Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia

See the sights of Washington DC from onboard the Spirit of Washington with a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy a buffet dining experience as you sail, and delight in panoramic views. Board your vessel and receive a personal greeting. Have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory before being seated at your private table. Once there, gorge on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative entrees prepared fresh daily and listen to the onboard music. After your meal, visit any of the three climate-controlled decks as you glide by the sights.

Take a journey through historic Alexandria’s most spine-chilling haunted locations on this walking tour. Listen to tales of betrayal, murder, and magic as you wind through the shadowy streets of Old Town. Upgrade to an extended tour for even more ghost stories. Meet your guide at the meeting point, then set off on your ghostly walk, armed with a lantern. As you go, hear chilling, first-hand accounts of paranormal activity dating as far back as the 1800s. You might even capture your own evidence. Stand at the gates of the harrowing Carlyle House, where an ancient Scottish tradition has been warding off evil spirits for the last 100 years. Investigate a 19th-century murder in the Wilkes Tunnel, and gather clues about the mysterious dead stranger hanging around Gadsby’s Tavern. At the Schafer House, follow young lovers from their first meeting to their tragic deaths and beyond. Wander the same paths as George Washington, mingle with the ghosts of Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, and gain insight into the darker side of American history. At the end of the tour, circle back to the meeting point with plenty of spooky tales to entertain friends and family. This isn’t your average tour of Old Town Alexandria: are you brave enough to step into the shadows?

Discover the historic Old Town Alexandria on a guided day trip from Washington. Ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate, the former residence of George Washington. Enjoy pickup in a luxurious, climate-controlled vehicle while your guide explains the significance of some of the city’s most recognizable monuments. A short drive brings you to the candy-colored architecture of Alexandria, where you can take a tour of some monuments notable to the former president – including the Masonic Temple and Christ Church. Arguably the birthplace of the city itself, George Washington’s former estate is located just 13 miles from the capital’s center. Then, go for an in-depth foray through the mansion, with entrance tickets to the grounds and gardens included. Interactive, historic reenactments bring the founding father’s story to life, while a guided tour of the building helps shine a light on his fascinating story. Next, you'll ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate - one of the Washington, DC, area’s premier sightseeing attractions. Explore historic Mount Vernon – from the mansion’s interior where President Washington resided to his beloved gardens, and final resting place.  Take some time for lunch at the Mt Vernon Food Court if you like, then learn more about George Washington’s life and legacy in both the Museum and Education Center – home to more than 700 original objects (including his false teeth) and 25 theaters and galleries. There is even a multi-media theater where it actually snows. After shopping for unique gifts at the Mt Vernon Shops, you will be entertained by your guide as you return back to Washington DC.

Embark on a tour of George Washington’s estate with the aid of an audio guide. Explore the grounds and learn about the life and legacy of America’s first president. Wander the estate’s four gardens and admire the landscape that Washington designed. Learn about the lives of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon. Look inside the outbuildings to see where they made tools, spun textiles, and processed food. Meet heritage-breed farm animals, including sheep, hogs, and oxen. See costumed interpreters demonstrate farming techniques (from April to October), and step inside George Washington’s treading barn. See the final resting place of George and Martha Washington, where wreath-layings are held daily, and visit the slave memorial that commemorates the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. Watch the American Revolution come to life in a 4D theater where it snows every day. Test your leadership skills in the interactive experience that puts you in Washington’s boots during a moment of crisis. Admire artifacts on display including the chair that George Washington used throughout his presidency, portraits of the Washington family, and objects discovered through archaeological research. Visit George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill (only on weekends from April - October) to see where grains from Washington’s farms were ground to create flour and cornmeal, and where Washington’s whiskey is still made today.

