Looking for some fun activities in Occoquan, Virginia?
Occoquan is a cute, charming, Virginia town just 30 minutes from Washington DC, that is known for its cute, artsy vibe and proximity to the Occoquan River. You can snap photos of cute historic homes, hike along scenic forested trails, stroll through cozy galleries, or kayak along the Occoquan River!
There’s always something fun to do in this small, scenic town. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Occoquan, from someone who lives 30 minutes away and enjoys brunch there often!
Short on time?
Aside from sampling wines and shopping at boutique stores, here are a few of my top things to do in Occoquan if you only have a day (or just want the highlights):
- Kayak along the Occoquan River
- Visit the Mill House Museum for a quick dose of local history
- Explore River Mill Park for scenic river views
- Camp at Occoquan Regional Park for a peaceful overnight stay
- Take this guided Occoquan fishing tour for a relaxing day on the water
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20 Fun Activities In Occoquan, VA
These 20 activities will give you a glimpse of all that storybook Occoquan and Occoquan Regional Park has to offer!
1. Go Kayaking Along the River
Occoquan is great for kayaking. You can rent a kayak anytime between May and October, and rentals cost around $20 per hour for a single kayak.
Paddling along the Occoquan River is so peaceful, and the views are gorgeous. I spotted a bunch of birds when I was kayaking last summer, and being out there in the water is such a relaxing way to take in the scenery.
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. Paint Pottery at Paint Your Heart Out
You can get creative at Paint Your Heart Out, a charming pottery studio. The space is cheerful and inviting and there are so many different types of pottery you can paint! It’s a fun, hands-on activity, and you can leave with a personalized souvenir from your visit.
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 and you’re not planning on coming back to Occoquan anytime soon, maybe skip this activity.
3. Stop by the Artists’ Undertaking Gallery
If you love art and supporting local art, visit the Artists’ Undertaking Gallery! There are so many different pieces of art on display here from local artists.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home, the Artists’ Undertaking Gallery is a great place to stop and shop. I like to snap photos of the artwork to get some inspiration for my own artistic endeavors!
4. Visit the Mill House Museum
The Mill House Museum is a great stop to learn all about Occoquan’s industrial history. Once an administrative building for a large mill complex in Occoquan, the house is now a museum housing a collection of documents, photographs, and other artifacts showcasing the town’s history since the 18th century.
The mill house museum is FREE to enter, and is open every day from 11 AM – 4 PM, except on Wednesdays. It’s a great way to learn more about the history of this town!
5. Grab Brunch at Cock and Bowl
For a cozy meal, a visit to 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—making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The food looks as good as it tastes! I love their mussels, Belgian waffles, and fries with homemade mayo. In my opinion, Cock and Bowl is the best restaurant in Occoquan!
6. Shop at Magickal Moons
If you’re into crystals and tarot cards, visit Magickal Moons! The store is attached to one of the many haunted houses in Occoquan, and you’ll be greeted by some adorable cats.
It’s a great place to explore the metaphysical side of Occoquan! The town is popular for its haunted spots and mysterious vibe.
7. Take Photos at the Mamie Davis Park
Mamie Davis Park is a beautiful and cozy little park in Occoquan, perfect for a peaceful stroll or relaxing on a day out. It offers beautiful riverfront views and scenic spots. You can get some stunning shots of the Occoquan River from the park, especially during sunset when the light reflects off the water.
It’s a cute photo op!
8. Shop Antiques at The Preservation Station
The Preservation Station is one of my favorite antique stores in Occoquan, offering a collection of eclectic art, products, and treasures.
You can buy antique treasures for your home and garden, and they also have a great selection of antique art for sale!
9. Sample some Wines at Bottle Stop Wine Bar
Bottle Stop Wine Bar is a must if you love wine and you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon in Occoquan. The service and quality are incredible, and dogs are welcome on the patio!
I love their Citrus Crusted Salmon, and their wine selection is excellent. Enjoy a glass of local wine while soaking in the cozy ambiance and views.
10. Explore unique gifts at Gift & Gather
Gift & Gather is a women-owned gift shop offering everything from skincare products, stationery, kids’ toys, and handmade handbags.
There are so many handpicked, unique items here, and the prices are pretty reasonable! If you’re looking for some unique gifts for the person in your life who already has everything, you’re bound to find something special at Gift & Gather.
11. See the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial
The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is close to the Occoquan Workhouse, a prison where 168 suffragists were once held during the 1910s Silent Sentinels demonstrations.
