Northern Virginia

Alexandria | arlington | fairfax county | loudoun county | prince william county

Northern Virginia

Whether it’s during an annual pilgrimage to the beaches of Florida or a shorter drive to Washington, D.C., there’s one place you might not have stopped before, but it shouldn’t be missed. Northern Virginia—that is to say, the cities of Alexandria and Arlington, plus Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties—is known as Virginia’s Cultural Region thanks to an abundance of vineyards, outdoor activities, history, arts and culture as well as shopping. Read on for our guide to the best ways to experience the rolling countryside, cobblestoned streets and big-time attractions that make this region a worthwhile detour. In fact, you might find yourself staying for a day or three.

Known for: Readers of Condé Nast Traveler named Alexandria one of the Top 3 Small Cities in the U.S. in 2023 and it’s no wonder; a visit to this vibrant, walkable city will have you wanting to move here permanently. Established in 1749 as a port city by Scottish merchants, Old Town Alexandria is a literal step back in history with its colourful row houses and red-brick sidewalks unchanged for centuries, while the city’s modern Potomac River waterfront continues to evolve with new restaurants, public art and parks. With history around every corner here, there are plenty of opportunities to dive deeper. Take a ghost tour by lantern light with a costumed guide. Pretend to mix potions at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Marvel at The Hollensbury Spite House, the skinniest historic house in the U.S. at 2.29 metres wide, and supposedly built in an alleyway to keep horse-drawn wagons from bumping into Hollensbury’s house.

Must do: Stroll along the King Street mile (or hop on the free King Street Trolley) and plan to spend a few hours inside more than 200 boutiques and restaurants, many housed in 18th- and 19th-century buildings. With wide sidewalks and brightly coloured storefronts, the alluring collection of independent stores ranges from stationery at Penny Post and funky socks at Old Town Sock Co. to vintage art at Lowery’s Dial and knitting supplies at fibre space. Refuel or people-watch at restaurants like Vermilion and Barca Pier & Wine Bar. The city also hosts annual events worth timing a trip around. During Alexandria Restaurant Week, now in its 15th year, top local restaurants offer prix fixe menus at special prices each winter and summer. And on the first Saturday in December, catch the city’s long-running Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.

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Must do: From military memorials and presidential sites to an array of eclectic museums, Arlington brings U.S. history vividly to life. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 400,000 veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War as well as two Presidents (William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy); as the grounds are 2.59 square kilometres, you may want to ride the tour bus which stops at notable sites. The Military Women’s Memorial honours the contributions of the three million women who have served in the Armed Forces since the American Revolution. Theodore Roosevelt Island is a .36-square-kilometre forested island located in the Potomac River designed as a memorial to the outdoorsman and conservationist president; it also features nods to other presidents thanks to views of the Lincoln Memorial and Kennedy Center. After a two-year renovation, the DEA Museum is open to the public. It’s free to enter this museum dedicated to the Drug Enforcement Administration that includes more than 5,000 objects, 40,000 photographs and hands-on exhibits related to the history of drug misuse prevention.

Known for: You’d be forgiven if you only know of Arlington in connection with the national cemetery, but this is still very much the land of the living. In fact, Arlington has been named the “Fittest City in America” for six years straight by the American College of Sports Medicine. With 4 square kilometres of green space connected by more than 121 kilometres of multi-use trails, Arlington makes it easy to have an active vacation. The whole family can explore the novice-friendly, scenic woodland hiking trails at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, a .27-square-kilometre space that includes an environmental centre and a seasonal organic vegetable garden. Fort C.F. Smith Park is a nearly 77,000-square-metre site that includes .8 kilometres of trails, a preserved Civil War fort, a peace garden and plenty of wildlife (namely deer, fox, rabbit, squirrels and a host of different birds). Bring a picnic to Gravelly Point Park, located along the Mount Vernon Trail, and watch as planes thunder overhead in their descent to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Must do: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the only national park dedicated to this subject, is open year-round, but you can hear the sound of music from May-September. During this warm stretch, the various amphitheaters in the park play host to performances such as musicals, dance, opera, jazz, popular and country music. For more fresh air opportunities, Great Falls Park offers 3.24 square kilometres for hiking as well as three overlooks for viewing the falls. If retail therapy is more your speed, go shopping at Tysons Corner Center, which is also a stop on D.C.’s Metro Silver Line. The complex is home to more than 300 brands, 40 places to eat and a 16-screen movie theater.

Known for: Spanning just over 1035 square kilometres and bordering Alexandria and Arlington, Fairfax County has plenty of room for its many attractions. One of the biggest draws to this area is an American Founding Father’s historic home on the banks of the Potomac. George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate not only includes his final resting place, but also two museums, a farm and his mansion full of interesting artifacts (including the Key to the Bastille, given to the first president by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1790). Just west of Mount Vernon is the National Museum of the U.S. Army, which honours more than 254 years of the nation’s soldiers from colonial times to present day. Learn about individual soldiers through the biographical accounts etched on freestanding pylons, see life-sized battle exhibits and observe items ranging from weapons to personal things like a soldier’s pocket Bible. Admission is free here and also at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Its two large hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a spy plane (a Blackbird SR-71), a space shuttle (Discovery) and a supersonic jetliner (a Concorde).

