King Street
Shops and restaurants, with a free trolley.
Old Town Alexandria
Cobbled colonial streets on the Potomac, George Washington's hometown, just minutes from DC by Metro.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria has Federal-style row houses, boutiques and a free trolley along King Street. It's the gateway to Mount Vernon.
- Best Time
- April to October
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- King St station on the Metro, about 20 minutes from DC.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeTorpedo Factory Art Center
Working artist studios in a former munitions plant.
Carlyle House
A 1753 Georgian mansion.
Know Before You Go
- Parking is limited: use the Metro.
- The river tour boats are seasonal.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in DC or in Old Town.
Where to Eat
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Go Next
Must-SeeWashington, DC
Monuments, the Capitol and the world's largest free museum complex, all on one great lawn.
Full Guide
If You're NearbyMount Vernon
Virginia
George Washington's home on the Potomac, 15 miles south of the city named after him.
Full Guide
Worth a DetourHistoric Triangle
Virginia
Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown: where colonial America began and where the Revolution ended.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.