Alexandria, Virginia is a city full of culture, history, and entertainment. There’s something to do around every corner, but maybe you hesitate to take part in what Alexandria has to offer because you’re worried about spending money. Fortunately, there are plenty of free things to do in Alexandria. Here are just a few.
Mount Vernon Trail
Location: Between Theodore Roosevelt Island and Mount Vernon. Park at sites along the trail.
Time: Open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What to Do: The Mount Vernon Trail winds along the Potomac River all the way from George Washington’s estate in Alexandria to Washington D.C. Take a Saturday afternoon to walk, bike, or jog along this trail and enjoy its beautiful scenery.
King Street
Location: Runs from the Potomac, up through Old Town Alexandria, and northwest toward the 395.
Time: Always open.
What to Do: King Street is one of Alexandria’s most popular historic landmarks. Take a walk through Old Town Alexandria and check out the many shops, independently-owned boutiques, parks, and more. For a quick way down King Street, take the free King Street Trolley.
Free Outdoor Movies
Location: Mount Vernon Rec Center Fields.
Time: Third Saturday of May, June, July, and August. Arrive around 7 p.m. Movies will begin at dusk.
What to Do: Who can complain about seeing a movie for free? Enjoy a comfortable evening under the stars with some of your favorite movies at Cinema Del Ray.
Winkler Botanical Preserve
Location: 5400 Roanoke Avenue.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day.
What to Do: The Winkler Botanical Preserve may be just down the street, but hiking through it will feel like you’ve escaped to a vacation destination. Enjoy the gorgeous views and try to identify the many rare species of plants and wildlife along the trails.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Location: 105 North Union Street.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursday, when the Center is open until 9 p.m.
What to Do: Praised as one of America’s top art centers, Torpedo Factor Art Center offers plenty of free fun to fill an afternoon. Come visit over 80 open artist studios and seven art galleries, one of which, the Target Gallery, features rotating exhibitions of national and international art.
Del Ray Music Festival
Location: Del Ray Neighborhood.
Time: July 14, 2018, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What to Do: Come to the eleventh annual Del Ray Music Festival, a celebration of all the local talent that Alexandria has to offer. The Festival features musicians performing along Mount Vernon Avenue with food and beer gardens.
Alexandria Birthday Celebration
Location: Oronoco Bay Park.
Time: July 7, 2018, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What to Do: The Alexandria Birthday Celebration recognizes the birth of our nation as well as the birth of the city. Come enjoy free cake, a fireworks show, and live music entertainment.
Alexandria has something for everyone. Grab your family and friends, and see everything that Alexandria has to offer!
Image via Flickr by m01229/Under use by CC BY 2.0
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