Looking for outdoor escapes, shopping sprees, and access to D.C. attractions? Head to Woodbridge, Virginia! Nestled along the Potomac River just 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., Woodbridge blends suburban comfort with natural beauty. Enjoy waterfront parks, major outlet malls, and a gateway to Northern Virginia’s cultural and recreational highlights.
Woodbridge, VA Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Explore Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge – Spot bald eagles, hike peaceful trails, and enjoy birdwatching in this serene riverside haven.
- For Shoppers: Visit Potomac Mills Mall – One of the largest outlet malls in the region with over 200 stores and dining options.
- For Water Activities: Enjoy Leesylvania State Park – Fish, boat, hike, or picnic along the Potomac with scenic views and Civil War history.
- For Art Fans: Visit the Workhouse Arts Center – Just minutes away in Lorton, this converted prison facility hosts artist studios, galleries, and performances.
- For Families: Play at Veterans Memorial Park – Home to a playground, skatepark, ball fields, and the Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center.
Best Time to Visit Woodbridge, VA
The best time to visit Woodbridge is from April to June and September to early November, when the weather is mild and ideal for hiking, shopping, and exploring the waterfront. Summer is great for lake and river activities, while winter is quiet with holiday events and indoor attractions.
How to Get to Woodbridge, VA
- By Car: Located off I-95, Woodbridge is about 30–40 minutes from Washington, D.C., and 1.5 hours from Richmond.
- By Train: Virginia Railway Express (VRE) connects Woodbridge to D.C. during weekday rush hours.
- By Air: The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), about 30–35 minutes away.
Where to Stay in Woodbridge, VA
- Recommended for Families: Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge – Comfortable rooms, indoor pool, and quick access to parks and shopping.
- For Budget Travelers: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – A convenient and affordable stay with free breakfast and proximity to Potomac Mills.
- For Extended Stays: Homewood Suites by Hilton – Suite-style lodging with kitchenettes, ideal for longer visits and group travel.
Best Things to Do in Woodbridge, VA
⮕ Relax surrounded by nature at the Leeslyvania State Park
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Leeslyvania State Park offers over 500 acres of camping, fishing, boating and historical sites. Believed to have once been the location of an Algonquian village, General Robert E. Lee’s grandfather, Henry Lee II settled there in 1747. Later it was the home site of Henry Fairfax as well as his son, John Fairfax. During the Civil War, the Freestone Point Confederate Battery was positioned there and took part in a small battle with several U.S. Navy ships on September 25 1861. Neither side suffered casualties.
Today, the only traces of the Lee house are a corner stone and the chimney. Both Henry Lee II and Henry Fairfax’s graves are on the property as well. Visitors to the park can find various hiking trails, group camping, areas for fishing and boating, sheltered picnic areas and a visitor center.
2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, Phone: 703-730-8205
⮕ Enjoy birdwatching at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
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The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 600 acres of native forests, wetlands and grasslands. It is located where the Occoquan and Potomac rivers merge. Once used as a testing location by the U.S. Army it was later taken over by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.
Over half of the refuge is occupied by wetlands. The remaining acreage is a combination of meadowlands and marshes, all condensed into a small area. This unique geography is an ideal habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds and butterflies.
Visitors can travel throughout the refuge on several trails designated for hiking, bicycle or vehicles.
13950 Dawson Beach Road Woodbridge, VA 22191, Phone: 703-490-4979
⮕ Watch a game of baseball at Pfitzner Stadium
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Built in 1984, the Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium is the home field for the minor league baseball team, The Potomac Nationals. Previously known only as the G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, the Northwest Federal name was added in 2011 when the field was renovated to meet Major League Baseball specifications. Pfitzner Stadium has an electronic scoreboard capable of showing images and video. Different than most fields, the dugouts are set at field level with only netting separating them from the players.
In 2016 it was reported that there would be a new stadium for the Potomac Nationals. While there are some proposals to demolish the stadium after the Potomac Nationals depart, others seek to keep it as a sports themed complex that would offer BMX bike tracks and softball fields.
