Overview
South Alexandria is an area of southeastern Fairfax County, Virginia. Despite the name, it is not part of the City of Alexandria; it is a colloquial name used by locals because the area has an Alexandria mailing address.
7 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about South Alexandria
Huntley Meadows Park
An oasis of wilderness in the middle of suburban sprawl, notable for the amount and variety of wildlife that congregates there. Features a large beaver lake with a boardwalk constructed across it. Popular with bird-watch…
Dyke Marsh
One of the largest remaining pieces of freshwater tidal wetlands left in the DC area, accessible by a short hiking trail
Historic Huntley
A 19th-century plantation house
River Farm
A historic mansion that is headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. The grounds are open to the public, and there is a garden shop.
Fort Hunt Park
Popular with joggers and picnickers, the park holds defensive batteries from the former army installation, the exterior of which can be explored.
Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens; has its own article
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 24 mi away (major hub). Directions
South Alexandria is very car-centric, and it is easiest to drive. The Huntington Metro station is the current end of the Yellow Line and is just south of the Alexandria border. The rest of South Alexandria is accessible by bus.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Huntley Meadows Park, Historic Huntley, Mount Vernon
- Lunch Taj Of India
- Afternoon Woodlawn Manor, Mount Vernon Trail
Day 2
- Morning Dyke Marsh, River Farm
- Afternoon Fort Hunt Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
South Alexandria includes communities such as Huntington, Hybla Valley, Fort Hunt, and Mount Vernon. While mostly known for the commercial corridor along U.S. Route 1 leading south from DC, the area has some hidden gems.
Get in
South Alexandria is very car-centric, and it is easiest to drive. The Huntington Metro station is the current end of the Yellow Line and is just south of the Alexandria border. The rest of South Alexandria is accessible by bus.
See
See Woodlawn Manor
Do
Buy
There are several large shopping centers with big box stores along U.S. Route 1. The largest of these are Beacon Center and Mount Vernon Plaza.
Eat
Sleep
There is a large cluster of reasonably priced motels/hotels on Hwy 1 starting about half a mile south of Interstate 95/495. Take the Ft. Belvoir exit to get to them. This cluster of motels/hotels have the added advantage of being within walking distance of the Huntington Metro, though getting to or from it may require a map, assistance from a metro/hotel employee, or a shuttle service. Motel/Hotel options in this area range from cheap, old, local roadside inns to much newer chain hotels like a Red Roof Inn or a Holiday Inn Express. Prices in the area will likely run about half what more posh accommodations on King Street in Old Town would.
Go next
Nearby
Mount Vernon
City / town · 15 listings · 1 mi away
Fort Washington
City / town · 5 listings · 4 mi away
Alexandria
City / town · 70 listings · 4 mi away
National Harbor
City / town · 28 listings · 5 mi away
Springfield
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
Lorton
City / town · 17 listings · 8 mi away
Annandale
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
Arlington National Cemetery
Park · 17 listings · 9 mi away
My experience
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