Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Alexandria That You Shouldn't Miss
A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, the city retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town, Gadsby's Tavern, a restaurant serving food since 1770, and centers of learning like the Black History Museum. For a more contemporary side of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where local artists operate boutiques and studios.
Restaurants in Alexandria
1. Alfred Street Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Alfred Street is among the oldest African American Baptist Churches in America, celebrating its bicentennial in 2003.
Reviewed By Trelly420 - Queens, United States
I decided to do something new & travel away from my home church to usher in the new year. The Alfred Street Baptist Church family welcomed me as a visitor with sincere warmth and grace! The choir was wonderful, the atmosphere was fantastic and the preached word by Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley “The Wait is Over” was the perfect message to start the new year off with. I will visit again.
2. Fountains Day Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Our personal approach and dedication to each and every client is an intricate part of the services we provide. We pride ourselves on offering the very best in skin care, including galvanic facials and body therapies. Our team of professional beauty and massage therapists bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to The Fountains Day Spa. Our mission is to have all who enter our establishment feel a welcoming sense of belonging, caring, as well as physical and spiritual peace. The Fountains Day Spa is all about service, whether it is a massage, facial, waxing or body treatments. The training of our Massage Therapists and Estheticians receive is uniformed so that you get the same treatment whether it is a couples massage, deep tissue, hot stone massage, body treatment or a facial, no matter who you see. Fountains Day Spa is the first day spa to open in Alexandria, and Northern Virginia.
Reviewed By shellymS5359GM
I love this place. I've been going for years and years, and it's only gotten better. It's quiet and cozy, and the staff is very friendly. Suzanne, the Proprietor, is a warm, sophisticated woman with a delightful sense of humor and a knowledge of skincare that is extremely impressive, to say the least. They have a large variety of skin care and massage therapy services, and they use Guinot products. With the pandemic, they've introduced protocols that while enforcing safety, do not take away from their attentive service to their clients. I look forward to my next visit, and it's a haven for which I'm grateful during a monumentally stressful time.
3. The Old Town Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Unique Old Town Alexandria gifts & mementos to celebrate Alexandria’s historic heritage. We offer exclusive clothing and accessories including our OTX house brand, along with fun toys and gifts for kids. Our selection of books are dedicated to Alexandria, DC, and Virginia history and culture, and our Locals Alley features gourmet and artisan selections from Old Town Farmer's Market vendors. Stop by - we are one of the most unique shops in Alexandria!
Reviewed By mjmomcat
Beautiful displays and great items for sale! Ornaments that you don't see everywhere else. Wonderful customer service and terrific selection.
4. Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Discover Alexandria’s five-star hotel of the 18th century! Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of the c. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. The buildings were constructed by John Wise, but made famous by John Gadsby. Mr. Gadsby’s establishment was the center of political, business, and social life in Alexandria and hosted the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today the Museum offers tours, programs and special events.
Reviewed By byteforbyte - Alexandria, United States
Gadsby’s offers self tours and staffed tours depending on what you like. During the summer on Sundays they have Jr Docents who take you through the tavern. I have been through the tavern many times for different events.
5. George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
A very visible tribute to George Washington stands on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Reviewed By mesmith14 - Winter Garden, United States
Lots of American history on display. $15 dollar admission gets you a tour as well - tours are very well done - informative but also give you time on your own to explore. Tours give you access to upper floors of the building... including a ride on the elevator which goes up on a 7.5 degree angle ... views from the observation deck are great and the deck goes all the way around the building. Wheel chair accessible. Kid friendly
6. Alexandria's Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By 735carolynl - Seattle, United States
This stunning church has a rich history which you are able to experience first hand. Sit in George Washington or The Lee Family pews. Attend a service in this still active church, or pay respects in the cemetary.
7. Torpedo Factory Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,200 reviews
Art in Person and in Progress. Located in Old Town Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to 150+ working artists, 7 galleries, The Art League, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.
Reviewed By PRGLewes - Lewes, United States
Wide variety of artwork -- pottery, painting, photography, fiber arts, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture.... It's great to be able to chat with the artists.
8. The Birchmere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By VaTraveler5
We came to Alexandria to see Raul Malo in the Music Hall area. We got to the Birchmere around 4:45 p.m. and there was already a short line for the box office which opens at 5:00. They assign you a number, which is what you use to enter the Music Hall at 6:00 to get your seating. After getting our number, we got drinks at the bar and then went into the hall at 6:00. The seating was spread out due to Covid; we shared a long table with one other couple. The service was good, but the food was outstanding! We ordered the vegetable stack (portobello, thick slabs of eggplant, roasted red pepper and couscous), pot roast (good portion with potatoes) and THE BEST (restaurant) apple pie EVER, which was served ala mode. Birchmere - don't change a thing about the apple pie! The show started at 7:30 with the warm up act, and the headliner around 8:15. It's an intimate-feeling venue, everyone was friendly and provided good service. Not to mention the show, which was excellent. We used Uber for the evening, which was quick and readily available. Altogether a wonderful experience, one of the best places to eat dinner and see a concert!
9. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
The Apothecary served local customers, including the Washingtons and Robert E. Lee, between 1792 and 1933. The shop was transformed into a museum shortly after its closing and visitors can still view the original ingredients, products, and documents left behind by this 141-year-old family business.
Reviewed By 433marydiannem - Alexandria, United States
The Apothecary Museum in Alexandria is like walking into a time capsule. It was family owned from Washington’s day, made it thru the Civil War as Alexandria was a Union hospital center, and thrived until the Great Depression. Alexandrians saved much of the equipment, bottles, pill rollers etc. Though this is a business, like the other 2 House museums in Alexandria ( Carlyle house and Lee-Fendall house), it is all original and well worth the visitors effort.
10. Alexandria Black History Museum
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