The best things to do in Alexandria

21 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 21 places · showing the latest additions first

When the humidity hits like a wall, Cameron Run Regional Park delivers relief with Great Waves Waterpark, 18 holes of mini golf, and…

4001 Eisenhower Ave

When the humidity hits like a wall, Cameron Run Regional Park delivers relief with Great Waves Waterpark, 18 holes of mini golf, and slowpitch or fastpitch batting cages. Rally the crew for a casual picnic between rounds and swings, then call it a day well played.

From the Arlington newsletter, August 8, 2026

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Ocean Dunes Waterpark turns a regular afternoon into a mini shore trip with a 500-gallon dumping bucket, twisty slides, waterfalls and…

6060 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Ocean Dunes Waterpark turns a regular afternoon into a mini shore trip with a 500-gallon dumping bucket, twisty slides, waterfalls and splashy squirters that drench away the August blahs. Bring the crew this week, then wander over to Climb UPton if you’ve still got energy.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Mount Vernon Country Club sits on one of George Washington’s original farms, pairing exceptional golf and a pro shop with a pool,…

5111 Old Mill Rd

Mount Vernon Country Club sits on one of George Washington’s original farms, pairing exceptional golf and a pro shop with a pool, restaurant, and a lively slate of social events. They also offer full-service catering for weddings and meetings, so it doubles as your go-to celebration spot.

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Whether your group chat needs a plot twist or your team needs a win, Escape Room Live Alexandria delivers with four immersive, movie-level…

814 King St 2nd floor

Whether your group chat needs a plot twist or your team needs a win, Escape Room Live Alexandria delivers with four immersive, movie-level escape rooms in Old Town, from Sherlock mysteries to a Wizard’s Apothecary and an Edgar Allan Poe haunt.

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 20, 2026

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playDCgolf

Entertainment

From quick 9s to full 18s across the historic East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek, PlayDCgolf brings tee times, driving ranges, mini…

972 Ohio Dr SW (Washington)

From quick 9s to full 18s across the historic East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek, PlayDCgolf brings tee times, driving ranges, mini golf, foot golf, and lessons through The Academy. Community golf where every dollar stays in the courses... line up a round this week.

From the Washington newsletter, August 24, 2026

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DC Mural Tour

Entertainment

DC Mural Tour turns a stroll through NoMa, Union Market, and Adams Morgan into an art-world download, with guide Jason Bowers sharing…

1222 1st St NE (Washington)

DC Mural Tour turns a stroll through NoMa, Union Market, and Adams Morgan into an art-world download, with guide Jason Bowers sharing insider stories from DC Walls and the artists who painted the city. Want color therapy with actual context, plus 20-ish murals per route? Rally a crew for a private walk this week.

From the Washington newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Bring the family for a full day of sliding and splashing at Great Waves Waterpark, with seven slides including a pair of speed slides and…

4001 Eisenhower Ave

Bring the family for a full day of sliding and splashing at Great Waves Waterpark, with seven slides including a pair of speed slides and plenty of twists. You also get on-site bites, so rally the crew and make a quick Alexandria reset before summer taps out.

From the Alexandria newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Miracle Theatre

Entertainment

Miracle Theatre mixes second-run films with live performances in a former vaudeville theater, so one week it’s The Incredibles or The Right…

535 8th St SE (Washington)

Miracle Theatre mixes second-run films with live performances in a former vaudeville theater, so one week it’s The Incredibles or The Right Stuff, the next it’s DC Moth StorySLAMs and touring musicians. A cozy, character-packed alternative to the megaplex, plus you can even rent it for private movie parties.

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Puttery

Entertainment

Lively venue featuring a bar and mini-golf courses with a few holes each, and drinks served on the course.

800 F St NW (Washington)

Lively venue featuring a bar and mini-golf courses with a few holes each, and drinks served on the course.

