Learn to Sail
Belle Haven Marina
703-768-0018
www.saildc.com
Mariner Sailing School at Belle Haven Marina is the largest full-time in the D.C. area. Spring lessons for youth and adults. Boat rentals are also available.
Ride at the Stables
Woodlawn Stables
8907 Richmond Highway
703-780-4344
www.woodlawnstables.com
Classes are offered for adults and students at these Alexandria stables, which have been in operation since 1979. Full-care boarding is also available.
Enjoy a Picnic
George Washington Memorial Parkway
703-289-2500
www.nps.gov/gwmp
The scenic parkway connects the historic and natural sites from Mount Vernon to the nation’s capital. The first section of the parkway was completed in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.
Enjoy a Walk or Bike Ride
Mount Vernon Bike Trail
703-289-2500
www.nps.gov/gwmp
With the Potomac River as your companion, ride your bike, jog, or walk the 18.5-mile trail from the Mount Vernon estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Pound the Pavement
Pacer’s Night Runs
Every Thursday, 7 p.m.
1301 King St.
Whether you are lacing up for the first time or looking for a way to occupy time between marathons, this informal running opportunity will give you a chance to meet fellow runners and explore Alexandria.
Learn to Build a Boat
Alexandria Seaport Foundation
Alexandria waterfront
703-549-7078
www.alexandriaseaport.org
This private foundation offers classes in boat building, both for individuals and for groups. Those in the classes make rowboats that can be converted to sailboats. They can keep and use the boats.
Feed the Ducks
Riverside Park
George Washington Parkway
Arrive early to watch the sun rise over the water. Use one of the convenient benches or picnic tables as your base.
Go Bird Watching
Along the Potomac River
703-289-2500
www.nps.gov/gwmp
There are many sites along the George Washington Parkway where bird watchers can stop and view herons, eagles and ospreys, to name just a few.
Tours on the Potomac
Potomac River Boat Company
Alexandria City Marina703-548-9000
www.potomacriverboatco.com
Potomac River Boat Company is a private company that offers sightseeing tours and private charters aboard its five vessels.
Charter a Trip
Potomac Belle Charters
703-868-5566
www.potomacbelle.com
Custom yacht docked in Old Town Alexandria, specializing in corporate meetings & celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions. Ideal for 10-35 guests. Available April-early December.
Pedal Under the Stars
Whether you are intimately familiar with every bend in the trail, or a newcomer to the area, riding the trail by the light of a headlamp, the moon and stars is a fresh way to experience the marshes, riversides and woods of the Mount Vernon Trail.
Home Invaders Welcome
The area’s architecture and gardening design is on display in a smattering of home and garden tours. Hollin Hall Village, Del Ray and Old Town homes are open to the public for admiration and a little education as well. Two of the most popular events are the April Historic Garden Tour of Alexandria, part of the statewide Historic Garden Week, and the Campagna Center’s Tour of Homes, part of the Scottish Walk festivities in early December.