Listen, we share our favorite top things to do in Alexandria, Virginia. As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring this charming city, I can confidently say that Alexandria, VA, has something for everyone. From riding the free King Street Trolley to playing laser tag at ShadowLand Laser Adventures or splashing around at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics during the winter months, you’ll discover a wide range of exciting attractions, historic landmarks, and natural beauty. And with its convenient location just 10-15 minutes from Washington, D.C., you can easily experience the best of both worlds.
For those visiting for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Alexandria’s historic district, Old Town, is filled with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. You’ll love the unique boutiques and art galleries. Foodies will enjoy the city’s fine dining scene. Top-rated restaurants like Gadsby’s Tavern serve up classic American cuisine which has been around since 1785. For those who have lived in Alexandria, VA for a while, you know there’s always something new to discover.
Alexandria’s proximity to D.C. makes it easy to explore the nation’s capital. Check out our blog post “200+ Free Things To Do In Washington, D.C.” for inspiration!
Free Things To Do In Alexandria VA
Ride the Free King Street Trolley
The King Street Trolley is a free service that runs along King Street, making it easy to get around the city without a car.
Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a former munitions plant turned art studio. Kids can explore the various studios and watch artists at work.
Check out one of the many free annual events in Alexandria
· Alexandria Birthday Celebration (February)
· St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
· Earth Day Celebration (April)
· Old Town Festival of the Arts (September)
· Alexandria Summer Concert Series (June-August)
· First Night Alexandria (December 31st)
· Christmas Tree Lighting (December)
· Independence Day Celebration (July 4th)
· Heritage Day (September)
· Mount Vernon Avenue Fall Festival (October)
· Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (December)
· Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (December)
· Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (December)
· City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony (December)
· Del Ray Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting (December)
· Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run (December)
· Annual Old Town Alexandria Cookie Crawl (December)
Outdoor Adventures in Alexandria, VA
Explore Huntley Meadows Park
Huntley Meadows Park is a 1,500-acre park with hiking trails, a nature center, and opportunities for birdwatching. Take a stroll through the park’s beautiful wetlands and forests, and spot local wildlife like deer, turtles, and birds.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Jones Point Park
Jones Point Park is a 65-acre park located on the Potomac River. It offers stunning views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Take a walk along the riverfront, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Dora Kelley Nature Park
Dora Kelley Nature Park is a 50-acre park with hiking trails, a nature center, and opportunities for birdwatching. Explore the park’s beautiful forests and meadows, and spot local wildlife like birds, squirrels, and deer.
Visit Fort Hunt Park
Fort Hunt Park is a 75-acre park located on the Potomac River. It offers stunning views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Take a walk along the riverfront, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Explore Green Spring Garden
Green Spring Garden is a 31-acre park with gardens, hiking trails, and a historic house. Explore the park’s beautiful gardens, take a stroll through the woods, and visit the historic house to learn about the park’s rich history.
Visit the Winkler Botanical Preserve
Winkler Botanical Preserve is a 44-acre nature preserve with hiking trails and beautiful gardens. Explore the preserve’s beautiful forests and meadows, and spot local wildlife like birds, squirrels, and deer.
Visit the Jones Point Lighthouse
The Jones Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Potomac River. Take a tour of the lighthouse, learn about its rich history, and enjoy the stunning views of the river.
Enjoy the Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is a 12-acre park located on the Potomac River. It offers stunning views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Take a walk along the riverfront, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Oronoco Bay Park
Oronoco Bay Park is a 6-acre park located on the Potomac River. It offers stunning views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Take a walk along the riverfront, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Visit the Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is a 17-mile paved path along the Potomac River and offers stunning views of the D.C. skyline. The trail is perfect for biking, walking, or jogging with strollers.
Museums and Historic Sites In Alexandria Virginia
Discover the National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is a museum that showcases the inventions and inventors that have shaped our world.
Visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a museum and memorial dedicated to the life and legacy of George Washington.
Tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the former estate of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Take a tour of the mansion and explore the gardens.
Learn at the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is a museum and historic site that showcases the history of the Civil War and the city of Alexandria.
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Alexandria, Virginia
Mulberry Lane
Mulberry Lane is an indoor toddler cafe designed for little ones aged 1-5. With its play structures, ball pits, and comfortable seating area for parents, it’s the perfect spot for a playdate or a relaxing morning out.
