Looking for fun activities in Northern Virginia?
There are so many things to do in Northern Virginia – it’s an area rich with culture, history, and plenty of activities that cater to all interests. From charming towns to serene natural landscapes, Northern Virginia has something for everyone.
I was raised in Northern Virginia (or NOVA, as us locals call it) and I’m proud to call it my home. I’ve explored almost every corner, and I’m here to share some of my favorite must-see spots in Northern Virginia with you! There’s always something new to discover. Here are my top Northern Virginia picks, ranging from must-see attractions to lesser-known activities.
Short on time?
I’ve rounded up my favorite quick-hit experiences in Northern Virginia: Tour George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria, explore the shops and cafés in the Occoquan Historic District, visit Arlington National Cemetery, walk the historic grounds at Manassas National Battlefield Park, and dive into local history and culture at nearby museums.
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15 Things To Do In Northern Virginia
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, don’t miss out on these must-see attractions and activities. Here are 15 must-see things in Northern Virginia in 2024.
1. Visit Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of America’s first president. The estate includes beautiful gardens, a working farm, and interactive exhibits.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Alexandria, you can spend your afternoon exploring this beautifully preserved mansion and its lush gardens, and learn all about the home of the first president of the United States.
If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss out on my favorite Mount Vernon tour for an unforgettable experience! The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the DC area, and they do a great job taking care of you as you explore Alexandria and Mount Vernon.
➡️ Click Here for the BEST Mount Vernon Tour!
2. Explore Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is a charming waterfront town with cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. Don’t miss the Torpedo Factory Art Center and King Street’s bustling nightlife.
Try out Virtue Feed + Grain, a beloved local restaurant in a revamped 18th-century granary, offering elevated pub fare & a lively bar scene. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll along the Alexandria waterfront, taking in a beautiful sunset over the Potomac.
It’s one of the easiest Virginia day trips from Washington DC!
3. Wander Through Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is perfect for nature lovers. It features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The view from the overlooks is simply breathtaking.
The park offers beautiful views of the Potomac River and the falls, and there are three observation areas, which all give you great views. There is a $20 admission fee per vehicle.
4. Discover the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly houses thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde.
It’s a must-visit for science and history enthusiasts. The museum is open daily from 10 am – 5:30 pm. Admission is free, parking is $15/car (free for vehicles entering after 4:00 pm).
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5. Tour Manassas National Battlefield Park
Step back in time at Manassas National Battlefield Park, where the first major battle of the Civil War took place in 1861. Walk the battlefields and visit the museum to learn more about this pivotal event, and check out some historic artifacts that have been dug up from the former battlefield.
Admission is free, with the first walking tour at 11 a.m. Most tours start at the Henry Hill Visitor Center.
6. Enjoy Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Virginia, is the only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts. The national park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and performing arts.
Catch a concert under the stars at the Filene Center or enjoy a more intimate show at The Barns. Be sure to check out their website for a list of upcoming concerts.
7. Shop and Dine at Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner Center is one of Northern Virginia’s largest shopping destinations, with over 300 stores and a variety of dining options. It’s a great spot for some retail therapy, with hundreds of upscale stores, plus a cinema & an elevated outdoor plaza.
8. Relax at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
These 95-acre gardens in Vienna feature ornamental display gardens, native plant collections, and walking trails. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll.
Explore landscaped gardens, a restored 18th-century log cabin, or a one-of-a-kind Korean Bell Garden! Adults pay $8, while seniors (55+) and youth (6-17) only pay $4 for a full day at the gardens. Children under 6 have free admission.
9. Experience the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Located in Triangle, Virginia, near the Marine Corps base in Quantico, this museum offers interactive exhibits and immersive experiences that honor the history and traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps.
The museum is now one of the top tourist attractions in the state, drawing over 500,000 people annually. The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Museum admission and parking are FREE!
10. Explore Occoquan Historic District
Nestled along the Occoquan River, this charming town is full of historic buildings, unique shops, and delightful eateries. Once a mill town, Occoquan has plenty of fun experiences you can enjoy, from pottery painting activities to kayak rentals at Occoquan Regional Park.
For a deeper dive into Occoquan’s history and landmarks, be sure to read my article on the top sights to see in Occoquan.
11. Visit Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is the largest cemetery in the United States National Cemetery System, one of two maintained by the United States Army. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK’s gravesite, and witness the changing of the guard.
There are so many good tours of the Arlington National Cemetery, but this is the best Arlington National Cemetery tour because you get to see the changing of the guards! It’s nice and usually not that crowded on the tour, making for a really unique, intimate experience.
For a shorter alternative, you can take this Arlington National Cemetery hop-on hop-off tour!
