11 Fun Things To Do In Alexandria, VA: A First-Time Visitor’s Travel Guide
Are You Wondering What Are Some Fun Things To Do In Alexandria, VA For First-Time Visitors? Keep Reading To Find Out More!
If you’re planning on doing some fun things in Alexandria, VA, you’re in for a treat!
Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., the city is filled with cobblestone streets, waterfront views, beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, local shops, and great places to eat.
It’s an easy destination to explore and makes a great addition to a trip to the capital.
Old Town Alexandria is the city’s most famous area, but there’s much more to discover beyond its historic streets.
You can learn about American history, explore the waterfront, browse local shops, or wander through picturesque neighborhoods.
In this Alexandria, VA travel guide, I’ll share 11 of the best and most fun things to do in Alexandria for first-time visitors.
Recommended Resources:
✈️ Cheapest Flights
🏢 Hotels
🚵🏼♀️ Tours
🚘 Car Rental
🚖 Airport Taxi Transfer
🩹 Travel Insurance
💧 Water Bottle
Fun Things To Do In Alexandria, VA – Explore Historic Old Town Alexandria
Explore the heart of Alexandria by wandering through the charming streets of Old Town.
Where historic architecture, scenic waterfront views, unique attractions, and local shops and restaurants come together.
1. Explore Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is the perfect place to start your visit.
Founded in 1749, this historic district is one of the city’s biggest attractions and is known for its beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture.
The best way to experience it is on foot, so take your time wandering along the cobblestone streets.
You’ll find colourful row houses, independent boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafés, and historic buildings around almost every corner.
It’s a great place to shop, grab a coffee, stop for lunch, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Make sure to explore some of the side streets as well, as many of Old Town’s prettiest homes and historic landmarks are tucked away from the main road.
Also, Old Town is home to several important historic sites.
Including the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, and the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum.
If you want to learn more about the area as you walk, the city has self-guided tours, historical markers, and signs throughout Old Town.
There are even walking routes focused on topics such as George Washington, African American history, and Alexandria during the Civil War.
With so much packed into a relatively walkable area, you can easily spend half a day or more exploring Old Town Alexandria.
2. Visit the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is one of the most scenic parts of Alexandria, stretching along the Potomac River at the eastern end of Old Town.
Start your waterfront walk at the foot of King Street and make your way along the river.
Waterfront Park is a particularly nice place to stop, with benches, picnic areas, walking paths, and public art.
Also, the park regularly hosts small city-sponsored festivals and events.
From here, you can continue along the waterfront toward the City Marina.
There, you’ll find boats, piers, and views across the Potomac toward Washington, D.C.
The marina is very lively, with boats coming and going throughout the day.
You may even see sightseeing cruises, water taxis, and other vessels on the Potomac.
The waterfront is also a great place for food and drinks, with several restaurants offering outdoor seating overlooking the river.
Keep an eye out for public art and street performers, which add to the lively atmosphere around Old Town.
If you’re visiting Alexandria for the first time, I recommend coming around golden hour when the waterfront becomes especially picturesque.
3. Stroll Along King Street
Strolling along King Street is one of the best ways to experience Old Town Alexandria.
Known as the “King Street Mile,” this historic, brick-lined street runs from the King Street Metro area toward the Potomac River.
It is filled with beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, independent boutiques, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
Take your time wandering through the shops and ducking down the charming side streets.
There you’ll find colorful rowhouses, cobblestone lanes, and hidden architectural gems.
There are more than 200 independent restaurants and shops along the broader Old Town area.
Therefore, King Street is a great place to browse for local gifts, grab a coffee, or stop for a meal.
As you walk east toward the river, you’ll pass landmarks such as Market Square and Alexandria City Hall.
As well as historic taverns, churches, and other reminders of Alexandria’s colonial past before eventually reaching the waterfront.
If you don’t want to walk the entire mile, the free King Street Trolley runs along the street with stops every few blocks.
4. See the Spite House
The Hollensbury Spite House is one of Old Town Alexandria’s most unusual landmarks and one of the city’s best photo stops.
Located at 523 Queen Street, this tiny blue house was built in 1830 by John Hollensbury and is only about seven feet wide.
According to the famous local story, Hollensbury was frustrated by people loitering in the nearby alley and horse-drawn wagons damaging the walls of his home.
So he built a house right in the alley to the block access.
However, the story may not be entirely accurate.
