Best of Alexandria VA – Top 4 Sites

Alexandria, VA is a beautifully-preserved historic district on the Potomac River. Long ago, Old Town Alexandria is the place that George Washington called home. Today, Old Town’s King Street is known for its cobblestone street and red brick sidewalks that attract presidents, pet lovers, and romantics. Writing about restaurants, arts, events, and shopping, is one of my favorite things to do. We went to Sonoma Cellar in Old Town and had a good experience, friendly staff, good wine that nicely pairs with the specialty dishes. (see photo below for the restaurant’s storefront) Jazz Sax on Wednesday night – makes a nice date night.

Best of Alexandria VA – Top 4 Sites

But the links do a great job recapping the best of Alexandria so I decided, why, bother writing about those things this time. Someone had already done a great job and the links are always up-to-date.

Therefore, if you want to learn more about the latest Alexandria news and for the best, and most up-to-date historical attractions can be found using the visitor centers website.

Here are my favorites and my top attractions in Alexandria.

#1. Best of Alexandria VA – Top 4 SitesTo the West is George Washington Masonic Memorial. Yes, this is the home of the memorial to Free Masons because George Washington and Jefferson were Free Masons. To the east is the Potomac River waterfront.

#2. Nationally renowned Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Market Square Museums are here. You’ll also find a wealth of historic architecture and attractions in Old Town and a museum without walls.

Torpedo display at the Torpedo Museum where artist work

Yes, the location used to build torpedoes

#3. There are boat tours and water taxis to delight every tourist. Take the Monument Tour to Georgetown, see the most famous monuments of Washington, DC from the Potomac – Take it at night I think that is the best view and time to take the tour.

#4.  King Street is the main street of Old Town Alexandria, only one mile in length. The city is walkable, only one mile of shops, at the bottom of King Street the restaurants have great Potomac waterfront views. King Street and Prince street have lovely old homes if you like historic homes like I do – you will love these streets,

Shared with permission from the Alexandria Visitors Center.

Easily Accessible Metro

Metro – the King Street Metro Station links Old Town Alexandria with Washington, D.C. Washington DC is only 15-minutes away by Metro train ride.

You will find bike share stations, taxis, and the free King Street Trolley at multi-modal transit hubs. But, be aware that the bikes weigh a ton and are clumsy and not much fun to ride even if the streets are flat and easy biking. Below are bikes that the locals ride, not the like chunky, clunky ones that you rent.

Old Town

By day, Old Town tourists go to the museum, art happenings, and shop. Night or day, top chefs delight diners with creative menus and exquisite food surely good enough for foodies. At night, Old Town bars and pubs are abuzz with live music, along with local beer or craft cocktails. If you can’t decide on what to do, check out our top 10 things to do in Old Town Alexandria.

My Favorite – Mercy Street Tour

Yes, if you have watched PBS, Mercy Street series, and love the show like I do – you will enjoy the tour. It’s hard to learn about it. I called my hotel three times, was put on hold nine times only to call the visitors center of Alexandria to learn where to book my tour.