Alexandria · Fairfax County, VA

Free things to do in Alexandria

Scout analyzed 93 Alexandria places and surfaced the ones that actually fit free.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.3 hr

Scout-verified spots

Alexandria Historical District

Carlyle House Historic Park

Visit Carlyle House for a guided tour and garden stroll, typically lasting an hour and costing around $10-15 per person. It pairs well with exploring Old Town Alexandria for a half-day outing.

ArtsHistoryOutdoors

$10–$15 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Ashton Heights

5 Wits Arlington

5 Wits is an interactive adventure game center, good for a 2-3 hour outing with family or friends. Expect to spend $25-40 per person and pair it with a meal nearby in the shopping center.

ArtsShoppingAdventurous

$25–$40 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking

Eisenhower East

Pump It Up Alexandria Kids Birthday and More

Pump It Up is an indoor inflatable play place, ideal for young children's parties or a two-hour energy-burning outing. Expect to spend $10-25 per child, often requiring advance booking for specific play times.

SportsAnimalsPlayful

$10–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Alexandria Historical District

The Wharf

This nautically themed seafood restaurant is suitable for a dinner outing or special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and roughly $40-75 per person for a meal with drinks.

FoodCocktailsViews

$40–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Alexandria Historical District

Landini Brothers Restaurant

This is a solid choice for a romantic or special occasion dinner with traditional Italian fare. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Alexandria Historical District

The Majestic by Santiago Lopez

This upscale American comfort food restaurant is suitable for a dinner outing, often pairing with a walk around Old Town Alexandria. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $40-80 per person for a meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$80 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Alexandria Historical District

Mia's Italian Kitchen

Mia's Italian Kitchen is a suitable dinner or lunch spot for a family or date night in Old Town Alexandria. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person for food and drinks, with a visit lasting around 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Town

Vermilion Restaurant & Bar

Vermilion is a strong choice for a special dinner, offering New American fare and wine pairings. Expect a visit of 1.5-2 hours, costing $70-150 per person, making it suitable for a celebratory evening.

FoodCocktailsHistory

$70–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Alexandria Historical District

Blackwall Hitch

Blackwall Hitch is suitable for a dinner out, brunch, or drinks after exploring Old Town Alexandria. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Eisenhower East

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

This is a casual coffee shop suitable for a quick caffeine stop or a relaxed work session. Expect to spend 15-45 minutes and $5-$15 per person on coffee and light snacks.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Alexandria Historical District

Virtue Feed & Grain

Virtue Feed & Grain is good for a casual meal or drinks in Old Town Alexandria. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-60 per person on food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

FoodCocktailsHistory

$30–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Town North

Jula's on the Potomac

Jula's on the Potomac is a good spot for a dinner out. Expect a bill of $75-150 per person for an evening meal.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Seminary Hill

Cortado Café Alexandria

Cortado Café is a good stop for a quick coffee and pastry, ideal for a casual solo visit or a relaxed morning with family. Expect to spend under $15 per person for about an hour.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Coffee In

Coffee In is suitable for a quick, casual stop for a drink or light bite, fitting well into a solo outing or a relaxed catch-up. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a visit lasting about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Hemlock Overlook Regional Park

This park is suitable for a free outdoor outing, offering hiking and equestrian trails for a few hours. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination for a family or solo adventure.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Alexandria Historical District

The Warehouse

This is a solid choice for a casual yet elegant dinner focusing on classic American steak and seafood, likely pairing well with a stroll around historic Alexandria. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $50-100 per person.

FoodHistoryRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Alexandria Historical District

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is suitable for a leisurely stroll, grabbing a meal or ice cream, or enjoying live music. Pair with a visit to nearby shops in Old Town; plan for 1.5-2 hours, with potential costs ranging from free to $50 per person for food and drinks.

HistoryFoodOutdoors

$0–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Del Ray

Founding Farmers Alexandria

Founding Farmers is a reliable spot for American farm-to-table meals, suitable for family dinners or a casual date. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $30-70 per person for a full meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Del Ray

Matt & Tony's All Day Kitchen + Bar

Matt & Tony's is a casual spot for American diner fare, good for a weekend brunch or a quick meal. Expect to spend $15-35 per person and stay for about an hour.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Family

Chessie's Big Backyard

This large playground is a free, outdoor activity perfect for families with young children for a couple of hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby green spaces for a full day out.

OutdoorsAnimalsPlayful

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Landmark

Ben Brenman Park

Ben Brenman Park is ideal for a relaxed family outing or solo stroll, offering open spaces, a playground, and sports fields. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, costing nothing for entry.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Huntley Meadows Park

Huntley Meadows Park is ideal for a 2-3 hour nature walk or wildlife observation, easily paired with a local meal. It offers free outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Alexandria Historical District

Misha’s Coffee

Misha's Coffee is ideal for a quick, relaxed coffee break, solo or with a friend, before or after exploring Old Town Alexandria. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a drink and a snack.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering hiking and Potomac River views. Expect to spend $7-10 for park entry per vehicle.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$7–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking