The Best Things to Do in Alexandria, Virginia

Sleep for Cheap

Wondering where to stay on your trip to Washington, D.C.? Save money and reduce hassles by staying in Alexandria, Virginia, where the hotels are often cheaper than those located right in the capital, but are still incredibly accessible. Alexandria is just a few stops from D.C.'s main attractions on the Metro. One of Alexandria's best boutique hotels, Kimpton Morrison House, is a 10-minute drive from Reagan National Airport.

Enjoy Art for Free

Washington, D.C., is renowned for its bounty of free museums (hello, Smithsonian!), but enjoying the free art scene is one of the top things to do in Alexandria, too. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a former munitions plant that was turned into the nation's largest working-artists' open studio collection in 1974. You'll find more than 80 artists hard at work creating all forms of art (from painting to sculpture) every day. It's free to explore, though you may be tempted to buy a one-of-a-kind piece from one of the galleries.

Eat … and Then Eat Some More!

One of the best things to do in Alexandria if you're a foodie: Take in the dining scene, which has become so hot that even presidents have been known to cross the river for date night dinners. Nationally renowned chefs like William Morris (Vermilion) have paved the way for casual to five-star restaurants to spring up all over town, and fine dining is one of the top things to do in Alexandria.

You'll find more unique restaurants than chains in Alexandria. Most of the restaurants are hyper-local, with some even incorporating Alexandria's history into the mix. Vola's Dockside Grill, for example, is named after Vola Lawson, one of the area's most iconic civic leaders, and the restaurant incorporates homages to her legacy throughout. Other restaurants are award-winners, like Hank's Pasta Bar; and some, like Don Taco, are just flat-out fun, offering a lively gathering spot with great cuisine.

Bring Your Dog

It's not really a family vacation if the dog can't come. And in Alexandria, there's no need to leave your pup at home: Alexandria is one of the most dog-friendly places in the U.S. More than half of Alexandria's hotels allow dogs, and there are plenty of things to do in Alexandria with your furry friend—like dog cruises, doggy happy hours, and more. You can even drop off your dog at a pet spa or gym to be pampered while you find other things to do.

Take Advantage of the Waterfront

Alexandria's waterfront offers much more than Instagram-worthy views—although you can get some great snaps of the Washington Monument from there. It's a convenient jumping off point for cruises, like those run by the Potomac Riverboat Company, and it also serves as a handy transportation hub.

Here’s what to do in Alexandria if you want to beat Washington, D.C.'s notoriously bad traffic: Hop on a water taxi or shuttle from the waterfront straight to Nationals Stadium, or to Maryland's waterfront, which is right across the river.

Drinks

You definitely won't go thirsty in Alexandria, which is bubbling over with places to grab a good drink. There are secret speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors (PX) or inside a doughnut shop (Captain Gregory's). And Alexandria even has its very own craft brewer, Port City Brewing, a past winner of the Great American Beer Festival's Small Brewing Company of the Year award. You can visit and take a tour to see how the magic happens, or simply grab a pint in the relaxed tasting room, where you can bring in your own food.

Get Active

Alexandria isn't all urban spaces—there are plenty of green spots to enjoy as well, and it's easy to get out and break a sweat while enjoying them. Alexandria is the halfway point on the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile paved path that goes from Washington, D.C., to Mount Vernon (George Washington's estate).

What to do in Alexandria if you're an active traveler is rent a bike and ride the whole way, or sign up for a Bike and Boat Cruise, which rents you a bike to ride one way and then brings you back on a boat. Or, explore some of Alexandria's lesser-known attractions on the Virginia is for Runner's Tour, an approximately three-mile overview of off-the-beaten path sights.

Festivals

From art fairs to brewery fests, there are things to do in Alexandria nearly every weekend. One of the biggest is the Art on the Avenue, an annual event in the lively Del Ray neighborhood that attracts more than 300 artists showcasing their work (along with plenty of food vendors and entertainment). Most festivals are family- and dog-friendly.

Learn Some History

Alexandria has been inhabited for more than 13,000 years, and it's been home to everyone from George Washington to Gerald Ford. History is evident all around, especially in the Old Town district, which was the third historic district ever designated in the U.S. The brick houses and cobblestoned streets look like they haven't changed too much since then.

Buy a $10 Key to the City pass, which gives you free admission to historic sites like the Black History Museum, Carlyle House, and Fort Ward Museum.