Add dates

Alexandria, Virginia Landmarks & monuments

Our most recommended Alexandria, Virginia Landmarks & monuments

From Washington DC: Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour

1. From Washington DC: Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour

Discover the historic Old Town Alexandria on a guided day trip from Washington. Ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate, the former residence of George Washington. Enjoy pickup in a luxurious, climate-controlled vehicle while your guide explains the significance of some of the city’s most recognizable monuments. A short drive brings you to the candy-colored architecture of Alexandria, where you can take a tour of some monuments notable to the former president – including the Masonic Temple and Christ Church. Arguably the birthplace of the city itself, George Washington’s former estate is located just 13 miles from the capital’s center. Then, go for an in-depth foray through the mansion, with entrance tickets to the grounds and gardens included. Interactive, historic reenactments bring the founding father’s story to life, while a guided tour of the building helps shine a light on his fascinating story. Next, you'll ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate - one of the Washington, DC, area’s premier sightseeing attractions. Explore historic Mount Vernon – from the mansion’s interior where President Washington resided to his beloved gardens, and final resting place.  Take some time for lunch at the Mt Vernon Food Court if you like, then learn more about George Washington’s life and legacy in both the Museum and Education Center – home to more than 700 original objects (including his false teeth) and 25 theaters and galleries. There is even a multi-media theater where it actually snows. After shopping for unique gifts at the Mt Vernon Shops, you will be entertained by your guide as you return back to Washington DC.

Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate with Audio Guide

2. Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate with Audio Guide

Embark on a tour of George Washington’s estate with the aid of an audio guide. Explore the grounds and learn about the life and legacy of America’s first president. Wander the estate’s four gardens and admire the landscape that Washington designed. Learn about the lives of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon. Look inside the outbuildings to see where they made tools, spun textiles, and processed food. Meet heritage-breed farm animals, including sheep, hogs, and oxen. See costumed interpreters demonstrate farming techniques (from April to October), and step inside George Washington’s treading barn. See the final resting place of George and Martha Washington, where wreath-layings are held daily, and visit the slave memorial that commemorates the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. Watch the American Revolution come to life in a 4D theater where it snows every day. Test your leadership skills in the interactive experience that puts you in Washington’s boots during a moment of crisis. Admire artifacts on display including the chair that George Washington used throughout his presidency, portraits of the Washington family, and objects discovered through archaeological research. Visit George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill (only on weekends from April - October) to see where grains from Washington’s farms were ground to create flour and cornmeal, and where Washington’s whiskey is still made today.

Washington DC: Guided DC Bus Tour

3. Washington DC: Guided DC Bus Tour

Explore the best of Washington, DC on this small-group 8-hour tour including a reserved entrance to the U.S. Capitol Building and the National Archives Building! After an in-depth tour of the U.S. Capitol, you'll continue through the city to discover some of DC's most famous landmarks and attractions. Also stop at the Georgetown Waterfront for lunch and then proceed to take a 1- hour boat cruise of the Potomac River. With fully guided walks and plenty of photo opportunities, you'll see the best of DC on this VIP day tour. This tour is conducted in the customized glass-top or open-top convertible Mercedes Sprinter bus - offering unique panoramic views of Washington, DC.

Alexandria: Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon

4. Alexandria: Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon

Discover the most popular historical sites of Alexandria during this half or full-day outing with a local guide. Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Pohick Church, and the US Army Museum on this private tour with entry tickets. Start your day with a 20-minute drive along the Potomac River on the George Washington Parkway. Once you arrive, enjoy a 4-hour tour of the Mount Vernon mansion and grounds including the many outbuildings and gardens, George Washington's tomb, museum, and education center. Throughout the day learn from your guide, a former Mount Vernon history interpreter who lives on land formerly a part of the estate and who is an avid student of George Washington and colonial history. Half-day tours will return to Old Town Alexandria for a driving tour of its colonial homes and sites. Full-day tours may choose to visit George Washington's working grist mill and distillery, George Mason's Gunston Hall, Woodlawn Plantation, Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, and Pohick Church. Don't miss the exciting new Museum of The US Army with amazing artifacts from America's wars since 1775. Witness landing craft from D-Day, a representation of the trenches in World War I, a Sherman tank from World War II, drones from Afghanistan, and a gallery of art painted by soldiers. Return to Old Town Alexandria for a driving tour of one of colonial America's most important ports.

Frequently asked questions about Alexandria, Virginia

What top attractions are a must-see in Alexandria, Virginia?

The must-see attractions in Alexandria, Virginia are:

What are the best indoor activities in Alexandria, Virginia for rainy days?

Other Sightseeing Options in Alexandria, Virginia

Want to discover all there is to do in Alexandria, Virginia? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Alexandria, Virginia

Our guide and driver Dion was absolutely superb! He was so knowledgeable and explained everything so well, it was a true delight having him as our guide. Being so warm and gracious ,he made our day trip to Alexandria and Mount Vernon one of the highlights of our trip to Washington D.C.

This was a lovely tour. The guide, Terri, was extremely knowledgeable and gave us even more than we expected. The driver was excellent and we felt very safe. The Alexandria portion of the tour was delightful and much better than expected. All in all, a very good day!

This was my wife and my first trip to the Washington DC area. The trip to Mount Vernon was definitely one of our highlights. Joie was our tour guide and she was terrific. Very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Booked this tour as a last minute tour since it was our last day in DC. Tour did not disappoint! Tour guide was awesome and very knowledgeable!

Everything about the tour was excellent, just wished I didn’t leave my wallet on the bus since I didn’t have money to buy my lunch