There are many fun things to do in Old Town Alexandria that involve history, great food, and fun! There is something so special about walking the same streets you know that many others have in generations past. I moved to Alexandria in 2023 and ever since have been loving exploring Old Town.
With all the fun things to do in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, I’d recommend spending a full day here as part of a DC trip. It also makes a great weekend trip if you want something a little slower-paced than Washington, DC, quaint, and full of history! Here are some of my favorite things to do there!
Things to Know about Old Town Alexandria
Before we discuss some of the best things to do in Alexandria, let’s discuss a few tips for visiting! Alexandria makes a great day trip, and planning a little bit ahead makes a big difference.
- Old Town is located just south of Washington, DC. It was once part of Washington, DC, and is home to American Revolution-era history. It has a similar feel to famous neighborhoods like Georgetown in DC because it’s from the same era!
- It is metro accessible, and there is a free trolly that runs from the Metro (King Street stop) into Old Town. Choose a hotel near the metro in Alexandria for easy access to DC!
- Parking can be tricky in Old Town, especially now with King Street near the water closed for extra outdoor seating. There are a few garages available, and I would recommend parking at off-peak times or just splurging for the garage if you are coming to visit.
- If you’re planning to stay somewhere while here, I’d recommend looking at a hotel right near Market Square. It is in the central part of Old Town and more affordable than the waterfront!
1. Visit the Oldest Farmers Market in America
Every Saturday for the last 260 years, this farmers market has been open to the public. George Washington used to bring produce from his farms here to sell! It’s located directly under Market Square Plaza from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. year-round. Access the free garage (108 N. Fairfax St.) between Cameron and King Streets.
In addition to food, local artists set up shop here, and you can buy a unique, local piece to take home with you!
2. Eat on the waterfront
Old Town Alexandria has some unique waterfront spots you will want to check out! Vola’s is probably my favorite waterfront restaurant. It has beautiful views and great happy hour specials.
I also love Virtue Feed and Grain, which has a great outdoor seating area that, while not right on the water, does give you a view, and it is definitely more intimate and quiet there.
Barca also has excellent views, but make sure you have a reservation if the weather is nice. They get very busy and have a fantastic view of the water to the capital in DC.
3. Take a ghost tour
Ghost tours are a must in Old Town! Because it was founded back in the 1700s, some spooky stories live on to this day, very old cemeteries, and more throughout Old Town. Also fun on these tours – guides dress up in period costumes to set the mood for your ghost tour.
4. Eat where the Founding Fathers did at Gadsby’s Tavern
Gadsby’s Tavern is a historic tavern that operated in the 17080s onward. Presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams stayed there while on trips to Washington, DC.
Today, it has been restored and you can visit the restaurant that serves up food from that era as well as the museum (free to Alexandria residents!). It’s located at the corner of N. Royal and Cameron Street.
5. Go on an Ice Cream Crawl
This one might sound funny but hear me out! Alexandria is home to over ten different ice cream shops. I’ve spent a full day before just going around to all the different local spots here, which is really fun, but also, you’ll be surprised how fast you get full! Maybe just try one while you’re walking around.
A few of my favorite ice cream places to try are:
- Casa Rosada Gelato
- The Creamery
- Dolci Gelati Café
- Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
6. See Captains Row
Captain’s Row is the oldest block in Old Town Alexandria. The homes there are beautiful, and residents go all out for different holidays throughout the year. It’s charming and located just one block off the main drag of King Street near the water. It’s definitely worth a stroll through this cobblestone street.
It’s especially fun during the fall! Residents go all out decorating with Halloween decor and you’ll see many people taking pictures here.
7. Shop on King Street
You can find all sorts of shops and restaurants along King Street. Outdoor seating is plentiful and the historic buildings are beautiful to look at. There are over 70 independent small businesses, shops, and boutiques along King Street so it’s the perfect place to support local and find unique things for you or your loved ones!
