Best Things to Do in Alexandria: Local Favorites for Visitors and Staycations

Lifestyle

Aug 14

Living in Alexandria means we’re spoiled by charm, history, and endless things to do, so it’s no wonder friends and family are always “coming to town” after seeing our photos. When they do, we love playing tour guide. We asked our contributors to share their must-do recommendations for out-of-town visitors (and staycation inspiration for locals). See if your favorites made the list—or add a few new ones for your next guests:

Adrien, Adrien Cotton Wellness: There is SO SO much history in our beautiful town. Most visitors come from areas of the country not as rich in our history. I say Mount Vernon, the Cobblestone streets of Old Town, of course the U.S. Capitol and try to snag a tour of the White House.

Angelika, Eliana Curated: Grab an Uber to the U.S. Botanical Garden and start a moonlit stroll past the monuments, ending at the Lincoln Memorial. It’s just two miles, but it feels like pure magic. We did it a few years ago when I was pregnant with little Eloise and my best friend flew in from Santa Monica—photo below. Now I recommend it to everyone that asks!

Katelin, Family First Law: I love the Apothecary Museum! It's right in town, and so neat to look at all the different items inside, tours run frequently so it's an easy stop in.

Celthia, Bellacara: For out-of-town visitors, I always recommend they wear comfortable shoes. While Old Town isn't huge, you'll find yourself on your feet for most of the day, and once your feet start hurting, it's hard to enjoy anything else!

Amy, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, Pippin Toy Co.: Well after I recommend all the wonderful shops in Old Town, I tell folks to take the Alexandria Ghost Tour. It's an out-of-the-ordinary way to get a little history, something for almost all ages, and something to do after they are finished shopping and dining!

Gabby, Coastal Collaborative Care: We’re foodies, so we always recommend exploring the incredible food scene in Alexandria! Start your day at Tatte or Dolci Gelati, then enjoy afternoon and evening dining with options ranging from the waterfront to Del Ray. From delicious Greek and Latin flavors to fresh seafood, favorites like Taverna Cretekou, Los Tios Grill, and Vola’s never disappoint.

Danielle, fibre space: I think the best way to see Old Town and its historic sites is with Manumission Tour Company! Their tours focus on the Black history of our city, which is truly at the center of our city’s history.

Renée, Renée C. Gage Photography: The National Portrait Gallery is quintessential to visiting D.C., especially the America’s Presidents exhibit. Walking through the nation’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House, creates a feeling of walking through time, change and growth of our very own country! One of my favorites is John F. Kennedy, by Aaron Shikler. Shikler’s portrait captures a contemplative pose inspired by a photograph of Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The exhibition lies at the heart of the Portrait Gallery’s mission to tell the American story through the individuals who have shaped it.

Jean, Moneta Accounting Solutions: I always recommend Mount Vernon Estate to visitors. It is such a beautiful property, and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association has worked so hard for many years to keep the view and home as accurate as possible to President Washington's day. With many wonderful sights and exhibits, it really gives a view into the way he lived and worked. You can see what an accomplished man he was, as well as get some insight to his doubts and concerns about the new nation he helped to form.

Kendall, Moneta Accounting Solutions: I always recommend exploring the waterfront in Old Town along with all the shops and restaurants on and around King Street – lots of great spots to stop!

Maria Elizabeth, Salon deZEN: If they seem like cool artsy people I always tell them to check out Galactic Panther gallery and to be sure to get some juice from Zen Press because it’s delicious!

Rainbow, Alexandria Stylebook: Do the museums – we have 17 Smithsonians, and the Zoo (they’re free!)! I also love the International SPY Museum, it’s so D.C. And I love suggesting newer spots like Madame Coco’s Parlour on Royal Street (for cocktails and chocolate) and Continues Arcade in North Old Town – great for the whole fam (and there’s pinball and 80s favorites’ Centipede and Donkey Kong)!