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Alexandria, Virginia bubbles over with history and charm!
A quick search of the varied beginnings of Virginia’s Alexandria and Old Town is all it takes to ensure any history buff a longing to see this darling town for oneself. Officially established in 1749, Alexandria has a long and colorful history, from tobacco trading posts and bustling seaports to being part of the District of Columbia and our nation’s capital.
Alexandria as she looked in 1864
Beautiful Alexandria was the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Once it was the dark home to the largest
Old Town
Today, strolling Old Town Alexandra, make a day trip of finding her whispering nooks and her age-old pathways of cobblestone streets flanked with beautiful 18th and 19th-century architecture. In any season, it is truly a photographer’s dream.
Captain’s Row, near the wharf.
King Street and Downtown Alexandria, VA
Be sure to stroll off the main district of King Street, to visit the hidden places in the surrounding blocks. King Street is special. As with many well-known towns and cities, it is advised to go off the most
If you prefer riding, a free trolley runs up and down King Street, allowing visitors to hop on and off to browse trendy boutiques, cute coffee houses, dining options from casual to elegant, and lazing away a sunny afternoon at the wharf.
There you may meet Jamey Turner, who will play you a tune on his crystal glasses at the corner of King Street and Union.
Don’t miss an indulgence, highly recommended, in an ice cream cookie sandwich at
Just Around The Corner!
If “tiny houses” make your heart go pitter patter, or unique buildings hold your fondness, take a step just a block or two off King Street to find and photograph the charming Spite House, one of the most narrow homes in the country. Only seven total feet wide, it was built in 1830 by John Hollensbury, in his successful effort to keep loiterers and
There are many historical houses and museums to be found in Alexandria’s Old Town. If you have the grandchildren, they will love riding the trolley and the metro.
If you add an artsy friend along for a ride, visit a favorite spot for our entire family, the Torpedo Factory. Once a munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory is now home to more than 82 artists’ studios.
Often you can find the artists at work there and you can purchase any medium of artistic talent imaginable. From photography to jewelry, to fiber art and original collections, personal purchases to gifts, you won’t walk away disappointed. The building is filled with oohs and ahhs of appreciation for the talent housed there.
Washington, DC
For anyone with more than a long weekend to spare, taking the handy Metro into Washington DC is a must. Within 20 minutes you can find all of the monuments, museums and national treasures that DC holds.
Between each of my two trips to Alexandria, one held monuments, the Smithsonian, and the National Zoo. The other held the solemn and haunting Holocaust Museum and the newly opened, magnificent Museum of the Bible
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
A free visit to the National Zoo is a must!
Our nation’s history wraps itself around Washington DC, and no one would be at a loss for preferences of what they’d like to see.
After seeing Lincoln in his memorial, the Washington Monument, the Korean War Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, one needs to prepare the heart for a look at the United States Holocaust Museum.
Each display brings a heaviness to the heart. For the sake of history, r
Holocaust Museum
Of particular note, the tears in listening to the Stories of the Holocaust will resonate with me for a long, long time.
The day we visited, my friend and I had the privilege of meeting three Holocaust survivors that came to meet the public that day. Each presented us their own story of survival, loss, and heartache in knowing the lost generations of families that perished in these tragic years.
Arbeit Macht Frei translates to Work Sets You Free. A tragic reminder of all that was lost
I spent a long time looking at the faces and snapshots of lives torn apart in the Holocaust. It is something everyone should see.
The Wall of Remembrance, US National Holocaust Museum
Museum of the Bible
My highest recommendations go to visiting the Museum of the Bible. A $500 million dollar undertaking, privately funded by 51,000 donors.
The Museum of the Bible begins by passing through a set of 16-ton bronze doors, into a corridor with an impressive 140 feet long, 40 feet high, ever-changing digital ceiling, the longest in the world.
The Museum of the Bible entrance is flanked by 16 ton bronze doors inscribed with passages from the Torah.
Eight levels of what the Museum calls Impact, Story, and History of the Bible, this beautiful monolith of a building showcases an astounding array of Bibles, Torah Scrolls, ancient texts and artifacts, and dozens of multimedia presentations that left me speechless and almost in tears.
Over 1,000 texts are on display in the Museum of the Bible
My absolute favorite exhibit?
The Hebrew Bible Experience, not to be missed and worth waiting in line to experience all that this museum put into it.