Historians have suggested that the house may have been built for additional living space or other practical reasons, so the “spite” explanation is more legend than confirmed fact.
Today, the Spite House is a beloved piece of Alexandria’s quirky architecture and is often described as the skinniest historic house in America.
Since it is a private residence, visitors cannot tour the inside.
However, you can stop by to admire the unusual architecture and take a photo from the street.
Fun Things To Do In Alexandria, VA – Museums & Historic Sites
Discover Alexandria’s rich history and fascinating past through its museums, historic buildings, and unique landmarks.
5. Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is one of Alexandria’s most unique attractions, located right on the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town.
The building was originally constructed in 1918 as a naval munitions plant and actually produced torpedoes during both World Wars.
After serving other purposes over the years, it was transformed into an art center in 1974.
Today, the building is home to three floors of working artists’ studios and galleries.
You can walk through the building and watch artists creating paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculptures, stained glass, and more.
Many studios are open to visitors, so you can chat with artists about their work and even purchase original pieces directly from them.
One of the most interesting things about visiting is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional museum.
Instead of simply looking at finished artwork behind glass, you get to see the creative process happening right in front of you.
The center also houses the Alexandria Archaeology Museum and The Art League Gallery and School, while the Target Gallery features rotating contemporary art exhibitions.
Admission to the Torpedo Factory Art Center is free.
Also, keep in mind that the artist studio hours can vary, so some individual studios may not be open every time you visit.
6. Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is a fascinating stop in Old Town Alexandria for anyone interested in early American history.
The museum occupies two historic tavern buildings dating to around 1785 and 1792.
It once served as an important gathering place for dining, entertainment, business, and lodging.
Famous visitors included George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Inside, you can explore historically furnished dining rooms, private rooms, sleeping quarters, and the ballroom.
Also, the museum addresses the important role of enslaved workers, whose labor made the tavern’s hospitality possible.
Admission is currently $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5–12, with guided tours available for $8 and last 45min.
Regular admission can only be purchased in person at the museum at the time of your visit.
For the group tours, it is recommended to book in advance, as there are only a few per day.
Without the tour, it would not take too long to see this attraction, not more than 30 mins.
7. Explore the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmacy in Alexandria.
The family-run business was founded in 1792 by Quaker apothecary Edward Stabler and operated at this location from 1805 until it closed in 1933.
Today, the historic shop has been preserved as a museum, with much of its collection showcasing the kinds of medicines, herbs, chemicals, and medical equipment used over the shop’s 141-year history.
Inside, you’ll find shelves packed with hand-blown glass bottles, herbal botanicals, pharmaceutical equipment, and old medicine containers.
Also, it has historic records such as prescription books, invoices, and ledgers.
The apothecary sold a surprisingly wide range of products beyond medicine, including perfume, soap, paint, artists’ supplies, dental equipment, and even farm and garden supplies.
Famous customers included George and Martha Washington.
One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is seeing how dramatically medical practices have changed.
Guided tours cover both the first and second floors, last about 45 minutes and cost $8.00 (highly recommend doing this one).
Meanwhile, self-guided visits only cover the first floor and cost $5.00.
8. Visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a striking nine-story Neoclassical landmark perched on a hill overlooking Alexandria.
It was built by Freemasons across the United States as a memorial to George Washington, who was a lifelong Freemason.
The building combines a museum, historic exhibits, Masonic meeting spaces, and impressive architectural features.
A guided tour takes you through several fascinating spaces, including Memorial Hall, with its enormous columns, murals, and 17-foot statue of Washington.
As well as a replica of the historic Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.
Also, there are exhibits about the history of Freemasonry and the George Washington Museum, which contains artifacts connected to Washington and his family.
Check out the beautifully decorated Knight Templar Chapel and finish your visit on the ninth-floor observation deck.
It offers panoramic 360-degree views over Alexandria, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area.
The Memorial currently offers guided tours several days a week, with tours lasting approximately one hour.
Advance reservations are required, and admission is currently $20 for adults, while children 12 and under are free.
Without the tour, you can only see the lobby and a few small rooms beside the lobby.
Fun Things To Do In Alexandria, VA – Food & Drink Scene
Savor Alexandria’s diverse food and drink scene, from cozy cafés and classic diners to lively restaurants, seafood spots, and sweet treats that make exploring the city even more delicious.
9. Enjoy Alexandria’s Food & Drink Scene
Alexandria has a fantastic food and drink scene, with everything from upscale restaurants and seafood spots to casual diners, cafés, and sweet treats.
