If you’re in D.C. and just need a peaceful escape, I can’t recommend Lorton enough. I’ve found it to be the perfect mix of nature, history, and the arts—without having to go far. Whether you’re hiking through quiet trails, paddling along the river, or exploring local galleries and estates, you’ll get that refreshing getaway vibe while still being close to the city.
Best Time to Visit
Personally, I think the best time to visit is from April through October. You’ll catch mild weather that’s ideal for hiking, kayaking, or catching an outdoor show. I’ve been in fall too, and the foliage in nearby parks is absolutely stunning—you’ll want your camera ready.
How to Get There
- If you’re driving, it’s super convenient – I’ve taken I-95 straight down from D.C., and you’ll be in Lorton in under 40 minutes. It’s also a quick hop from Alexandria.
- Train travel works great too – Lorton’s got the northern terminal of Amtrak’s Auto Train, and I’ve also used the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) for a stress-free ride. You’ll find getting in and out pretty seamless.
- Flying in? I usually use Reagan National (DCA)—it’s only about 25–30 minutes by car, making Lorton an easy side trip after you land.
Where to Stay
- If you want something simple and affordable, Comfort Inn Gunston Corner has worked well for me – You’ll be near I-95 and close to everything local without spending a fortune.
- Need more space or a few perks? I’ve stayed at Embassy Suites Springfield just up the road. You’ll love the all-suite setup, and the free breakfast and evening snacks make it feel like a little upgrade.
- If you’re after privacy and charm, I suggest browsing Airbnb – I’ve stayed in a cute cottage once, and you’ll find plenty of homey options that give you space to relax like a local.
Best Things to Do in Lorton, Virginia
Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center is a non-profit organization in Lorton, Virginia that provides studios for visual and performing arts, exhibition space and arts education programs. The Workhouse is located on 55 acres of land in the Occoquan Workhouse part of the historic D.C. Department of Corrections Lorton Reformatory. The Workhouse consists of studios for more than 100 professional and emerging artists, cooperative studios, performance and theatre venues, a main gallery building, gallery space in each studio and event space. The Workhouse also includes Lucy Burns Museum. The Workhouse Arts Center opened to the public in September, 2008, after several years of adapting a former Lorton Reformatory facility which closed in 2001. One of the former prison inmates was Lucy Burns, a member of the Silent Sentinels and a leader of women’s suffrage. IN her memory, a small museum was opened as a part of the Center.
9518 Workhouse Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, Phone: 703-584-2900
Mason Neck State Park
Mason Neck State Park was my number one reason for visiting! It is located on a peninsula between Pohick Bay, Belmont Bay and the Potomac River, near the town of Lorton, Virginia. The park covers 1,814 acres and is home to bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, white-tailed deer and many other species of wildlife. Mason Neck State Park is one of the best locations in Virginia to view bald eagles. The best time to observe them is in the mornings and evenings. The park is day-use only, and has a visitors’ center, hiking trails, three miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, a playground, and a canoe launch. Canoe, kayak and bikes are available for rent. Most visitors come to enjoy guided canoe trips of Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay and to observe bald eagles. The park's combination of ecosystems that include wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make it great for environmental study.
7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, Phone: 703-339-2385
Occoquan Regional Park
Occoquan Regional Park is located along the Potomac River tributary, in Lorton, Fairfax County, Northern Virginia. The park was opened in 2018 and is operated by the NOVA Parks agency of Northern Virginia. The park is densely forested and has a well-preserved Civil War arsenal. At the park's center is a large, beehive brick kiln, the last of eight kilns that were used during the turn of the last century to produce bricks for Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area. The bricks were mostly made by prisoners from the neighboring Lorton Reformatory. The park also includes the Jean R. Packard Center, a wedding and events facility and a Brickmakers Cafe. There is a paved bike path that runs through the park, a five km loop trail, several sport fields and a public marina.
9751 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, Phone: 703-690-2121
Lucy Burns Museum
Lucy Burns Museum is a small museum in the Lorton Reformatory, a former prison in Lorton, Virginia. The museum tells the story of a dark but crucial chapter in the American women's suffrage movement. This former workhouse prison by the Occoquan River, which opened in 1910, became famous for horrible treatment of the suffragists who were imprisoned during the First World War. The cruel treatment of imprisoned women resulted in public support for the suffragist movement and as a result on January 9, 1918, President Wilson finally decided in favor of a constitutional amendment granting the vote to women.
9518 Workhouse Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, Phone: 703-584-2900
Lorton Station
Lorton Station is a northern railroad terminal for Amtrak's Auto Train in Lorton, Virginia. This train runs between Lorton station and Sanford station in Florida. Auto-Train was established in Lorton in 1971, and the station house was completed between 1972 and 1975. There was a gift shop at the station located in a former caboose and boxcar previously owned by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. The station closed in 1981 and was reopened in 1983 when Amtrak took over. The current station features a large waiting area designed in Art Deco style, with glass walls, a small gift shop, a snack bar, and a children's playground. There is one 1,480 feet long low level platform for Auto Train boarding and six vehicle ramps for boarding vehicles.
?8006 Lorton Road; Lorton, VA 22079
Pohick Bay Golf Course
Pohick Bay Golf Course is one of Northern Virginia’s most challenging and scenic golf courses. It is located next to Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton. It offers 18 holes that run 6,400 yards from the back tees, with bent grass from tee to green. Pohick Bay Golf Course has soft rolling terrain and several serious water hazards. Players can relax after a round at the snack bar and sign up for one of our tournaments and golf outings. Pohick’s golf membership is very flexible and offers great value, including special rates for golfers over 55 and under 17.
10301 Gunston Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, Phone: 703-339-8585
Recommended Activities for Families
George Mason's Gunston Hall
George Mason's Gunston Hall is a beautiful Georgian mansion in Mason Neck, Virginia, near the Potomac River. It was built in 1759 for the US Founding Father George Mason. It was located on a 5,500-acre plantation. It is not far from George Washington's home. The house interior design has elements of rococo, chinoiserie, and Gothic styles. Ornate decorations were very unusual for Virginia at the time, when décor tended to be simple. After Mason died in 1792, Gunston Hall remained a private residence for many years. It is now a house museum open to the public and owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The house and grounds are listed as a National Historic Landmark.
George Mason's Gunston Hall, Lorton, VA 22079, Phone: 703-550-9220
Meadowood Special Management Recreation Area
Covering a patchwork of different terrains and habitats, the Meadowood Special Management Recreation Area provides a wonderful outdoor green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. You can bring your bike to explore 6.6 miles of mountain bike trails or pull on your hiking boots and set off along a network of 13.4 miles of hiking trails. If you love horses, this is a brilliant place to come and ride along 7 miles of beautifully maintained equestrian trails. Keep your eyes on the lookout for a variety of small wildlife and birds or bring your fishing pole to catch some carp.
Lower Potomac Field Station, 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton, VA 22079, 703-339-8009
Attractions for Couples
Fair Winds Brewing Company
This yachting-themed craft brewery first opened its doors to the public in early spring 2015 and has been riding high on the wave of success ever since. Today the Fair Winds Brewing Company is home to a 13000 foot facility where their signature beers are brewed in 30 brewing barrels and are bottled on site. When you visit the tap room you will find a large variety of beers on tap, including the Keyside Kolsch, the Howling Gale IPA, the seasonal Home Port Stout and several other favorites. The brewery hosts a busy calendar of events including various craft classes, live music events, beer and food pairings and much more. There is almost always a popular food truck in attendance.
7000 Newington Road, Lorton, VA 22079, 703-372-2001
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