Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia is an independent city located along the Potomac River, six miles south of downtown Washington, DC. The historic center of Alexandria, known as Old Town, is the third oldest historic district in the United States. The charming neighborhood contains more than 4,200 historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including homes, churches, museums, shops, small businesses and restaurants. Alexandria is the center of nightlife in Northern Virginia and is a popular destination for tourists as well as residents of the DC/Capital region.

Old Town, Del Ray, Arlandria and West End

Alexandria is located north of I-95, south of I-395 and west of Route 1. See a map

According to the 2000 census, the City of Alexandria is home to 128,283 residents. The race breakdown is as follows: White: 59.8%; Black: 22.5%; Asian: 5.7%; Hispanic/Latino: 14.7%. Population under age 18: 16.8%; 65 and over: 9%; Median household income: $ 56,054 (1999); Persons below poverty level 8.9% (1999).
 

Metro Stations: King Street, Braddock Road, Eisenhower Avenue and Van Dorn

King Street Trolley: The trolley is free and is the best way to get from the King Street Metro Station to the Old Town Alexandria waterfront area. The trolley operates from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, between the King Street Metro station and North Union Street. The trolley stops along King Street so visitors can hop on and off along Old Town Alexandria's main thoroughfare.

DASH Bus Service: The Alexandria Transit Company provides bus service within the City of Alexandria, and connects with Metrobus, Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express, and all local bus systems.

On-street parking and public parking garages are available. See details about how to find parking in Old Town

See a photo gallery of Alexandria

• George Washington National Masonic Memorial
• Torpedo Factory Art Center
• Birchmere Music Hall
• Alexandria Black History Museum
• Alexandria Archaeology Museum
• Fort Ward Museum and Historic Park
• Friendship Firehouse Museum
• Gadsby's Tavern
• The Lyceum
• Christ Church
• The Little Theatre
• Robert E. Lee's Boyhood Home
• Carlyle House
• Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
• Oronoco Bay Park
• Mount Vernon Trail

Alexandria has a wide variety of restaurants from family-friendly sandwich shops to elegant fine dining. See a guide to the best restaurants in Alexandria. It is especially nice to dine outdoors in good weather. See Alexandria restaurants with outdoor seating.

Alexandria is one of the best places to shop in the Washington DC area. The historic town has a variety of unique shops ranging from antiques to art galleries to jewelry stores to souvenir shops. See a guide to Shopping in Alexandria

There are a variety of fun sightseeing tours of Alexandria available including cruises on the Potomac River, horse drawn carriage rides, ghost tours, and historic walking tours.

Alexandria is an interesting place to visit and with its convenient access to Washington, DC, the area is a great option of a place to stay while visiting the nation’s capital. See a guide to hotels in Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia has several parks providing visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy walking, picnicking, relaxing and participating in all kinds of sports activities. 

• Alexandria Restaurant Week
• George Washington Birthday Parade
• Alexandria Summer Concerts
• Alexandria Birthday Celebration and Fireworks
• Alexandria Comcast Film Festival
• Alexandria Festival of the Arts
• Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
• Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
• First Night Alexandria
  See a Calendar of Events in Alexandria

  Local Websites and Resources

  Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association
  Historic Alexandria
  City of Alexandria
  Alexandria Chamber of Commerce