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Historic Sites & Attractions in Alexandria

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As George Washington’s hometown, Alexandria has more than 140 locations with ties to the nation’s first president, along with a host of intimate museums highlighting the beginnings of America. Just nine miles south of Old Town Alexandria at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, traipse through the historic grounds, perusing documents and ephemera once sacred to key historic players. Several sites work to weave the rich tapestry of the city’s history from the 18th-century to the present, like the Carlyle House, once home to Alexandria co-founder John Carlyle, and the Alexandria Black History Museum, which details the city’s strong African-American leaders from the Civil War to civil rights and beyond.

Alexandria also nods to its vast creative history at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former World War II munitions factory turned 82 artist studios and six galleries, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum at the US Patent and Trademark Office, whose interactive exhibits celebrate modern innovation. Explore Alexandria with the “Key to the City” attractions pass, which grants visitors access to 9 historic sites, plus 40% off admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the tall ship Providence and City Cruises roundtrip water taxi pass. Take the opportunity to celebrate the city’s history at lively seasonal events.

Click here to read Alexandria’s History.

Featured Historic Attractions and Museums

All Historic Attractions and Museums

Featured
Alexandria’s Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour, Celebrating 50 Years: Follow an 18th-century costumed guide by lantern light through the charming...
221 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
Featured
Historically themed and wonderfully immersive, our Old Town Alexandria location has rooms with themes involving Sherlock Holmes, Professor Moriarty, Edgar...
814 King Street 2nd Floor Alexandria, Virginia
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George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the riverside home of our nation’s first president, George Washington. The estate includes a Mansion,...
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Step right into the museum’s laboratory where archaeologists reconstruct Alexandria’s history, fragment by fragment. The museum’s exhibits highlight the process...
105 N. Union Street, Torpedo Factory Art Center Third Floor, #327 Alexandria, Virginia
Originally the segregated library for Alexandria’s African American residents, the museum documents the local and national history, culture and contributions...
902 Wythe Street Alexandria, Virginia
This City Hall was built in 1871-74, with Market Square and the Colonial-inspired additions that face the plaza built in...
301 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
From seaport pubs to international cuisine, Alexandria’s culinary history runs deep. George Washington danced in the ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern,...
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
The 1839 Greek Revival building serves as the City’s history museum. An ongoing exhibition tells the story of Alexandria, once...
201 S. Washington Street Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria History Tours offers private and public tours exploring the Revolutionary War, George Washington, early American commerce, the Civil War,...
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Founded as a subscription library in 1794. Alexandria’s public library since 1937.
717 Queen Street Alexandria, Virginia
One of 12 sites created and dedicated by President Lincoln in 1862 to serve as military burial grounds. The cemetery...
1450 Wilkes Street Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria Seaport Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located on Old Town’s waterfront which improves the lives of young people...
Alexandria Waterfront 0 Thompsons Alley Alexandria, Virginia

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Old Town Alexandria

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Couple Biking Down King Street In Alexandria, VA

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