The city of Alexandria is located in the state of Virginia, which is within the United States of America. This city has a lot to offer and it is perfect for solo travelers and couples as well as families with children. There are activities for history and art buffs, as well as venues to see live music and experience one of the escape rooms increasing in popularity. In addition, Alexandria has got it covered in the food and relaxation department, with restaurants, breweries, spas and wedding venues! This underrated city really does have it all and is a worthwhile destination to explore in the United States. Keep reading to find out more about all of the best things to do in Alexandria, Virginia.
1. Get a glimpse of the area's rich heritage at Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Travellers can learn about the area’s history by touring Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, housed in two historic buildings: a tavern from around 1785 and the City Hotel, built in 1792. Initially run by an Englishman named John Gadsby from 1796 to 1808, it now houses various collections that span the 18th and 19th centuries and provide insight into the structure’s history and development.
Guests can take advantage of guided tours through the museum’s impressive displays and rich archives. In addition to this, it can provide rentals for private events within historic venues.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Address: 134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States
Website: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
Price: From 3 USD
2. Indulge in the wide selection of goods at the Old Town Farmers' Market
Savour the moment and make your way to the country’s oldest farmers’ market, which began operations in 1753 directly before Alexandria’s historic City Hall continuously since then. You will be ecstatic with the variety of locally produced goods and products such as available fruits, vegetables, poultry, and pastries.
In addition, you can pick up some unique souvenirs for your family and friends back home at this Saturday market, including plants in pots, jewelry, and works of art. If you travel by car, there is no need for concern because the Market Square Parking Garage offers free parking for the duration of the market.
Old Town Farmers' Market
Address: 301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States
Website: Old Town Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 12pm (closed on Sun - Fri)
3. Check out Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center features 82 artist studios, 7 galleries, 2 workshops and an archaeology museum to explore. This is not only a center to admire art, but there are also pieces available to be purchased onsite. In addition, The Torpedo Factory Art Center runs classes for both adults and children, as well as a summer art camp. There are also frequent events for the whole family, which include new installations and visiting artist programs to name a couple.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Address: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Website: Torpedo Factory Art Center
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu: 10am - 9pm
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4. Explore Carlyle House Historic Park
Carlyle House Historic Park is an18th-century home, which offers a wide range of activities. These include guided tours, school programs, scout programs and gardens to explore. This beautiful property can be rented out and it has been used for weddings in the past. In addition, Carlyle House hosts frequent events, such as 18th-century games, movie nights, trick or treating experiences and the current Tim Burton themed Wonderland party and Nightmare scavenger hunt.
Carlyle House Historic Park
Address: Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Website: Carlyle House Historic Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD (Adults), 3 USD (Children) & Free (Under Three)
5. Discover Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is a unique place to visit in Alexandria, which offers guided tours and a museum shop for visitors to check out. This venue hosts a variety of ‘Geek Tours’, such as 'The Real Science Behind Harry Potter’, 'Behind the Counter Tours’ and 'Mad Science’ to name a few of them. In addition, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum hosts birthday parties and it has open houses a few times a year with reduced or free admission.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Address: 105-107 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Website: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (Closed Mon & Tue) (Nov - Mar); Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun - Mon: 1pm - 5pm (Apr - Oct)
Price: 5 USD (Adults), 3 USD (Children) & Free (Four & Under with Paying Adult)
6. Attempt a challenge at Escape Room Live Alexandria
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Escape Room Live Alexandria is a four-time Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award winner and currently has four different rooms. These include the ‘Wizard’s Apothecary’, 'Sherlock Holmes’, 'Poe-Ranormal Activity’ and 'Moriarty’s Madness’. The Escape Room Live also hosts private events and catering packages, such as birthday parties and bachelor or bachelorette parties, as well as team-building sessions. This is the perfect rainy-day activity and it’s a unique experience.