Allow almost a full day to see even most of this museum, and if you have lunch at Manna, allow more time.
Illuminated Psalter from England, the Rice Psalter
Torah Crown, Algeria, circa 1900
Taking a trip to one of the most historic states in the US, just be certain not to miss Alexandria and her sister Washington, DC. Each is a treasure among jeweled treasures.
You will want to return for anything you had to miss! Get ready for a special trip and place in your heart!
All About Gennel!
Gennel Zimmerman is a native Pennsylvanian who never lets moss grow under her traveling feet. She, her Nikon camera, and her husband of 28 years have seen much of the United States. After a recent three week trip to the land of Israel, she longs to repeat this trip for two six-month vacations each year.
75 responses to “10 Top Places to Visit in Alexandria, Virginia and Washington, DC!”
DC is one of my favorite places. There is so much to do and see. In my opinion, there are two places every person should see in their lifetime, The Holocaust Museum and the 9/11 museum (in NYC).
Absolutely agree Heather!
I live in the DC area and we absolutely love going into Alexandria for picnics!
That is awesome! Thank you for letting me know!
Wow! Such a neat trip. I am definitely going to have to get there. The holocaust museum and bible museum look fascinating!
you need half a day to see well the Holocaust Museum, and for Bible Museum, you truly could be there from opening to close….decide if you want to bring in a lunch or eat at their restaurant Manna.
I’ve visited DC a few times in my life, but never stopped by the Museum of the Bible and am now kicking myself. What a great place to go!!! I really need to get myself back up there. I have an uncle who lives near the Zoo – and I LOVE that zoo!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
The zoo IS very nice.
Museum of the Bible is pretty new actually….yep, go visit !
We love DC too! There is never enough time to see everything, absolutely love the Smithsonian! Will carve out some more time next trip up there. Thanks so much for the recommendations! 🙂
Glad to be helpful, Angela 🙂
Great post! We are planning a trip to Virginia next summer when my son graduates from high school. Thanks for the tips!!
Most welcome, Kirsten !
What a great recap of your travels! We have a smaller scale Holocaust museum in Chicago and it is quite sobering – all our 8th-grade students visit there. Would love the chance to visit this one as well – to never forget.
Always good to know how many Americans have NOT forgotten. So thanks !
Your photography is awesome! Looks like fun:)
thank you very much Liza.
Great recommendations, thanks for sharing!! It’s been years since I’ve been to the DC area, but now that I’m on the East Coast I’ll have to make a few weekend trips to check some of these out!
super, Sarah !
Great recommendations, thanks for sharing!! It’s been years since I’ve visited the DC area, but now that I’m on the East Coast, I’ll have to make a few weekend trips to check some of these out!
oh good Sarah !
I would love to visit this area. So much to do and see. The Holocaust Musuem would be heartbreaking but it needs to be seen by everyone so we never forget.
I totally, wholly agree, Cindy. 🙂
I’ve been to Washington D.C a few times, but never to the museum of the Bible – is it new? As a kid, I had a very scary experience in Alexandria, but it looked nothing like the part you visited. I’ll have to give it another try.
hi Heather, yes, it is new. if you hit up youtube, you can find some videos on how they built is, the amazing details to the building and it’s interior as well….I only saw the videos AFTER our trip but wish I had them pointed out to me prior.
Wow, so many interesting places to visit! Alexandria looks like such a cute little town! I’ve been to a concentration camp and a few Holocaust museums around the country, but never to this one. How neat to hear survivors speak! And that stack of shoes-wow!
The shoes ARE a visual to the realness of all of it, yes.
and IMO, this holocaust museum is outstandingly done.
What a wonderful visit! I can’t wait to take my family there.
Would love to know how you enjoy it !
I have never actually been to Washington DC and really I’ve never been all that interested in going, but there are a lot of cool things to see!
I would say you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this area. Many other things to see and do, even antiquing or window shopping, taste testing coffee. you name it, you can make a trip of it without the museums and history.
Wow! So much to discover there! We definitely need to make the trek up to Alexandria!
This is a Return Often spot for week long family trips or long weekend getaways. Never a dull moment, or, be as dull and relaxed as you need to for a recharge.
I love Old Town Alexandria! So much fun on King Street. And the monuments are just a must. My personal favorite is the FDR one.
Hi Janine! I missed this monument !! Putting in my Bucket for next time ! Thanks !
