On the hunt for a small town close to the big city? You’ve come to the right place. Nestled on the Potomac River within view of Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA is a picturesque town nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th-and-19th-century architecture. Humming with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle, this charming colonial enclave is widely known as a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital. But that’s not all: as a nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria is home to more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Interested? Read on for a closer look at this vibrant and historic destination!

What to do

Whether you’re in town for a long weekend or a day trip from DC, Alexandria is the place to be — regardless of season.

#1 Stroll the King Street Mile: Centuries-old architecture, brick-lined streets, cobblestone alleys, and a canopy of twinkling lights during the holidays? Yes, please! Stroll the storied sidewalks of King Street, the #1 thing to do in Alexandria, to explore dozens of independently owned restaurants and boutiques, or take a ride on the free King Street Trolley.

#2 Get out on the water: As a historic port city and a hub for City Cruises, Alexandria is the launching point for sightseeing cruises and water taxis alike. See national landmarks on the narrated Monuments Tour, take the water taxi into DC, or cruise to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and National Harbor. Or, climb aboard the tall ship Providence to see what life was like on an 18th-century sloop.

#3 Immerse yourself in history: As a city that predates the American Revolution, Alexandria hums with the tales and spirit of its past. Some of the best diversions for you history lovers out there? Go see Carlyle House, a Georgian manor and 1700s social hub, explore Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which once hosted the first five US presidents, and step onto the site of one of the nation’s earliest civil rights sit-ins — to name just a few.

Where to eat and drink

Don’t let its status as a historical town fool you — Alexandria is a dining (and drinking) destination in its own right. Dig into a few of our favorites here!

#1 Taverna Cretekou: Taverna Cretekou is as consistent as they come. That’s because this family-run, Greek restaurant has been in business for nearly half a century. Its spacious garden patio is particularly appealing in sunny weather!

#2 Vola’s Dockside Grill/High Tide Lounge: This waterfront restaurant is a bustling option for a delicious lobster roll or some grilled chicken wings. And what’s more? There’s plenty of outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the view.

#3 Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar: An Alexandria mainstay for a proper pint, this historic bar and restaurant is an elegant Irish pub known for its live music, Irish egg rolls, and fish and chips.

#4 Sonoma Cellar: As it turns out, you don’t have to go far to experience California wine country at its best. This unique wine tasting room in the heart of Alexandria leverages the historic, pre-revolutionary provenance of the locale while providing the traditional wine tasting experience found in the Sonoma County, California wineries.

How to get around

Walk King Street: The main thoroughfare in Old Town, bustling King Street is a walkable mile recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America.

Take the Free King Street Trolley: It stops every two blocks from the King St-Old Town Metrorail station to the Potomac waterfront, making it the perfect way to explore while getting to your next stop.

Hop on the Metrorail or Bus: Public transportation will take you around Alexandria and into DC. The King St-Old Town Metrorail station is located on King Street, Alexandria’s main street for shopping, dining and the arts. Both Yellow Line and Blue Line trains stop at the King St-Old Town station.

In addition to the King St-Old Town Metrorail station, Alexandria is serviced by three other stations: Braddock Road, Eisenhower Ave, and Van Dorn Street. (Van Dorn Street station is closed weekends and selected weekdays through March 2021.) To get to downtown DC from Alexandria, take the Yellow Line toward Greenbelt or Fort Totten, or take the Blue Line toward Largo Town Center or Stadium-Armory.

Travel by water taxi: Skip the traffic and dock just steps from the Wharf, Georgetown, the National Mall, Nationals Stadium, or National Harbor.

Rent a bike: Rent a bike and pedal along the waterfront to George Washington’s Mount Vernon or into DC.

Parking options: Driving yourself? You’ll find plenty of street and garage parking in Old Town, plus free parking in Del Ray and many other parts of the city.

Where to live Alexandria, VA

Already falling in love with Alexandria? We don’t blame you. Luckily, the town is home to a dynamic variety of listings — from historic single-family homes to contemporary condos. Browse this list to find the home that’s right for you! 

Or contact us to buy and sell in Alexandria today!

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