Escape Room Live Alexandria
Address: 814 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314
Website: Escape Room Live Alexandria
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
7. Pay your respects at George Washington Masonic Memorial
The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a family-friendly activity in Alexandria, which has guided tours available daily. This building features many exhibits to explore including the memorial hall, museum, observation deck and gift shop to name a few of them. This memorial is close to the Old Town and is accessible via car & public transport, as well as having free onsite parking. In addition, the memorial also hosts frequent events e.g. orchestra performances.
George Washington Masonic Memorial
Address: 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22301
Website: George Washington Masonic Memorial
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 18 USD (Adults) & Free (Children)
8. Attend a concert at Birchmere Music Hall
Birchmere Music Hall was established in 1966 and it is a popular venue for frequent music performances and shows. There is a kitchen on-site, which serves up a large menu with a variety of foods and drinks including flatbread pizzas! In addition, the menu has a range of gluten-free options. Birchmere has gift cards available to purchase and it is the perfect place to catch a live act. They have even had famous musicians, such as Emmylou Harris, play here during their early careers!
Birchmere Music Hall
Address: 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305
Website: Birchmere Music Hall
9. Taste different beers at Port City Brewing Company
Port City Brewing Company is a brewery in Alexandria, which offers tours and tastings to the public. They host regular events, such as pub crawls, and they put an effort into ensuring they produce their beers as sustainably as possible. In addition, Port City Brewing Company has won many awards both previously and currently. These include achievements such as the 2019 Good Food Award and the 2018 European Beer Star to name a couple.
Port City Brewing Company
Address: 3950 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304
Website: Port City Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 9pm; Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm
10. Explore the Woodlawn Plantation & Pope-Leighey House
The Woodlawn Plantation & Pope-Leighey House is a beautiful place for weddings and events, but there are tours available to the public a few days per week. There are additionally many events held at this venue, which includes the upcoming ‘Mystery Soiree’ and sponsorship benefits in Woodlawn Mansion and the 'Twilight and Tipple’ tours on Tuesday nights in Pope-Leighey House. In addition, the annual Woodlawn Needlework Show & Sale is held at this beautiful spot.
Woodlawn Plantation & Pope-Leighey House
Address: 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA, 22309
Website: Woodlawn Plantation & Pope-Leighey House
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 11am - 4pm (Closed from Tue - Thu)
Price: 20 USD (Adults), 18 USD (Seniors), 11 USD (Seniors) & Free (Under 5)
11. Indulge at Vermillion Restaurant and Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Vermillion Restaurant and Bar is an award-winning establishment, which has the highly experienced Thomas Cardarelli as a chef on the team. This restaurant serves modern American cuisine and offers private dining bookings, as well as a lounge and bar open until two in the morning daily. This venue hosts many events, which includes the farm table run twice a month. In addition, Vermillion partners with Arcadia to contribute towards sustainability within the food industry.
Vermillion Restaurant and Bar
Address: 1120 King St, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314
Website: Vermillion Restaurant and Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 11pm; Sat: 10:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm (Closed on Tue)
12. Relax at the Fountains Day Spa
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Fountains Day Spa is the perfect place in Alexandria to indulge and relax with one of their spa treatments. These treatments include all of the classics, which range from massages and facials to waxing and tinting. In addition, Fountains also offer electrolysis services. The spa has frequent promotions, as well as a new client discount. They offer gift vouchers and a lunch package add-on with any treatment, which includes a sandwich, fruit and cheeky chocolate.
Fountains Day Spa
Address: 422 S. Washington St, Old Town, Alexandria, VA 22314
Website: Fountains Day Spa
Opening hours: Mon - Tue & Sat: 9am - 6pm; Wed - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
Experience the charms of Alexandria
This city is a great place for a weekend away or a short family vacation interstate. In addition, Alexandria could be a great destination to add to a United States road trip itinerary or as a potential candidate for a home in the future. The variety of things to do in Alexandria, Virginia, make it an appealing city to visit and worth checking out for a change from the capital.
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