King Street Metro

At the Crossroads of the Alexandria Community: King Street Metro area offers neighborhood options with top transportation convenience

The vibrant area surrounding King Street - Old Town Metro stop is conveniently located at the intersection of four key communities in Alexandria. Heading east from the Metro area, you are traversing through the heart of Old Town and can continue on about 15 blocks to the waterfront. In this “Designated Area,” some of Virginia’s most historic homes and buildings abound, some dating back to the 1700s, with notable residents over the last couple of centuries. You can also check out Del Ray to the North/Northwest, Eisenhower to the South, or Taylor Run to the West. The immediate area is predominantly composed of commercial office buildings and several mid- to high-rise apartment complexes, though there is also a mix of old and new townhouses along nearby streets.

There is plenty to do and see right by this area of King Street. Just to the west of the Metro, you can’t miss the George Washington Masonic Memorial atop Shooter’s Hill. (Check out this recent archaeological work shedding light on Shooter Hill’s fascinating past.) Journey a little further down the street for an intellectually-stimulating event at the historical Lyceum, or check out a show at the Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Each of neighborhoods adjacent to King Street Metro offer their own eclectic attractions. Travel a short way to the closest large music venue, The Birchmere (2.5 miles North of the metro station in Arlandria). Check out the nearest dog park at Dog Run Park at Carlyle (just southwest of the Metro station). Also enjoy the nearby Hooffs Run Park and Greenway, offering some 4.5 acres including a basketball half court, dog exercise area, garden, tennis court, and playground. A couple blocks away lies Beach Park in Del Ray, a community favorite since its redevelopment in the 1970s and home to gorgeous, mature trees.

A King Street - Old Town Metro Access Improvement project, from summer of 2018 to a projected completion in 2020, will give the immediate metro station area a facelift for pedestrians and commuters. It will feature updated walk paths, more bus bays, improved traffic patterns and updated landscaping with a nice overall aesthetic.

Shopping and Dining

Head just a few blocks into Old Town to local favorite Laporta’s Restaurant for some delicious pasta and seafood and an evening of jazz.

There are plenty of options to get fresh produce and other farmers market wares. Down the street, the Old Town Farmers Market is believed to be the longest-running farmers market in the nation still held on its original site. George Washington once sold his wares there. Today during peak season, visitors can shop among more than 70 vendors. You can also easily access via several transportation options the Del Ray Farmers Market about 1.5 miles from the Metro stop.

Getting Around

The King Street - Old Town Metro Access Improvement project, from summer of 2018 to a projected completion in 2020, will provide greater accessibility and capacity for bus, Bikeshare, and rideshare services.

Metro

King Street - Old Town is conveniently the southernmost transfer point between the Blue and Yellow Metro lines. This Metro station is one of the quickest growing Metro stations in terms of ridership, following Gallery Place-Chinatown.

Train

Adjacent to the King Street Metro station is the Alexandria Union Station, which serving both VRE and Amtrak trains.