DC is a lot fun, rich in culture and history. I love the museums and landmarks. I need to return for the extra bonus of the Michelin restaurants that are now star rated, yay!
Hera, do tell!!! What is a Michelin restaurant? Sounds intriguing! I know food trucks? But don’t know Michelin restaurants.
We’ve been to DC, but I love all the ideas for Alexandria. That’s where I hope to visit next in that area.
Hi Julie, glad to shed insight…..great place to make memories. I have another fun memory…..you know how the Offbeat humor is what sticks with ya when you with friends? Well our smallest child was my friend’s 3 year old. When we stopped for Ice cream and crossed at a light, we realized a couple was calling and calling to US from across the street. “Do you want this one???”” The man is calling over. And there stands the three-year old on the previous corner licking her ice cream cone. Gahhhh!! Yes we want that one !!!
Alexandria is one of my all time favorite places. Thanks for the pix of the holocaust museum. It is the one place I have never been able to bring myself to go in person. I am not sure I could take it. But I also know how important it is and I appreciate the glimpse.
Yes, Jen, definitely a hard visit. I understand.
I have also visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s holocaust museum. Equally hard to see and to truly fathom. But indeed, I feel, imperative to pull into the soul of every citizen of our precious world.
Never forget. Always remember. May their memories be forever a blessing.
Hat a great trip! I hopefully will be headed to DC this next year, I will keep our tips in mind! Thanks!
Good Holly !! Have fun !
Looks like you all had a great time! What a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks Leigh Ann !
We enjoy museums and learning about history. These are great places to see. I also liked the ice cream cookie sandwich.
Foodie love!
Oh nice! I used to leave near Alexandria, loved exploring the area but I definitely don’t miss the traffic haha!
A Good point. Traffic is a time consideration if driving a car. The metro is a godsend !!!
I grew up in Maryland and took school trips to DC and the surrounding area nearly every year until I graduated. Wonderful place! I particularly love the cobblestone streets!
Then Shirley, you may like my next guest blog post…..Williamsburg Virginia, coming soon to Born to be Boomers !!
These are really great places to visit. We will surely include some of them on our trip to Tennessee
Great stop sure !!
I love this area of the country! I lived there for a year and wish I would have had more time to explore all the many museums, monuments, and history sites!
What were your favs, Lisa?
There is so much to do in DC and the surrounding area. I went with my daughter on her 8th Grade trip recently and can’t wait to go again for my son’s turn.
Nice Pam !! What was your personal favorite visit?
Amazing pictures! I love Alexandria, VA. I love the historic feel and vibe I got when there. I need to visit Washington DC again – it’s been over 10 years!
Sounds like you are overdue for a visit Brittany 🙂
Wow, so many great looking places to visit. I love going to museums, and the Smithsonian is one I have wanted to visit for quite some time now. I am going to have to make time to travel, hopefully, this year, so that I can visit places like this.
Can’t wait to hear about it, Sarah!
Glad the tips were helpful.. I feel so useful !!! Good to feel appreciated !! Haha !!
We LOVE DC! As soon as we left our daughter was wanting to go back. These are some great ideas, some of which we missed. Thanks for sharing!
There is so much to do. Too much for one article!
You are welcome Michele!
My favorite places!!! And a couple new stops to check out! yay!!!
Gennel will pleased to hear that! Thanks, Jen!
If you never went to the Torpedo Factory, hit that up next time Jen !
Oh how fun! So many things to do in DC & Virginia. We’ve been to both & many of the same sites! Great post!
Thanks, Cynthia!
Thank you Cynthia. Did i miss any of YOUR favorites?
I used to live in Arlington and I absolutely love this area. So many amazing things to experience!
I could have mentioned Arlington National Cemetery as well….a must see.
Arlington Cemetary is another spot I would highly recommend in any article about the DC area. A national gem.
DC, Wow! That Holocaust Museum is rough. I remember having to sit down a couple time and deep breath. I did not realize how that would affect me. What an honor to have met survivors. I cannot imagine going through that and living with those memories.
It was a privilege to meet those individuals yes. One woman lost her dearly loved brother who had a medical condition, and was taken to hospital and never returned. They were told he had a heart attack. She is in her 90’s and only found out TWO years ago, that the records indicate he was put to death in the hospital. She said she keeps thinking maybe, just maybe, he might just turn up alive, though she knows that is not going to be the case.