Things to Do in Alexandria
50 curated spots from Alexandria itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Explore a converted riverside munitions factory now filled with working artist studios and galleries; wander floor to floor and chat with artists if you feel like being social.
1h 30m · Free
Green Spring Gardens
A 33-acre public garden and park with wooded paths, a pond, themed gardens, and an historic house. Wander the trails, look for turtles and birds at the pond, and use the visitor center as a cool-down spot; it feels lush and semi-wild while still being easy to navigate.
2h · Free
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Tour this preserved 18th–19th century apothecary shop with original bottles and herb jars, just a short walk from Market Square.
1h · $5-7 per adult
Alexandria Black History Museum & Parker-Gray District Walk
Visit the museum (check opening hours) to learn about the city’s African American history, then take a gentle walk through the surrounding historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets.
1h 30m · $3-5 donation
Alexandria Black History Museum & Parker-Gray Neighborhood Walk
Visit the museum to learn about Alexandria’s African American history, then walk the surrounding residential streets with mature trees and modest rowhouses for a quieter, less touristy side of the city.
2h · $3-5
Alexandria Black History Museum & Surroundings
Take a short walk or rideshare from central Old Town to this small museum focused on local African American history, then wander nearby residential streets with mature trees and quieter, non‑touristy vibes.
1h 30m · $5-10
Alexandria Sightseeing Cruise on the Potomac
Board a family-friendly river cruise from the Old Town marina for a 45–90 minute sightseeing trip toward Georgetown, National Harbor, or DC monuments. Sit on the open upper deck for breezes and skyline views; many cruises run seasonally from spring through fall.
1h 30m · $25-40 per adult, discounts for kids
Carlyle House Historic Park Gardens
After the tour, slip into Carlyle House’s small but lush garden and grounds; you can admire the greenery and exterior even without a full museum visit.
45m · Exterior & gardens free (museum entry small fee)
Corniche Waterfront Walk
Take an easy seaside walk with breaks for cafés, benches, and harbor views; keep it flexible and unhurried.
2h · Free
Day Trip to Washington DC Monuments
From King Street–Old Town Metro, ride into DC and spend the morning walking the tree-lined paths between the Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and Washington Monument.
3h · Metro fare ~$6-10 per person round-trip
Del Ray Free Explore Time
Stroll along Mount Vernon Avenue, a leafy main street with murals, small shops, and a relaxed neighborhood feel; pause at parks or grab a snack.
1h · Free (snacks optional)
Del Ray Neighborhood Free-Explore Time
Stroll Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, a leafy, artsy main street with independent shops, murals, and family-friendly parks nearby. Let the kids check out local toy/book stores, grab a drink from a café, and enjoy the slower, neighborhood vibe.
1h 30m · Free to wander
Evening Return & Short Old Town Walk
After taking Metro back, enjoy a gentle evening walk on King Street, stopping for photos or a quiet bench before dinner.
45m · Free
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Tour the 18th‑century tavern and inn where George Washington and other early American leaders dined; exhibits and period rooms help kids imagine the past.
1h · $8-10 per adult, discounted kids
George Washington Masonic National Memorial Grounds
Head up Shuter’s Hill (you can drive or walk from King Street Metro) to explore the lawns and exterior of the towering memorial. Enjoy panoramic views over Alexandria, give the kids a hill to climb and roll down, and take photos with the dramatic stone structure in the background.
1h · Grounds free; interior tours extra if you choose
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Spend a half‑day exploring the mansion, blacksmith shop, farm, and wooded riverside trails at Washington’s historic estate; kids can engage with hands‑on exhibits and see heritage animals.
3h 30m · $28-32 per adult, $15-20 per child
Jones Point Park
Finish your trip at this riverside park under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge with playgrounds, trails, and the historic Jones Point Lighthouse tucked among trees.
1h 30m · Free
Jones Point Park & Lighthouse Walk
Walk or rideshare to this quiet riverside park, follow wooded paths under the bridge, and visit the small historic lighthouse by the water.
