Skip to main content
Alexandria

Alexandria travel guide

City in Louisiana, United States

Best time to visitOctober
Nearest airportAEX · 6 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population45,275

About Alexandria

Alexandria is a city in the central part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. Lying on the south bank of the Red River of the South in almost the exact geographic center of the state, it is the ninth-largest city in the state, and the parish seat of and the largest city in Rapides Parish.

Places to visit in Alexandria

  1. Kisatchie National Forest

    Kisatchie National Forest

    Nature · 46 mi from centre

    Louisiana's only national forest stretches around Alexandria, offering longleaf pine hiking trails, camping, scenic byways and canoeing on clear sandy-bottomed streams in hilly terrain that is unusual for the state.

  2. Alexandria Zoological Park

    Alexandria Zoological Park

    Zoo · 2 mi from centre

    A well-shaded city zoo with hundreds of animals from around the world, including a Louisiana Habitat section highlighting native species such as black bears, alligators and red wolves, plus a small train ride.

  3. Kent Plantation House

    Kent Plantation House

    Historic · 2 mi from centre

    One of the oldest standing structures in central Louisiana, this French Creole house and its outbuildings, including a kitchen and slave cabin, offer guided tours explaining early life along the Red River.

  4. Alexandria Museum of Art

    Alexandria Museum of Art

    Museum

    Set partly in a historic riverfront bank building downtown, the museum hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary and Southern art and showcases Louisiana folk art and work by regional artists.

Where to stay in Alexandria

Popular hotels in Alexandria, out of 52 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Alexandria

Best time to visit Alexandria

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Alexandria is October, when average daytime highs are around 82°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 39° – 59° 11
Feb 46° – 66° 9
Mar 52° – 72° 10
Apr 59° – 78° 11
May 67° – 86° 12
Jun 73° – 92° 10
Jul 76° – 94° 13
Aug 76° – 95° 11
Sep 70° – 90° 6
Oct 60° – 82° 4
Nov 52° – 71° 8
Dec 45° – 64° 9

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Alexandria weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 81° 51° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 86° 55° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 87° 57° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 84° 57° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 84° 52° 1%
  • Mon 26 Oct 85° 57° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Alexandria

These are the airports closest to central Alexandria. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • AEX Alexandria International Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
  • ESF Esler Field11 mi (17 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Alexandria

Getting around Alexandria

MacArthur Drive, which intersects with I-49 on both the north and south ends of the city, is one of the main roads. Many of the retail establishments in Alexandria are located near the intersection of MacArthur and Masonic Drives near the Alexandria Mall.

Alexandria travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Alexandria?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Alexandria is October, when average daytime highs are around 82°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

What is the weather like in Alexandria?

August is usually the warmest month in Alexandria, with average highs of 95°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 39°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 175 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Alexandria?

Alexandria International Airport (AEX) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (10 km) from the centre of Alexandria. Other nearby airports include Esler Field (ESF, 11 mi).

What time zone is Alexandria in?

Alexandria uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Alexandria?

MacArthur Drive, which intersects with I-49 on both the north and south ends of the city, is one of the main roads. Many of the retail establishments in Alexandria are located near the intersection of MacArthur and Masonic Drives near the Alexandria Mall.

What are the best places to visit in Alexandria?

Top sights in Alexandria include Kisatchie National Forest, Alexandria Zoological Park, Kent Plantation House and Alexandria Museum of Art. Louisiana's only national forest stretches around Alexandria, offering longleaf pine hiking trails, camping, scenic byways and canoeing on clear sandy-bottomed streams in hilly terrain that is unusual for the state.

Where should I stay in Alexandria?

Popular areas for hotels in Alexandria include Alexandria Area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria Old Town Area Sout and Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.

How many hotels can I book in Alexandria?

Destina Holidays currently lists 52 properties in and around Alexandria, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.