat located in Alexandria, Virginia, featuring a mix of hard...
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Temples
Baitul Mukarram Mosque, also known as the Baitul Islam Center, serves as a prominent focal point for the Muslim communit...
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Places of interest
The Awakening is a 70-foot-long aluminum sculpture depicting a giant struggling to emerge from the earth. The work consi...
20
Temples
The Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria is the oldest Catholic parish in the Commonwealth of Virginia, founded in 1795....
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Parks
Windmill Hill Park is a Potomac River waterfront park in Alexandria, Virginia, characterized by its reclaimed industrial...
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Museums
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Parks
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Temples
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Parks
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Museums
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Museums
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Alexandria, Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Alexandria, Virginia
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer mild temperatures ideal for walking the historic streets and exploring outdoor park trails.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to experience the historic waterfront district and venture into the surrounding nature parks.
The city is highly walkable in the historic core, with the King Street Trolley providing free shuttle service, alongside the Washington Metro Blue and Yellow lines.
Stay in Old Town for immediate access to historic landmarks and the riverfront, or near the Eisenhower Avenue corridor for convenient metro transit access.
Expensive; accommodation and dining prices in Northern Virginia reflect the proximity to Washington, D.C.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 111 curated attractions in and around Alexandria, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
George Washington's Mount Vernon is the highest-rated place to visit in Alexandria, Virginia right now.
The largest category is parks, with 59 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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