2h · Free
King Street Free Explore
Walk up King Street from the waterfront through its tree-lined corridor of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, browsing bookshops, boutiques, and small galleries at your own pace.
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
King Street Free Trolley & Old Town Stroll
Hop on the free King Street Trolley from the waterfront or King Street–Old Town Metro and ride past brick townhouses and tree-lined streets. Get off at any stop to wander side streets, check out small toy/book shops for the kids, and enjoy the lively but manageable atmosphere.
1h 30m · Free
King Street Mile Free Explore
Stroll King Street from the Torpedo Factory back toward the Metro, dipping into leafy side streets, independent bookstores, and small boutiques; hop on the free King Street Trolley whenever you want a break.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
King Street Mile Stroll
Walk from the waterfront up King Street, exploring side alleys, hidden courtyards, independent boutiques, and ivy-wrapped brick buildings; you can hop on the free King Street Trolley if you get tired.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
King Street Trolley & Old Town Stroll
Ride the free King Street Trolley from the waterfront up to the Metro and back, hopping off to explore cobblestone side streets, boutiques, and leafy courtyards along the way.
1h · Free
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Take a morning rideshare (about 25–30 minutes) from Old Town to George Washington’s Mount Vernon; tour the mansion, wander forested trails, and explore the formal gardens and riverside views.
3h 30m · $28-35 per adult (online ticket)
Mount Vernon Riverside Trail & Wharf
After the house and museum, walk the wooded paths down toward the wharf for Potomac River views and a quieter, more natural side of the estate.
1h · Included with Mount Vernon admission
Mount Vernon Trail Riverside Walk (Alexandria Segment)
Pick up the Mount Vernon Trail near Jones Point Park or Ford’s Landing and walk or bike along the Potomac through tree-shaded sections and small riverside parks. There are benches, interpretive signs, and good spots to stop and watch planes approaching National Airport.
2h · Free
Old Town Alexandria Farmers' Market
Saturday morning market in Market Square (in front of City Hall) with stalls selling produce, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. Let the kids help choose fruit and snacks for the day while you enjoy street musicians and the historic setting.
1h · Free to enter; pay for what you buy
Old Town Alexandria Farmers’ Market (Saturday only)
One of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US; browse seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods, and artisanal items from local vendors in a historic, open-air square.
1h 30m · Free entry (food/shops extra)
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront Park
Start your trip at the river’s edge: walk the paved paths, let the kids play in the open grassy areas, enjoy the annual art installation, and take photos with views toward National Harbor.
1h · Free
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront Park & Promenade
Start at Waterfront Park near the end of Prince Street, then walk along the riverside paths past art installations, benches, and shady trees. Let the kids run in the open lawn, watch boats on the Potomac, and explore playgrounds in nearby parks like Shipyard Park within a 10-minute walk.
2h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro
Cozy, plant‑filled Greek/Mediterranean bistro a few blocks off King Street; order seafood dishes (like grilled salmon), vegetarian mezze (hummus, baba ghanoush, dolmades), salads, and pasta—avoid non‑halal meats and alcohol.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Zikrayet Lebanese Restaurant & Lounge
Lebanese spot with many halal‑friendly options such as vegetarian mezze (hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, falafel), grilled fish, and clearly labeled non‑pork dishes; ask staff to confirm which meats are halal on the day and avoid alcohol‑containing items.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Abu Rabie Restaurant
No-frills, halal Egyptian chain offering grilled chicken, shawarma, rice, and salads; clearly labeled and very popular with locals.
40m · $5-10 per person
Ala (nearby in Washington, DC – optional dinner)
Levantine restaurant with lots of mezze; choose vegetarian and seafood dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, fattoush, grilled octopus, and fish mains, and skip any non-halal meat or alcohol sauces.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Ben & Jerry’s Old Town (Dessert & Coffee Stop)
Choose vegetarian-friendly ice cream flavors (no gelatin-based mix-ins) or coffee drinks; ask staff to help identify flavors without alcohol or pork-derived ingredients.
