What to do and see in Alexandria, Virginia (VA): The Best Free Things to do

October 6, 2021 Leonardo Torrence

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

301 S Alfred St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3670 +1 703-683-2222 http://alfredstreet.org/
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

Alfred Street Baptist Church

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. Alexandria's Christ Church

118 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3023 +1 703-549-1450 http://www.historicchristchurch.org
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 404 reviews

Alexandria's Christ Church

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.

3. Old Town

Alexandria, VA 22314 +1 703-862-5817 http://www.visitalexandriava.com/old-town-alexandria
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,765 reviews

Old Town

Quaint old seaport section of Alexandria on the National Register of Historic Places.

Reviewed By TorquayIain - Torquay, United Kingdom

we stayed at the Embassy Suites at the top of King Street near the metro station and thoroughly enjoyed our strolls down King Street with its plethora of small stores and eating establishments, very nice area and would stay again.

4. Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N Union St On the waterfront at the intersection of King and Union Streets, Alexandria, VA 22314-3217 +1 703-746-4570 [email protected] http://www.torpedofactory.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,200 reviews

Torpedo Factory Art Center

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.

5. Old Town Waterfront

Alexandria, VA +1 204-943-8701 http://www.visitalexandriava.com/about-alexandria/old-town-alexandria
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,282 reviews

Old Town Waterfront

Reviewed By Diane22309 - Alexandria, United States

You haven’t fully appreciated Alexandria if you haven’t been to its downtown Waterfront. Whether you tour the Torpedo Factory’s spaces filled with artisans, watch the coming and going of the ships, feed the sea gulls or enjoy a meal at the Chart House, there is something for everyone.

6. Athenaeum

201 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3313 +1 703-548-0035 http://www.nvfaa.org
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Athenaeum

Reviewed By Motherhen03 - Fairfax, United States

My friend and I were walking around Old Town Alexandria and bumped into this place. I love old buildings and they were showcasing an art exhibit. The exhibit was very interesting and the building was amazing. I can see this building being an amazing place to host a wedding reception as well as country dancing.

7. Old Presbyterian Meeting House

321 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3807 +1 703-549-6670 http://www.opmh.org/
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

8. Alexandria Presbyterian Church

2405 Russell Rd, Alexandria, VA 22301-1535 +1 703-683-3348
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Alexandria Presbyterian Church

9. Fort Ward Museum and Park

4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304-1007 +1 703-838-4848 http://alexandriava.gov/FortWard
Excellent
35%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Fort Ward Museum and Park

Reviewed By Wendybeth16 - Washington DC, United States

Ft. Ward Park is a park for all seasons and interests - truly an oasis in the Washington suburbs. Numerous exercise options are available, The park's trails and paths welcome walkers (both human and canine) and joggers. A scenic spot where one can easily earn those daily steps. There is a playground and spots perfect for a picnic. Here one can relax and enjoy nature. The location is also of historic importance for here was one of the circle of Lincoln's forts which offered protection to Washington during the Civil War. The Ft. Ward Museum assists visitors with interpretation of both the site (which includes the fort, earthworks and all), the "Defenses of Washington" and this period in our nation's history. The museum frequently offers special programs including soldier-led tours of the fort and encampments (where soldiers describe their daily life). In December a patriotic Santa makes a visit. Interesting too is the stories of the residents who lived in the area following the war. Highly recommended. Ft. Ward has something for all.

10. River Farm

7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA 22308-1307 +1 703-768-5700 [email protected] http://www.ahsgardening.org/riverfarm
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

River Farm

River Farm is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. Situated on 25 landscaped acres overlooking the Potomac river, it is an idyllic escape within the Washington, D.C. area. Enjoy walking in our gardens and four-acre Meadow. Bring kids to enjoy the Children's Garden. We are open year-round Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm. From April through September we are also open Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm.

Reviewed By avril-1974 - Arlington, United States

I visited River Farm recently after a friend told me about their beautiful gardens. Well she wasn’t kidding. It is charming and delightful - a gardener’s paradise. It’s just off of the GW Parkway on your way to Mount Vernon. They are rolling hills, meticulous gardens and a view of the Potomac River. Just lovely.

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