Though it's easy to see Alexandria on your own, your experience will be enhanced by having a knowledgeable local guide. Take your pick among Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past (tel. 703/683-3451 or 703/850-7138), Alexandria Tours of Old Town (tel. 703/329-1122), or The Old Town Experience (tel. 703/836-0694). The Ramsay House Visitor Center has their schedules and prices and will make reservations, which are required.

Even if you see everything on your own during the day, you'll enjoy spooking around Old Town after dark with Alexandria Colonial Ghost & Graveyard Tours (tel. 703/519-1749 or 703/548-0100). They usually explore Old Town's streets and back alleys Wednesday to Sunday nights (call for the schedule and to make reservations). Visiting with the spooks costs $6 for adults, $4 for kids 7 to 12, free for children 6 and younger.

Potomac River Cruises

After you've seen Old Town's attractions on foot, you can get a fish's-eye view of the city on a cruise operated by Potomac Riverboat Company (tel. 877/502-2628 or 703/548-9000), based at the city dock behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center at the foot of King Street. A 40-minute "Alexandria Seaport Tour" is fine for taking photos of Old Town from out on the river, and it's especially suitable if you are traveling with children. They cost $10 for adults, $8 seniors, $5 for children ages 2 to 12. If you have time, the 1 1/2-hour "Washington Monuments Tour" is a much better choice, since it goes upriver for super views of the nation's capital. They cost $20 for adults, $17 seniors, and $10 children ages 2 to 12. The cruises run on Tuesday to Sunday from June to September and weekends during May and October. Check at the dockside booth or call for information and reservations.

The company also has cruises to Mount Vernon.