ShadowLand Laser Adventures
Get ready for some high-energy fun at ShadowLand Laser Adventures! This indoor laser tag arena is perfect for kids and adults alike. With its state-of-the-art equipment and exciting gameplay, you’ll be hooked from the start.
Get Air Trampoline Park
Bounce, flip, and play at Get Air Trampoline Park! This indoor trampoline park features trampolines, foam pits, and arcade games. It’s the perfect spot for kids to burn off energy and have a blast.
Sportrock Climbing Centers
Reach new heights at Sportrock Climbing Centers! This indoor rock-climbing gym offers routes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. With its expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment, you’ll be climbing like a pro in no time.
Doyle’s Outpost
Get ready for some classic amusement park fun at Doyle’s Outpost! This indoor/outdoor amusement park features go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games. It’s the perfect spot for families and groups of friends to have a blast.
Hyper Kidz Alexandria
Hyper Kidz Alexandria is an indoor play center designed for kids aged 1-12. With its play structures, ball pits, and arcade games, it’s the perfect spot for kids to play and learn.
Scramble Alexandria
Scramble Alexandria is an indoor play center featuring play structures, ball pits, and arcade games. It’s designed for kids aged 1-12 and is the perfect spot for birthday parties and playdates.
Pump It Up Alexandria
Pump It Up Alexandria is an indoor inflatable play center featuring bounce houses, obstacle courses, and arcade games. It’s the perfect spot for kids to get some exercise and have fun.
5 Wits Arlington
5 Wits Arlington is an immersive, interactive entertainment experience featuring escape rooms and puzzle-solving challenges. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, and corporate teams.
Escape Room Live Alexandria
Escape Room Live Alexandria is an escape room experience featuring challenging puzzles and brain teasers. You’ll have to work together with your team to escape the room before time runs out!
Escape Quest
Escape Quest is an escape room experience featuring immersive, interactive challenges. You’ll have to solve puzzles and clues to escape the room before time runs out!
Fun Playground in Alexandria, Virginia
Chessie’s Big Backyard
Chessie’s Big Backyard is a playground with a train-themed play structure and picnic areas. Kids love climbing aboard the train and exploring the surrounding play areas.
Potomac Yard Park
Potomac Yard Park is a 24-acre park featuring a playground, sports fields, and a beautiful lake. The playground is designed for kids of all ages, with swings, slides, and climbing structures.
Windmill Hill Park
Windmill Hill Park is a charming park with a playground, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Potomac River. The playground features a unique play structure with a windmill theme.
Patrick Henry Playground
Patrick Henry Playground is a community playground with a play structure, swings, and a sports field. It’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy and make new friends.
Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway
Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway is a 12-acre park featuring a playground, walking trails, and a beautiful greenway. The playground is designed for kids of all ages, with a play structure, swings, and a sandbox.
Four Mile Run Park
Four Mile Run Park is a 55-acre park featuring a playground, sports fields, and a beautiful stream. The playground is designed for kids of all ages, with a play structure, swings, and a climbing wall.
Eugene Simpson Stadium Park
Eugene Simpson Stadium Park is a 16-acre park featuring a playground, sports fields, and a stadium. The playground is designed for kids of all ages, with a play structure, swings, and a climbing wall.
Water Parks and Splash Pads
Great Waves Waterpark
Great Waves Waterpark is a water park with water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. It’s the perfect spot to spend a hot summer day with family and friends.
Cameron Run Regional Park
Cameron Run Regional Park is a 475-acre park that offers a wide range of activities, including a water park, a playground, and hiking trails. You can easily spend the day here, enjoying the great outdoors and cooling off in the water park.
Our Special Harbor Spray Park
Our Special Harbor Spray Park is a splash park with water features and play structures. It’s designed for kids of all ages and abilities and is a great spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics
Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics is a recreation center with an indoor pool, water slides, and a splash park. It’s a great spot to cool off year-round and offers a variety of aquatic programs and activities.
And there you have it, folks! Alexandria, Virginia, is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for a mix of history, culture, and good ol’ fun. As someone who’s fallen head over heels for this city, I can confidently say that you’ll love it just as much as I do. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s always something new to discover when it comes to things to do in Alexandria, Virginia. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the best of Alexandria – your inner adventurer (and your taste buds) will thank you!
