Best things to do in Alexandria

Originally planned in 1749, Old Town is a historical neighborhood along the Potomac River. The collection of townhouses that flank the streets were home to historic figures, such as Robert E. Lee. Stop by Gadsby's Tavern, a working tavern that's been serving drinks since the town's inception. Another hotspot is the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions factory that's now an art studio and gallery with a view of the river.

The attraction has never been officially named, but it's known as The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The U.S. soldiers interred here after World War I are all holders of the Medal of Honor, while the foreign nationals are all recipients of the their respective militaries' highest honors. The burial plot was opened in 1921 when the U.S. Congress approved a tomb for an unknown soldier. You can see the changing of the guard ceremony daily. Visit this tomb along with Tomb 31 to honor soldiers from World War I.

Remember the United States' fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, where casualties and deceased veterans of every U.S. war lie buried. The cemetery covers an area of over 253 hectares (624 acres), and was established in 1864 on an estate that once belonged to the wife of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The final resting place for nearly 260,000 dead, the cemetery also includes the grave of John F. Kennedy, marked by an eternal flame. Uniformed soldiers protect the graves of unidentified bodies from the wars fought in the 20th century, with a ceremonial changing of the guard every hour. Start your tour at the visitor center, where you can look at informative exhibits and pick up a free map.

Standing on the banks of the Potomac River, George Washington's Mount Vernon was home to America's first president. This plantation house sits on land owned by the Washington family since the 17th century, and shows examples of Palladian-style architecture. The site includes a number of main buildings, including the mansion itself and surrounding annexes. You can visit rooms restored to replicate those used by George and Martha Washington. Don’t miss the Washingtons' tombs or the on-site museum dedicated to sharing their story.

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Established in 1845 and first called the Navy School, trains naval officers with a four-year, college degree program. Candidacy is hard-won because each student must apply directly and also be nominated by a member of Congress. The campus is commonly called "The Yard," and you'll find many halls cover the 137 hectares (340 acres) area. The campus is also dotted with monuments commemorating U.S. military history. Visit the Tripoli monument, the oldest military monument in the U.S. Follow the Stribling Walk of 16,000 bricks to find others, such as the Mexican monument. Inside the academy, the chapel and the rotunda leading to Memorial Hall are inspiring examples of American neoclassical architecture.

At Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, you'll see the center of 19th century industry. The park features many small museums and exhibits, battlefields, uninhabited hillside houses, and picturesque streets. Take a guided tour with a ranger and hear about the town's history, which began 8,000 years ago. See galleries such as the wax museum, the blacksmith shop, and the clocks and jewelry exhibit, or visit the bookshop, tavern, and the dry goods store. Plan your visit in advance in order to get the most out of this attraction.

As a part of the Marine Corps Heritage Center, National Museum of the Marine Corps features interactive exhibits and military artifacts of the United States Marines. At this 11,000 sq m (120,000 sq ft) structure, you'll find yourself on a recreated beach of Iwo Jima and at the landing zone in Vietnam. You'll see the original flag raised on Iwo Jima and hear recordings of real Marines telling their stories. Take the Legacy Walk through 200 years of Marine Corps history, experience battles and battlegrounds, and see iconic artifacts such as The Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter, M50A1 Ontos Anti-tank Vehicle, and Chuck Mawhinney's rifle.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial offers guided tours that provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the Freemasons and about George Washington, to whom the memorial is dedicated. Tours visit all seven floors of the building, and self-guided tours can be taken on the first two floors. You can't ignore the grand exterior of the building, which is fashioned after the lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the wonders of the ancient world. View the 5 m (17 ft) tall statue of Washington, dressed in his Masonic regalia. You can tour the building's rooms, which are a museum dedicated to Masonic history containing artifacts belonging to Freemasons of note throughout U.S. history, including a field trunk belonging to Washington himself, and the clock of death.

Great Falls Park covers 324 hectares (800 acres) of protected land along the Potomac River. This national park offers 24 km (15 mi) of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a designated picnic area where you can enjoy quiet time in nature. It’s just a short walk to the Great Falls to watch the Potomac River cascade over the edge and into the Mather Gorge. Experienced white-water rafters will enjoy the power of the Potomac, and climbers can try their skills in the designated climbing sites.