Tuesday, 23 November, 2021
Whether you live in the Alexandria area, want to take a weekend trip to see the local sights, or just have a few hours to burn, you can find a wide variety of fun and unique things to do. This northern Virginia city makes the most of its waterfront location along the Potomac River, offering activities out on the water and on dry land. Take a look at some unique ways to spend the day in Alexandria.
Take a Historical Tour
Take a guided tour of the city and learn about Alexandria’s history, architecture, and more. You can choose from several different tour options:
Alexandria the Great Tour
See all of Alexandria’s Old Town either on foot or by Segway on the Alexandria the Great Tour. You’ll get to see the city’s historic sites, such as City Hall, George Washington’s House, Christ Church, and the Wilkes Street Tunnel. Choose the Segway tour and travel farther than you would with any of the other tours of the city.
Alexandria Colonial Tours
The Colonial Tours include the original Ghost and Graveyard Tour and the Alexandria History Tour. The ghost tour takes place after dark and includes a guide who brings you back to the 18th century by wearing period clothing and lighting the way by lantern. The Alexandria History Tour takes you along George Washington’s path and over brick-lined streets with Federal-style homes and alleyways made from cobblestones.
Manumission Tour Company
Explore Alexandria’s past with Manumission Tour Company. Their guided cultural heritage tours focus on the African American history of the city. They offer tours every weekend from February through December.
Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center features a large collection of working artists and their studios. They all work under one roof, in a building that used to be a munitions plant. A visit to the art center not only includes the studios of 82 working artists, but it also features the Target Gallery, The Art League Gallery, and the Enamelists Gallery. If you want to do more with your day than just view art, you can also take a class. There are seminars, classes, and workshops for artists of all levels, whether you are just getting started or want to improve on the skills you already have.
Take a Waterfront Cruise
There’s no better way to get a good look at Alexandria than from the Potomac River. Spend your day out on the water on one of the many available cruises.
Tall Ship Providence
Set sail on the Providence and enjoy a two-hour cruise that includes a brief history of the ship. You can explore the ship and visit the hold and the captain’s cabin and then sit out on the deck to enjoy the views.
Canine Cruise
Bring your four-legged companion on a cruise around the Alexandria seaport. City Cruises offers this adventure, which is a popular activity for locals. You can go with or without your own dog, but if you bring your furry friend, they get to ride free. Keep in mind that dogs need to be on a 6-foot flat leash at all times.
Mount Vernon Cruise
Spend your afternoon taking in the views of Alexandria and the surrounding area along the Potomac on the Mount Vernon Cruise. It includes an onboard narration with information and history about the sites. Once you get to George and Martha’s home, you can take three hours to explore. There’s a self-guided tour that includes an interpretive Pioneer Farm, George Washington’s tomb, and the Education Center.
Explore Old Town
Old Town is Alexandria’s historic waterfront district. You’ll walk along cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks as you explore. The vibrant area features many cafes, shops, galleries, and restaurants, with events happening almost every day. The downtown area centers around the King Street Mile. This unique street is lined with old architecture, historic attractions, and much more. When in Old Town, make sure to stroll down the King Street Mile or, if you don’t want to walk, take a ride on the King Street Trolley. You should also make sure to visit the Spite House. This house is the skinniest historic house in America. The owner built it in 1830 to keep people out of the alley.
Visit the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
A visit to Alexandria should always include a visit to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. The family-run apothecary was first opened in 1792. It hasn’t changed much since it opened, and as soon as you step through the doors, you’ll feel like you are back in 1805. The Stabler-Leadbeater family owned the apothecary, which now features a fantastic collection of pharmaceuticals and archival materials.
Take a stroll through the aisles to see old medical equipment, hand blown glass containers, journals, and old ledgers. You can explore on your own and take a self-guided tour of the museum or take a 45-minute guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the first and second floors.
Take a Walk Along the Waterfront
Alexandria has a beautiful waterfront. You can take a walk through several parks with sites and attractions along the way. Start your stroll at Tide Lock Park, where you can see the waterfalls and pools. Make your way south to Oronoco Bay and Founders Park and then on to Waterfront Park, where you can stop for a bite to eat on King Street and check out the rotating public art installations.
Head south again and take a short detour through the Wilkes Street Tunnel, which will then bring you through Windmill Hill Park. You can end your walk at Jones Point Park, where you’ll see the only lighthouse left in the Chesapeake Bay area.
These are some of our favorite ways to spend the day in Alexandria. If you have any other unique activities in the area that we should add to this list, let us know so we can check them out.
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?Image via Flickr by Ken Lund
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