South Alexandria is an area of southeastern Fairfax County, Virginia. Despite the name, it is not part of the City of Alexandria; it is a colloquial name used by locals because the area has an Alexandria mailing address.
South Alexandria includes communities such as Huntington, Hybla Valley, Fort Hunt, and Mount Vernon. While mostly known for the commercial corridor along U.S. Route 1 leading south from DC, the area has some hidden gems.
South Alexandria is very car-centric, and it is easiest to drive. The Huntington Metro station is the current end of the Yellow Line and is just south of the Alexandria border. The rest of South Alexandria is accessible by bus.
There are several large shopping centers with big box stores along U.S. Route 1. The largest of these are Beacon Center and Mount Vernon Plaza.
There is a large cluster of reasonably priced motels/hotels on Hwy 1 starting about half a mile south of Interstate 95/495. Take the Ft. Belvoir exit to get to them. This cluster of motels/hotels have the added advantage of being within walking distance of the Huntington Metro, though getting to or from it may require a map, assistance from a metro/hotel employee, or a shuttle service. Motel/Hotel options in this area range from cheap, old, local roadside inns to much newer chain hotels like a Red Roof Inn or a Holiday Inn Express. Prices in the area will likely run about half what more posh accommodations on King Street in Old Town would.