For a fancy dinner, The Majestic by Santiago Lopez on King Street is a stylish choice.
Serving contemporary New American cuisine with Mediterranean influences in a cozy, sophisticated setting.
For seafood lovers, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Old Town is a great place to enjoy oysters, lobster rolls, and other seafood favorites in its lively “urban beach” atmosphere.
Virtue Feed & Grain is another popular option, housed in a historic 1800s feed house near the waterfront.
It is known for its modern-rustic setting, American tavern fare, cocktails, and patio.
For breakfast, start your day at Café du Soleil, which serves organic coffee, pastries, fresh crêpes, soups, and French-inspired dishes.
Beeliner Diner is another fun option if you’re craving classic diner-style comfort food in a cheerful setting, with burgers, sandwiches, sweets, and its popular Tower Cakes.
If you’re looking for something quick, Call Your Mother is a great stop for bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
And, of course, save room for something sweet—The Creamery is a fun place to grab ice cream and cool down while exploring Old Town.
Their Dubai Chocolate flavor is really yummy!
With so many independent restaurants, cafés, bars, and dessert spots packed into the area, trying some of Alexandria’s local food is an experience in itself.
Fun Things to Do in Alexandria, VA – Attractions Near Alexandria
Venture beyond Old Town to discover fascinating attractions near Alexandria, from historic estates to architectural gems; these are additional opportunities to explore the area.
10. Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon
A visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a must for history lovers visiting the Alexandria area.
It is located about eight miles south of Alexandria along the Potomac River.
This beautifully preserved estate was the home of George and Martha Washington and offers a fascinating look at Washington’s life beyond his role as America’s first president.
The highlight is touring the Mansion, where Washington and Martha lived, but there is much more to explore across the expansive estate.
Wander through the historic gardens, visit the original outbuildings, see Washington’s Tomb, etc.
The estate also includes the George Washington: A Revolutionary Life Exhibit.
In it, you can see personal artifacts and learn more about Washington’s life, career, and legacy.
You can even see his actual dentures!
Also, it is worth taking time to learn about the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon.
We did the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour, which was very eye-opening.
It explores their lives, families, work, and contributions to the operation of the estate, providing a fuller picture of Mount Vernon’s history.
Mount Vernon is open year-round, and the grounds pass currently starts at $30 for adults and $16 for children ages 6–11.
A separate ticket is required for the Mansion tour, so booking ahead is recommended, particularly on busy days.
11. Check Out the Frank Lloyd Wright Pope-Leighey House
The Frank Lloyd Wright Pope-Leighey House is a fascinating stop for architecture and design lovers.
Built in 1940–1941 for journalist Loren Pope and his family, the 1,200-square-foot home is an example of Wright’s Usonian style.
It was designed to provide practical, affordable, and beautifully designed homes for middle-class Americans.
Despite its small size, the house feels surprisingly spacious.
That is thanks to Wright’s clever use of open spaces, varying ceiling heights, large windows, natural materials, and his famous “compression and release” technique.
Many of the original Wright-designed furnishings are also preserved.
Allowing you to see how the architecture, furniture, and interior details were intended to work together.
Also, the house has an interesting story of survival.
When a highway project threatened to destroy it, the National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired and moved the house to the grounds of Woodlawn in 1965.
It was later moved again, about 30 feet, in 1995 to protect its foundation.
Today, it is the only Frank Lloyd Wright home open to the public in the Washington, D.C. region.
Tours take you through the entire house, giving you a close look at Wright’s innovative design and the way he incorporated the surrounding landscape into the home.
The Pope-Leighey House is open seasonally, with guided tours generally offered Thursday through Monday, and it can be visited together with the neighboring historic Woodlawn Manor.
The Frank Lloyd Wright house guided tour is $15.00, while the combo ticket is $20.00.
Conclusion: 11 Fun Things To Do In Alexandria, VA: A First-Time Visitor’s Travel Guide
Alexandria, Virginia, is the kind of destination where history, charm, culture, and great food come together at every turn.
From strolling along King Street and the waterfront to exploring fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and unique attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Alexandria.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or adding Alexandria to a larger Washington, D.C. trip.
Be sure to leave plenty of time to slow down, explore the historic streets, enjoy the local food scene, and discover some of the city’s hidden gems.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Alexandria is one of the most charming places to visit in Northern Virginia.
