Looking for more information about Occoquan Regional Park?
Occoquan Regional Park is a beautiful park nestled in Northern Virginia, perfect for local explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, family travelers, and nature lovers. I live just a short drive from this beautiful park, so I’ve had the privilege of exploring its every nook and cranny.
It’s the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon fishing, hike through scenic trails, or enjoy a nice meal on the river.
In this guide, I’ll share my insider knowledge to help you make the most of your visit. I’ll share my favorite activities in the park and historic district, as well as practical tips on getting there and where to stay. Consider this your ultimate guide for everything related to visiting Occoquan!
Short on time?
Here’s a quick rundown to help you plan your visit. The best times to go are spring and fall. Getting there is super easy by car or public transit. You can camp inside the park or stay at a nearby hotel if you want more comfort. As for things to do? Kayak along the river, go fishing, hike peaceful trails, browse local shops, try pottery, or just soak in the laid-back vibe. It’s a great mix of nature, fun, and small-town charm.
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Occoquan Regional Park Overview
If you’re looking for a quick escape that’s another great day trip from Washington DC, I highly recommend visiting Occoquan. The park and historic district is so peaceful, especially with the beautiful views of the Occoquan River.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind, take a stroll, or just enjoy some quiet time outdoors. The park has plenty of amenities—picnic areas, bathrooms, and even playgrounds for the little ones. I also love that it’s dog-friendly (and most restaurants in the historic district are too!).
The trails are wheelchair accessible too. The park is open daily from 7 AM to dusk, so you’ve got plenty of time to explore both the park and the historic district, which is super cute! But first, let’s talk about things you can do in Occoquan’s park and the surrounding area.
Things To Do At Occoquan Regional Park
Here’s a rundown of the top 7 activities and attractions in Occoquan:
1. Rent a Kayak (or a Boat!)
If you love being on the water, renting a kayak at Occoquan Regional Park is a must! I had such a great time paddling along the Occoquan River—it’s so peaceful, and the views are gorgeous.
I spotted a bunch of birds, and just being out there was such a relaxing way to take in the scenery. I recommend kayaking to the mini waterfall, near the smaller bridge!
Kayak rentals start at just $15 per hour, and they’re available from April to October. You can also rent a boat if you want something a little bigger. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the river up close!
2. Go Fishing
If you’re into fishing, you’ll love spending time at Occoquan Regional Park. The river is full of fish—everything from bass (like striped and largemouth bass) to catfish and sunfish.
I’ve had some great catches myself on this guided Occoquan fishing tour, and it’s such a peaceful and fun way to enjoy the river. The tour is a bit pricey, but it’s well worth it. You get so much attention and help from your tour guide, and they really do the most to help you try to catch a fish.
If you’re fishing by yourself, just make sure to bring your gear and a valid Virginia fishing license (required for anyone 16 and up).
But again, if you’re new to the area or you’ve never gone fishing (like me), I highly recommend booking a fishing tour. The local guides know the best spots and can give you tips on how to reel in your next big catch, which is highly likely on the Occoquan River!
➡️ The Best Guided Fishing Tour in Occoquan!
3. Explore the Beautiful Hiking Trails
The hiking trails are definitely worth checking out. I’ve hiked a few of them, and there’s something for every level, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes
The Occoquan Regional Park Loop is my favorite trail. It’s about 2.7 miles long and perfect for beginners. The views along the way are gorgeous, and it’s a nice, relaxing walk. Just remember to wear comfy shoes and bring some water (and maybe snacks too!). It’s such a great way to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and get a little exercise.
4. Go Camping
Camping at Occoquan Regional Park is one of the most popular things to do in Occoquan. The campsites here are well-maintained, and you can choose between rustic spots or ones with a bit more comfort (like picnic tables and fire rings).
If you’re into stargazing, the nights here are perfect—no city lights to spoil the view. I highly recommend it! If you want to camp at Occoquan Regional Park, you have to fill out a Occoquan Regional Park camper onboarding prep form in advance. Be sure to do this before your camping trip!