The memorial honors the women who fought for their right to vote, and it’s a great spot to learn about the history of the suffragist movement.
12. Have a Beer at Cock & Bowl
I’m repeating this thing to do because if you’re a beer fan, Cock & Bowl has some of the best beers in Occoquan! Their non-alcoholic apple cider is also delicious, if you don’t drink.
Have some classic Belgian fries to go with your meal, and you can’t go wrong with your midday snack!
13. Relax at The Secret Garden Cafe
The Secret Garden Cafe used to be owned by the pharmacist of the town in 1840. It’s now a relaxed restaurant serving classic American fare with a global twist.
I love their Greek chicken and shrimp & grit cakes. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is beautiful. I highly recommend sitting outside!
14. Have fun at a Fall Festival
If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss Occoquan’s seasonal festivals. These events are full of fun activities, local crafts, and delicious food, making it a great way to experience the town’s community spirit.
For more information about the latest festivals and what’s available during your visit, be sure to visit the Occoquan Festivals website!
15. Have a Picnic Near the Occoquan LOVE sign
For a fun and scenic hike, visit the LOVE sign at Occoquan Regional Park, located in River Mill Park. This picturesque spot offers fantastic views of the town and river, perfect for a photo op to remember your time in Occoquan.
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.
16. Explore River Mill Park
Take a stroll through River Mill Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and views of the Occoquan River. There’s even a mini waterfall! It’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon outdoors.
17. Shop at Glory Be
Glory Be is a wonderful boutique shop offering a variety of vintage furniture, home decor, candles, and art. It’s a cute little store in a cute town, with very friendly and knowledgeable shopkeepers!
You can always find something unique and special here!
18. Go Fishing at Occoquan Regional Park
There are so many things to do in Occoquan Regional Park, but if you enjoy fishing, the park is a must! The river is home to white perch, striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and catfish.
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 1-1 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).
➡️ The Best Guided Fishing Tour in Occoquan!
If you’re new to the area or you’ve never been 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!
19. Go Camping at Occoquan Regional Park
For an outdoor adventure, consider camping at Occoquan Regional Park. The park offers campgrounds with scenic views of the river and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, from kayaking to fishing.
Camping is one of the most popular things to do in Occoquan! The campsites here are well-maintained, the nights here are perfect, and I highly recommend it!
If you want to camp at Occoquan Regional Park, you have to fill out an Occoquan Regional Park camper onboarding prep form in advance. Be sure to do this before your camping trip at Occoquan!
20. Check out local art at The Loft Gallery
Another great gallery in Occoquan is The Loft Gallery, which features some beautiful paintings and drawings from regional artists.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for some inspiration or unique artwork to take home.
Getting Around Occoquan
Occoquan is a small, walkable town. Many of the activities are within walking distance of each other, but if you want to venture outside the town center to places like the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, you can always drive, take an Uber/Lyft, or bike around other areas nearby.
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Where to Stay
If you’re visiting Occoquan as part of an extended stay, there are several excellent accommodation options nearby:
Budget option
- Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge: This hotel is nice, budget-friendly, and the staff is nice and accommodating
Mid-range option
- Hyatt Place National Harbor: The rooms are modern and clean, and parking is easy using the nearby Fleet Street Garage ($24 overnight)
Luxury option
- Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: This is a nice place with a big conference center and beautiful views.
FAQs
Common questions about visiting Occoquan:
Is Occoquan worth visiting?
Yes! Occoquan is a charming town full of history, arts, and outdoor activities. It’s perfect for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway.
What’s in Occoquan VA?
Occoquan is known for its historic main street, scenic riverfront views, art galleries, unique shops, and cozy restaurants. It’s a great place for anyone looking to enjoy a quiet, peaceful setting.
Is the Occoquan safe to swim in?
While the Occoquan River is beautiful, it’s not recommended for swimming due to water quality concerns. However, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the river from the shore are great alternatives.
Why is Occoquan historic?
Occoquan has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was once a thriving port town and played a significant role in the industrial development of the region, particularly during the 1800s.
Conclusion: Visiting Historic Occoquan
Occoquan is a cute, historic town that’s perfect for travelers looking to explore history, art, and nature. It’s an easy Virginia day trip from Washington DC!
Occoquan Regional Park is one of my favorite spots in Northern Virginia, and I’m sure you’ll love it too! You can do anything here, from exploring cute boutique shops to enjoying the outdoors. It’s the perfect escape from the city.
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!
