How to Visit Daingerfield Island in Alexandria, VA
Daingerfield Island is not actually an island, but it is surrounded on most sides by the waters of the Potomac River. This park marks the site of the first permanent settlement of the city of Alexandria, which was established in 1696. It lies just north of Old Town Alexandria, and there's an exit to the park right off the George Washington Parkway and the Mount Vernon Trail.
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Instructions
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Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy lawn. If you prefer, you can buy sandwiches, pizza and a variety of beverages from the snack bar and enjoy them at a table on the deck outside. There's also a marina shop that sells ice cream bars, candy, sodas and beer. Or enjoy fine dining at Indigo Landing, the island's full-service restaurant. It offers contemporary casual cuisine from all-natural sources. Menu specialties include Hickory Roasted Prime Rib, Coconut Grilled Lobster and Blue Crab Sliders.
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Rent a boat or a bicycle from the Washington Sailing Marina. If you like, you can sign up for a series of sailing lessons or even a camp (offered for adults as well as kids), or you can relax on the lawn and watch others as they sail or windsurf.
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Turn your attention to the skies to watch the planes as they take off from Reagan National Airport. If you'd like to see the planes land, you can drive up the road to nearby Gravelly Point, although Daingerfield Island is much quieter and offers more amenities for the plane-spotter.
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Bring a kite if you'd like to do a little flying of your own. The breeze off the water usually makes for decent kite flying, although you will need to watch out for picnickers, bicyclists and everyone else who is out enjoying a day on the island.
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Tips & Warnings
Daingerfield Island is an incredible place from which to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. However, everyone in the D.C. area seems to be aware of this fact, so arrive very early if you want to be able to park (or make reservations for the holiday buffet at Indigo Landing).
