South Alexandria
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.
Understand[edit]
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[edit]
South Alexandria is very car-centric, and it is easiest to drive. The 1 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.
Get around[edit]
See[edit]
- 1 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-watchers.
- 2 Dyke Marsh. One of the largest remaining pieces of freshwater tidal wetlands left in the DC area, accessible by a short hiking trail
- 3 Historic Huntley. Saturday 10AM–4PM, May–October. A 19th-century plantation house
- 4 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.
- 5 Fort Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, (On George Washington Memorial Parkway about 3½ miles north of the estate), ☏ +1 202 439-7325. sunrise to sunset. Popular with joggers and picnickers, the park holds defensive batteries from the former army installation, the exterior of which can be explored. free.
- 6 Mount Vernon. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens; has its own article
- 7 Woodlawn Manor.
Do[edit]
Buy[edit]
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[edit]
Drink[edit]
Sleep[edit]
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.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Mt. Vernon Alexandria South, 8843 Richmond Highway, ☏ +1 703 619-7026. Rooms and suites with work desk, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free parking, free hot breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center. $150.