8. Eat and Drink on King Street
Similar to the shops, there are some amazing spots for food on King Street. Many of the restaurants have been around for a long time, but in recent years, some great new spots have popped up too! Some of my favorites are below.
- Vermilion (American Food, the Obama’s loved it here!)
- Sonoma Cellar (Great cheese plates and wine pairings, cute patio)
- Il Porto (Italian food there is top-notch)
- The Rub Chicken & Beer (Fried Chicken sandwich there is soooo good)
- Thai Street Food (my favorite Thai in the area)
- Andy’s Pizza (my favorite pizza in the DMV)
- Augie’s Mussel House (great mussels, beer, and hot chicken)
- Thomspon’s Italian (great pastas and cocktails)
- People’s Drug (awesome cocktails and food)
9. Cruise the Potomac
Seeing Old Town, and DC, in general, from the water is a great time. I recently went on a cruise with Reflections DC and it was a perfect afternoon. His tours are completely “pick your own adventure” type of tours so you can spend your hours on the boat seeing exactly what you want or taking his recommended course along the water.
You can also join a historic boat cruise on the Tall Ship Providence. Providence is a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and John Paul Jones’ first American command. Come aboard to tour the ship, meet a historic figure, and get a taste of what life was like aboard an 18th-century sloop.
Visitors can also feel the breeze off the Potomac with public and private cruise options or hang out on the dock at the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center.
10. Find the most narrow house in America
It’s true! At just 7 feet wide, Old Town Alexandria is home to the narrowest house and holds the record in the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s definitely tiny and Instagram-worthy.
It is easy to find the exact location just off King Street at 523 Queen Street. The legend goes that it was built in an alleyway when people kept walking down the alleyway loudly at night. They built the house out of spite to keep people from walking through!
11. Walk the cobblestone streets
One of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria is just to walk the cute streets. You’ll find some amazing hidden gems just by walking around. Grab a coffee at Misha’s and meander through the streets.
12. Picnic in Waterfront Park
Alexandria has a recently remodeled waterfront park that is a favorite to locals and visitors alike. Grab a snack or meal to go and hang out along the water, watching the boats go by. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon.
I’d recommend Mae’s Market, Tatte Bakery, or Firehook to grab a bite and head to a picnic in Shipyard Park off the main park Roberdeau Park.
13. Get close to Revolutionary history at the Carlyle House
Carlyle House is a historic mansion built by Scottish merchant John Carlyle in 1751–53 who was the founder of Alexandria. It’s now a museum with exhibits about different American Revolution events. Exhibits often change here and there are beautiful gardens in the back.
The first floor is free to explore, and the second/third floors require a tour (which is only $8). It is situated on North Fairfax Street between Cameron and King Streets.
14. Rent bikes and ride along the Mount Vernon Trail
Pick up a bike from VA Bike Rentals right in Old Town and cruise along the Mount Vernon Trail. I’d recommend going north, toward DC, to Gravelly Point, where you can watch planes fly over into Washington Reagan and enjoy a great view of the monuments. The trail is primarily flat and makes for a beautiful ride for the whole family!
15. Find all the cute murals and art
There are several different spots to find cool murals and art throughout Old Town. Visit a gallery or walk the streets and find some awesome street art! More on the details of murals in this article from the Alexandria Times.
16. Explore a Torpedo Factory
The Torpedo Factory is the former U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, a naval munitions factory on the banks of the Potomac River. In 1974, it was converted into an art center. More than 74 artists have studios here, meaning there’s no shortage of spots to explore!
While here, don’t forget to look at the torpedo exhibit to hear about the history of the Alexandria waterfront and US Naval history.
It’s open from 10 am—9 pm on weekdays, with special events and activities on weekends. Always check their hours before visiting, and know that different studios are often closed without notice, so if there’s a particular artist you want to visit, call ahead!
You’re now prepared with some fun things to do in Alexandria, Virginia! This town will hook you in with its charm and history. Whether looking for a good weekend getaway or planning a day trip from DC, you’ll love Old Town.
Leave a reply