Visiting Alexandria, Virginia, on a Tight Budget

Just can’t wait to take a break but still scrimping after your last vacation? You’re not alone! Alexandria, Virginia, makes a great budget-friendly destination with a plethora of fun, free, and inexpensive options for a quick visit that won’t break the bank.

Find Fresh Produce at the Farmers’ Markets

Purchasing your own fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets is a great way to stay healthy and save money on the road. Pick up some tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh lettuce to make a vegetable sandwich, and take it to a local spot for a beautiful and cheap picnic. (More about the best parks in a minute.) In the meantime, find which market is closest to you, and take heart — they’re not all weekend-morning markets, which means you can still sleep in and catch the local life later in the day.

Image courtesy of m01229 from Flickr

Get Your Camera and Stroll the Streets

King Street is where all the action is. Spend your time window shopping at the variety of boutique shops carrying everything from handmade bags to artisan baked goods. Instead of hopping on the old-town trolley, snap a photo of it for a totally free memento. Continue walking down King Street until you hit the waterfront. The waterfront is home to loads of performing street musicians, artists, and characters from all walks of life. Grab a seat on one of the benches and watch the boats and people go by as the sun colors the water and the streetlights spring to life. If you have the budget for it, rent one of the local hybrid bikes, which provides an eco-friendly way to explore more of the surrounding waterfront.

Picnic in a Park

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to parks in Alexandria. This area is naturally lush and verdant, and no matter what your preference for a natural setting, you’re sure to find it here. For those traveling with pets, the Founders Park is the place to let your four-legged friends run free and socialize with locals while you enjoy the sunshine or join in on a game of volleyball at the installed courts.

If you’re hoping to see more wildlife than dogs, head to Daingerfield Island for a taste of rural Virginia. Home to turtles, snakes, frogs, fish, and herons, this feels like an outdoor zoo to those with a trained eye. Be prepared to share your lunch if the birds get a glimpse of it, though!
For history buffs, there’s no better picnic spot than the Carlyle House Gardens, but be sure to check in advance that there is no private function going on, as the space is also available for rent.

Image courtesy of Mathieu Marquer from Flickr

Save While Sleeping

Accommodation is a huge factor when traveling and usually eats up most of the budget, but there are rooms on Hipmunk starting as low as $55 per night when staying at a hotel, and they offer even cheaper options when staying with locals. Staying with a local is a perfect solution, as you are able to save money, support the community, and get a free tour guide with all the best information.

Don’t let your account balance stop you from living your life. Book a trip to Alexandria now!

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I use while planning budget travel, and am thrilled to write for. I know you will find the articles as well as their services useful.

Remember, you are my first priority and I only work with or support companies whose products and services I believe in. For all the nitty gritty on this check out my disclaimer. It’s even got pictures of monkeys.