15 Best Things To Do In Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia, may be a quaint, convenient landing spot for D.C. commuters, but it has a personality all its own. The small waterfront town ticks all the boxes: It's easily walkable, full of locally owned shops and businesses, and bursts with historic charm, especially in the winter months (it'd be the perfect site for a Hallmark Christmas movie). Just 7 miles south of Washington, D.C., Alexandria combines small-town charm with big city access, making it a desirable place for families to settle. But in recent years, new attractions and a locally rooted dining scene have helped Alexandria blossom into a standalone destination. Set on the Potomac River, the town's recently revamped waterfront has quickly become a favorite running path, its string of parks a ready playground for children. Take a stroll down Old Town's cobblestone streets and see for yourself what makes this part of Virginia so magical.

Experience the Local Food and Beverage Scene

Satisfy Your Caffeine Fix

Although neighboring Washington, D.C. gains a big reputation for its culinary scene, Alexandria holds its own with an abundance of excellent local dining options, starting with their coffee shops. Grab your morning coffee at Misha's, a favorite local gathering place on King Street since 1991; if you're feeling adventurous, try one of the monthly specials which are often fun seasonal flavors, like a chocolate chai or lavender iced latte. The second location, a waterfront spot on Prince Street, has a rooftop deck to enjoy when the weather is nice.

 mishascoffee.com, 917 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 and 6 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Rise and Shine for the Farmers' Market

On Saturdays, don't miss the Old Town Farmers' Market in Market Square, which runs year-round and holds the title of the oldest continually operating farmer's market in the country. (They say George Washington sent produce from Mount Vernon here!) From fresh-baked tea loaves to fruits plucked from family-owned orchards, you're sure to find something to curb your hunger.

alexandriava.gov/OldTownFarmersMarket, 301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Make Room for Tacos

Housed in an old garage, Chop Shop gets funky with their offerings: Things like za'atar red onions and mango sauce grace their house-made tortillas. If you have room for more tacos, check out happy hour at Urbano 116, where chef Alam Méndez serves Mexican staples like Carnitas Tacos and Chicken Tostadas, along with a host of house margaritas, in a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere.

chopshoptaco.com, 1008 Madison St Alexandria, VA 22314

urbano116.com, 116 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Settle In for Happy Hour at an Old Diner

First opened in 1932 as a cafe, The Majestic today still dishes comfort-food favorites in an elevated environment. Snag a seat at the bar for their weekday happy hour, where you can choose from tasty staples, like sliders served with pimiento cheese, buffalo duck nuggets, and popcorn shrimp.

themajesticva.com, 911 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Dive into Fresh Seafood

At the Old Town outpost of this D.C. favorite, Hank's Oyster Bar serves up a wide variety of East Coast oysters, including their proprietary bivalves from the Lower Chesapeake. For a full sampling, order the Seafood Plateau, which includes oysters, clams, shrimp, ceviche, mussels, and Maine lobster.

hanksoysterbar.com, 818 N. St. Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Treat Yourself to Fine Dining

For dinner, Vermilion is Alexandria's fine dining king—there's no wrong way to turn on this expertly crafted, exceptionally local menu, which features seasonal fare made with farm-raised options. Wet your whistle with a pick from their extensive selection of wine and whiskeys.

vermilionrestaurant.com, 1120 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Snag a Table on the Waterfront

Situated along Old Town's riverside boardwalk, Virtue Feed & Grain is your destination for waterfront dining. Here, you'll find elevated tavern food—think lobster corn dogs, duck poutine, and oven-backed rockfish—and plenty of cocktail options, including flights of spirits for the especially brave.

virtuefeedgrain.com, 106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Shop Local

Stroll the Length of King Street

No matter the season, you can spend an entire day walking up and down King Street (or, in the winter months, riding on the free trolley). Known as the "King Street Mile," this is where you'll find strollable and browseable stretches of sidewalk filled with things to see and do. A remarkable number of Alexandria's businesses remain locally owned and operated, many of them by female entrepreneurs. Pop into some of Old Town's signature boutiques like Red Barn Mercantile for home décor, Penny Post for paper goods, The Shoe Hive for your pick of stylish shoes, and Mason and Greens, the area's first zero-waste shop.

Clink Glasses at The Hour

Also on King Street, this glassware shop is the passion project of Victoria Vergason, who, while working a job in international finance, developed a love of collecting vintage barware from the antique shops and flea markets in her off time. Today, her shoppable inventory includes more than 10,000 throwback finds, from snifters to shakers and coasters to cocktail picks.

thehourshop.com, 1015 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Find A New Read at Old Town Books

Alexandria's go-to independent bookseller carries a comprehensive selection of new releases and classics for children and young adults, plus it hosts community-building events each month, from writing meet-ups to themed monthly book clubs.

oldtownbooks.com, 130 S Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Grow Your Collection at Boxwood

Shop a thoughtfully curated assortment of home goods and gifts at this charming boutique, which also hosts community events throughout the year. This past holiday season, for instance, they held a block-printing workshop to make wrapping paper.

boxwoodoldtown.com, 128 S Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Spin a Yarn at Fibre Space

This "yarn universe" and community hangout brings together makers of all skill sets, from beginning knitters to expert crocheters. Pop in to find materials for your next project, or sign up for one of their many workshops or classes for children and adults, which range from broader introductory classes to highly specific ones on finishing projects.

fibrespace.com, 1319 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Immerse Yourself in the Arts Scene

Carve out some time to wander the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the country's "largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof." Founded in an old munitions plant in 1974, the riverfront landmark's three floors of galleries, studios, and shops are an easy, comprehensive way to engage with the local arts community—and find a memorable souvenir.

torpedofactory.org, 105 N. Union St Alexandria, VA 22314

Tack On a Day Trip Detour

Head to the Capital

Just a quick metro ride away, Washington, D.C. promises a day of activity and fun for the whole family. See the monuments and stroll the capital's stately streets, and in the spring, be sure to catch D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival, when the trees lining the Potomac all burst into blush-pink blooms. Close the day out with a cocktail from one of D.C.'s many rooftop bars, where you can take in the monument-studded skyline from above. When in D.C., don't miss the Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, and the many Smithsonian Institution museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Visit Mount Vernon

George Washington's estate sits just 8 miles outside Alexandria, but the scenery at Mount Vernon, with its expansive gardens and sandstone structures, bears little resemblance to the modern town. Take a tour of the first president's mansion and linger for a moment on the back porch, which opens out to a stunning hillside view. If you're lucky, you'll meet one of the guides—instantly recognizable in colonial garb—who wander the property, ready to offer up anecdotes about Washington's farm or distillery. You can also visit the museum and education center, where you'll find exhibits, films, and information on the people who shaped Mount Vernon.

mountvernon.org, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121

No matter where you roam in Alexandria, there's something to draw your eye and strike your fancy. Visit for the vibrant waterfront and historic district, and stay for the charm you'll find around every corner.