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Alexandria is a historic port city in northern Virginia, set on the west bank of the Potomac River just a few miles south of Washington, D.C. Scottish tobacco merchants founded the town in 1749, and a 17-year-old George Washington helped survey its streets. Washington later kept a townhouse here, worshipped at Christ Church and called Alexandria his hometown, while his estate at Mount Vernon lies just down the river. The city was a busy colonial seaport and later one of the largest slave-trading centers in the country, a history now told at the Freedom House Museum.
Today Alexandria has about 160,000 residents and is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in America. Old Town Alexandria, its historic core, has cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks and rows of 18th- and 19th-century townhouses, with King Street lined for more than a mile with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. A free trolley runs along King Street from the Metro station to the waterfront, where the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former World War I munitions plant, now houses dozens of working artist studios.
Visitors can tour Gadsby's Tavern Museum, where Washington celebrated his birthday, the Carlyle House, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and the Lee-Fendall House. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial towers over the city from Shooter's Hill with an observation deck, and the Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac for miles of biking and walking. Mount Vernon itself, Washington's beloved estate, is about 20 minutes south, and the monuments of Washington, D.C. are a short Metro ride away.
One of the best-preserved historic districts in the US, with 18th and 19th century brick townhouses, cobblestone streets and lanes such as Captain's Row. It is full of museums, shops and restaurants. A free trolley runs along King Street to the Metro station, so parking is not needed.
A 333-foot tower on Shooter's Hill modeled after the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt, built by Freemasons to honor George Washington. Guided tours visit the upper floors with Washington artifacts and the observation deck, which has great views over Old Town and the Potomac.
An Episcopal church completed in 1773 where George Washington and Robert E. Lee worshipped; Washington's family pew is still marked. Docents welcome visitors on many days outside service times, and the old churchyard has graves of the colonial era. It stands on North Washington Street.
Old Town's main street runs about a mile from the King Street Metro station to the Potomac waterfront, lined with boutiques, antique shops, cafes and restaurants in historic buildings. The free King Street Trolley runs its length. Weekend evenings are busy, so book dinner ahead.
A former World War I and II naval torpedo factory on the waterfront, now home to around 80 open artist studios, galleries and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. You can watch painters, potters and jewelers at work and buy directly from them. Entry is free and it opens daily.
A pair of 18th century tavern buildings where George Washington and other founders dined and danced, with a restored ballroom and period rooms shown on guided tours. The restaurant next door still serves colonial-style meals. It is on Royal Street in the heart of Old Town.
A 1753 stone Georgian mansion built by Scottish merchant John Carlyle, where British General Braddock met colonial governors in 1755 to plan the French and Indian War campaign. Guided tours show period rooms, and the small garden is a quiet spot just off the waterfront.
An apothecary shop that operated from 1792 to 1933, preserved with its original shelves, glass bottles, herbs and medical tools, and counting George Washington's family among its customers. Short guided tours show the upstairs workroom. It is on South Fairfax Street in Old Town.
A museum in the former headquarters of one of the largest domestic slave trading firms in the US, Franklin and Armfield, at 1315 Duke Street. Exhibits tell the stories of the enslaved people who were held and sold here, and of the later history of the site. Admission is free.
The Potomac riverfront in Old Town with Waterfront Park, Founders Park, piers, restaurants and boats departing for cruises to Georgetown, the National Harbor and Mount Vernon. It is the place to watch the sunset and passing planes over the river. Water taxis run from the City Marina.
A paved trail of about 18 miles along the Potomac River from Theodore Roosevelt Island through Old Town Alexandria to Mount Vernon, with views of the Washington monuments and airport. It is popular with cyclists and runners. Rent a bike in Old Town and ride south to the estate.
George Washington's riverside estate about eight miles south of Old Town, with the mansion, outbuildings, gardens, a working farm, his tomb and a large museum and education center. Plan at least half a day. Reach it by car, by boat from the waterfront in season or by bike on the Mount Vernon Trail.
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