Alexandria, Virginia: A Bustling & Historic City That Offers Couples a Charming Escape From the Everyday

The Short Version: The vibrant city of Alexandria, Virginia, provides a romantic setting for couples going on a date, honeymoon, or vacation. From elegant restaurants to trendy street vendors, the local flavor entices residents and visitors to savor those special moments with their loved ones. You can walk down King Street in the heart of Old Town (founded in 1749) to discover lovely boutique spots that make great date venues. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, sampling signature dishes, or cruising down the Potomac River, Alexandria offers a relaxing getaway less than 10 miles from the nation’s capital.

When Angie Caro and Chris Walker got married, they didn’t want the ceremony to be a big formal event — they just wanted to celebrate with family and friends. So they chose to have an outdoor wedding in Alexandria, Virginia. The greenery of the Carlyle House Historic Park provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.

“Alexandria is such a romantic destination, many couples choose the city as a place for a destination wedding,” said a spokesperson for Visit Alexandria. “Couples love Alexandria’s romantic charm, accessibility, and proximity to Washington, DC.”

Alexandria, Virginia, entertains couples with its historic sites and cultural events. Photo credit: K Summerer for Visit Alexandria.

Of course, you don’t have to tie the knot to have a romantic evening in Alexandria. The friendly city is famed for its beautiful atmosphere, and, when strolling down the cobblestone streets of Old Town or picnicking alongside the Potomac River, it’s easy to see why.

If you’re looking for unforgettable date ideas in Alexandria, our dating experts have got you covered. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite date-worthy activities in the city, but you can also search online for romantic inspiration by checking date ideas on the city’s official website or using #VisitALX to find out what goings-on have locals talking.

“With its centuries-old architecture, buzzing waterfront, and fresh dining scene, Alexandria, Virginia, offers the ideal setting to be spirited away with your significant other,” the Visit Alexandria team said. “Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., you’ll find al fresco dining options with stunning views, Instagram-worthy spots for the perfect couple shot, drinks destinations to raise a glass — and more!”

Visit Alexandria has an itinerary for the perfect romantic weekend getaway in Alexandria, which boasts a 100% Score for LGBTQ Equality—Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index.

Alexandria’s historic district transports visitors back in time with educational tours steeped in American history and tradition.

Old Town Alexandria is a bustling district that traces its history back to 1749, but don’t let its ancient roots fool you. The city is a thriving and trendy place to take a date. Travel + Leisure named it among the 15 best cities in the U.S., and it has received many other accolades over the years.

“Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle,” said Visit Alexandria’s team. “It’s a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital.”

In fact, Old Town Alexandria has over 200 independent restaurants and boutiques to satisfy couples seeking a romantic place to unwind together. Couples can enjoy a special dinner at Vermilion (where the Obamas once celebrated Valentine’s Day) or share signature drinks at Captain Gregory’s (a nautical themed speakeasy on Henry Street). Some of the beautiful architecture in this area has been around since the days of George Washington.

King Street is packed with fun date destinations for couples of all ages. Photo Credit: K Summerer for Visit Alexandria.

Street food has become increasingly popular in Alexandria. As you walk from boutique stores to historic sites, you can grab a bite from one of the city’s famed street vendors, including Smoking Kow BBQ, aka DC’s first American BBQ taco food truck. The signature dish for this trendy eatery is the Mac ‘N Meat — a gooey combination of mac ‘n’ cheese and barbecued meats.

In 2018, Smoking Kow BBQ opened a brick-and-mortar location to further satisfy singles, families, and couples craving an indulgent meal.

From dine-in pizza bars to upscale cocktail lounges, Alexandria’s downtown scene has a little bit of everything. Visit Alexandria sees high praise for the off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and the emerging waterfront district in Old Town.

From November through March, Alexandria is extra romantic since all of King Street is lined with a canopy of twinkling lights.

Alexandria isn’t all eateries and bars. It also has many historic sites, public parks, and natural areas to engage folks on an afternoon under the sun. Outdoorsy couples can rent bicycles and explore the bike trails throughout the city. A leisurely ride from Old Town to Jones Point Park or George Washington’s Mount Vernon can help couples take in the scenery and enjoy their day together. The Mount Vernon Trail takes a scenic route 18 miles along the Potomac River, offering bikers breathtaking views of the DC skyline.

You can also rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks with your loved one and get a close-up look at the Potomac River. If you’d rather go along for the ride than strike out on your own, you can book a boat cruise to Mount Vernon or DC. Alexandria’s waterfront activities provide wonderful daytime diversions.

When the weather is nice, couples can take a scenic boat tour from Alexandria to Washington, DC. Photo credit: K Summerer for Visit Alexandria.

Alexandria hosts special events and festivals all year round. If you’re visiting in December, you’ll definitely want to put the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade or the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on your calendar. These events feature many beautiful sights in the city’s streets and waterways.

Budget-conscious visitors should consider booking their stay during January or August when the city typically offers the lowest hotel rates of the year. The streets will be less crowded during these off-peak seasons, but you can always find a historical tour, music festival, theater performance, or cultural event by referencing the Visit Alexandria calendar. Plus, the city’s bars and pubs host live performances throughout the year, so you can always take a walk through Old Town and follow the sounds of music to a good time.

“Couples who love entertainment should check out The Birchmere, a legendary music hall,” the spokesperson said, “where listeners enjoy an intimate experience and performances from a mix of rising stars and legends.”

Although the city itself is centuries old, Alexandria never stops growing and providing new experiences to visitors and residents. Whether it’s a restaurant opening or a theatrical performance, there’s always something new to see here.

Alexandria is constantly growing to create more opportunities for the community to gather and connect. Its public plazas frequently host pop-up markets, festivals, and live music throughout the year. In the winter months, you may even find a temporary ice rink around town.

People can keep up with Alexandria news to discover what new sights and developments they have to look forward to on future visits or date nights.

Visitors can certainly look forward to new historic tours and events taking place throughout Alexandria, including on the Potomac River. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum pays homage to American history with symposiums and tours celebrating the revolutionary spirit that birthed a nation. Its popular Hamilton tour delved into the politics of Alexander Hamilton’s day, adding context to the musical many locals have come to know and love.

If you want to make your stay truly special, you can stay at the Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa and get a luxurious massage or facial at the Lorien Spa. This elegant hotel has 107 guest rooms, including 16 suites, and its recent multimillion-dollar redesign has made its space even more welcoming, contemporary, and refined.

Angie and Chris chose Alexandria as their wedding destination because its beauty, affordability, and inclusiveness provided the low-key yet romantic atmosphere they desired. From the restaurants in Old Town to the bike trails along the Potomac River, Alexandria offers couples many opportunities to enjoy themselves and bond in a quaint, historic setting. If you’re looking for a memorable date activity, you won’t have to look far in this youthful and cosmopolitan city.

In addition to claiming the spot as Amazon’s third most romantic city in the US, Alexandria has also been recognized as the second most LGBT-friendly cities in the US by the Human Rights Campaign and one of the happiest cities in the US by “National Geographic Explorer.”

Alexandria has won many accolades over the years because it’s a place like no other. It is widely recognized as a welcoming city and a respite from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC.