Are you looking for fun things to do in Alexandria, Virginia? We’ve got you covered!
Alexandria, VA, is a small town with big history! And there are plenty of things to do in Alexandria to fill a weekend getaway or a short stop as you road trip through Virginia.
Alexandria’s proximity to Washington, DC, and major airports make it easy to get to while still giving you small-town vibes. It truly is a gem that everyone should visit at some point.
We’ve been to Alexandria a few times as a family and loved it each time. The town’s charm and history draw you in each time.
The guide below shares all about visiting Alexandria, Virginia, including where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and other fun nearby!
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Things To Do in Alexandria
1. George Washington Masonic Memorial
You cannot help but notice the tall building with the large “G” out front when you visit Alexandria. The George Washington Masonic Memorial is 333 feet high, overlooking Alexandria and beyond.
Built over ten years, starting in 1923, the memorial was constructed to honor George Washington’s legacy as a Mason and serve as a lodge for the Alexandria-Washington Lodge.
Tours of the memorial are offered Friday-Sunday, four times per day. During the tour, you will visit various important rooms throughout the memorial, learn about the Freemasons, and learn more about George Washington as a Freemason.
2. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Edward Stabler opened his apothecary in 1792, and for over 140 years, it continued to operate at the corner of Fairfax and Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria. Now, it serves as a look into the past to learn how people used to get their medicines, soap, perfumes, and other necessities.
The small museum offers two types of tours; a self-guided tour or a 45-minute guided tour. You can only access the second floor through the guided tour.
The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday at varying times throughout the week, and prices vary depending on the tour. Check the website for the most up-to-date information to plan your visit.
3. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern was the place to do business and entertain clients in the late 18th century. It also operated as an inn, hosting essential people like the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson.
Visitors can take a self-guided or a 45-minute guided tour of the tavern. Prices vary depending on the tour. Gadsby’s Tavern is open Thursday-Sunday, with varying times depending on the day. You learn more about the tour times and prices on their website.
4. Carlyle House
John Carlyle was one of the first residents of Alexandria, purchasing his property in 1749 when the city was established. Over the last almost few centuries, the property has seen many changes, including growing a family, becoming a Civil War hospital, and eventually a museum.
The site had fallen into disrepair but was fully restored as part of the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. Now, guests can take guided tours of the beautiful mansion and enjoy the manicured gardens.
The Carlyle House is open for guided tours Monday-Saturday (except Wednesdays), with varied hours. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 6-17.
5. Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum
During the Civil War, many large buildings were converted to make-shift hospitals for wounded soldiers.
The Lyceum, originally established to promote local education, was one of those buildings. It has been used as a private residence, chamber of commerce, and even the first Bicentennial Center. Now it’s a general history museum about Alexandria.
The museum is open varying hours from Thursday-Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children 6-17. You can learn more about the museum and even take a virtual tour on its website.
6. Wilkes Tunnel
In 1848, the Orange & Alexandria Railroad was founded to promote trade with western Virginia. The Wilkes Tunnel was built to link the track to the waterfront of Alexandria, where the shipping industry was booming. The track was in use until 1975, and now the Wilkes Tunnel is one of the few surviving 19th-century transportation sites.
Wilkes Tunnel is a block long, built between Lee and Fairfax Streets on Wilkes Street and is open daily.
7. Historical Tour
A history tour is a fun way to learn more about Old Town Alexandria and get the lay of the land. You can see and learn a lot in a short amount of time.
There are a few companies that offer historical tours in Alexandria. Alexandria Colonial Tours offers general history tours and African-American history tours around the town. Manumission Tour Company offers four different tours, each focusing on Black history in the town.
8. Ghost Tour
If you’re interested in a tour a little spookier than your typical history tour, then a ghost tour is what you’re looking for. Like the history tours, Alexandria Colonial Tours offers family-friendly ghost tours. You’ll get a bit of scary with your history. (Though not too scary).
Alexandria Ghosts has options for a ghost tour or a pub crawl. Nightly Spirits also offers pub crawl ghost tours in Alexandria.
9. The Spite House
Legend has it John Hollensbury was tired of horse-drawn carriages traversing down the alley next to his house. So he built a 7-foot wide “spite house” to stop the noise and traffic.
