Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
4.5
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Neighborhood: Old Town
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576 within 3 miles
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375 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,313 reviews
Excellent
744
Very good
440
Average
112
Poor
14
Terrible
3
Victoria L
Kansas City, MO329 contributions
May 2022
Bring your picnic, watch the water and the people. Have your photo taken by the I love you sign . Take the water taxi or a sightseeing tour. You can pick a restaurant if you wish to dine but with kids a picnic table is fun. Walking or strolling the riverfront encouraged and dreaming of owning a boat for some. We even saw couples taking engagement photos.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScenicSights
Wauwatosa, WI770 contributions
Jun 2022
We went to take the water taxi. Didn't do much at the waterfront itself, but there seemed to be a concert as we heard lovely music coming from our right. There were places to get food, places to sit, lots of things to see, etc. It seemed to be a nice bustling place with good vibes. Hope to go back.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cary L
San Diego, CA701 contributions
May 2022
King Street in Old Town terminates at the Potomac River waterfront. You'll find restaurants, a pleasant walkway, a park, a marina, and a former industrial building (the Torpedo Factory) now housing art galleries and studios. A nice place to hang out for a while, even on a rainy day.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siobhan L
Belton, TX977 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
The Waterfront area has several parks, dozens of restaurants, a small sand filled beach area that kids loved to play in, shady trees, some nice park benches and easy access to several points of interest. The John Warner dock houses the Tall Ship Providence, the City Cruise water taxis are moored here for cruises to Georgetown and the National Harbor. The entire area is handicap accessible with paved pathways. The city has blocked car traffic off the 100-200 block area of King Street to be pedestrian friendly and houses over a dozen restaurants with inside and patio seating.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eriko
Santa Monica, CA240 contributions
May 2022
Beautiful, clean, family friendly and, easy to walk along the waterfront. There are benches to sit and watch the birds, or people watch. The park on the day we walked had lots of families having picnics. However there was one homeless man with his tent, desk chair, lap top, and speakers set up! I wanted to take a photo, but didn't dare.
The Torpedo Factory is right at the waterfront! It's a former torpedo factory, now a building with art studios and galleries, free to the public! Go and see local art and meet some of the artists! Support local art!
The Waterfront here is truly relaxing. You can stop for a meal at one of the several restaurants here too.
The Torpedo Factory is right at the waterfront! It's a former torpedo factory, now a building with art studios and galleries, free to the public! Go and see local art and meet some of the artists! Support local art!
The Waterfront here is truly relaxing. You can stop for a meal at one of the several restaurants here too.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VirginiaLove2Travel
Virginia Beach, VA471 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Thoroughly enjoyed walking the waterfront. It was one of the coldest days but we were prepared for it. The sun was out and the walk was great. No boats going in or out but I imagine in warmer weather this place is packed. Lots of seating.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrcapps
Arlington, VA77 contributions
Oct 2019
The waterfront development is very nice with decks, piers, open park areas and interesting architecture and stunning views of the Potomac River, sailboats and yachts. It's a great place to walk around and people watch and it's also very "doggie." You can get on the water taxi or one of the river cruise boats that dock here. The last time I was there was with my goddaughter for her to do an assignment for her photography class and there were lots of great subjects.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy W
Phoenix, AZ489 contributions
Jul 2021
Geat ambience. Lovely way to spend an afternoon, but being a Sunday when we visited, it was so crowded. Many restaurants and the outdoor area and piers really nice. Was hoping to go on the old fashioned sailing ship (with the masts) but it's route is back to Georgetown, and we had been on a Potomac cruise from Georgetown the day before. However if you have not done a river cruise, I think this would be most interesting on the old ship.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia44,656 contributions
Apr 2021
At the end of a short trail along the Potomac from Jones Point Park, you will find a boardwalk that leads to the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Although located on private property, people are permitted to use the boardwalk if they are respectful. Along the boardwalk gazebo-type buildings and benches for those who wish to simply enjoy the activity on the Potomac River. There are historical informational signs explaining what had happened in the area. The waterfront area of Old Town has decks, piers, open park areas, restaurants, boats including a paddlewheel one, the tall ship Providence, tour boats, water taxis and shops. In short, something for everyone. Take the boardwalk from Jones Point Park to really appreciate the area.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,168 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
The Old Town Waterfront is a very pleasant and pretty place to enjoy the water views of Alexandria. There are numerous restaurants, small shops, and benches where you can sit and enjoy the beauty. There's a river cruise that departs from this area as well. Many of the paths here are paved, which made it easier for everyone to walk. It's evident that the city takes very good care of this area, as everything was clean and well-maintained.
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes. Boats can be boarded at the wharf in Old Town near the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Written September 20, 2018
Hi! I've been to the waterfront many times but don't remember if the Washington Monument is visible from here. Asking to suggest some visiting friends. Can you please help with what DC views you get?
Written February 21, 2018
You can see the monument from the waterfront. It is in the distance. The only tall object in the skyline.
Written February 22, 2018
I see if you buy tickets in advance for the water taxi to National Harbor, you have to pick your departure and return times. Do you have to adhere to these times, or can you return on any trip back to Alexandria?
Written May 30, 2017
Hello There! I am not really sure, but honestly, they never get filled so really no need to buy it in advance because I always buy mine on a whim and have never had a problem. Georgtown is nice, but National Harbor is nothing impressive in my opinion. Hope this helps...
Written June 1, 2017
Hi ! I'm traveling to Bethesda, MD for the 4th time, spending the majority of our time in DC. This visit, however, we are taking a little side trip to Alexandria. I have a couple of questions: 1) is one day enough time to spend in Old Alexandria/Waterfront 2) is there a reasonably priced ferry that goes to Mount Vernon & is that the best way to go? Any guidance & other tips would be appreciated?
Written July 27, 2015
One day should be enough to visit Alexandria. Consider use of the yellow or blue line Metro exiting at the King Street Metro since parking can be difficult. The King Street metro area is icky, but if you like to walk to the waterfront, consider Prince Street or Queen Street would be my choices. (Go one block South or North of King Street. Take about 30 minutes.)
There is a ferry to Mt. Vernon from the waterfront. It's pricey at $79 per person, but for on a nice day it would be fun:
Google ' Mount Vernon to Alexandria ferry'
Be careful about your time though since you can easily spend a day at Mt Vernon.
If you are short on time, consider taking water taxi from the waterfront to National Harbor. You could also walk across the Wilson Bridge to National Harbor and take the water taxi back. You will be exhausted, but it will be a fun day.
Google: 'Alexandria VA National Harbor ferry'
Enjoy!
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Written July 28, 2015
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