LOCAL GUIDE
WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON D.C.!
For those of you visiting or new to the area, we have put together this Local Guide to some of our favorite spots! If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@sportrock.com!
OUTDOOR CLIMBING
Great Falls National Park: Some of the most historical climbing around. Almost all Top-Rope only (no bolted lines). Crowded on weekends but absolutely worth the trip. Guidebook available at Sportrock.
Carderock, MD: On the other side of the river. All Top-Rope only (no bolted lines). Some bouldering. Smaller crag, lots of slab climbing, well shaded. Guidebook available at Sportrock.
North West Branch Bouldering: Small bouldering area about 40 minutes away from Sportrock Alexandria. Easy to access, surprisingly high-quality rock. No guidebook is currently written, but many climbs and areas can be found here.
LODGING OPTIONS
Crown Plaza: USA Climbing Host Hotel (2019 Sport and Speed Open Nationals). Located in Old Town, Alexandria.
Hilton: Best Metro Access. Located in Old Town, Alexandria.
Comfort Inn: Walking distance to Sportrock. Located in Alexandria.
RUNNING
& BIKING TRAILS
Holmes Run: Local paved trail about 1 mile from Sportrock Alexandria. ~5 miles long.
C&O Canal: Historic, well-maintained, and beautiful trail from Washington D.C. all the way to Cumberland MD. Over 150 miles. Easy to pick up in a variety of places (see access points here).
Mt. Vernon Trail: Gorgeous, waterfront trail from Roosevelt Island to George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate. ~18 miles long.
Must See
Tourist Attractions
You couldn’t have a boring day in Alexandria or D.C. if you tried. There is way too much to do and see!
Old Town Alexandria: Historic, waterfront, and always buzzing with things to do. From Saturday Farmer’s Markets in Spring to Christmas lights in the Winter, Old Town is a must-see and is only a couple of miles from the gym.
National Harbor: On the other side of the river, National Harbor is a great spot for nighttime entertainment.
National Mall: America’s most visited National Park is right next door! Some of our favorite monuments are the MLK, FDR, and WWII monuments, which you can see in one loop. While at The Mall, also check out all of D.C.’s awesome museums. Lastly, don’t forget about the bike share downtown.
Great Falls National Park: Hiking, running, climbing; there is a lot to see and do at Great Falls year-round. You’ll definitely want to get a taste of Virginia and Maryland’s natural gem.
Food & Drinks
Coffee
Alexandria and D.C. are home to some of the East Coast’s best coffee shops, so you’ll have no problem finding a great cup o’ joe. To get you started, here are two of our favorites.
Swings Coffee: Right in Old Town, great spot to hit when walking around
Java Loco: Super close to the gym, killer breakfast sandwiches
Beer
No shortage of local breweries and bars, but here are a couple of nearby top picks.
Port City: Staple of Alexandria, great beers
Fat City Kitchen: Good beer selection, close to the gym, and incredible food
Pizza Paradiso: Go-to pizza joint with a good beer selection
Lunch/Dinner
Here are a couple of our favorite local food options.
Emma’s Chicken: Best Peruvian chicken in the DMV
Vola’s Dockside: Great waterfront sit-down and seafood spot
The Club: Top-notch sandwiches and burgers, vegetarian and vegan options
Thai Lemongrass: Sportrock’s favorite Thai food, vegetarian and vegan options