Alexandria Black History Museum – Includes exhibits, the Watson Reading Room, and the African American Heritage Park
African American Heritage Trail – Self-guided walking tour along the waterfront highlighting historic Black neighborhoods
Carlyle House – Elegant 18th-century mansion with guided tours
Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial – Sacred site honoring 1,800 formerly enslaved individuals who sought freedom during the Civil War
Freedom House Museum – Once the headquarters of America’s largest slave-trading firm, now a museum honoring the lives of enslaved and free Black people in Alexandria
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum – Historic tavern frequented by George Washington
King Street – Cobblestone avenue with shops, cafes, and charm
Spite House – Instagram-worthy, narrowest historic home in America
Colonial Walking Tours – Explore Alexandria’s storied past
Ghost Tours – Spooky tales from historic streets and cemeteries
Sightseeing Cruise & Water Taxi – Relaxing rides to D.C., National Harbor, and beyond
National Gallery of Art
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
National Air and Space Museum –
Museum of the Bible
International Spy Museum
Georgetown – Boutique shopping and canal-side strolls
U Street Corridor – Rich in Black history, music, and vibrant street art
Eastern Market – Local crafts, produce, and weekend flea market
DC at Dusk Night Bus Tour – See the city’s iconic landmarks beautifully lit after dark
Potomac River Cruise – Relax and take in views of the monuments from the water
Georgetown Walking Tour – Explore cobblestone streets, historic homes, and waterfront charm
Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge – Waterfront seafood and tiki drinks in a casual setting volasdockside.com
Fish Market Restaurant – Chesapeake-style seafood in a historic warehouse fishmarketva.com
Milk & Honey Express – Soul food staples like catfish, grits, and wings with a modern twist themilkandhoney.com
Landini Brothers Restaurant – Cozy Italian eatery known for pasta, seafood, and loyal local following landinibrothers.com
Virtue Feed & Grain – Elevated pub fare in a rustic-chic granary space virtuefeedgrain.com
Chadwicks – Neighborhood bar with American classics and patio seating chadwicksoldtown.com
Blackwall Hitch – Upscale American cuisine with coastal flair blackwallhitchalexandria.com
The Warehouse – Steak and seafood in a historic building with a cozy vibe, warehouseoldtown.com
The Majestic – Gourmet comfort food in a modernized diner setting themajesticva.com
The Wharf – Nautically themed seafood dining since 1971 wharfrestaurant.com
Vermilion – Farm-to-table New American fare with wine pairings, vermilionrestaurant.com
Casual, flavorful, and loved by locals and families
Founding Farmers DC – Farm-to-table comfort food with a rustic vibe and sustainable mission
Oohh's & Aahh's – No-frills soul food spot serving fried chicken, collard greens, and mac & cheese
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop – Cozy breakfast café near the National Mall
Unconventional Diner-Creative comfort food with a modern twist and stylish setting
💰 Mid-Range ($$)
Popular with locals and great for diverse palates
Carmine's - Washington DC – Family-style Italian meals perfect for groups
Kitchen Savages – Black-owned spot serving bold, creative dishes with Caribbean flair
Clyde's of Gallery Place – Classic American fare in a traditional D.C. setting
The Hamilton – Eclectic menu with sushi, crab cakes, and live music near monuments
💎 High-End ($$$)
Refined dining with global flair and local love
Seven Reasons – Award-winning Latin American fine dining with bold flavors and artistic presentation
Georgia Brown's – Upscale Southern cuisine with live jazz and a loyal following
Zaytinya – Mediterranean meze from Chef José Andrés, near museums and monuments
Le Diplomate – French brasserie with timeless charm and elegant outdoor seating
Bronze – Afrofuturist dining experience with African-Caribbean fusion and stunning design
STK Steakhouse- Chic, modern steakhouse with vibrant atmosphere and upscale décor
In Alexandria, hop on the free King Street Trolley for a charming ride from the waterfront to the Metro, or enjoy walkable streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic sites. The King Street Trolley runs every 15 minutes along King Street. DASH buses also offer convenient service throughout the city, and for those driving, street parking and garages are available—just be sure to check signage.
Heading into D.C.? The Metro is your best friend—fast, affordable, and connected to all the major museums and monuments. Stations like King Street from Old Town Alexandria, Virginia (Blue/Yellow Line) link directly to the Smithsonian, Archives, and Gallery Place. You can also take the Metrobus or the Metro while in Washington, D.C.. Prefer the scenic route? Water taxis offer a breezy ride between Alexandria and the National Mall. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available and perfect for flexible, door-to-door travel.