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You can find multiple best places to visit in Alexandria, Virginia, such as famous waterfront scenes, colonial past, and food experience along with a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. My family and I always wanted to visit Alexandria, Virginia and last month, we got an opportunity to explore the city. The five-day adventurous trip was full of discovering history, culture, and thrilling activities. Here, I’m gonna share the fun-filled trip to Alexandria with my family and top destinations to visit in this city.
Waterfront Highlights
After arriving at Alexandria on a sunny afternoon, we checked into a lovely hotel around the historic Old Town. Everybody was tired and wanted to settle in and rest for a few hours before indulging into the first day of fun. Resting and rejuvenating, we started exploring the waterfront wonders of the city. Firstly, we headed to the Alexandria Waterfront and cherished the stunning views of Potomac River. Kids were delighted watching street artists and the boats docked at the beautiful shorelines of the marina.
After strolling around the marina and street, we decided to enjoy dinner at Chart House, offering picturesque waterfront views. Undeniably, the crab cakes and grilled fish was the best seafood we have ever had. Moreover, the ambiance and seating was cozy and comfortable, providing a memorable culinary experience in Alexandria.
An Odyssey Through Historic Past
For day two, we decided to immerse ourselves in the captivating history of Alexandria. Walking through the historic past, we made our first visit to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to learn about the historic era of old Americans. Moreover, we took a guided tour to tell us details about each and every past of the museum, getting a detailed insight of Tavern significance. Further, Kids were excited listening the majestic stories of George Washington and other legendary figures from the past.
Then, we decided to visit a gorgeous mansion and park , Carlyle House Historic Park, depicting the essence of 18th century. Furthermore, our tour directors gave deep insight of the colonial lifestyle of Americans and the contribution of John Carlyle in building the foundation of Alexandria.
For lunch, Vola’s Dockside Grill was our stop, where you savored the delectable seafood. Besides, our whole family loved their fish tacos, fries, and calamari while desserts were also a hit for us.
After refueling with a delicious lunch, we visited Christ Church, a stunning architectural landmark of Georgian-style churches. Moreover, the spiritual calmness and historic significance of this place made this a memorable experience.
Art and Culture Exploration
Day three was dedicated to explore the art and culture in Alexandria. We first went to the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a remarkable space housing the artwork of various famous artists. Furthermore, more than 80 working artists have their studios in the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Besides, we were captivated watching the sculptures, paintings, pottery work, ceramics, and photography at an elevated and large level.
Lunch was done at the Virtue Feed & Grain and then, we planned to visit Alexandria Black History Museum. It includes the African-American Heritage Park, Watson Reading Room, and a Museum, showcasing the things related to black slalves and information about slave trades. As an art lover, you shouldn’t miss this place if you want to explore the best places to visit in Alexandria, Virginia.
We decided to dine at Hank’s Oyster Bar for a savory night meal, as we have heard a lot about their fresh seafood and organic taste. The laughter, delicious food, and perfect atmosphere add charm and made the evening memorable.
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Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Excited to enjoy our fourth day in Alexandria, we decided to explore the outdoor activities and local adventures in the city. Adding more to this, we started the adventure of the day by visiting Huntley Meadows Park, a heaven for nature lovers. We enjoyed walking along the boardwalk and cherishing the stunning wetlands.
In the afternoon, we headed to the Cameron Run Regional Park, where we indulged in many outdoor fun activities. Kids couldn’t get enough of playing around while my husband and I explored the beautiful scenery of the park.
Final Day Memories
For our final day at Alexandria, we decided to visit the strolled down the vibrant King Street. We visited many boutiques, gift shops, and local bakeries, collecting souvenirs. Afterwards, we headed to Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, exploring the informative exhibits about the Civil War and educational sessions. With this last visit, our exciting journey in Alexandria came to an end with the best historic exploration. We were thrilled exploring the best places to visit in Alexandria, Virginia.
As we packed our luggage and headed back to our home, we were filled with beautiful memories and the best trip experience. Exploring the historic sites to navigate through the art and culture of the city, we experienced everything in Alexandria. Furthermore, their delightful culinary wonders and hospitality and welcoming atmosphere made our trip unforgettable.
Check out our documented trip to Richmond.
