Thursday, 26 August, 2021
When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you won’t find a more attractive place to relax and refresh than Alexandria, Virginia. Named one of the 10 Most Walkable Cities in the United States by AAA, Alexandria offers adults and children plenty of things to see and do. Bike or hike along trails that showcase the beauty of the Potomac River waterfront. Take the plunge at Cameron Run Regional Park’s waterslides. You’ll find much to explore in Alexandria, including the following four can’t-miss outdoor activities.
Explore Bike Trails
If you like to explore places by bike, you’ll love cycling your way through Alexandria’s neighborhoods and streets. If you don’t own one, you can rent a bike from several bike rental shops, such as Capital Bikeshare, Pedego Electric Bikes, Unlimited Biking, and Wheel Nuts Bike Shop. Learn more about the following Alexandria bike trails.
- Eisenhower Avenue Trail: The Eisenhower Avenue Trail runs approximately 1.8 miles from Cameron Run Regional Park toward the Eisenhower Metro Station, where the trail ends at Stovall Street.
- Holmes Run Trail: This 3.1-mile trail extends between Cameron Run Regional Park and the Eisenhower Avenue Trail, Holmes Run Park, and Dora Kelley Nature Park.
- Mount Vernon Trail: Journey to Mount Vernon on this 18-mile biking, running, and walking path. The Mount Vernon Trail connects Rosslyn, across the bridge from Washington, D.C., to George Washington’s historic home. As you bike along the Potomac River, you can catch views of monuments and memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, parks, and Old Town Alexandria.
- Potomac Yard Trail: The 2.1-mile Potomac Yard Trail connects the Braddock Road Metro Station North along Potomac Avenue to the Four Mile Run Park Trail.
Go for a Cruise on the Potomac River
Witness the beauty of the Potomac River on a cruise from Alexandria. The following are among some of the cruise options you can book for you and a partner or a group.
- Bring your canines on a cruise: With City Cruises anchored by Hornblower, guests and their dogs can join a dog-friendly canine cruise around Alexandria’s seaport. Cruise the waterways with your four-legged pal as you take in the scenes from the Alexandria waterfront. All passengers must keep their dogs on a 6-foot flat leash at all times during the duration of the cruise.
- Go on a water taxi ride from Alexandria to National Harbor: Sail to National Harbor in Maryland from Old Town Alexandria with City Cruises anchored by Hornblower. The water taxi docks at the Awakening Plaza and the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor. After the ride concludes, guests can explore 150 shops and dine at one of more than 30 restaurants. Whether you’re booking an outing for a family vacation or other special occasion, you’ll experience the wonders of the waterway between Alexandria and National Harbor.
- Take a cruise on the Providence: Climb aboard this reproduction of an 18th-century ship commanded by Capt. John Paul Jones. During this 75-minute cruise, you’ll receive some background information about the ship from historical interpreters and have time to explore the sailing vessel.
Kayak, Paddleboard, or Sail
Residents and visitors to Alexandria can choose their adventure on the water with kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing activities. Take in the views of downtown Washington from your kayak. Try stand-up paddleboarding around Daingerfield Island. You’ll find much to see and do on the water.
If sailing is more to your liking, head to the Washington Sailing Marina, located in Alexandria. This marina is a first-rate facility for one-design and small sailboat racing in the region. If you’re new to sailing and want to learn the ropes, the marina’s team members offer sailing classes and camps for adults and youth of all skill levels.
Location: Washington Sailing Marina, 1 Marina Drive
Telephone: 703-548-9027
Take a Walking Tour
Experience the beauty and history of Alexandria on a walking tour throughout the city. Visit Alexandria, the community’s official destination marketing organization, offers several walking tour options you can pursue.
- Discover architectural treasures during a tour of Old Town Alexandria.From Greek Revival and Palladian to the English country style of historic Christ Church, you’ll enjoy a study of Alexandria’s rich architectural history.
- Explore the arts with an art-filled walking tour adventure through Old Town Alexandria.Stroll down King Street and pose for a photo in front of South Block’s rainbow-hued outdoor mural by Meg Biram. Witness the neoclassical Promenade Classique sculpture at Tide Lock Park. Marvel at the work of two high school students who created a new “Come Together” mural at 632 N. Washington St. to express support for Black Lives Matter.
- Take in the scenic waterfront along the Potomac River. Oronoco Bay and Founders Park offer pleasant places to rest and enjoy the splendor of nature. Explore more public art installations at Waterfront Park, connecting the lower end of King Street to the river. Snap some photos of the last remaining riverside lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay area at Jones Point Park.
Black history, eclectic art, and natural landscapes are additional topics you can learn more about on a walking tour of Alexandria. The best part about these walking tours is that you can stop and start your tour based on your schedule.
Now that you know about some of the best outdoor activities in Alexandria, you’ll be able to explore the community’s charms for yourself by bike, on foot, and on the water. What did you think about our activity suggestions? Did we miss something to do that you think we should include? Drop us a note and let us know. We’ll be happy to add your recommendations to this article.
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