What to see and how to visit Alexandria and Mount Vernon (Washington DC)

Just ten kilometers southwest of Washington DC is one of the oldest cities in the United States.

Is Alexandria, Currently a small city of just over one hundred thousand inhabitants, but whose origins date back to 1749.

The current Alexandria is a Washington satellite city inhabited by professionals who work in the multiple official organizations of the nearby capital of the United States.

But its historic center, known as Old Town, Old Towna, has become a real tourist attraction, also offering a great nightlife.

After its constitution as a city, Alexandria It soon became a port of entry for ships from abroad, as well as an export port.

During the Civil War North American acquired a great importance as a defensive fort for the city of Washington.

We have to take into account that Alexandria It is a city 50 years old older than Washington, and currently in his Old Town It still preserves more than 4.000 original buildings from the XNUMXth century.

What to see and do in Alexandria

This gives this city that historical charisma that is very unusual in a country as “new” as the United States.

In the Old City area, Alexandria Old Town, the street King Street It brings together numerous antique shops and contemporary art galleries.

In the Old Town people of great importance in the history of the United States lived, such as himself. George Washington y Robert E Lee.

And its port, Parker-Gray, During the Civil War and after it it became a place where black slaves escaped in search of freedom.

To go to Alexandria from the great avenue Washington National Mall you have to cross the Potomac River towards the Arlington Cemetery, and then go south.

Once you arrive at the Old Town, the best way to enjoy the historical charisma of Alexandria es stroll down King Street.

There you can appreciate the beauty of the numerous houses with architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries that surround it, as well as visiting its old taverns

Among these, the most famous is the one called Gadsby's for having the reputation that his own George Washington He was a client of it.

Another notable place for visit in Alexandria is the monumental George Washington Masonic Temple.

How to visit Mount Vernon, George Washington's mansion

Very close to Alexandria, just eight miles to the south, you can visit Mount Vernon, Mansion where the aforementioned lived George Washington, which has become the most visited historical place in the United States.

Now you can objects and documents that were owned by the person considered as father of the nation of the United States, as well as his tomb, a museum, a distillery and a mill.

The Mount Vernon Visiting Hours They are, from April to October, from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m., and from November to March, from 9 a.m. to 16 p.m.

When planning your visit, you must keep in mind that to get to the mansion you may have to walk 20 minutes from the entrance to what was once the estate. George Washington.

In advance of your trip you can buy tickets to visit Mount Vernon, with a scheduled time for the guided tour of the mansion, being able to do the rest of the visit on your own.

If you prefer, you also have the option of signing up for a tour from Washington to visit Alexandria and Mount Vernon with the company of a guide in spanish and four hours long.

Here you have the alternative of a boat cruise from Washington on the Potomac River, with visit of Mount Vernon mansion.

How to get to Alexandria from Washington DC

Alexandria It is located 9 miles and a half hour by car south of Washington DC, city with which it is linked by the Potomac River.