The home was built in 1780 (or 1801, depending on sources) at 523 Queen Street and has since become a tourist attraction. No one can believe anyone can live in a 7-foot wide, 480-square-foot townhome!
If you choose to visit the “Spite House”, remember it is a private residence. Please respect the owners and do not touch the home or anything outside. Many online articles, including this one, share the house’s history and what it looks like inside.
10. Jones Point Park and Lighthouse
Jones Point Park was one of America’s most significant shipping, manufacturing, and transportation centers. Now, it’s a beautiful public park run by the National Park Service.
The park features the old lighthouse, built in 1855. It’s the last riverine lighthouse in Virginia. Playgrounds, walking trails, and a canoe launch into the Potomac River. As you explore, keep an eye out for the District of Columbia boundary stone.
Jones Point Park is about a half-mile south of the Alexandria Waterfront. You can also access the Mount Vernon Trail from the park.
11. Mount Vernon Trail
For those who love walking, running, and biking, the Mount Vernon Trail is perfect for you! This 18-mile paved trail spans from Arlington Cemetery all the way to Mount Vernon, passing through several parks along the way. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a gorgeous day in Alexandria, especially with the views along the Potomac River.
Other Things to Do Near Old Town Alexandria
There are many other fun things to do near Alexandria. Some of the below require a car (or ride-share) to reach the locations. You can easily access others via the Metro (from the King Street Station).
12. Great Waves Waterpark
If you’re visiting Alexandria over the summer and need to cool off, Great Waves Waterpark is the perfect place.
This NOVA Parks waterpark is open seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. And even though it isn’t as large as your commercial waterparks, it still offers a lot of fun, from giant slides to a wave pool and even mini-golf.
Prices vary depending on age, day of the week, and whether you are a resident of the area. Tickets are sold on-site the day of, so arrive early.
The park is about 2.5 miles west of Old Town Alexandria at 4001 Eisenhower Ave, so it’s best accessed by car or ride-share.
13. Mount Vernon
George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon, is about a 15-minute drive south of Old Town Alexandria. The 500-acre historic property has been preserved to allow guests to learn about Washington, his life on the estate, and the enslaved people who lived there.
You can easily spend a full day touring the mansion, the grounds, and the museum. If visiting Mount Vernon with kids, don’t forget to pick up the scavenger hunt!
Mount Vernon is open every from 9 am – 4 pm (5 pm from April through October). Visit their website for tickets and other important information.
😊 Skip the line and buy a Grounds Pass to Mount Vernon ahead of time.
14. Arlington National Cemetery
Although visiting cemeteries isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, an exception should be made for the Arlington National Cemetery. Many influential people are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, including former president John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and astronaut John Herschel Glenn, Jr.
One of the best ways to get around Arlington National Cemetery and learn the history of the people and the property is to take a tram tour. However, you can always walk around the cemetery for FREE.
Getting to Arlington National Cemetery from Alexandria via the Metro (Blue Line) is easy. There is a stop dedicated to the cemetery. However, if you choose to drive, paid parking is available on-site.
🚎 The tram tour is the best way to see Arlington Cemetery.
15. Washington, DC
Alexandria is so close to Washington, DC, that you can spend a day in the capital and enjoy may of the FREE things to do.
Getting to DC is easy from Alexandria via the Metro. You can easily visit the memorials and the Washington Monument by getting off at the Smithsonian Stop (Blue Line).
However, never fear if you get on the Yellow Line instead. You can get off at L’Enfant and walk the few blocks to the National Mall.
Where to Stay in Alexandria
Many major hotel chains have properties in Old Town Alexandria.
One of our favorites is the Embassy Suites since it is right next to the Metro stop and the FREE King Street Trolley. They also offer complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly manager’s reception. We’ve also had a good experience at the Hilton Garden Inn on Prince Street.
Getting Around Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia, is easy to get around, especially the Old Town district. The town is very walkable.
However, riding the FREE King Street Trolley around town is fun. As you travel down King Street, you’ll get a bit of history about Old Town.
The King Street Trolley has several stops up and down King Street, as far east as Fairfax street, and then will return to the Metro. The trolley operates daily, including holidays, from 11 am until 11 pm.
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