Gravestone Stories · Alexandria, Virginia
Tour Information
& FAQ
Everything you need to know about joining our Alexandria walking tours — historian-led experiences through the city’s most historic cemeteries.
Gravestone Stories offers the only Alexandria walking tours led by a working historian and cemetery superintendent — 90-minute experiences through America’s most historic cemetery complex, built on original research unavailable anywhere else in the city.
Choose Your Alexandria Walking Tour
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
America’s Most Historic Cemetery Complex
Ivy Hill Cemetery
Victorian Elegance & Notable Lives
What to Expect
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Weather Policy
Tours proceed in light rain or mild weather. Rescheduling occurs only for:
- Thunderstorms or lightning
- Extreme heat warnings
- Snow or icy conditions
We’ll contact you promptly if rescheduling is necessary.
Children & Accessibility
- Children: Welcome on all tours — most engaging for ages 10+
- Strollers: Not recommended due to uneven terrain and narrow paths
- Service Animals: Permitted (certified service animals only)
- Pets: Not permitted out of respect for cemetery grounds
Private Group Tours
Private and group tours are generally available Mondays and Tuesdays by advance request, as well as other days depending on scheduling.
- Cemetery Tours: Starting at $300–400 per group
- Custom Experiences: Contact for pricing and availability
- Educational Groups: Complimentary tours available with advance arrangement
Final group size must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the tour date.
Alexandria Walking Tour Meeting Locations & Directions
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
1475–1501 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 · Meet at Wilkes St & Hamilton Ave
By Car
- Enter at 1300 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Park near Wilkes Street & Hamilton Avenue intersection
- Ample free parking available
By King Street Trolley (Free)
- Take trolley to King St & West St stop
- Walk south on South West Street for two blocks
- Cross Roundhouse Lane and enter the small park
- Continue to 1300 Wilkes Street entrance
- Walk one block west to Hamilton Avenue & Wilkes Street
Walking from Old Town
- Walk west on Wilkes Street for 1 mile from Lee Street Park tunnel
Ivy Hill Cemetery
2823 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 · Meet at Firefighter’s Memorial near Victorian house
By Car
- Enter cemetery and turn left
- Park along either road
- Walk to Firefighter’s Memorial after parking
By Metro
- King Street Metro Station
- Walk 1 mile north on King Street
- Located near George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Alexandria Walking Tours — Frequently Asked Questions
Are tours suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome on all tours. The historical content tends to be most engaging for ages 10 and up. Strollers are not recommended due to uneven cemetery terrain and narrow paths.
What if it rains?
Light rain won’t stop us — only severe weather conditions result in rescheduling. If we need to reschedule, we’ll contact you promptly with alternative arrangements.
How far in advance should I book?
Public tours generally require 24-hour advance notice, though same-day bookings may be possible with at least two hours’ notice if space permits. Same-day bookings are handled through our TripAdvisor ticketing platform. Private tours require 1–2 weeks’ advance notice.
Do you offer group discounts?
Educational groups may qualify for complimentary tours with advance arrangement. Corporate and other group arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact us directly to discuss your group’s needs.
What makes your tours different from other Alexandria tours?
Our Alexandria walking tours are led by working historians who made the discoveries personally through decades of primary source research. You’ll hear stories unavailable anywhere else — including recently rediscovered graves like George Washington’s lost pallbearer. All Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex tours are led exclusively by David Heiby, cemetery superintendent and original site researcher. Select Ivy Hill tours are led by historian Catherine Weinraub.
Are the tours physically demanding?
Our Alexandria walking tours cover 1–1.5 miles on mostly flat terrain with some gentle hills. The ground can be uneven in places, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. We can adjust the pace for different fitness levels.
Can I bring my dog?
Only certified service animals are permitted, out of respect for cemetery grounds and other guests.
Are restrooms available?
Restrooms are not available within the cemetery grounds. We recommend planning accordingly before your tour begins.
Ready to Step Into History?
Book your spot on Viator for confirmed reservations and real-time availability, or contact David directly for private tours and group arrangements.