Walking tours in Virginia rank among America’s most historically significant, letting you uncover centuries of stories while stretching your legs. The best options focus on three main themes: colonial history, Civil War sites, and African-American heritage.
The African-American heritage walk in Alexandria is well-researched and takes you to actual Underground Railroad locations. Old Town’s ghost tours are surprisingly informative, mixing real historical events with spine-tingling tales. Over in Virginia Beach, the ViBe District art walk stands out for its contemporary edge and local insight.
Let’s explore Virginia’s most worthwhile walking tours:
Good To Know
The Alexandria African-American History Walking Tour provides a 1.5-hour guided journey through Old Town Alexandria, exploring the city’s rich African-American history and cultural heritage.
The Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour experience guided by a costumed guide who shares stories of local hauntings and ghostly encounters.
The Guided Walking Tour Through Historic Old Town Alexandria is a 1.5-hour excursion recommended by 99% of travelers, led by a local historian and Old Town resident.
The Historic Leesburg Private Walking Tour is a 90-minute guided tour that explores Leesburg’s historic architecture and rich history, with a maximum of 8 travelers for a personalized experience.
The ViBe District Guided Walking Mural Tour allows visitors to explore large-scale murals, sidewalk, and crosswalk paintings, learning about the talented artists behind them.
Alexandria African-American History Walking Tour – Virginia
The Alexandria African-American History Walking Tour offers visitors a 1.5-hour guided journey through Old Town Alexandria, exploring the city’s rich African-American history and cultural heritage. With 143 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this tour highlights the lives and experiences of individuals from enslaved tavern workers to abolitionists.
Guests will visit important landmarks, learn about famous Alexandria sights like Gadsby’s Tavern, and gain insight into the area’s African-American past. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and entry into Historic Alexandria Museums. Located near public transportation, the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Alexandria African-American History Walking Tour – Virginia Review
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Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour
Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating 2.5-hour journey through the historic district of Alexandria, Virginia. Guests are led by a costumed guide who shares stories of local hauntings and ghostly encounters.
The tour includes visits to historic bars, where travelers can purchase alcoholic beverages. At the end, participants receive a commemorative can cooler or cup. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level.
With 119 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this ghost and pub tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and engaging experience in Old Town Alexandria.
Read our full review: Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour Review
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A Guided Walking Tour Through Historic Old Town Alexandria
A guided walking tour through Alexandria’s historic Old Town offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the city’s rich past. Recommended by 99% of travelers and awarded a Badge of Excellence, this tour is led by a local historian and Old Town resident.
Guests will discover the neighborhood’s iconic landmarks and cobblestone streets during the 1.5-hour excursion. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers. Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour starts at the Visitors Center and ends at the picturesque Captains Row. Booking confirmation is provided, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: A Guided Walking Tour Through Historic Old Town Alexandria Review
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Historic Leesburg Private Walking Tour
Explore Leesburg’s captivating past on this 90-minute guided walking tour. You’ll discover the town’s historic architecture and learn about its rich history from a knowledgeable guide. The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
The meeting point is adjacent to the Tally Ho music venue, where you’ll find free public parking nearby. While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. Most travelers can participate, and the tour concludes back at the starting point. Confirmation is provided at booking, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Historic Leesburg Private Walking Tour Review
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Private History of Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour
The 2-hour Private History of Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s storied past, inspired by the acclaimed PBS series ‘Mercy Street’. With 13 reviews and a 92% recommendation rate, the tour showcases the historic buildings used as hospitals and logistics centers during the Civil War.
Visitors will explore the Carlyle House, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and other landmarks, learning about the daily struggles and difficulties faced by doctors and nurses on both sides. The tour also highlights the site where George Washington was first addressed as president and the $200,000 from the sale of Mount Vernon. Suitable for moderate fitness levels, this private tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Read our full review: Private History of Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour Review
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Walking Tour in George Washingtons Alexandria
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This walking tour in George Washington’s Alexandria immerses visitors in the rich history of the city, tracing the footsteps of the nation’s first president. The tour starts at 221 King St, where guests check in at the white house on the corner of King and Fairfax Streets.
