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're excited to celebrate with you in Old Town!

While you're welcome to stay wherever best fits your plans, these properties are all conveniently located near the venue and some of our favorite spots around Alexandria.

Hotel Indigo Alexandria Old Town Waterfront (15% Discount Booking Link)

Closest to the Venue

This is where Alaina and Joey will be staying. Located directly on Alexandria's waterfront, Hotel Indigo places guests just steps from King Street's restaurants, shops, and historic charm. It's also the closest hotel to our celebration venue (directly next door), making it an easy walk to and from the festivities. Guests can also take advantage of our preferred booking link, which offers 15% off the best available rate and waives the daily destination fee.

Highlights:

  • Closest hotel to the venue

  • Waterfront location along the Potomac River

  • Steps from King Street shopping and dining

  • Bride and groom will be staying here

The Alexandrian (15% Discount Booking Link)

Best for Being in the Heart of Old Town

The Alexandrian places you right in the middle of Old Town Alexandria, just a few blocks from the waterfront and an easy walk to our celebration venue. Located directly off King Street, guests can take advantage of the free King Street Trolley, with a stop conveniently located nearby.

For those wanting to experience Old Town's shops, restaurants, and historic charm without relying on a car, The Alexandrian is a fantastic option.

Highlights:

  • Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria

  • Short walk to the venue and waterfront

  • King Street Trolley access nearby

  • Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and local attractions

  • Great option for guests who want to explore on foot

Hotel Heron

Best Rooftop Experience

One of Alexandria's newest boutique hotels, Hotel Heron offers a stylish stay in the heart of Old Town. Its rooftop bar provides beautiful views of the city and waterfront, while King Street's restaurants and shops are just a short walk away.

Highlights:

  • Boutique hotel experience

  • Rooftop bar with Old Town views

  • Short walk to King Street

  • Close to waterfront attractions

Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town

Best for Metro Access

If you're planning to explore Washington, DC during your visit, Embassy Suites is a great option. Located near the King Street Metro Station, it offers convenient access to both Old Town Alexandria and the nation's capital.

Highlights:

  • Adjacent to King Street Metro Station

  • Easy access to Washington, DC

  • Complimentary breakfast

  • Spacious suite-style accommodations

Hotel AKA Alexandria

A Favorite of Alaina & Joey

One of our personal favorite hotels in Alexandria, Hotel AKA offers a quieter, more residential Old Town experience while still providing access to the waterfront and historic district. It's ideal for guests looking for a relaxed stay away from the busiest tourist areas.

Highlights:

  • One of Alaina & Joey's favorite local hotels

  • Modern luxury accommodations

  • Located in a quieter section of Old Town

  • Accessible via DASH bus and rideshare

  • Great option for an extended 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.