Meet your guide and the rest of the group at your first restaurant stop where you'll learn what to expect during the tour. After enjoying your first tasting, follow your guide along the tour route, designed to highlight the historical importance of Old Town Alexandria. Make multiple stops at restaurants and between stops, learn about to the evolution of the neighborhood, from the role played during the Revolutionary War, to the Civil Rights Movement, to modern day. End the tour at the last restaurant stop, where your guide will be happy to provide tips about how to spend the rest of your day or assist in helping you find your way to your next activity. A portion of each ticket is donated to bread for the city, a charity that provides services to DC locals including providing food, clothing, and legal and medical services.

Discover the most popular historical sites of Alexandria during this half or full-day outing with a local guide. Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Pohick Church, and the US Army Museum on this private tour with entry tickets. Start your day with a 20-minute drive along the Potomac River on the George Washington Parkway. Once you arrive, enjoy a 4-hour tour of the Mount Vernon mansion and grounds including the many outbuildings and gardens, George Washington's tomb, museum, and education center. Throughout the day learn from your guide, a former Mount Vernon history interpreter who lives on land formerly a part of the estate and who is an avid student of George Washington and colonial history. Half-day tours will return to Old Town Alexandria for a driving tour of its colonial homes and sites. Full-day tours may choose to visit George Washington's working grist mill and distillery, George Mason's Gunston Hall, Woodlawn Plantation, Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, and Pohick Church. Don't miss the exciting new Museum of The US Army with amazing artifacts from America's wars since 1775. Witness landing craft from D-Day, a representation of the trenches in World War I, a Sherman tank from World War II, drones from Afghanistan, and a gallery of art painted by soldiers. Return to Old Town Alexandria for a driving tour of one of colonial America's most important ports.

On this all-inclusive tour, taste the beer of the nation’s capital as you learn about beer history and the brewing process. Go behind the curtains where the brewmasters of Washington, DC, work their magic and enjoy scrumptious beer and food pairings for an unparalleled brew tour experience.   On this guided brew tour, visit 4 breweries in Washington, DC, which may include:   • Red Bear Brewing Co: Situated in downtown DC (NOMA), this brewery produces a variety of flavorful beers to sip on. You can enjoy your drink while watching one of their near-daily events.   • Right Proper Brewing Co: This company churns out some of the tastiest beers in the region, starting from a vision of heading to your local pub to grab a fresh glass of beer brewed on-site. • Brookland Pint: This characteristic spot offers a relaxing beer and meal pairing experience. At Brookland Pint, local ingredients are sourced to produce mouth-watering menu items.   • Port City Brewing: Tucked at the westernmost tip of Washington, DC, Port City Brewing is churning out some of the most incredible craft brews. They generously offer tour-goers special samples and beers that are exclusive to the brewery.

Explore the historic city of Alexandria, Virginia, by pedaling around town on a state-of-the-art E-bike. Discover its famous Old Town, with brick sidewalks and well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. Begin your adventure by picking up your e-bike at the rental booth. A helmet, bike lock, map, and all necessary safety equipment will be provided to you to ensure a safe ride around town. When you are ready, hop on your bike and set off. There is no better way to get up close and personal with all the great sites of Alexandria. Riding at your own pace, you can stop at your leisure to take in the sights around you. Choose between a 2-hour, 4-hour, or a full-day rental. No matter what your schedule is, you can fit in a ride and see the sights. Admire historic landmarks and beautiful city views as you cycle around town with ease. You must be at least 16 years old to rent an electric bike.

Alexandria, Virginia is a city on the Potomac River, located just south of Washington, D.C. and known for its Old Town, consisting of brick sidewalks and well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Arrive at the office and get kitted out with all you need for your adventure, including a helmet, a color-coded map, a basket/bike bag, and a bike lock. There is no better way to get up close and personal with all the great sites of Alexandria than riding a bike. The local partner's huge inventory of high quality bikes in a wide range of sizes ensure your comfort and safety. All equipment is maintained in-house by professional mechanics. The customer service staff can answer your questions about which type and size of bike is best for your needs, as well as offer tips on good trails, scenic routes, places to eat, and any other cycling info.