45m · $8-12 per person
Dolci Gelati Cafe
Colorful gelato shop just off the waterfront with a light, airy interior. Choose fruit-based sorbets (typically dairy-free) or simple flavors like pistachio and hazelnut and verify there is no alcohol or gelatin; this is a dessert stop, not a full meal.
30m · $6-9 per person
Elaine’s Restaurant
American café with a leafy, airy vibe; go for halal-friendly options like veggie omelets, salads, avocado toast, grilled cheese, and fish dishes while avoiding pork and alcohol-based sauces.
1h · $18-30 per person
Falafel Inc
Fast-casual spot focused on falafel; order the falafel sandwich, falafel bowl, fries, and salads—all vegetarian and suitable for halal eaters, with no meat on the menu.
45m · $10-15 per person
Falafel Inc – Old Town
Fast‑casual Palestinian falafel spot using halal ingredients, with classics like falafel sandwiches, bowls, hummus, and fries clearly free of pork and alcohol; order a falafel bowl loaded with salads and tahini.
45m · $8-15 per person
Fish Market Alexandria
Choose halal seafood preparations such as grilled fish, shrimp, calamari, rice, and salads; the venue is a strong fit for a waterfront dinner.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Fish Market Restaurant
Popular seaside restaurant where you choose your fish and seafood and have it grilled or fried; seafood is naturally halal, and you can add rice, salads, and seafood soups—confirm no alcohol or wine is used in any sauce for your dishes.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Fish Market Restaurant (Qaitbay / Eastern Harbor)
Classic Alexandria seafood house overlooking the harbor; choose your fish and seafood at the counter and have it grilled, baked, or fried, and add rice, salads, and mezze—seafood is naturally halal, and staff are used to halal‑observant guests.
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Fish Market Restaurant (Qaitbay Corniche)
Seafront restaurant with a fish display; choose fresh fish and shrimp to be grilled or baked, all halal seafood, plus rice and salads.
1h 30m · $12-20 per personFish Market Restaurant Alexandria
Popular sea-facing seafood restaurant where you choose your fresh fish; stick to grilled or baked fish, shrimp, and calamari plus rice, salads, and mezze for a completely halal seafood meal (no pork on the menu, alcohol is served but easy to avoid).
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Halal Guys – Old Town/King Street Area
Casual chain known for fully halal gyros and platters; order a chicken or falafel platter with rice and salad, and skip the white sauce if you prefer to avoid anything questionable—everything is pork‑free and halal certified.
45m · $12-18 per person
Halal Kabob House (Halal Pakistani/Indian)
Enjoy fully halal kebabs, biryani, curries, and grilled chicken; confirm halal signage but this style of restaurant typically specializes in halal Pakistani/Indian food.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
Hank’s Oyster Bar (Stick to Seafood Only)
Order only seafood like grilled fish, oysters, mussels, or shrimp dishes and ask that they be cooked separately from any non-halal meat; avoid alcohol-based sauces.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Kebab Palace
Casual Pakistani/Indian counter-service spot with explicitly halal meats; choose chicken karahi, seekh kebab, chicken tikka, dal, naan, and mixed vegetable curries from the halal menu.
1h · $15-25 per person
Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant
Lebanese restaurant with many halal‑friendly options like vegetarian mezze, grilled fish, and, in many cases, halal lamb and chicken—ask the staff which meats are halal that day and stick to mezze plus fish if you want to be fully sure.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Mai Thai – Alexandria
Riverside Thai restaurant; stick to clearly vegetarian or seafood dishes like vegetable green curry (ask for no fish sauce if strict), tofu stir‑fries, and shrimp dishes cooked separately from pork—ask staff to avoid any alcohol‑based sauces.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person