Out for a Drive: 5 Fun Things to See and Do in Downtown Alexandria, VA

If you love the sun, sand, and sea and Alexandria is your home city, then you'll be happy to know that there are some best beaches nearby. There are sandy shores just a short drive away from Alexandria, perfect for an afternoon exploring or a day of relaxation. Read on to discover more about the top options if you're looking for a beach near Alexandria, VA. West Beach West Beach is a public beach that is located in the city of Alexandria. This beach is one of the most popular beaches in Alexandria, and it is a great place to go if you want to enjoy some water activities or just spend time on the beach. West Beach has a lot of amenities, such as lifeguards, restrooms, and parking spaces. The beach has sandy shores, soft grassy areas, picnic tables, and grills. There are also two playgrounds on-site as well as volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. more Dolphin Beach Dolphin Beach is a great beach for families. It has a small pier, picnic tables, and plenty of room to run around. There are also some playgrounds nearby if you want to stay close to the water. The beach itself is sandy, but there are also areas where you can wade into the water. The water tends to be shallow near the shoreline, so it's perfect for kids who want to get their feet wet but not go all the way in. There are also some rocks in the water that make for fun jumping points if you're so inclined. Brownies Beach Brownies Beach is located in Annandale, Virginia, about 20 minutes northeast of Alexandria. This small beach is tucked away behind a residential neighborhood off of Little River Turnpike and is only accessible by foot or bike. The beach itself is small, but it offers plenty of shade trees and picnic tables for visitors who want to take a break from swimming or sunbathing. There's also an old lighthouse at the end of the boardwalk that offers amazing views along with stops along the way to take photos by its historic keeper's house and lookout tower. Carrs Beach Carrs Beach is a lovely and quiet beach located in Alexandria. This beach is one of the top beaches in the area because it has crystal-clear water and an abundance of marine life. The beach also has a large grassy area, so you can relax in the shade if you want. Whether you're looking for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or just a good place to start a long hike along the beachfront, these destinations can all make a strong argument for your consideration. Driving to these places with the whole family is a breeze, thanks to your Jeep Renegade, which offers enough interior space to accommodate them comfortably. Visit us at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria, and we'll tell you about our latest models and financing plans.

Sitting along the banks of the Potomac River and nestled between the bustle of Washington D.C. and the sprawling nature reserves of northeastern Virginia, the city of Alexandria, VA, is an excellent base for birdwatchers wanting to go on memorable trips and explore the region. If you are searching for the best birdwatching destinations to visit in your 2022 Jeep Renegade, here are three nature reserves you can reach in less than one hour by car. 1. Prince William Forest Park As one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in the state of Virginia, Prince William Forest Park is a sprawling nature reserve that covers an area of a little over 16,000 acres and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Established in 1936, this public recreation area welcomes almost 380,000 visitors each year from all over the D.C. Metropolitan Area. Home to a variety of bird species including red-shouldered hawk, hooded warbler, wood thrush, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey, and Canada goose, Prince William Forest Park is a true birder's paradise and a great spot for anyone wanting to relax and spend some time in nature. Located about 30 miles southwest of downtown Alexandria, this nature reserve can be reached in a little under an hour by car via route I-95. more 2. Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge Part of the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex and located on a peninsula in the Potomac River, this beautiful nature reserve spans an area of almost 2280 acres and was established in 1969 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Home to one of the largest populations of bald eagle in the region, this wildlife refuge is also home to a variety of bird species including mourning dove, red-bellied woodpecker, and great crested flycatcher. Located a little over 20 miles southwest of downtown Alexandria, Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge can be reached in about 40 minutes by car via route I-95. Besides birding, this place is also a popular spot for wildlife photography, selective hunting, and picnicking. Numerous hiking trails crisscross this nature reserve and make it a perfect destination to unwind and enjoy a relaxing stroll in nature. 3. Conway Robinson State Forest Home to several resident species including red-bellied woodpeckers, white throated sparrows, and ruby-crowned kinglets, Conway Robinson State Forest is another popular birding destination among visitors from Alexandria, Washington, D.C., and other nearby towns and cities. Established in 1938 and covering an area of about 445 acres, this place can be reached in less than an hour by car via route I-66. Are you ready to hit the road and visit these fantastic locations? While on your way, stop by Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria and check out our extensive network of new and pre-owned vehicles for sale at the best prices in town!

There's no shortage of quality entertainment when you're planning a date night in Washington, DC, or Alexandria, VA, but the sheer variety to be found in the nation's capital region can be overwhelming at times — which is why we've put together a few standout options for your next night out. 1. Have a Picnic at Gravelly Point When the weather is nice, head to Gravelly Point Park on the George Washington Parkway in Arlington. Pack a picnic basket and blankets into your roomy Dodge Durango and you'll be ready for a relaxing afternoon of people-watching and plane-spotting. If you and your date are outdoorsy types, you can also take advantage of the park's hiking and biking trail or go fishing on the Potomac River. more 2. Spend an Evening in Old Town Alexandria At the heart of this national historic district on the Potomac River is a 1-mile walkable stretch of King Street, where preserved colonial architecture, red-brick sidewalks, and centuries-old businesses will make visitors feel like they've been transported through time. Take your time people-watching and exploring the district's shops and restaurants, or try something new by going on a sightseeing tour or visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where visitors can watch working artists in action. 3. Get Lost in the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens Located at 1703 32nd St. NW, the historic gardens at Dumbarton Oaks Research Library were designed in the 1920s by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. The lively gardens are dotted with fountains, terraces, pools, and, of course, a variety of gardens bursting with colorful flora. Take a walk through the gardens and you might be able to spot the local wildlife that has made the area its home, as well as occasional contemporary art installations. 4. Have Dinner and Hang Out at The Wharf The Wharf, at 760 Maine Ave. SW is one of DC's most popular dinner destinations for a reason. Make reservations at NaRa-Ya for fresh sushi on the waterfront, or keep things casual by grabbing coffee and pastries at Praline Bakery and eating while you stroll. Depending on the time of year, you can also take in a live show, rent a kayak, go ice skating, and more. The Wharf also plays host to regular national and community events like music festivals and Capitals fan days. Whether you're venturing out on a first date, capturing the spark again with your longtime partner, or anywhere in between, there's always somewhere to have a perfect date in DC. Visit us at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria and our team will ensure that you have the perfect car to match.