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LOVE mural

Entertainment

Whether you’re stretching your legs after rush hour or scouting your next neighborhood photo, Love Mural is Lisa Marie Thalhammer’s ongoing…

44 Blagden Alley NW (Washington)

Whether you’re stretching your legs after rush hour or scouting your next neighborhood photo, Love Mural is Lisa Marie Thalhammer’s ongoing public art series across the region. Follow the LOVE Mural Tour and its Mural Map to turn an ordinary errand into a mini art hunt.

From the Washington newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

807 V St NW (Washington)

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

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5 Wits Arlington

Entertainment

Turn your crew night into a full-on caper at 5 Wits Arlington, where you dive into cinematic sets with reactive lights, sound, and puzzles…

4238 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Turn your crew night into a full-on caper at 5 Wits Arlington, where you dive into cinematic sets with reactive lights, sound, and puzzles that adapt to your team. Tackle Drago’s Castle, Espionage, or Tomb, chase hidden secrets, and argue about which ending you unlocked.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Somos DR in DC

Entertainment

If your neighborhood walks need a little color jolt, Somos DR in DC delivers with a striking Dominican community mural on 14th Street by…

1616 14th St NW (Washington)

If your neighborhood walks need a little color jolt, Somos DR in DC delivers with a striking Dominican community mural on 14th Street by Angurria, honoring icons like Casilda Luna and Daniel Bueno. Quick stop, big pride, and a good reminder that DC’s story is beautifully multilingual.

From the Washington newsletter, September 3, 2026

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For those evenings when you want low-key vibes with high-quality people-watching, Old Town Alexandria Waterfront strings together bars,…

1 Prince St

For those evenings when you want low-key vibes with high-quality people-watching, Old Town Alexandria Waterfront strings together bars, restaurants and ice cream joints along a leafy promenade with live music drifting by. Make it a quick walk or settle in with Potomac River views.

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Members-only country club offering golf, tennis, and pickleball, plus meeting spaces, and dining.

6023 Fort Hunt Rd

Members-only country club offering golf, tennis, and pickleball, plus meeting spaces, and dining.

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Built in 1939 with rolling hills and back nine Anacostia views, Langston Golf Course & Driving Range pairs a classic DC track with modern…

2600 Benning Rd NE (Washington)

Built in 1939 with rolling hills and back nine Anacostia views, Langston Golf Course & Driving Range pairs a classic DC track with modern Toptracer stalls that actually help your swing. Finish at Melva’s Kitchen for all day breakfast or fried fish, you earned it.

From the Waldorf newsletter, August 14, 2026

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National Golf Club

Entertainment

National Golf Club pairs a restored Ted Robinson par-72 with an epic elevated tee on the 556-yard 16th that begs for a bold drive. Not a…

300 St Andrews Dr (Fort Washington)

National Golf Club pairs a restored Ted Robinson par-72 with an epic elevated tee on the 556-yard 16th that begs for a bold drive. Not a member? You can still hit the NGC Bar & Grill this week for hand-crafted cocktails and mouth-watering dishes, then plot your next round.

From the Waldorf newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Mini-golf

Entertainment

Need a low-lift hang this week? Upton Hill Mini Golf brings a beautifully designed, 18-hole layout that’s actually fun, whether you’re…

2939 Patrick Henry Dr (Seven Corners)

Need a low-lift hang this week? Upton Hill Mini Golf brings a beautifully designed, 18-hole layout that’s actually fun, whether you’re sneaking in a quick game after work or corralling the whole crew to test whose short-game is truly Arlington-worthy.

From the Arlington newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Upscale entertainment destination with bowling, craft food & cocktails, plus lively arcades.

320 23rd St S (Arlington)

Upscale entertainment destination with bowling, craft food & cocktails, plus lively arcades.

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Watermelon House

Entertainment

Watermelon House is a bright, cheerful watermelon mural on a D.C. row house, a quick mood boost with a backstory about turning a bad…

1112 Q St NW (Washington)

C. row house, a quick mood boost with a backstory about turning a bad situation into something good. Snap a pic next time you stroll by and tag them for a chance to be featured, because locals deserve the playful spotlight too.

From the Washington newsletter, September 14, 2026

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