South Alexandria Travel Guide

Discover South Alexandria, Virginia with our comprehensive travel guide! From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, find everything you need to plan your perfect trip.


Introduction to South Alexandria

South Alexandria is located in Fairfax County in Northern Virginia and is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its rich history, abundant outdoor activities, and cultural attractions make it a must-visit destination for travelers of all ages. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top things to do, places to stay, and local customs of South Alexandria.

List of Places to Visit in South Alexandria

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens - the former plantation home of George Washington, located on the banks of the Potomac River
  2. Woodlawn Plantation & Pope-Leighey House - a National Trust for Historic Preservation site featuring a historic house, gardens, and parkland
  3. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site - a well-preserved Civil War-era fort which served as a Union army headquarters and hospital
  4. Alexandria Black History Museum - a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of African Americans in Alexandria
  5. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum - a historic pharmacy museum with preserved artifacts and exhibits showcasing early American medical practices

Natural Attractions of South Alexandria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Huntley Meadows Park - a 1,500-acre wetland park with scenic boardwalk trails, wildlife viewing areas, and a visitor center
  2. Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve - a 485-acre freshwater tidal marsh featuring guided nature walks, birdwatching, and kayaking opportunities
  3. Mount Vernon Trail - a 17-mile paved trail along the Potomac River that offers stunning views of the river and the D.C. skyline, perfect for hiking and biking
  4. Potomac Riverboat Company - take a tour along the Potomac River, offering breathtaking views of the city’s monuments and riverside parks
  5. Jones Point Park - a waterfront park that commemorates the history of the region with a lighthouse, a picnic area, and scenic views of the Potomac River and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Alexandria

  1. Mount Vernon Trail - a 17-mile paved trail along the Potomac River that offers beautiful views of the river and the D.C. skyline
  2. Belle Haven Park - featuring scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Potomac River and Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
  3. Turkey Run Park - an 800-acre park featuring over 15 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a nature center

Best Things to Do in South Alexandria: Activities and Tours

  1. Torpedo Factory Art Center - a collective of artist studios and galleries, offering workshops, exhibitions, and open studios
  2. George Washington’s Mount Vernon - tour the former plantation home of George Washington, home to historic artifacts, galleries, and artifacts
  3. Old Town Alexandria - stroll through the charming, historic streets of Old Town, lined with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and historic homes
  4. Alexandria City Market - an open-air market featuring farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and local crafts
  5. Ghost & Graveyard Tour - a guided tour of Alexandria’s haunted past, featuring tales of ghosts, pirates, and other historical figures

Week-Long Itinerary for South Alexandria

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Day 2 Explore the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Day 3 Hike or bike along the Mount Vernon Trail
Day 4 Visit Old Town Alexandria and the Alexandria City Market
Day 5 Take a tour of the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
Day 6 Visit the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Day 7 Enjoy a day of outdoor adventures at Huntley Meadows Park

Food and Drink Scene of South Alexandria

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Chesapeake Bay Crabs - a Maryland favorite, featuring fresh blue crabs steamed with Old Bay seasoning
  2. Virginia Ham - a cured, smoked ham that is famous in the region for its unique flavor
  3. Oysters - Virginia is home to some of the world’s best oysters, which can be enjoyed raw, grilled, or fried
  4. Virginia Wine - the region has a burgeoning wine industry, particularly with handcrafted wines
  5. Ethopian Cuisine - Alexandria has a large Ethiopian population, and several Ethiopian restaurants offer authentic dishes like injera and tibs

Local Beverages

  1. Virginia Wine - the region has a burgeoning wine industry, particularly with handcrafted wines
  2. Craft Beer - Alexandria is home to several breweries such as Port City Brewing and The Lost Dog Cafe
  3. Potomac Riverboat Company - enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine as you take in the sights and sounds of the Potomac River

Where to Stay in South Alexandria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection - featuring historic charm and modern amenities, located in the heart of Old Town
  2. Morrison House, Autograph Collection - an elegant boutique hotel located in a historic mansion, just steps away from Old Town’s restaurants and boutiques
  3. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center - featuring a fitness center, pool, and on-site restaurant, just a short drive away from Old Town Alexandria
  4. Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa - a luxurious boutique hotel located in Old Town Alexandria, offering spa services, and farm-to-table dining
  5. Budget-friendly accommodations can be found in nearby Arlington or Springfield.

