Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Alexandria, VA • ★ 4.8 (4095 Google reviews)
The Story
The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is a beautiful, vibrant area, especially in the evenings when it truly comes alive. Take a walk along the commercial street, explore charming shops, and find many restaurants and cafes to enjoy. It's a fantastic spot for a scenic stroll, whether you visit in the peaceful morning or the bustling night.
From the Counter
Recent Google reviews
Prashant Kandukuri
★ 5 • 2 months ago
If you want to see the real draw of the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, go in the evening. It’s easy to get distracted by the 18th-century architecture, but the best part is how lively and aggressively lived-in it feels once the sun starts going down. Lower King Street is closed to cars, letting outdoor dining spill right out into the street under the string lights. It makes walking around incredibly pedestrian-friendly. The shops have a ton of local character—you'll spot cheeky sidewalk signs and quirky displays like ivy-covered yellow bicycles as you wander. For food, Virtue Feed & Grain is a fantastic anchor near the water. It has a great, bustling tavern energy inside a cool historic brick building. But whatever you do, save room to cap off the night at Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Company. Between the retro checkerboard floors and the classic red tin ceilings, it's a whole vibe. Grabbing a couple of scoops to eat while watching the river traffic is the perfect way to end the night. You come for the history, but you stay because it genuinely feels like a great, vibrant neighborhood.
lubna hakeem
★ 5 • 4 months ago
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is a really beautiful place to visit. It’s perfect for a spring or summer day, or even a warm winter outing. You can walk along the entire commercial street and explore charming little shops. There are also many restaurants and cafés to enjoy. The area features an art center with small studios, and most of the time you can watch artists at work inside their studios, which is fascinating. You can also relax by the water, enjoy the view, and watch the birds. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot that’s perfect for strolling, sightseeing, or simply unwinding.
PLL
★ 5 • 7 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is a fantastic spot to start your day! I visited in the morning, and it was such a peaceful and quiet area for a scenic walk. While the area really comes alive at night, the morning vibe is incredibly charming and historic. Why I love this area: Beautiful Walkways: The walkway along the water is my favorite part. It’s very well-maintained and offers stunning views of the river. Animal Friendly: It’s a great place to bring your pets along for a stroll; I saw plenty of people out with their dogs. Dining Options: There is a huge variety of cafeterias, cafes, and restaurants to choose from. Whether you want a quick coffee or a full meal, there are options for every mood. Charming Atmosphere: The blend of historic vibes with modern amenities makes it one of the best waterfronts in the region. Whether you are looking for a quiet morning reflection or a vibrant night out, this is a must-visit spot in Alexandria!
Vincent Williamson
★ 5 • 7 months ago
Such an absolute, fantastic, wonderful trip. My wife, myself and the pups spent an absolutely beautiful time in Old Town during New Years Eve. The restaurants, the atmosphere, the shopping, boutiques, mom and pop shops were all great. The town is such a pet friendly town. So so great. The fire works at the waterfront was spectacular. The town really knows how to put a show on. The town itself is such a clean a town, well maintained, well taken care of.
