Travel & Stay

Where to Stay | What to Do

 

Directions

There are three major airports serving the Washington, DC area: Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI).

We recommend flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is the closest and most convenient — just a short drive from Old Town Alexandria.

Where to Stay

We’ll be sharing hotel recommendations and travel details soon. Please check back here for updated information on where to stay.

What to Do

Alaina & Joey’s Favorite DC & Old Town Spots

Old Town Alexandria and Washington, DC are full of great places to explore, eat, and unwind. While you're in town, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots—from coffee and casual bites to waterfront walks and iconic DC landmarks.

Old Town

One of our favorite ways to spend a day is simply wandering through Old Town

  • King Street — Full of local shops, restaurants, and historic charm.

  • Old Town Books — Alaina’s favorite independent bookstore.

  • Old Town Alexandria Waterfront — A beautiful place to walk along the Potomac.

Washington, DC

Old Town is just minutes from the nation’s capital.

  • Lincoln Memorial & Reflection Pool — Joey’s proposal location

  • National Mall — museums and monuments

  • The Wharf — waterfront restaurants and nightlife

  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Air & Space Museum near Dulles (Joey’s favorite)

  • United States Botanic Garden — peaceful greenhouse near the Capitol (Alaina’s favorite)

Outdoors

A few of our favorite nearby spots to get outside and explore.

  • George Washington's Mount Vernon — Washington’s historic estate (dog friendly & Julie’s favorite)

  • Mount Vernon Trail — scenic trail along the Potomac

  • United States Air Force Memorial — striking memorial overlooking DC

Foodie Favorites

    • South Block — smoothies and açaí bowls

    • La Pluma Cafe, Tatte Bakery & Cafe, or Hypergoat Coffee — great coffee stops

    • Chewish Deli — our favorite bagels

  • Perfect for grabbing something quick while exploring Old Town.

    • Andy’s Pizza — pizza favorite

    • Urbano 116 — Mexican on King Street

    • Caphe Banh Mi — pho and Vietnamese comfort food

    • Momo Sushi & Cafe — sushi

    • 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood — steakhouse dinner

    • Thompson Italian — pasta (don’t skip the affogato)

    • Virtue Feed & Grain — American food in a historic space

    • Hank's Oyster Bar — seafood

    • Quarterdeck — casual seafood favorite

    • Medium Rare — steak frites

    • Sisters Thai or Thai Signature — Thai

    • Le Diplomate — Joey’s pick for a great burger if you're exploring DC

    • Oak Steakhouse — burger + beer happy hour (Mon–Fri 5–6:30 pm)

    • Majestic — our go-to spot for a classic Old Fashioned

    • Captain Gregory’s — hidden speakeasy

    • Barca Pier & Wine Bar — waterfront tapas and cocktails

    • Pitango Gelato — perfect gelato stop

Old Town Alexandria has no shortage of great places to eat and drink. While many of our favorites are right here in Old Town, a few of our go-to spots are just across the river in Arlington and Washington, DC.

Getting Around

Old Town Alexandria is very walkable, with most restaurants, shops, and waterfront spots within a short stroll.

The free King Street Trolley runs up and down King Street between the waterfront and the King Street–Old Town Metro station, making it easy to explore the area without a car. The free DASH bus also operates throughout Old Town Alexandria and nearby neighborhoods.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, and taxis operate throughout the area.

If you prefer public transit, the Washington Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines stop at King Street–Old Town, which connects easily to Reagan National Airport.

Old Town is also just minutes from Washington, DC’s most iconic landmarks. The National Mall, monuments, museums, and Capitol Hill are about a 15–20 minute drive or a short Metro ride away, making it easy to explore the city while you're in town.

For a scenic option, you can also take the water taxi from the King Street waterfront across the Potomac to Washington, DC—including stops at the Wharf and Georgetown.