Old Town Alexandria in a Day with Round Trip Ferry Cruise

New To The Site! Washington DC, USA

Loading Options

5 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Escape busy Washington, D.C. for an afternoon and enjoy a historic journey to Alexandria’s Old Town. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour makes it easy to experience one of America’s best-preserved colonial towns. After a scenic boat trip down the Potomac to Old Town Alexandria, you'll disembark to begin your journey through hundreds of years of American history. Step inside the storied Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington and Jefferson once dined; explore the elegant Carlyle House, a social center in colonial times; pause for a snack at a local bakery; continue your journey in Washington's footsteps at his parish, Christ Church Alexandria, where Washington himself prayed—and so much more. You'll even glide down King Street on a vintage trolley and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town’s art galleries, shops, and cafes before you hop back on the boat for a relaxing return cruise to D.C.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

950 Wharf St SW, 950 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Open in Google Maps

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at 950 Wharf St. SW Washington DC 20024 (it is on the other side of the street of The Anthem Theater, please meet your guide near the boat dock).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Description

Stop At: Potomac River, Washington DC, District of Columbia

Begin your Alexandria day trip with a scenic boat cruise down the Potomac River, leaving Washington, D.C. behind as you sail toward Alexandria’s storied Old Town.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Step into the Carlyle House, a stunning Georgian mansion built in 1753 that became a social epicenter in the colonial era. Nearby, you'll also visit Wise’s Tavern, a favorite of George Washington, and imagine the conversations that shaped a new nation within its walls.

Duration: 35 minutes

Stop At: Lavender Moon Cupcakery, 116 S Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

Treat yourself to a locally made cupcake from this beloved small business. Your cupcake is included with the ticket.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Old Town Free Trolley Stand, King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

Take a quick, charming ride on the vintage King Street Trolley through Old Town Alexandria.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Alexandria's Christ Church, 118 N Washington St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Visit the historic church where George Washington worshiped, steeped in American history.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hollensbury Spite House, 523 Queen St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Snap photos of the famously narrow Spite House and learn about quirky colonial architecture. Then walk by the home of George Washington and dive deeper into his life in Alexandria.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Step back in time at Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington, Jefferson, and Lafayette dined and socialized. This preserved 18th-century tavern offers a rare look at how America’s Founding Fathers spent their leisure time.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105 S Fairfax St # 107, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Visit this 18th-century pharmacy, which Martha Washington frequented for remedies.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Captain's Row, 100 Prince St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Stroll along this picturesque street, lined with historic colonial homes.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Old Town Waterfront, Alexandria, Virginia

Wrap up your journey with free time to explore King Street, where you can wander through charming galleries, shop for souvenirs, or relax at one of the cozy cafes or restaurants near the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Potomac River, Washington DC, District of Columbia

End your day with a relaxing return cruise to Washington, D.C. and take in scenic river views.

Duration: 30 minutes

Read full description

What To Expect

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 5 hours (Approx.)
  • Departure Time: 11:30 AM
  • Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Cupcake from local bakery
  • Tickets to Gadsby's Tavern
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered
See 1 More

What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour is in English.
  • Guests should feel comfortable walking at a moderate pace on sometimes uneven terrain.
  • There is free time towards the end of the tour for food, so we encourage guests to bring snacks and water.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-7167P87

Similar Tours & Activities

Smithsonian Museums Day Trip

Smithsonian Museums Day Trip

1
 5 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$499.99

Half-Day Washington DC Bus Tour & Capitol Ground Access

Half-Day Washington DC Bus Tour & Capitol Ground Access

 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$69

Washington DC Museum of Natural History Private Family tour

Washington DC Museum of Natural History Private Family tour

2
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$350

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$49

Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$69

DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$64