A destination where colonial charm blends harmoniously with some of the most dynamic activities in the Washington, D.C. area, welcome to Alexandria, VA.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria celebrates a rich heritage while offering modern fun and recreation. Savor innovative cuisine at award-winning restaurants, many of which are owned and operated by local chefs. Browse Alexandria's boutiques and specialty shops and Stroll 250-year-old brick-paved streets lined with 18th-and 19th-century architecture.
Whether you're staying in this beautfiul historic city for a long or short period, you will find your experience an exciting one.
Alexandria has many attractions and points of interest. From historic sites to walking tours, seasonal events and parades, you can shop, dine and enjoy your stay while in this historic city.
ATTRACTIONS - Old Town Alexandria
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - Cameron Run Regional Park
MUSEUMS - Torpedo Factory Art Center, Gadsby's Tavern, Carlyle House Historic Park, George Washington Masonic Memorial, Fort Ward Park and Museum
Alexandria Restaurants have taken their place alongside Washington, D.C. restaurants as some of the best in the nation with the New York Times praising,"...the city has taken its place at the culinary table". With both locally-owned and operated neighborhood restaurants as well as nationally-recognized chef-owned ones, Alexandria is a flavorful melting pot in the truest sense.
From live music by local performers to concerts with world-renowned artists, you are sure to find the perfect way to end your evening in Alexandria.
Alexandria rests on the historic banks of the Potomac River. The waterfront is a cheerful place to walk and enjoy the scenic views of the National Harbor and Washington D.C.
The Alexandria waterfront is also a popular location for enjoying live music and street performers. Many restaurants offer delicious meals along the water, or you can grab a quick bite to eat and relax on a bench as sailboats glide by on the beautiful Potomac River.
Old Town Alexandria is a quaint historic town just on the other side of the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Dating back to 1749, Alexandria’s riverfront was an important colonial port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods.
Today Old Town Alexandria is a revitalized waterfront with cobblestone streets, colonial houses and churches, museums, shops and restaurants.
Around 1746, Captain Philip Alexander II moved to what is south of present day Duke Street in Alexandria. His estate, which consisted of 500 acres, was bounded by Hunting Creek, Hooff’s Run, the Potomac River, and approximately the line of which
would become Cameron Street. At the opening of Virginia’s 1748–49 legislative session, there was a petition submitted in the House of Burgesses on November 1, 1748, that the “inhabitants of Fairfax (Co.) praying that a town may be established at Hunting Creek Warehouse on Potowmack River,” as Hugh West was the owner of the warehouse. The petitioners offered to name the new town Alexandria, in honor of Philip’s family.
As a result, Philip and his cousin Captain John Alexander gave land to assist in the development of Alexandria, and are thus listed as the founders.
Alexandria is home to numerous trade associations, charities, and non-profit organizations including the national headquarters of groups such as the American Diabetes Association, Catholic Charities, Gifts In Kind International, Global Impact, Islamic Relief USA, United Way, Volunteers of America and the Salvation Army.
Other organizations located in Alexandria include American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, the Society for Human Resource Management and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Unites States Department of Defense
ABM Industries
VSE
