Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in Historic Alexandria, Virginia
- royalglobaltraveli
- May 14
- 7 min read
Founded in 1749, Alexandria predates the United States itself. George Washington frequented the city regularly, conducted business here, and traveled constantly between Old Town and nearby George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Today, visitors can still walk the same historic streets, dine in taverns connected to early American history, and experience a waterfront district that feels both timeless and vibrant.
Alexandria is especially appealing for travelers seeking:
Walkable historic neighborhoods
Boutique hotels and waterfront dining
Easy access to Washington, DC
Dog-friendly travel
LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations
Cyclist-friendly streets and trails
Family-friendly attractions
Juneteenth celebrations and cultural programming
Historic sites without sacrificing modern comforts
The lower portion of King Street near the waterfront is closed to regular vehicular traffic, creating a lively pedestrian-friendly atmosphere filled with outdoor dining, boutiques, cafés, galleries, and seasonal events.
Tall Ships, Maritime History & Sails on the Potomac
One of the signature events of Alexandria’s America 250 celebration will be the arrival of tall ships during the “Sails on the Potomac” festivities planned for June 2026.
Alexandria’s connection to maritime history runs deep, and nowhere is that more apparent than along the waterfront itself.
During construction of Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, work on the site was halted for months after archaeologists uncovered the remains of an 18th-century ship buried beneath the property. Preservationists carefully excavated the vessel piece by piece while locals gathered along the fencing to watch history literally emerge from the ground in real time. I used to take my children down to the excavation site to peer through the fencing and watch archaeologists slowly uncover the ship’s timbers along the waterfront.
Ironically, the ship itself was not a famous warship or legendary vessel. Alexandria’s shoreline changed dramatically over the centuries as waterfront property owners expanded their land outward into the Potomac River through a process known as “banking out.” Old ships, debris, and fill materials were often used to create additional land along the growing waterfront. What was once considered an ordinary working transportation vessel eventually became one of Alexandria’s most fascinating archaeological discoveries centuries later.
Today, the history of Alexandria’s changing waterfront remains visible at Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, where the expansive slate patio features a carved channel engraving tracing the original shoreline, along with historic dates etched directly into the stone that mark Alexandria’s maritime evolution over the centuries. Standing there, it becomes remarkably easy to imagine how different the waterfront once looked generations ago.
If you are staying at the hotel, dining there, or simply exploring Old Town Alexandria, make sure to walk out onto the patio and look for these engraved shoreline details yourself. It’s one of the most fascinating hidden historical features along Alexandria’s waterfront and a powerful reminder that layers of American history still exist just beneath the surface of the city today.
The preserved ship timbers were eventually transported to Texas A&M University for extensive conservation work using specialized preservation tanks and archaeological freeze-drying techniques before their eventual return to Alexandria.
Exploring Old Town Alexandria
One of the best parts of visiting Alexandria is simply slowing down and exploring.
Spend the morning walking along the waterfront, browsing local boutiques on King Street, or enjoying coffee while watching boats move along the Potomac River. Cyclists regularly travel through the area using nearby trails, and Alexandria’s welcoming atmosphere makes it especially enjoyable for travelers exploring with dogs or families.
The city is also known for hosting vibrant community events throughout the year, including Juneteenth celebrations, holiday festivals, waterfront events, and seasonal art markets.
One of the most interesting stops in Old Town is the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Originally a torpedo manufacturing facility, the building was later repurposed into a thriving artist community and gallery space where visitors can watch artists actively working in their studios while exploring multiple floors of local artwork.
History lovers should also visit Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant and the adjacent museum. George Washington frequented Gadsby’s Tavern regularly, and today servers still dress in period costume while guests dine surrounded by colonial-era atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria’s dining scene is one of the strongest in the Washington region, especially along the waterfront and lower King Street corridor.
Some longtime local favorites include:
Landini Brothers — A beloved family-owned Italian restaurant known for exceptional service, classic atmosphere, and special occasion dining.
Mia's Italian Kitchen — Family-friendly Italian dining right in the heart of Old Town.
Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar — A fascinating Irish pub featuring imported woodwork installed by Irish craftsmen, including an actual church pulpit incorporated into the bar design.
Virtue Feed & Grain — A lively waterfront favorite with outdoor patios, multiple bars, and excellent cocktails. Building used to actually supply feed and grain locally and you can see the old paint on the side of the building.
Ada's on the River — One of the best waterfront dining spots in Alexandria with outstanding cocktails and patio seating overlooking the Potomac.
Hummingbird at Hotel Indigo — A chic waterfront gathering spot known for scenic Potomac views, lively brunches, outdoor cocktails, and elegant wedding celebrations along the Alexandria waterfront.
Lady Camellia — An elegant afternoon tea experience featuring beautiful vintage china, champagne tea service, delicate pastries, and a whimsical atmosphere perfect for celebrations, girlfriends’ getaways, and special occasions.
Le Refuge — A charming French restaurant and longtime hidden gem.
1799 Prime Steak & Seafood — Locally owned with excellent food and atmosphere.
Oak Steakhouse — Exceptional service, refined dining, and a beautiful bar.
Hank's Oyster Bar — Ideal for happy hour oysters and cocktails.
Chart House — Premium waterfront dining with covered outdoor patio seating.
Blackwall Hitch — Great for groups, happy hour gatherings, and waterfront dining.