7 County Complex Ct. Woodbridge, VA 22192, Phone: 703-590-2311
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Stroll through the gardens at the Rippon Lodge, one of the oldest houses in the area
© Rippon Lodge
Built above the Potomac River in 1747 by Richard Blackburn, Rippon Lodge is the oldest standing house in Prince William County, Virginia.
In addition to once being a tobacco plantation, it was a home to the Atkinson family for roughly one hundred years before being bought and restored by Judge Wade H. Ellis, a descendant of the Richard Blackburn, the original builder. The home later passed to the explorer Admiral Richard Blackburn Black and his daughter, who in 2000 sold the estate to Prince William County. Prince William County restored the home and 40 acres of gardens, adding interpretive walking trails enjoyed by visitors today. The Blackburn and Atkinson cemeteries are also located on site.
15520 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, Phone: 703-499-9812
Where to Eat in Woodbridge, VA
⮕ Try Indian cuisine at Taste Of Tandoor
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Reviewed as one of the best Indian restaurants in the Northern Virginia area, Taste Of Tandoor offers lunch and dinner to guests looking for authentic Indian cuisine. Specializing in Northern Indian style dishes, Taste of Tandoor offers various plates of fowl, seafood and meats. Vegetarian guests may enjoy any number of dishes from the curry kitchen.
The menu offers more than 37 reasonably priced entrees. Taste of Tandoor uses a variety of unique, authentic Indian spice blends throughout the menu. Masalas and Curry are a particular specialty. The restaurant welcomes large parties with advanced notice.
13836 Smoketown Rd. Woodbridge VA. 22192, Phone: 703-897-7400
⮕ Savor Potbelly Sandwich Shop favorites
© Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Opened in 1977 by Peter Hastings and his wife, Potbelly Sandwich Shop was originally an addition to their antique store. Soon lines began to form for the popular sandwiches, and desserts were added to the menu as well.
Bryant Keil purchased the little sandwich shop in 1996 and took the idea nationwide. While maintaining the small town feel, Potbelly Sandwich Shop now has over 400 locations around the world and has since become a publicly traded company.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop prides itself in starting each day with fresh ingredients for all of their toasted sandwiches and salads. A nod to their humble beginnings, each shop makes use of a traditional potbelly stove.
15000 Potomac Town Pl, Woodbridge, VA 22191, Phone: 703-986-3395
If you are interested in local events:
- For Summer Fun: Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show (June) – Art vendors, food trucks, live music, and kayaking demos on the river.
- For Holiday Magic: Christmas in Occoquan (December) – Tree lighting, holiday markets, and a festive small-town celebration.
- For Foodies: Taste of Woodbridge (Fall) – Sample bites from local restaurants and enjoy entertainment at Potomac Mills or Stonebridge.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Woodbridge, VA:
- For History Lovers: Washington, D.C. (30–45 min) – Explore monuments, Smithsonian museums, and the National Mall.
- For Nature: Mason Neck State Park (20–25 min) – Trails, eagle viewing, and kayak rentals in a scenic preserve.
- For Wine & Views: Northern Virginia Wine Country (60–75 min) – Visit vineyards and tasting rooms in Fauquier and Loudoun counties.
- For Battlefield History: Manassas National Battlefield Park (35 min) – Walk Civil War trails and explore interactive exhibits.
- For Coastal Fun: National Harbor (30 min) – Ride the Capital Wheel, shop, and dine along the Potomac waterfront in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Where is Woodbridge located in relation to Washington D.C.?
Answer: Woodbridge is located 20 miles from Washington D.C.
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Question: What is the population of Woodbridge?
Answer: Woodbridge has a population of just under 55,000.
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Question: Which rivers border Woodbridge?
Answer: Woodbridge is bordered by the Occoquan and Potomac rivers.
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Question: Why is Woodbridge considered a nature-lover’s paradise?
Answer: Woodbridge is home to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge.
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Question: What historic site is located in Woodbridge?
Answer: Woodbridge is home to Rippon Lodge, the oldest home still standing in Prince William County.
Plan Your Trip