Things to Do in Northern Virginia

Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is a bustling tourist destination rich with history and nostalgic charm as well as distinctive dining and shopping options.

Its well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings have been repurposed as culinary hotspots, independent boutiques, and intimate museums.

For a dose of art and history, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a unique space with a storied past that is a must-see destination.

You can board the free King Street Trolley at any one of the stops between the waterfront and the Old Town Metrorail station for a free hop-on, hop-off tour of the neighborhood.

Old Town Alexandria is just 20 minutes from Washington, D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery

Established during the Civil War as a final resting place for those who served their country, the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery now house multiple monuments and memorials in addition to the graves of more than 400,000 servicemen and servicewomen.

Visitors to this solemn site can witness the time-honored tradition of the Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, enjoy the peace created by the trees of the Memorial Arboretum, and attend a remembrance ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater.

Open daily, the Welcome Center provides visitors with maps and information services and houses exhibits and displays that tell the story of the cemetery.

1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, VA, Phone: 877-907-8585

If you are staying in a Washington, D.C. hotel, the drive takes around 20 minutes.

Oatlands Historic House & Garden

The Oatlands Historic House & Garden is a National Historic Landmark in Leesburg, Virginia.

Originally owned by George Carter, a descendant of one of Virginia’s first families, the 400-acre property is open 9 months of the year and provides visitors with an up-close look at plantation life in the 19th century.

Oatlands hosts a variety of educational programs and special events for school groups, families, and historians.

For a unique experience, visitors can go on a paranormal tour of the mansion and grounds or conduct their own investigation into some of the unexplained events that are said to have occurred at Oatlands.

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, Phone: 703-777-3174

The drive from D.C. takes about one hour.

Battle of Cedar Creek National Park

Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park was created to commemorate the Battle of Cedar Creek and to preserve Belle Grove.

The National Park Service and its partner agencies offer guided tours of the battlegrounds, the Belle Grove Plantation, and the Hupp’s Hill Civil War Museum.

The Visitor Contact Station in Middletown distributes information and brochures for tourists who want to explore the battlefield on a self-guided driving tour.

Regional historical societies host a series of lectures throughout the year for history buffs who want to learn more about this historical site.

Battle of Cedar Creek National Park, 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA, Phone: 540-869-3051

Belle Grove Plantation

This Federal-style manor house lies on the grounds of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park near Middletown.

Owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it served as the headquarters of General Philip Sheridan during the Battle of Cedar Creek.

Volunteer staff lead guided tours of this culturally significant plantation, which is still being farmed today.

Self-guided and specialty tours are also available for individuals and groups. Picnic tables are available for those who want to enjoy a meal as they explore the plantation at their leisure.

Visitors should stop in at the Museum Shop for signature souvenirs and gift items made by local artisans.

Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA, Phone: 540-869-2028

Children’s Science Center Lab

The Children’s Science Center Lab can be found at the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax and is open 7 days a week. This popular facility offers kids and their “grown-ups” an interactive STEM-centered experience that is fun for the whole family.

Hands-on activities allow visitors to the museum an opportunity to see science in action. Special programs include camps, field trips, and birthday parties, and the center offers family and community events in addition to its on-going exhibits.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but due to the popularity of the center, advanced reservations are recommended.

3949 Pender Drive, Suite 120B, Fairfax, VA, Phone: 703-648-3130

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

Part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, the distillery and gristmill have been faithfully recreated and are fully functioning. Entrepreneurs will be impressed by Washington’s business sense, and whisky lovers will enjoy the small batch spirits that are available at the Shops at Mount Vernon and the Inn at Mount Vernon. Visits to the distillery and gristmill are included in the general admission price for the estate, but guests will need to take a shuttle from the mansion and gardens, as the buildings are strategically located almost 3 miles from the main entrance. The distillery and gristmill are open daily from April through October.

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, 5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-780-2000

Great Falls National Park

Nature enthusiasts will love this 800-acre national park on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., where the Potomac River spills over rocks and through gorges to create dramatic waterfalls visible from the multi-use trails along its path. The trails are rated from easy to hard and are open to horseback riders, cyclists, hikers, and runners. Detailed trail maps can be found online or at the visitor center, which is well staffed with volunteers and rangers who can answer questions and give advice. A bookstore, exhibits, and an interactive children’s area are also housed in the visitor center, as are restrooms and a seasonal concession stand.

Great Falls National Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA, Phone: 703-757-3101

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorates the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. Guests should stop by the Henry Hill Visitor Center on the south side of the park for a look at the exhibits and displays that tell the story of the first battle of the Civil War and the Confederate victory that took place on the same grounds just over a year later. Maps of the driving and hiking trails that wind through the park are available at the center. The trails are also suitable for running, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Entrance to the park and its facilities is free.

12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA, Phone: 703-361-1339

Meadowlark Botanical Garden

The Meadowlark Botanical Garden are home to 95 acres of local flora and fauna. Conservationists will enjoy the well-preserved wetlands and native plant collections, while families will appreciate the wide variety of outdoor activities available for visitors of all ages that are part of the NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Program. Special events are held throughout the year, and personalized experiences such as group tours, field trips, guided nature walks, and educational programs can be arranged with a call to the staff. The Meadowlark Visitor Center serves as an interactive exhibit space and also houses a gift shop and a library.

5400 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA, Phone: 703-255-3631