Vermilion — An intimate local favorite higher up on King Street, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Elaine's — Wonderful Mediterranean cuisine inspired by family recipes, with an excellent cocktail program including their signature olive oil martini.
For cocktails and nightlife:
The Parlour is a hidden gem specializing in craft cocktails and chocolate pairings.
Captain Gregory's is a popular speakeasy-style cocktail bar where reservations are highly recommended.
Where to Stay in Alexandria
Alexandria offers an excellent collection of boutique and luxury-adjacent hotels, many within walking distance of the waterfront and major America 250 festivities.
Recommended properties include:
Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria
Morrison House
Hotel AKA Alexandria
The Alexandrian
Hotel Heron
Hotel Heron also features one of the area’s few rooftop bars along with its restaurant, Kiln, known for elevated dining and beautiful views over Old Town.
Visiting Mount Vernon & The George Washington Parkway
No visit to Alexandria during America’s 250th Anniversary celebration would feel complete without visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon.
One of the most beautiful drives in the Washington region is the route from Old Town Alexandria to Mount Vernon along the George Washington Memorial Parkway — known simply by locals as “the Parkway.”
The roughly six-mile drive winds beneath mature oak trees and shaded canopies that feel almost impossible to find so close to a major metropolitan area. Many homes along this historic route, including my own, sit on land that once belonged to the original Mount Vernon estate.
Mount Vernon itself offers an extraordinary look into George Washington’s life, the early history of the United States, and the complexity of the nation’s founding era. The estate, gardens, museum, and riverfront setting make it one of the most important historic sites in the country.
Water Taxi Access to Washington, DC & National Harbor
One of Alexandria’s most enjoyable transportation experiences is the Potomac Water Taxi system connecting Old Town Alexandria to:
The Wharf in Washington, DC
Georgetown
National Harbor
Water taxis generally begin service around late morning and operate seasonally from spring through December, with departures every 30–60 minutes depending on route and day.
The ride itself becomes part of the experience, offering scenic views of:
the Potomac River
Washington monuments
waterfront neighborhoods
marinas and historic shorelines
The Alexandria-to-Wharf route typically takes about 30 minutes, while National Harbor trips take closer to 45 minutes.
For visitors celebrating America 250, the water taxi offers a fantastic way to combine Alexandria’s historic charm with easy access to major Washington, DC attractions and events.
More Alexandria Travel Ideas
For more inspiration while planning your trip to Alexandria and Washington, DC, explore these related travel guides from Royal Global Travel:
Why Stay in Alexandria Instead of Washington, DC
Why Stay in Alexandria Instead of DC for Your Trip
48 Hours in Old Town Alexandria: The Perfect Weekend Getaway
48 Hours in Old Town Alexandria: The Perfect Weekend Getaway
You can also explore curated tours, activities, and experiences throughout Alexandria and Washington, DC through Viator: https://www.viator.com/agent-trip-suggestions/W-12abeaa6-3a34-4f4a-9889-f95cbd23ed00?currency=USD&allowNativeApp=false&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Why You Should Plan Early for America’s 250th Anniversary Alexandria Virginia
For travelers planning America’s 250th Anniversary Alexandria Virginia celebrations, Old Town is one of the best places to stay, dine, explore, and access Washington, DC events. America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations are expected to draw enormous crowds to Washington, DC and surrounding historic destinations throughout 2026.
Alexandria offers a uniquely appealing alternative:
historic atmosphere
boutique accommodations
walkable streets
waterfront dining
easy transportation access
a more relaxed pace than downtown DC
Travelers planning to visit during major 2026 events should strongly consider booking hotels, tours, dining reservations, and transportation well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Alexandria During America 250
America’s 250th Anniversary Alexandria Virginia
Is Alexandria, Virginia a good place to stay when visiting Washington, DC?
Absolutely. Alexandria offers a quieter, more walkable, and more relaxed alternative to staying directly in Washington while still providing easy Metro, rideshare, and water taxi access to DC attractions.
What are the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria?
Popular activities include exploring King Street, waterfront dining, visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center, touring Gadsby’s Tavern, taking a water taxi, visiting Mount Vernon, and attending seasonal festivals and events.
Is Alexandria dog friendly?
Yes. Alexandria is widely known as a dog-friendly destination with outdoor patios, walkable streets, waterfront paths, and pet-friendly hotels.
Is Alexandria LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes. Alexandria has a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with diverse restaurants, community events, and cultural programming throughout the year. Alexandria also played an important role in Virginia political history through longtime local legislator Adam Ebbin, who became the first openly gay member elected to the Virginia General Assembly and later the Virginia Senate.
Can you take a water taxi from Alexandria to Washington, DC?
Yes. Seasonal water taxis connect Alexandria with The Wharf, Georgetown, and National Harbor.
When is the best time to visit Alexandria for America 250 celebrations?
Major events are expected throughout 2026, with significant waterfront tall ship celebrations planned for June 2026 during the Sails on the Potomac festivities.
Plan Your Alexandria Getaway
Planning a trip to Alexandria or Washington, DC for America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations?
Royal Global Travel can help you plan the perfect historic getaway including:
boutique hotels
tours and attractions
dining recommendations
waterfront experiences
Mount Vernon visits
Washington, DC activities
custom itineraries
For personalized travel planning assistance, contact me directly through Royal Global Travel.
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