Just five miles from the nation’s capital, planners may be surprised by what waits across the Potomac River.
Leisure travelers and meeting planners are starting to give Alexandria, Virginia, a closer look. In 2024, Alexandria earned a place on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards as one of the best small cities in the U.S. In the same year, the Visit Alexandria team reported meeting leads that generated $13.5 million in related spending, up 30% year-over-year.
Why the surge? Perhaps it’s because it's somewhat rare that a city positioned so well for small- to mid-size meetings has such easy access. Being so close to Washington, D.C., Alexandria is near three airports (with more than 100 domestic and over 60 international nonstop destinations served), has its own Amtrak station and is an easy drive from most major East Coast cities. It’s home to 21 hotels and more than 4,000 sleeping rooms, with accommodations ranging from boutique properties to a full-service convention hotel in The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.
What lures people in the most, though, is the history in Alexandria. When in Old Town, it’s not hard to be charmed by the red-brick sidewalks and charming rowhouses dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Groups can take advantage of the many local tour providers that can provide a peek into the city’s history, such as walking tours with Alexandria History Tours, Black history with Manumission Tour Company or ghosts and graveyards with Alexandria Colonial Tours. You can even take to the water for a Monuments Sightseeing Tour or a dockside tour on the Tall Ship Providence.
More than 200-plus independent restaurants call the city home, along with boutique shops, museums and a lively waterfront along the Potomac River, all adding to the small-town feel and charm.
[Related: Taking Off: Buffalo, New York, Is Brimming With Art, Architecture and Natural Wonder]
Where to Stay in Alexandria
Designed by world-renowned architect Piero Lissoni (known for his signature floating staircase), the newly reimagined Hotel AKA sits in Old Town and offers a floating staircase of its own, along with 14,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom, plus an onsite bar, restaurant and Technogym fitness center.
Where to Eat in Alexandria
Famed for independent restaurants, there are plentiful options for delicious meals in Old Town and along the river. Try event-capable Josephine, inspired by classic Parisian eateries with an impressive selection of Champagne and old-world wines; BARCA Pier & Wine Bar for Spanish-style fare and river views; and many more.
Fun Activities in Alexandria
Engage with local makers to support area businesses while infusing fun into your events by working with Shop Made Virginia to book workshops in candle making, tea blending, leather coaster pressing, custom cookie decorating, tastings and more. Or, let attendees explore town on their own with the Keys to the City attractions pass.
Read more meeting and event news in Virginia.
Taking Off is a column from the desk of Senior Content Director and resident destinations expert, Danielle LeBreck, which uncovers the destinations you haven't thought of for meetings or events, from under-the-radar locales to new neighborhoods you should know about. Read more Taking Off columns here.
