Skip to content

This event was canceled

Details

Sorry, but we have to cancel this event due to the heat advisory. Heat index values around 105F are expected.

Alexandria's Sails on the Potomac festival will host the tall ships Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana as part of the Sail Virginia celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The festival will include activities, exhibits, music, educational programs, public art, and more!

Let's meet at Jones Point Park, get a birds-eye view of the ships from the Wilson Bridge, and then hike up the waterfront to see them close up and enjoy the festival! Onboard tours of the ships start at noon, so you can visit one or more before individually returning to Jones Point Park.

❶ What we'll do:

  • From the old ship's rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk west along the Mount Vernon Trail to S. Washington St, walk north to cross over I-495, and then east on Wilson Bridge to an observation point that affords a birds-eye view of the tall ships at anchor on the Alexandria waterfront.
  • Returning west off the bridge, we'll continue north along S Washington St, east along Jefferson St, and then upstream along the Potomac shoreline to King Street Park in time for the kickoff ceremony at noon, featuring George Mason University's Patriots Fife and Drum Corps.
  • Attendees are then free to check out the four ships and other activities as desired. Timed tickets for deck tours are no longer available, but attendees can still queue at any ships desired and board as space becomes available.
  • After checking out the sights, attendees can individually return to Jones Point Park along King and Lee streets.
  • The total distance is 4.6 miles, plus any additional distance walking around in the King Street Park area and touring the ships. Just the walk takes about 2 hours, but I've estimated you may want to spend maybe another hour spend checking out the ships.
  • Google map: https://tinyurl.com/hjtbd6xs

❷ How to get there: The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 1 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314.

❸ What to bring: Water and comfy shoes (flat, rubber-soled shoes are preferred aboard the boat).

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 98F, with 6-7 mph W winds and a 3-5% chance of showers. Possible thunderstorms later in the afternoon. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff:

  • There are restrooms at Jones Point Park, the Torpedo Factory, the Ramsay Visitor Center, and at several locations in the festival area.
  • Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars. DO NOT park along S Royal St at the entrance to the park! You may be towed!!

❼ Notes:

Related topics

Events in Alexandria, VA
Hiking
Fun Times
Outdoors
Walking

You may also like