Things to do in Alexandria

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Alexandria showing street scenes, cafe scenes and a small town or village
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
Photo provided by Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes a garden

Alexandria Attractions

Eager to know the best experiences and activities in Alexandria? Enticing shopping, delicious cuisine and loads of interesting tourist attractions are just the start. Get those bags packed and discover the secrets of this buzzing city.

Explore the best sights in Alexandria with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {501 fun activities in Alexandria fun activities in Alexandria}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel your energy into planning your dream vacation.

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Most popular activities in Alexandria

Tours & day trips

See all 453 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 646 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $49 and current price is $44 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 169 activities
Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials

Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $125 and current price is $38 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 46 activities
DC Day or Night Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour

DC Day or Night Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $62 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 36 activities
City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 34 reviews
Price is $59 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 11 activities
Washington, DC: Winter City Lights Experience

Washington, DC: Winter City Lights Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $39 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Alexandria

Number of things to do
501
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Alexandria

Free Things to Do in Alexandria

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Alexandria:

National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum - Chat to the staff and gain an insight into the interesting collections held at this museum.

Torpedo Factory Art Center - Satisfy your passion for arts and culture here and see talent and creativity at work.

Market Square - Appreciate the design and originality of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Alexandria National Cemetery - Get to know some of the historical events of the region through this site.

Alexandria's Christ Church - Spend a moment in prayer or meditation at this peaceful sacred site.

Things to Do in Alexandria with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you go in Alexandria. Here are some family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that promise to make your vacation unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Alexandria? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Alexandria

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes heritage elements and a house

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Gain fascinating insights into the life of America’s first president at this beautifully restored country estate set on the shores of the Potomac River.

George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington Masonic National Memorial which includes heritage architecture, a park and an administrative buidling

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

See the views from the observation deck of this iconic memorial, which is dedicated to the contributions of Freemasons, and specifically George Washington, to the United States.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Market Square

Market Square

You can find out about the history of Alexandria when you stop by Market Square. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the notable monuments in the area.

Market Square
Alexandria Market House and City Hall

Alexandria City Hall

After visiting Alexandria City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Alexandria. Discover the area's great live music and notable monuments.

Alexandria City Hall
Toured the beautifully, simplistic Pope Leighey House by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House in Mount Vernon. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

During your trip to Arlington, you can do some window-shopping at Fashion Center at Pentagon City. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

Birchmere

Enjoy a performance at Birchmere, a storied theater in Alexandria. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Birchmere

Torpedo Factory Art Center

You can browse the exhibits at Torpedo Factory Art Center, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Alexandria. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its fascinating museums.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Mt Vernon Ave

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Mt Vernon Ave during your visit to Alexandria.

Mt Vernon Ave

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Alexandria

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Groveton

Groveton is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Huntley Meadows Park and Greendale Golf Course.

Groveton
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Rose Hill

Golf courses and sporting events are just a few things travelers like about Rose Hill. A stop by Greendale Golf Course is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Rose Hill
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Lincolnia

The restaurants and gardens are a few reasons travelers visit Lincolnia. Want to see more of the surrounding area? The St. James Sports Complex and Signature Theatre are a few top sights nearby.

Lincolnia
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Landmark

4/5(2 area reviews)

Even though there aren't top sights in Landmark, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like The St. James Sports Complex. Jump on the metro at Van Dorn Station to see more of the city.

Landmark
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Franconia

While visiting Franconia, you might make a stop by sights like TopGolf Alexandria and Hayfield Plaza Shopping Center.

Franconia
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West End

West End might not have many top sights, but Signature Theatre and The St. James Sports Complex are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West End
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Alexandria

United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

Washington

Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a park and landscape views

Arlington

Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

Photo by Jamal Zia

Springfield

Photo by Kelly Godby

Lorton

Photo by Kelly Godby

Annandale

Photo by Ann Sair

Fort Washington

George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes flowers

Mount Vernon

Frequently asked questions

Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Offering a mix of history and festivals, there are plenty of things to do in Alexandria. When you're here, visit National Mall, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Alexandria?
Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian's National Zoo are two awesome places to start your adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Alexandria while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Alexandria?
National Mall is one of the top tourist attractions in Alexandria and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Alexandria?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city sights, such as National Mall, National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of Natural History. The average stay in Alexandria is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Washington isn't far away.
Is Alexandria a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to do and see in Alexandria. Several top attractions, including The Capital Wheel and National Children's Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Alexandria's best neighborhoods, Old Town Alexandria is 1 mile away from downtown, while Eisenhower East is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Alexandria with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all of your group, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Alexandria with kids.

What to do in Alexandria for adults?
George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill and K Street are just a couple of the things to do in Alexandria. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Alexandria?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Alexandria is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. National Mall is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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