What to Buy in South Alexandria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Pottery and Ceramics - several artists’ collective like the Torpedo Factory Art Center offer ceramic pieces perfect for souvenirs
  2. Old Town Alexandria Merchandise - apparel, mugs, posters, and trinkets with the Old Town Alexandria logo or other historical emblems are widely available in the area.
  3. Virginia Wine - bring home a bottle of your favorite Virginia-grown wine as a souvenir
  4. Artisanal Food Products - local shops and farmers’ markets offer an array of locally made goodies, including pickles, jams and honey
  5. Antique Finds - Old Town Alexandria has several shops featuring antique furniture, jewelry and art, perfect for unique home decoration or eccentric keepsakes.

Local Culture and Customs of South Alexandria

South Alexandria is a tight-knit community that values family, hospitality, and diversity. The area boasts a unique mix of modern-day amenities and preserved historic landmarks. Locals are proud of their history and tradition and are always welcoming to visitors. Be sure to take the time to speak with locals and learn about their customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit South Alexandria

The best time to visit South Alexandria is during the fall and spring months when the weather is milder, and the foliage is changing. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be cold and icy. Fall is particularly beautiful, as the leaves on trees turn beautiful hues of orange and red and make for stunning scenic views.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Alexandria

Do:

  1. Visit the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
  2. Spend time outdoors at Huntley Meadows Park
  3. Explore historic Old Town Alexandria
  4. Try Virginia wine or craft beer
  5. Take a ghost tour to learn about the city’s haunted history

Don’t:

  1. Litter or vandalize historic landmarks or parks
  2. Dress inappropriately when visiting religious landmarks
  3. Be loud or disruptive in residential areas
  4. Rely solely on your GPS for directions, as some roads may be closed, and GPS services may not be accurate in all areas.
  5. Use offensive language or gestures in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Alexandria

South Alexandria is a safe and friendly area with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Stay alert when walking alone at night and keep valuables out of sight. Always lock your car doors and keep windows up if traveling through residential areas.

Health in South Alexandria

South Alexandria has several hospitals and medical centers. It is important to have travel medical insurance when visiting the United States. Tap water is safe to drink, and restaurants and bars follow strict health code regulations.

Getting to South Alexandria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Alexandria

  1. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - located just six miles away from South Alexandria.
  2. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - located 28 miles northwest of South Alexandria
  3. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) - located 40 miles northeast of South Alexandria

Bus Stations Near South Alexandria

  1. Alexandria Union Station
  2. Franconia-Springfield Metrobus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Metrorail - the DC Metro system offers subway and bus services throughout the region, providing an affordable, convenient way to get to South Alexandria.
  2. Ride-Sharing Services - Uber and Lyft are available throughout the region.
  3. Car Rentals - several car rental companies operate in the area, including Hertz, Avis, and Budget Rental.

How to Get Around in South Alexandria

The best way to get around in South Alexandria is by car, as the area is vast and spread out. However, the surrounding attractions and sites are also within walking or biking distance from each other. Public transportation, including buses and the DC Metro, is also available.

Where to Go Next from South Alexandria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Washington, D.C. - located just a few miles north, the nation’s capital is home to world-renowned museums, historical landmarks, and famous monuments.
  2. Fairfax County - explore the metropolitan area of Fairfax County featuring high-end shopping, great restaurants, and parks
  3. Shenandoah National Park - located just a few hours away lies the beautiful 200,000-acre Shenandoah Natioanal Park, perfect for hiking and scenic views.

Conclusion

South Alexandria, Virginia, is the perfect destination for travelers who want a mix of outdoor adventures, culturally important attractions, and a unique city feel. With so much to offer, visitors should take the time to explore this rich and historic area fully. We hope this travel guide provides all the information needed to plan your perfect trip to South Alexandria.