Old Town Alexandria
The Basics
Just down the road from George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate, downtown Alexandria is frequently paired with tours of Mount Vernon. These guided tours take you to sites such as the 331-foot (100-meter) George Washington Masonic National Memorial and Gadsby's Tavern Museum—a popular hangout for the nation’s founding fathers that today combines historic dining and exhibits.
History isn’t the only thing Alexandria has to offer. You can get a taste of the hipster food scene on a tour that combines historic haunts and modern sustainable dining. Or, take your camera or a smartphone and join a guided photography tour led by a professional photographer who can help you capture the quaint town's essence.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Old Town Alexandria is a must-visit for American history buffs and foodies.
Book a tour with included transport from Washington D.C. and you won't have to worry about parking or public transit.
The free King Street Trolley makes it easy and fun to get around Old Town.
The trolley and many of the historic attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Washington’s robust public transportation system makes it easy to reach Old Town Alexandria on the Metrorail. From downtown Washington DC, take the yellow line to King Street-Old Town station. You can also reach Alexandria by Metrorail from nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. If you want to add some scenery to the trip, skip the rails and take a boat cruise or water taxi from Washington to Alexandria’s waterfront.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
With everything from quaint coffee shops to historic bars, you can enjoy a visit to Alexandria at any time of the day, but keep in mind that many of the historic attractions close at 4pm. The King Street Trolley runs from 11am–10:30pm Sunday–Wednesday, and 10:30am–11:59pm Thursday–Saturday. To see one of the country’s oldest farmers’ markets, visit between 7am and 12pm on Saturdays.
Top Historic Attractions in Alexandria
The number of historic attractions in the colonial-era town can be overwhelming, so if you want time to explore the town’s shops and restaurants too, you have to prioritize. Start with George Washington Masonic National Memorial where you can enjoy historic exhibits, neoclassical architecture, and views from a 360-degree observation deck. From there, visit the southern manor-style Carlyle House, before heading to Gadsby's Tavern Museum to enjoy a meal in 18th-century style.
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- Alexandria Christ Church
- Potomac River
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial
- National Children's Museum
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
- U.S. Air Force Memorial
- East Potomac Park
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
- Nationals Park
- Tidal Basin
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- International Spy Museum
- Arlington House