Alexandria, The Choice of Presidents

For official information from The City of Alexandria regarding the Inauguration including road closures  <More>.

This is the place to start when planning travel to Washington, D.C., for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. Founded in 1789, Alexandria is filled with history that is integral to American history. The first five presidents - George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe - all spent time in Alexandria. Thomas Jefferson held his Inaugural Dinner at Gadsby's Tavern Ballroom. George Washington called Alexandria his hometown, and today Mount Vernon celebrates the Inauguration with special offers and exhibits. Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church. As a precursor to the Civil Rights Era, America's first sit-down strike took place in Alexandria. Visit these sites today to learn more about Alexandria's, and America's, fascinating history.

Just minutes from the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., and only three miles from Reagan National Airport (DCA), easily accessible via four stops in the D.C. metro system and the free King Street Trolley, Alexandria offers an eclectic collection of easily accessible fine hotels, celebrity chef dining and unique boutiques.

Last Minute Hotel Rooms Available:

The following hotels have limited space available. Please contact directly for reservations. Comfort Inn Alexandria, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Mark Center, Holiday Inn Eisenhower, Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Hotel Monaco, Westin Alexandria.   

Watch the Inauguration Live in Alexandria:

LIVE JUMBOTRON SIMULCAST IN MARKET SQUARE

A jumbotron screen will broadcast a simulcast of the presidential swearing-in ceremony and parade live in Market Square at the City Hall building, 301 King Street, in Old Town Alexandria on January 20, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Live entertainment: Noon - 12:50 p.m. the 1st Virginia Regiment Fife and Drum Corps and the Civil Air Patrol Concert Band will be playing patriotic favorites.  From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Ebenezer Women's Choir will perform at Market Square.  

Cruise to the Inauguration from Alexandria!

The Inaugural Water Taxi will transport passengers from the Alexandria City Marina to the SW Waterfront, 600 Water Street, Washington, D.C. - just one mile to the National Mall and the closest ticketed gate entrance for the Swearing-in Ceremony, just over one mile to Pennsylvania Avenue, and only three blocks to the nearest Metrorail station. Purchacse tickets today.<More>

Alexandria's Special Inaugural Events: 

Alexandria celebrates the Presidential Inauguration all over town with a variety of unique offers, exceptional events, live entertainment, and more. For more information about special Alexandria Inaugural events and promotions <More>.

Alexandria's Inaugural Restaurant Week:

Alexandria has a vast variety of restaurants serving up something that will tempt even the pickiest eater! Come see and try some of Alexandria's restaurants that will be offering a special set course menu and pricing during the week of January 17-25, 2009. For more information about Alexandria's Inaugural Restaurant Week and the participating restaurants <More>.

Transportation:

Getting to and around Alexandria is easy. Use public transportation, including Metrorail and Metrobus and the free King Street Trolley, to navigate the city during this busy time. Avoid waiting in line at Metro stations on Inauguration Day by pre-purchasing all-day passes online.

In anticipation of the large number of City residents and visitors planning on attending the inauguration, the Free King Street Trolley will run  from 5 a.m. until just after midnight on Inauguration Day.  Trolleys will continue to run on 20 minute headways, leaving the unit block of King and the King Street Metro every 30, 50, and 10 on the hour.  The last trolleys will depart from the Metro and from the unit block at 12:10 p.m.

Additional Resources:
 
Road Closures

Walking/Biking Map of Alexandria, Virginia

Walking/Biking Map of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Metro Transit Information

Alexandria Insider Tips:

Plan a historic Inauguration weekend using these handy tips and tools to make the most of a trip to Alexandria.

1. Book hotel stays as soon as possible. (Insider Tip: Many hotels are sold out. For last minute availability, call hotels directly.) 
2. Make a plan with the handy, Alexandria Itinerary Builder. Simply set up a user name and password in My Itinerary on VisitAlexandriaVA.com. Then select the shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions to add to the itinerary. Items added contain the details like addresses and contact information to quickly locate or call ahead to check on availability. (Insider Tip: Creating an itinerary will help you maximize your time in the Nation's Capital. Print and email itineraries to share with friends and family to get everyone on schedule.)
3. Mark your Calendar with Events. (Insider Tip: Add events to My Itinerary or to Outlook Calendar with a click of the mouse.)
4. Check out the Alexandria Originals. (Insider Tip: Discover the Original's favorites, helpful travel tips and even recipes from celebrity chefs.)

Inaugural Event Planning:

Special event space is still available at many Alexandria hotels and attractions. Please contact our Sales Department for assistance in planning an inaugural event of historic proportions.

Groups and Tours:

Group event planners can make planning group getaways a breeze by taking advantage of the following resources:

Get the inside scoop on motorcoach rules and regulations to make sure your travel plans go off without a hitch. Find the perfect place for groups to refuel with Alexandria's amazing group dining options. Make group trips fun and memorable with tour itineraries and legendary experiences. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association will help make group events for the Inauguration one for the history books.