Del Ray (Alexandria)

When You Live in Del Ray…

…you’ll be surrounded by art, music, parks and delicious restaurants. Walking down “the Avenue” (Del Ray’s Main Street), you’ll find adorable coffee shops, restaurants, yoga studios and bike shops.

Del Ray was developed in the 1890s and has been a commuter suburb of Washington DC ever since. It is approximately two miles from Old Town, three miles from the airport and about five miles from the 14th Street Bridge which takes you into DC. Or commuters can catch the yellow or blue line at the Braddock Street Metro station. Potomac Yard metro stop is set to open in 2022.

Housing styles are varied and include American Foursquare, bungalows, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival and Cape Cods. There are newly built homes as well as condos, townhomes and duplexes. Something for everyone!

Patricia’s Five Favorites:

  • The Avenue

    Mount Vernon Avenue aka The Avenue. There are restaurants, coffee shops and eclectic shops long Del Ray’s Main Street. So many great places to pop in and have a bite to eat such as Cheesetique, Evening Star, Junction Bakery and Stomping Grounds. Del Ray is also known as a Wellness District with a variety of yoga & pilates studios, Velocity bike co-op and holistic businesses.

  • The Birchmere

    Located on the north side of Del Ray, The Birchmere concert hall different genres of music including rock, pop, blues, jazz, folk, bluegrass and occasionally comedy shows. The venue seats 500 and serves dinner in an intimate setting. No matter where I’ve sat in The Birchmere, I felt like I was close to the band.

  • Murals

    Starting at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center with the whimsical community mural to the newest mural featuring beloved local dog portraits at Stomping Grounds.

  • First Thursdays

    You’ll find outdoor themed events with free live music, food and family-friendly entertainment along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6-9pm the first Thursday of the month between April and September.

  • Art on the Avenue

    Takes place annually on the first Saturday in October and showcases over 300 artists both local and visiting.