Olde Town Alexandria is located about 5 miles south of Washington's main tourist area, on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. The town is a popular local hang-out thanks to its collection of small shops, restaurants, and bars. Alexandria is also the only working shipping port in the area, which is the main reason for the draw span on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, located just south of town. The popular Mount Vernon Trail passes through the center of town, which provides easy bike access to either Downtown DC or George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.

Map of Olde Town Area.
The red lines mark bike trails which will take you downtown.

Driving Directions: Olde Town is easily accessed from I-95, the Capitol Beltway.
  • If you are coming from Maryland, cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and take the first exit in Virginia. At the light, make a left onto Washington Street (which is the GW Parkway route through town and is labeled as Rt 400 on the map). Any of the side streets on your right will take you down to the waterfront.
  • If you are coming from Virginia, you have to take the Route 1 Exit. This puts you about 3 blocks west of the GW Parkway. Take any of the side streets over to the water front.
  • If you wish to park closer to Washington, follow Washington Street north through town. There is a parking lot located at the Sailing Marina.
Biking Directions:
  • The Mount Vernon Trail will take you right to downtown DC. In the Olde Town Area, the Trail follows Union Street (on-road). At the northern end of Union Street are several nasty railroad crossing, so use caution.
Issues:
  • On street parking is also available in town. However, parking here is tight during weekday hours. There are also numerous permit restrictions, so pay attention to the signs.
  • There is a significant amount of free parking available near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, however this may be disrupted once bridge reconstruction begins.