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A Local’s Guide to King Street in Old Town
Live from 515 King Street in Old Town Alexandria
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Quick Facts About King Street
King Street is the historic main avenue of Old Town Alexandria. Stretching from the King Street Metro down to the Potomac River, it’s lined with brick sidewalks, 18th-century storefronts, and modern dining spots. You can explore more than 200 independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, all within a walkable mile. The street is also served by a free all-day trolley, making it easy to get from the Metro station to the waterfront without a car.
Pedestrian Life and Shops
The heart of King Street is designed for strolling. Wide sidewalks, benches, and shaded blocks encourage window shopping and people-watching. Independent boutiques carry fashion, jewelry, and home goods you won’t find in chain stores. Art lovers can browse local galleries, while bookshops and antique dealers round out the experience. Seasonal decorations and street performers add extra color during festivals and holidays.
Dining and Nightlife
Restaurants along King Street range from casual coffee shops to destination dining rooms. Patios fill up on warm days, offering views of the passing crowds. Seafood, southern cooking, and international menus reflect Alexandria’s diverse tastes. Nightlife comes alive after dark with wine bars, craft breweries, and live music venues tucked into side streets. For waterfront views, it’s an easy walk down to restaurants near the Potomac.
King Street Trolley
The King Street Trolley is free and runs every 15 minutes, seven days a week. It connects King Street Metro station with Market Square, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the waterfront. Stops are clearly marked, and the ride covers about one mile in under 20 minutes. The trolley is ADA-accessible and includes bike racks, making it convenient for day-trippers as well as commuters. The Dashbus website has more information about the trolley and buses in Alexandria.
Read More: How to Ride the King Street Trolley
Parking on King Street
If you prefer to drive, metered street parking rates range from $2–$4/hr; Daily garage rates vary, but are usually in the $10–$15 range. Many residential area street parking spots are for locals only, so do not park on streets marked by Do Not Enter signs.
Events along King Street
King Street is the backdrop for many of Alexandria’s biggest annual events. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, Fourth of July celebrations, and spring art festivals all bring extra energy to the corridor. Alexandria’s famous Market Square hosts the weekly farmers market, one of the longest-running in the country. Seasonal sidewalk sales and holiday shopping nights ensure that no matter when you visit, there’s something happening.
Keep up with the latest events in Old Town Alexandria. For more information, check out: alexandriava.gov.
Pedestrian Only Area
Lower King Street has been pedestrianized!
During Restaurant Week, Alexandria historically opened the sidewalks to diners and closed the lower blocks of King Street to vehicles. During the COVID Pandemic, al fresco dining was instituted as a permanent feature of lower King Street. The blocks closed for pedestrian only traffic are the 0-100 and the 100-200 blocks, East of Fairfax Street. A final vote on whether to keep the 200 block closed to vehicular traffic is set to be taken by the Alexandria City Council on September 13, 2025.
Live Views: Webcams on King Street
Live from 515 King Street in Old Town Alexandria
Want to see the street right now? ALXcam hosts two live streams from 515 King Street. One camera looks east toward the Potomac River, showing foot traffic and seasonal events. The other faces the Alexandria Courthouse courtyard at 520 King Street. These streams let you check the weather, crowd levels, or catch live festivals before heading out in person.
FAQs about King Street in Old Town Alexandria
No, only the blocks through the 200 block of King Street are closed to vehicular traffic.
The King Street Trolley runs every ~15 minutes from 11am until 11pm 365 days per year. Ride the King Street Trolley
The parking deck at Market Square is ideally located, and inexpensive. There is also metered street parking available, and private parking decks.
Old Town Alexandria’s Premiere Webcam Site
