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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. See, Top 10 Things to Do in Alexandria
Neighborhoods within Alexandria
Old Town, Del Ray, Arlandria and West End
Location
Alexandria is located north of I-95, south of I-395 and west of Route 1. See a map
Alexandria Demographics
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).
Alexandria Transportation
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.
Amtrak: Alexandria’s Union Station, 110 Callahan Drive, located in Old Town, Alexandria next to the King Street Metro. 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
: Alexandria’s Union Station, 110 Callahan Drive, next to the King Street Metro. Commuter rail service is available from Northern Virginia to Alexandria, Crystal City and downtown Washington, DC. 1-800-RIDE-VRE.
Parking in Old Town Alexandria
On-street parking and public parking garages are available. See details about how to find parking in Old Town
Photos
See a photo gallery of Alexandria
Attractions in 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
Dining in Alexandria
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.
Shopping Alexandria
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
Alexandria Sightseeing Tours
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.
Hotels in Alexandria
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
Outdoor Recreation
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’s Festivals and Events
- 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