We’ll always recommend roadtripping to a neighboring small town when visiting a big city, and this Washington, D.C. suburb is a vibrant destination when autumn rolls around.
With its colorful foliage, eclectic art events, lively outdoor festivals, and spine-tingling Halloween experiences, Alexandria, Virginia, offers the perfect fall getaway set to a riverfront backdrop.
Heading to the D.C. are this fall? Here’s how to make a perfect detour to Old Town Alexandria.
Wander the Waterfront
With the Potomac River as your view, you can immerse yourself in Alexandria’s nautical heritage at the newly opened Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center. The Tall Ship Providence onsite serves as a “floating classroom” aimed at educating visitors about the American Revolution and Alexandria’s history as a whole. During your visit, you can learn what life was like on an 18th-century sloop with an engaging dockside tour, or set sail on a serene sunset cruise that offers unparalleled views of the river.
While strolling along the waterfront, don’t miss a photo opp with the public art installations on display until November. Also new to the city is the refreshed African American Waterfront Heritage Trails that showcase the city’s deep-rooted Black history.
Get Festiv-al
Fall in Alexandria brings a packed calendar of outdoor festivals, and if you’re planning a visit, these are certainly dates to consider. Kick off the autumn season with the annual Art on the Avenue take place October 5, a celebration of creativity featuring over 350 juried artists, tons of area food vendors, and live music that fills the streets of Del Ray.
If you’re a wine lover, head to the historic Mount Vernon October 4 through 6 for the Fall Wine Festival where guests are invited to sample some of Virginia’s finest wines. Also taking place onsite later in the month, the Fall Harvest Festival on October 19 and 20 brings 18th-century activities and historic demonstrations to life.
Discover Spooky History
Let’s be honest: most cities rich in history have an underlying spookiness about them, and this town (founded in 1749, might we add) is no exception. This only elevates the fall experience, so if you dare, book a tour that dives into the city’s ghostly past.
The Ghost & Graveyard Tour by Alexandria Colonial Tours includes costumed guides that regale visitors with eerie tales from Old Town’s past, or for something truly chilling, embark on the Grief and Ghosts Tour at the Lee-Fendall House. This experience takes things a step further by diving into Victorian mourning traditions and recounting mysterious deaths and strange occurrences that may leave you haunted long after. Ye be warned.
Fawn Over Fall Foliage
Did you know that Alexandria is home to some of the largest trees in the country? While beautiful all year long, fall foliage is a spectacle in Alexandria, thanks to the city’s tree-lined streets and historic parks that come alive with vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold when the weather turns chilly. A stroll through the city will showcase more than 100 champion and notable trees sprinkled throughout, offering the perfect autumnal backdrop.
Whether you’re up for a thrilling “tree-o-caching” adventure (think: Pokemon Go for nature lovers) or prefer a scenic drive along the Potomac, the city’s foliage offers endless ways to enjoy autumn’s beauty. For a list of Alexandria’s best leaf peeping spots, click here.
With its captivating mix of outdoor ambiance, cultural richness featuring new and noteworthy destinations, and slightly spooky historical intrigue, Alexandria is the ultimate fall destination. Whether you’re visiting as a D.C. detour or making the city the focal point, you’ll likely be left enchanged by the city’s magical charm.
Looking for more destinations to explore this fall? Check out all of our regional roundups.
