Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Old Town Alexandria

Old Town is one of the easiest day trips or weekend getaways in the Washington, DC area — just minutes from the airport and a quick Metro ride from downtown DC. Here's how to get here, where to park, and how to make the most of your visit.

Getting Here

How to arrive

Old Town is remarkably easy to reach.

By Metro

Take the Blue or Yellow line to King St-Old Town station, then hop the free King Street Trolley straight down to the waterfront. Reagan National Airport (DCA) is just one stop away.

By Water Taxi

In season, cruise in by water taxi from The Wharf and Georgetown in DC or from National Harbor — arriving right at the Old Town marina.

By Car

Easy access from I-495, the GW Parkway, and Route 1. From DCA airport it's about a 10-minute drive.

Parking in Old Town

Old Town has several public parking garages plus metered street parking. A few tips:

  • Garages near Market Square and the waterfront are your most reliable bet on busy weekends.
  • Metered street parking is enforced during posted hours — check the signs and the ParkMobile zones.
  • Street parking is generally free on Sundays and holidays (always confirm current city rules).
  • Consider parking once and walking — Old Town is compact and very pedestrian-friendly.

Getting Around

The free King Street Trolley runs daily up and down King Street between the Metro and the waterfront, so you can park (or arrive) once and ride the rest. Capital Bikeshare stations and flat, walkable blocks make biking and walking easy too.

Best Time to Visit

Old Town is a year-round destination. Spring brings blossoms and patio weather; summer is peak waterfront season; fall offers crisp strolls and festivals; and the winter holidays are magical, with the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. See our events calendar to time your visit with a festival.

Where to Stay

Old Town has 15 hotels and inns inside about a square mile, and the choice is less about amenities than about which end of King Street you want to walk out onto — the Metro end, the middle of the corridor, or the waterfront. Our guide to where to stay in Old Town covers all of them, including the two small inns that booking sites rarely surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car to visit Old Town Alexandria?

No. You can take the Metro to King St-Old Town and ride the free King Street Trolley to the waterfront, or arrive by seasonal water taxi. Old Town is very walkable once you're there.

Where should I park in Old Town?

Use a public garage near Market Square or the waterfront on busy days, or metered street parking (free on Sundays). Then explore on foot or by the free trolley.

How far is Old Town Alexandria from Washington, DC and the airport?

It's about a 10-minute drive or one Metro stop from Reagan National Airport (DCA), and roughly 15–20 minutes from downtown DC.

Ready to explore?

See what's on while you're in town, and start planning what to do and where to eat.

Things to DoEvents Calendar
The Friday Guide

What's on in Old Town this week

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