The 2-hour experience covers 1.5 miles, ending at 100 Prince St. Along the way, travelers will discover the city’s 18th-century architecture, historic sites, and connection to Washington. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 30. Priced at $30 per person, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
Don’t miss this chance to explore Alexandria’s captivating past.
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This walking tour in George Washington’s Alexandria immerses visitors in the rich history of the city, tracing the footsteps of the nation’s first president. The tour starts at 221 King St, where guests check in at the white house on the corner of King and Fairfax Streets.
The 2-hour experience covers 1.5 miles, ending at 100 Prince St. Along the way, travelers will discover the city’s 18th-century architecture, historic sites, and connection to Washington.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 30. Priced at $30 per person, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
Don’t miss this chance to explore Alexandria’s captivating past.
Read our full review: Walking Tour in George Washingtons Alexandria Review
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1-Hour George Washington History Walking Tour in Alexandria
Although only an hour long, this George Washington History Walking Tour in Alexandria provides visitors with a comprehensive look into the nation’s founding father’s connection to the city. The tour meets at the Tourist Information Center and takes guests to sites like City Hall, Gadsby’s Tavern, and Wales Alley, where they’ll hear stories and historical insights from a local guide.
The small-group format ensures a more personal experience. While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions. With free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, this tour offers an immersive George Washington experience in Alexandria.
Read our full review: 1-Hour George Washington History Walking Tour in Alexandria Review
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Walking in Washingtons Footsteps
Journey through the historic streets of Alexandria, Virginia, on a walking tour that follows in the footsteps of America’s first president, George Washington. This well-researched tour offers a glimpse into Washington’s life, led by a knowledgeable, local guide.
Explore the city’s rich history as you visit significant sites, including the Market Square where Washington once congregated. The tour provides a rundown of the area, with ample opportunity to learn and ask questions.
Accessible to all, the tour departs from a convenient meeting point and ends back at the starting location. Don’t miss this chance to walk in Washington’s footsteps and uncover the captivating history of this Virginia city.
Read our full review: Walking in Washingtons Footsteps Review
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Walking Tour of Stills Underground Railroad in Alexandria
Explore Alexandria’s integral role in the Underground Railroad with the Manumission Tour Company’s captivating walking tour. This 120-minute excursion takes you through the historic streets, uncovering the city’s hidden connections to the secret network that aided enslaved individuals to freedom.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allows service animals, and can accommodate up to 25 travelers. Discover the stories behind the Still family’s involvement in the Underground Railroad as you stroll through the city’s well-preserved landscape.
With an exceptional 4.5-star rating from 7 reviews, this immersive experience is a must-add to any Virginia itinerary.
Read our full review: Walking Tour of Stills Underground Railroad in Alexandria Review
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Virginia Beach: ViBe District Guided Walking Mural Tour
The Virginia Beach ViBe District Guided Walking Mural Tour offers an engaging 1-hour excursion through the city’s vibrant art hub. Participants explore large-scale murals, sidewalk, and crosswalk paintings, learning about the talented artists behind them.
Led by muralist Tessa Hall, the tour provides behind-the-scenes knowledge and insights into how street art has transformed the once-neglected area into a cultural epicenter. Guests will discover various artistic styles throughout the community and gain an understanding of the district’s remarkable revitalization.
The tour includes limited parking on 18th Street, though food and drinks aren’t provided. Comfortable shoes are required, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
Read our full review: Virginia Beach: ViBe District Guided Walking Mural Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Virginia offers a wealth of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the state’s rich history and vibrant culture. From exploring Alexandria’s African-American heritage to uncovering the haunted tales of Old Town, these tours provide an immersive and engaging way to discover the unique stories that have shaped Virginia’s past and present. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable experience, these walking tours are a must-do for any traveler to the Commonwealth.