Alexandria, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever thought about what makes Alexandria, Virginia such a hit with visitors? It's just across the Potomac River from the country's capital. This vibrant city is chock-full of history, great places to eat, and lots to see and do. There are historical attractions, outdoor activities, and places for the whole family to enjoy.

Whether you're into visiting top craft breweries or checking out the local shopping areas, Alexandria has it all. So, what is it that makes this riverside gem stand out for visitors to the D.C. region?

Key Takeaways

• Alexandria, Virginia is a historic city located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
• The city is known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history.
• Visitors can explore a variety of historical attractions, outdoor activities, and family-friendly destinations.
• Alexandria offers a thriving craft beer scene and diverse dining options, from global cuisines to legendary barbecue delights.
• The city was named a "Top 10 Must-Visit U.S. Hot Spot for 2017" by Smarter Travel, making it a must-visit destination for those traveling to the Washington, D.C. area.

Explore Alexandria's Vibrant Craft Beer Scene

The West End in Alexandria is becoming the heart of craft beer. There, you'll find two breweries that everyone seems to love. They offer unique drinks and great times.

Award-Winning Port City Brewing Company

Port City Brewing Company is a must-visit. They have famous beers like Optimal Wit and Monumental IPA. Besides the tasting room, you can join a cool brewery tour. And don't miss out on Beer Yoga, a unique activity where you drink and do yoga.

Quirky and Instagrammable Aslin Beer Co.

Aslin Beer Co. is just a short walk away. They offer weird, small-batch beers like Astro Zombie or How Now Brown Cow. The place is perfect for photos, with games, basketball hoops, and cool artwork everywhere.

Savor Global Flavors at International Eateries

The West End of Alexandria shines with its variety of international eateries. These global cuisine spots will delight your taste buds. Makeda Ethiopian Restaurant serves up spicy delights, while Kungfu Kitchen Chinese Cuisine offers tasty dumplings. Come on a food journey through this lively district.

Makeda Ethiopian Restaurant

Step into Makeda Ethiopian Restaurant for a unique dining experience. You'll find yourself using injera bread to enjoy their Taste of Makeda platter. It's a mix of rich, spiced stews and veggie dishes. These dishes make Ethiopian food a standout among global cuisine choices in Alexandria.

Kungfu Kitchen Chinese Cuisine

Try the flavors of Northern China at Kungfu Kitchen. They are famous for their soup dumplings. Besides, you can enjoy international favorites here. Dive into crispy spring rolls or taste sizzling Mongolian beef. Each bite takes you on a worldwide culinary adventure.

Taqueria Picoso Mexican Street Tacos

Taqueria Picoso steals the show with its Mexican delights. They're known for CDMX-style street tacos. People can't get enough of their carnitas and al pastor. It's a true homage to Mexico's rich food culture.

Indulge in Legendary Barbecue Delights

Alexandria draws people in with its famous barbecue. The sweet smells of smoked meats and special sauces fill the air. At Rocklands Barbecue & Grilling Company, near D.C., they've pleased eaters for thirty years.

Rocklands' fans love "The Pearl." It's a hearty mix of mac & cheese, baked beans, and chopped pork. Over at Smoking Kow BBQ, they got on Washingtonian's radar in 2019. Their barbeque tacos, Bleu Kow brisket sandwich, and burnt end platters won hearts.

Discover Family-Friendly Dining Destinations

Alexandria is full of family-friendly places to eat. You'll find everything from the real deal at Café Pizzaiolo to the vibe of Clyde's at Mark Center and the local charm of City Kitchen. There's a spot for everyone, no matter what they love.

Café Pizzaiolo's New York and Neapolitan-Style Pizzas

People in Alexandria love Café Pizzaiolo on Fern Street. It's famous for its yummy New York and Neapolitan-style pizzas. Families and friends enjoy them outside, made with the best stuff and cooked just right.

Nautical-Themed Clyde's at Mark Center

Want a taste of the sea? Try Clyde's at Mark Center. Not just about the fish, they serve up awesome shrimp and grits and more. The place looks like a ship inside which is fun for everyone.

City-Inspired Cuisine at City Kitchen

City Kitchen on S. Pickett Street highlights city foods from across the country. Think delicious Baltimore Crab Cakes and Savannah Chicken and Biscuits. It's all about the flavors that bring families together.

Play and Learn at Indoor Activity Centers

Alexandria has many indoor centers great for families and kids. Scramble, on Eisenhower Avenue, is a European-style fun place. It has rocket ships and quiet reading spots. This helps kids let off some energy and grow their skills.

The Garden at Building Momentum welcomes everyone. It's run by veterans interested in science and engineering. They host events for building teamwork and offer places to work together. Plus, there are activities like welding and seeing drones up close.

Scramble European-Style Play Center

Scramble is a must-see indoor play center. It's full of fun for families. You'll find play areas and cozy reading spots. It gets kids moving and brings families closer.

