Best things to do in Old Town Alexandria
- Laura Bruckmann
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
When Washington DC was created, there was nothing but wilderness where what is now the National Mall. The complete federal district was mapped as a 10 mile by 10 mile square starting at the far boundary of the port town of Alexandria, VA. The oldest settlement in the original square, Alexandria, was established in 1749, beating Georgetown by just 2 years. In 1846 all of the territory that Virginia had originally contributed to Washington, DC was retroceded back to the state. After almost 50 years, Alexandria was back in Virginia.
Today, Old Town Alexandria is a hidden gem in the DC tourism scene. Due to limited time, most guests focus their attention on the sites within Washington, DC. You can see our recommendations for how to spend those short trips by checking out our 1 day, weekend, and 3 day itineraries. But with more time, Old Town Alexandria should make your list of must-dos on a DC trip. Our walking tour of the historic town including a private, guided tour inside Carlyle House is the best way to get started. Book this exciting new tour for 2025 today!
Quick History of Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria was founded to provide a port for farmers who had moved increasingly far away from the bustling port at Fredericksburg. With its deep water harbor and it being the only port so far up the Potomac, Alexandria developed quickly. The small hamlet also found itself at the center of colonial drama. British General Braddock arrived at Alexandria to begin his ill-fated campaign in the French and Indian War. In the aftermath of the war, locals gathered to protest the King’s taxes. Among those locals were founding fathers like George Washington, who maintained a townhouse in Alexandria and lived at Mt. Vernon nearby.
After supporting the War for Independence, Alexandria was initially honored to be included within the boundaries of Washington, DC. However, the capital city never really developed on the Virginia side of the river: as District citizens, Alexandrians lost the ability to vote in federal elections and found that their politics differed from the main part of the city growing on the other side of the Potomac. Many prominent Alexandrians also owned plantations in nearby rural Virginia making them staunch advocates for protecting the institution of slavery. In 1846, with the threat of emancipation of slaves in Washington DC looming, Alexandria rejoined Virginia.
While the city was part of Virginia secession in 1861, it spent most of the Civil War as occupied Union territory due to its proximity to the nation’s capital. Like many Southern cities, Alexandria struggled to recover in the aftermath of the war. Eventually, the city survived reconstruction and its river location kept it relevant, even becoming part of the American war effort in WWI and WWII with newly constructed torpedo factories. However, there was a flurry of post-war movement into suburban Virginia and Alexandria was no longer as desirable. The once bustling streets became silent among a rise in commercial and residential vacancies which in turn led to poverty and crime common among cities in the period.
The Alexandria that you see today is largely a redevelopment begun in the lead up and aftermath of America’s bicentennial celebrations. The city’s patriotic roots matched with the tourist desires of the period and Alexandria was reborn as you see it today.
Top Historic Sites in Old Town Alexandria
Carlyle House Historic Park
While many of the original colonial buildings were lost through the centuries, Carlyle House is one of the original homes from the beginning of the port. John Carlyle was a city founder and local merchant who built this unusual manor home in the middle of what became urban environment. Tours are available and the grounds of the house are open to the public.
Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary
The apothecary was one of the oldest private businesses in Alexandria when it closed during the Great Depression. The family-run business maintained records showing purchases by Martha Washington and other recognizable locals. It also contains its original inventory which creates a very authentic experience. Regular tours are given as well as many themed events.
Gadsby’s Tavern
The tavern’s buildings date to just after the American Revolution. After George Washington’s retirement from the Presidency, two popular Birthnight Balls were held in his honor in the upper ballroom. The business dwindled in the early part of the 20th century and in 1917 the Metropolitan Museum of Art purchased the ballroom and moved it to the New York museum. Matching the redevelopment of Alexandria, Gadsby’s was one of several attractions refurbished and reopened for the bicentennial. Tours of the museum are available and it is possible to make reservations to eat in the restaurant as well.
Torpedo Factory
In more modern city history, torpedo factories were established in Alexandria near the tail end of World War I. The buildings experienced an idle period, but were reactivated for service in World War II. In the post-war suburban boom, the buildings were used for federal records storage or even left vacant. While some of the buildings were eventually removed, the building on the pier was transformed into an arts center during the 1970s redevelopment. Today it retains that mission as work and gallery space for local artists. You can stroll through the halls and get a feel of the historic character while enjoying the work of local artists.
Other things to do in Old Town Alexandria
Waterfront
Alexandria’s waterfront offers great opportunities to get out on the river. From basic water taxi service to sightseeing tours, there are many options to see the DC area from a very different perspective. There is a lovely park stretching in front of the Torpedo Factory and beyond where you can stroll along the river and just enjoy looking at the boats and shoreline as well.
Bike Trails
Alexandria is connected to the larger DC and Virginia area through an impressive network of bike trails. The Mt. Vernon trail, which you can pick up near the waterfront, can even take you along the river all the way to George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. In the opposite direction, you can travel all the way back to Arlington Cemetery and Washington, DC.
Shopping
This historic port town retains its reputation as a place to buy anything. Strolling along the main drag of King St, you will find tourist shops with souvenirs, boutiques to meet every style plus book stores, toy shops and other specialty retailers. This is a wonderful place to search for unique gifts for everyone at home and to shop local.
Restaurants
Locals and visitors alike head to Alexandria for a night out among the variety of choices. Along King St you will find everything from pub fare, to seafood, Italian, and Mexican. Many of these establishments will require reservations particularly on a weekend night. In recent years, there are several restaurants along the waterfront offering not just a meal, but a beautiful view of the river that has made Alexandria a desirable destination since the 1700s. Finally, further uptown near Alexandria’s metro stations, you will find more local eateries which can be the hidden gems on your trip.
Evening options
Alexandria is the perfect place for an evening stroll. With a number of ice cream shops, wine bars, and bakeries, there is always a place for an after dinner treat. Its quaint streets and attractive waterfront make it perfect for stretching your legs after a nice meal. Many of the local bars host trivia nights, sporting events and live entertainment.
How to get to Old Town Alexandria
If these sound like options you would like to add to your trip, you will need to get to Old Town from Washington, DC. We recommend taking the Metro to Old Town. You will ride to the King St station on the blue or yellow lines. From there, restaurants and sites are walkable from the station or the city provides a free trolley that runs down King St to save you some steps. If you aren’t sure about the Metro, our Metro tour is a great way to learn the system and see DC away from the National Mall.
You can certainly drive across the river and look for parking. Street parking is generally metered through phone apps and there are some garages, however, on evenings and weekends it can be difficult to find a space. Timing can be key to a smooth drive to Alexandria as it is the intersection of several major commuting routes.
There are water taxis that pull into the Alexandria wharf which can be a fun way to enjoy the river while getting to your next destination. Check ahead for changes to the schedule based on weather or DC events. Like everything else in DC, security is a priority along the river as well.
Finally, the Mt. Vernon trail runs from Washington DC into Alexandria. It is a little over 7 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Torpedo Factory along the river at the end of King St. Biking is probably the most practical use of the trail for this distance. If you would like to make a day of it, it is an additional 10 miles to Mt. Vernon. Although you would be on a bike rather than a horse, the trail really gives you a sense for what Washington himself experienced while traversing the distance. You develop an appreciation for a time when walking or horses were the only transit options, and why it made sense to have a townhouse in a city only 10 miles away.
We hope that this guide gets you started with planning your visit to Old Town Alexandria. For help planning your trip, please contact us at info@unscripted.city or at 202-590-4460.
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