The Atlas Obscura Guide To Alexandria

35 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Alexandria, Virginia

Updated October 23, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

An original apothecary from 1792.

The Hollensbury Spite House

Alexandria, Virginia

Hollensbury Spite House

The narrowest house in America is seven feet of pure spite.

Alexandria, Virginia

George Washington's Distillery

The only place for a truly presidential dram.

Exterior of the tavern.

Alexandria, Virginia

Gadsby's Tavern

This colonial tavern played host to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other famous early Americans.

The grave in 2016

Alexandria, Virginia

The Grave of the Female Stranger

This grave marks the passing of a historic Jane Doe whose identity remains a mystery to this day.

Inside the Wilkes Street Tunnel.

Alexandria, Virginia

Wilkes Street Tunnel

This brick-lined pedestrian walkway was once a railway tunnel used during the Civil War.

Statue of George Washington

Alexandria, Virginia

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

This stately building in Alexandria, Virginia was built by Freemasons to honor one of their most famous members.

DC border marker

Alexandria, Virginia

South Boundary Stone of Washington, DC

America's first federal monument.

See All 35 Things To Do in Alexandria

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia

George Washington's Distillery

The only place for a truly presidential dram.

A bottle of Washington's whiskey.

Alexandria, Virginia

George Washington’s Whiskey

Taste the white whiskey that the United States' first president once distilled and enjoyed.

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Places in Virginia That Aren’t What They Seem

They say that Virginia is for lovers. If you love a little mystery, then they’re definitely right. With its mountain ranges, deep forests, and proximity to the nation’s capital, the state is filled with unusual corners and overlapping histories. From a Cold War bunker turned recording archive to a Styrofoam Stonehenge, these places in Virginia are more than meets the eye.

The Cementiscope is a jumble of color and light—inside a cement mixer.

Explore Alexandria, Virginia

History & Culture 11

Architecture 8

Houses 7

Civil War 5

Homes 5

Presidents 5

History 5

Military 4

George Washington 4

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Lists Featuring Alexandria

The House of the Temple.

Statue of George Washington

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.

Including Zedekiah's Cave, Masonic Lodge of the Andaz Hotel, and House of the Temple

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