The Garden at Building Momentum

The Garden at Building Momentum is open to all. It lets people try hands-on learning and have fun. There are team events and places to work together. And you can do cool stuff like welding and flying drones.

Alexandria, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Alexandria, Virginia has a lot to offer. It has outdoor fun and history waiting for you. Dive into the past or explore the outdoors.

Fort Ward Historical Park and Museum

Fort Ward was built in 1861 to protect D.C. during the Civil War. You can join historic programs and see the museum. Don't miss the 35 acres of green space or the fort's history.

Ben Brenman Park at Cameron Station

Ben Brenman Park at Cameron Station is great for sports and has pond-side trails. On Sundays, visit the nearby West End Farmers Market. It's a calm place with lots of room for fun.

Holmes Run Trail for Runners and Cyclists

The Holmes Run Trail is perfect for running or biking. It has a new bridge just for walkers and cyclists. Enjoy the beautiful city views along this five-mile path.

Dora Kelly Nature Park and Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

Explore the Dora Kelly Nature Park and Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center for nature. See Alexandria's plants and animals up close. It's a peaceful spot to connect with nature.

Experience the Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene

Alexandria's West End buzzes with a dynamic arts and culture scene. Here, one can find a wide range of live performances and experiences. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is a key player. It performs at the Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

Looking for exciting plays? Monumental Theatre Co. is famed for new and bold works by young artists. Their 2019 show, "Be More Chill," earned high praise from The Washington Post. This highlights Alexandria's support for performing arts and music events.

Whether it's the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's melodies or Monumental Theatre Co.'s innovative shows, you'll be spoiled for choice in this vibrant scene. Every opportunity is there to dive deep into the city's rich creativity.

Dine in Historic Repurposed Buildings

Alexandria has many restaurants in old, repurposed buildings. The Columbia Firehouse used to be a fire station in 1871. Now, it's a cool place to eat. Also, the Virtue Feed and Grain Restaurant was a feed house. It's a neat spot to enjoy a meal. These places mix great food with historical charm. You can eat in rooms with old fireplaces and marble.

Columbia Firehouse Restaurant

The Columbia Firehouse Restaurant is inside an old fire station. It's a special place to eat, offering the best in American food and drinks. The building still has its original look with a stone fireplace and old fire gear. This makes dining feel special and brings out a sense of the past.

Virtue Feed and Grain Restaurant

The Virtue Feed and Grain Restaurant was once a feed house from the late 1800s. It's a place where you can try great American dishes and drinks. The building keeps its old charm with brick walls and exposed beams. They've done a great job of making the old space feel welcoming and cozy. This makes it a top pick for anyone who loves dining in historic spots.

Explore Alexandria's Rich History

Alexandria is filled with a rich history that you can see all around the city. The George Washington Masonic Memorial stands out. It's not just a beautiful building. It's also a place where the community gathers, and it offers a library, a research center, and even a concert hall.

Inside, you can find a lot about George Washington's beliefs. These are shown through the building and the big 5.2-meter bronze statue of Washington inside. Plus, there are many artifacts to learn from.

Alexandria has more to offer than just the Masonic Memorial. There are sightseeing tours and walking tours. These let you see the city's historic places, churches, and old houses from the colonial times.

This is a great way to really get into Alexandria's history. You can learn about the stories that have made this city so lively. It's a unique adventure for anyone who loves history.

Outdoor Adventures in Alexandria

Alexandria has tons of chances for outdoor activities. The Mount Vernon Trail is a top pick. It's a beautiful route for biking and cycling. It goes from Roosevelt Island to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate.

This trail takes you through Old Town Alexandria. You'll see amazing views of Washington, D.C., and the Potomac River. It's mostly flat, so it's great for all levels of cyclists. They can enjoy nature and learn about the area's history.

Mount Vernon Trail for Biking

The Mount Vernon Trail has many beautiful spots. You'll see Washington Memorial Park and the Reagan National Airport. You'll also pass by Fort Hunt Park and quiet sailing areas. The trail is well-kept and not too steep. It's perfect for outdoor activities like biking and cycling. Everyone, from visitors to locals, will remember the experience.

Conclusion

Alexandria, Virginia is an exciting historic city. It has lots to see and do. You can visit the top craft breweries and enjoy global cuisines. Or, you can find family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures.

The city holds onto its past with old buildings and streets. Alexandria really stands out because of its 18th and 19th century charm. This makes it a cool spot near Washington, D.C. to explore.

History buffs will love the historical sites in Alexandria. If you like arts and culture, there's plenty here for you too. But if you prefer the outdoors, don't worry. Alexandria has beautiful nature spots for everyone.

Alexandria is full of amazing places and experiences. It's a lively city for all types of travelers. You should consider visiting it on your next journey to the D.C. area.