• January 16, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Old Town Alexandria

© Courtesy of Bram - Fotolia.com

2. Arlington National Cemetery

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
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3. Oatlands Historic House & Garden

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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4. Battle of Cedar Creek National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of ablokhin - Fotolia.com

5. Belle Grove Plantation

© Belle Grove Plantation House

6. Children’s Science Center Lab

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Gennadiy Poznyakov - Fotolia.com

7. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

8. Great Falls National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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9. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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10. Meadowlark Botanical Garden

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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11. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Katia - Fotolia.com

12. Museum of Hounds & Hunting

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Museum of Hounds & Hunting

13. National Air & Space Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© National Air & Space Museum

14. National Museum of the Marine Corps

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© National Museum of the Marine Corps

15. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Mircea Costina - Fotolia.com

16. Shenandoah Caverns

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
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17. Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

18. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

19. The Pentagon

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20. Torpedo Factory Art Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of thampapon1 - Fotolia.com

21. Bull Run Regional Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Elana/stock.adobe.com

22. Wolf Trap National Park for Performing Arts

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Matthias - Fotolia.com

23. Workhouse Arts Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of chainat - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Northern Virginia offers a wide variety of must-do activities, including historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
  • History enthusiasts will enjoy museums such as the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum.
  • Historic battlefields and colonial gardens, like the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, appeal to history and gardening buffs alike.
  • Visiting iconic landmarks such as the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery is a must for many travelers.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the region's parks, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.

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