➡️ Click Here for the BEST Arlington National Cemetery Tour!
12. Stroll through Reston Town Center
Reston Town Center mixes a bustling urban feel with small-town charm. Enjoy shopping, dining, and seasonal events like outdoor concerts and ice skating. Catch a movie while you’re at it, or grab a hot chocolate and a pastry at one of my favorite cafes, Tatte Bakery & Cafe.
13. Explore the Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center is a prison-turned-arts space with galleries, studios, and performance venues. It’s a great spot to explore local art. You can visit with artists in their studios and see the Lucy Burns Museum, where you can learn all about notorious criminals, some of the biggest jazz artists of the 21st century, and activists and suffragists who spent some time in prison.
14. Taste Wine at Local Vineyards
Northern Virginia has a thriving wine scene. Visit vineyards like Bluemont Vineyard or Boxwood Estate Winery for tastings and tours in beautiful countryside settings. Spend a day touring the picturesque vineyards and tasting local wines.
15. Discover the Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Perfect for families, the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale offers interactive exhibits, live animal displays, nature trails, and hands-on programs for kids. There’s no entry fee for individuals or families. If you’re a group of 12-60 people, there’s a group Admission fee of $30.
Free Things to Do In Northern Virginia
There are so many free, fun activities in Northern Virginia! Here are some of my favorites:
1. Stroll along Church Street
Learn all about the town of Vienna at the Freeman Store on historic Church Street, and while you’re at it, you can take a relaxing stroll along the historic W&OD trail, a former railroad line running through Shirlington, VA to Purcellville, VA. Snap a photo of the iconic Vienna red caboose, honoring the town’s history.
2. Hike the Billy Goat Trail
This challenging trail along the Potomac River offers stunning views and is perfect for experienced hikers looking for an adventure. I wouldn’t recommend bringing young children or anyone with mobility issues on this trail – only people who know fully what they are getting into should attempt this hike.
There are some gorgeous views, and you can hike variations of this trail, but if you choose to go the harder route, be sure you know what you’re getting into!
3. Attend a Farmers Market
Visit a local farmers market to enjoy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a lively community atmosphere. Most farmer’s markets in Northern Virginia run on Saturday mornings.
My favorite farmer’s market is the one in Vienna, which runs on Saturdays from May to October. There’s also another market in Falls Church which starts at 8 am on Saturdays!
4. Tour Historic Leesburg
Stroll through the historic town of Leesburg, which offers free walking tours, charming shops, and beautiful architecture dating back to 1757. It’s a great spot for a date night – there are a lot of amazing restaurants and cute shops in the area!
5. Stroll along Old Town Fairfax
Explore the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center to get a glimpse of the town’s rich history dating back to the 1700s when it was founded as a strategic crossroads town. Stroll along Main Street, lined with boutique shops and cozy cafes.
Check out De Clieu Coffee, a local favorite known for its incredible brewed coffee and delicious pastries. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, check out one of my favorite Irish pubs in Northern Virginia, The Auld Shebeen, for a delicious Irish breakfast!
Visiting Northern Virginia: FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Northern Virginia, and just Virginia in general.
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Virginia?
One of the top tourist attractions in Virginia is Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that offers a glimpse into 18th-century American life. Williamsburg offers plenty of historic tours and ghost tours for tourists.
For the ultimate Colonial Williamsburg experience, be sure to try my favorite Colonial Williamsburg ghost tour. You get to learn a lot of local history in a fun, engaging way!
What is special about Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia is known for its rich history, diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and close proximity to Washington D.C., making it a unique and vibrant place to explore.
Why is Northern VA so expensive?
Northern Virginia’s high cost of living is due to its strong economy, excellent schools, desirable neighborhoods, and close proximity to the nation’s capital, making it a sought-after area for professionals and families.
What is the richest neighborhood in Northern Virginia?
Great Falls is often cited as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, known for its luxury homes and large estates. Great Falls National Park makes it especially beautiful!
Where To Stay In Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget. Here are a few options you can consider:
📍Budget Option: The Comfort Inn in Arlington offers affordable rates, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location close to public transportation.
📍Mid-Range Option: The Westin Tysons Corner provides a blend of comfort and luxury with modern amenities, on-site dining, and easy access to Tysons Corner Center.
📍Luxury Option: The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City offers opulent accommodations, top-notch service, and proximity to Washington D.C. and Arlington National Cemetery.
Conclusion: What to Experience in Northern Virginia
As you can see, there are plenty of activities, attractions, and experiences in Northern Virginia. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying the great outdoors, or indulging in delicious food and wine, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re looking to see more of beautiful Virginia, I recommend planning a full Virginia road trip to explore other beautiful parts of the state!
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!