5. Have a picnic near the Occoquan LOVE sign
Having a picnic near the LOVE sign at Occoquan Regional Park is another fun activity in this area. The area is quiet, spacious, and has a great vibe for just relaxing and enjoying a simple meal outdoors.
You can bring a few sandwiches and snacks, or buy some to go at the many cafes in the area (I recommend sandwiches from the Ballywack Shack Cafe). Spread out a picnic blanket, and take in the view.
The area is really quiet and usually not crowded in the spring and winter months (it can get busy in the summertime with the many concerts and town festivals). The sign makes for a cool photo op, and overall, it’s a great place to enjoy the park and the fresh air.
6. Shop at the Occoquan Historic District
Shopping in the Occoquan Historic District is always a fun way to spend an afternoon. The area has a very cute, small-town charm, with its mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and local cafes.
The town has a lot of character, and it’s clear that a lot of care goes into maintaining its charm. I recommend exploring shops like Gift & Gather, 13 Magickal Moons, and NazBro Chocolates (pro tip: tell the guy who works and NazBro Chocolates that you’re visiting for the first time, and he’ll share what makes their chocolates so special and give you a few free samples to try!)
7. Have an Instagrammable Meal
After a day of exploring, grabbing a bite at Cock and Bowl restaurant in Occoquan is a must. Located in the Occoquan Historic District, it has a Belgian-inspired menu and a solid beer list—perfect for unwinding.
The food looks as good as it tastes, so it’s definitely worth snapping a photo or two. If you’re in the mood for some hearty American fare, The Secret Garden Cafe is a local favorite. Their shrimp & grit cakes are amazing!!
8. Paint Your Own Pottery at Paint Your Heart Out
Paint Your Heart Out in the Occoquan Historic District is a great spot for when you’re looking for some unique things to do in Occoquan. It’s a paint-your-own-pottery studio, and you can pick a piece of pottery and get as artistic as you want.
It’s a chill, hands-on experience that’s definitely worth checking out. The interior is so cute and cozy, and they have so many different pottery pieces to choose from!
Just keep in mind that you’ll have to come back to pick up your finished pottery piece about a week or two after your initial visit. So if you’re visiting from out of town, maybe skip this activity.
How To Get There
Getting to the park is easy and convenient whether you’re driving or using public transit.
Occoquan Regional Park is located off Ox Road in Lorton, Virginia. If you’re driving, take I-95 to exit 160B (VA-123 North) and follow the signs to the park. The drive is approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.
The park offers lots of parking options with several lots available near the main entrance. Parking is free, but make sure you early on weekends and holidays to secure a spot.
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Where To Stay
If you plan to visit Occoquan as part of an extended stay, there are several excellent accommodation options nearby.
Camp it Out
The park offers a designated camping area with amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits. Camping fees start at $25 per night. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Stay at a Nearby Hotel
For a more comfortable stay, consider these nearby options:
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott: Located in Woodbridge, just a 10-minute drive from the park, offering modern amenities and a complimentary breakfast.
- Hampton Inn Potomac Mills/Woodbridge: Situated in Lorton, this hotel provides cozy rooms and easy access to the park.
- Courtyard Potomac Mills/Woodbridge: A charming bed and breakfast in the historic district, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Occoquan Regional Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. You can still visit Occoquan in other seasons. Summer is great for water activities, and winter can be a cozy, quiet escape. The town is usually less crowded during the wintertime too!
FAQs
Some commonly asked questions about Occoquan Regional Park!
Can you swim in Occoquan Regional Park?
No, you can’t swim the Occoquan River due to safety concerns and water quality issues. I wouldn’t recommend it!
Can you fish at Occoquan Park?
Yes! Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia fishing license.
What time does Occoquan Regional Park close?
The park closes at dusk, so make sure to plan your activities before the sun sets.
Conclusion
Occoquan Regional Park is one of my favorite spots in Northern Virginia. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor fun and small-town charm. I love how easy it is to escape the city, get lost in nature, and just unwind. There are so many different things to do in Occoquan, from kayaking to painting pottery, to fishing on the Occoquan River!
I hope you enjoy Occoquan as much as I do. Happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