Must do: Seasonal events draw the crowds here, so plan your visit in advance to be sure you get a ticket. Morven Park in Leesburg plays host to the region's equestrian events. What initially started as a small spring gathering of horse-riding enthusiasts more than 50 years ago, the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Race has grown into an event that now showcases the best equine athletes in Virginia and beyond. In the summer, enjoy tailgating or picnicking on the grass with a fine glass of Loudoun wine (of course) and cheer on the world's finest polo players at Morven's Polo in the Park nights. Now in its 12th season, the Middleburg Film Festival takes place every October. Each year, over the course of four days, narrative and documentary films are shown, followed by Q & A sessions with filmmakers, actors and other guests. The festival was founded by Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. (There’s a 5-star Salamander Resort in Middleburg, if you want to rest your head here, too.)

Known for: Just 40 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. is its Wine Country. With more than 50 wineries offering everything from barrel tastings with vintners and grape stomping to yoga in the vines and vineyard tours, Loudoun County is an oenophile’s dream. Download the Wine Trail guide to make the most of your visit. An idyllic country escape with spectacular vineyard views, rolling hills for horseback riding and countless hiking trails, Loudoun is also home to historic towns. Middleburg and Leesburg are filled with boutique shops, restaurants and a thriving public art scene. The county is also a booming craft beverage destination. You'll find distilleries, meaderies, cideries and more than 30 breweries along the LoCo Ale Trail that connects trendy urban breweries with farm beer gardens and mountain-top beer halls.

Row houses on Queen Streetphoto credit: Adedayo Kosoko

Alexandria

Arlington

Fairfax County

Loudoun County

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Captain's Row in Alexandria photo credit: Adedayo Kosoko for Visit Alexandria

King Street

Horse Race at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia

Reffen Street Food Market Photo credits: Lukas Bukoven (left); Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food (right)

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Alexandria waterfront | credit: Hover Solutions for Visit Alexandria

The Crossing Clarendon | credit: Jonathan Kozowyk

George Washington's Mt. Vernon | credit: Thalia Romero

Stone Tower Winery | credit: Neal Alfano Photography

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Prince William County

Must do: Situated on a .55-square-kilometre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is now in its 45th year. While much of the museum focuses on war through photographs, maps and life-size figures in combat situations, there is also a highlight on the humanitarian duties (such as guarding embassies and relief efforts during national disasters) as well as the human cost of war, honouring fallen Marines. War is a heavy topic, and you might find yourself in need of a drink after soaking up all the military history found in Prince William County. Thankfully, the Steins, Vines and Moonshine Trail is ready to oblige with its 20 breweries, wineries and distilleries. In fact, Water’s End Brewery even offers a golden ale with the tagline “sometimes all you need is a Damn Beer.” Prince William County knows how to make you reflect—and recharge before your next adventure.

National Museum of the Marine Corps (left); Brew Republic (right)

Known for: Representing a budget-friendly option in Washington, D.C.'s vicinity, Prince William County is full of historical attractions to explore. This area is home to Manassas National Battlefield Park, site of two major U.S. Civil War battles, but also 64 kilometres of present-day hiking trails through its nearly 21 square kilometres of land. Join a history trail walk and check out significant sites from the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, plus other important locations for modern military and African American history. Bring peace to yourself by exploring the largest greenspace in northern Virginia, here in Prince William County. Prince William Forest Park, a 52.6-square-kilometre national park, that offers 60 kilometres of trails for hiking, cycling and bird watching. During the warmer months, camping is also an option in the park’s 100 cabins.

Prince William Forest Park

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Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum photo credit: Kristian Summerer for Visit Alexandria

Historic row houses photo credit: Sam Kittner for Visit Alexandria

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

National Museum of the U.S. Army photo credit: April Greer for Visit Fairfax

Historical reenactors at Mt. Vernonphoto credit: April Greer for Visit Fairfax

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (left); Great Falls Park (right) Photo credits: Scott Suchman (left); April Greer (right)

Historic Hillsboro, Virginia photo credit: Rodney Brown

Go wine tasting at one of Loudon County's 50 wineries

Wheatland Spring Farm Breweryphoto credit: Neal Alfano Photography

Bike along the Mount Vernon Trail or to the Netherlands Carillon

The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery | photo credit: Jonathan Kozowyk (left)

Buena Vida Gastrolounge in Arlington

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center in Fairfax County photo credit: Dane Penland

Bluemont Vineyard in Loudoun County photo credit: Neal Alfano Photography

Manassas Battlefield in Prince William County

Bear Den Scenic Overlook on the Appalachian Trail, Loudoun County | credit: Neal Alfano Photography

Alexandria | arlington | fairfax county | loudoun county | prince william county

Known for: Readers of Condé Nast Traveler named Alexandria one of the Top 3 Small Cities in the U.S. in 2023 and it’s no wonder; a visit to this vibrant, walkable city will have you wanting to move here permanently. Established in 1749 as a port city by Scottish merchants, Old Town Alexandria is a literal step back in history with its colorful row houses and red-brick sidewalks unchanged for centuries, while the city’s modern Potomac River waterfront continues to evolve with new restaurants, public art and parks. With history around every corner here, there are plenty of opportunities to dive deeper. Take a ghost tour by lantern light with a costumed guide. Pretend to mix potions at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Marvel at The Hollensbury Spite House, the skinniest historic house in the U.S. at 7 feet 6 inches wide, and supposedly built in an alleyway to keep horse-drawn wagons from bumping into Hollensbury’s house.

Must do: Stroll along the King Street mile (or hop on the King Street trolley) and plan to spend a few hours inside the hundreds of boutiques and restaurants housed in 18th- and 19th-century buildings. With wide sidewalks and brightly colored storefronts, the alluring collection of independent stores ranges from stationery at Penny Post and funky socks at Old Town Sock Co. to vintage art at Lowery’s Dial and knitting supplies at fibre space. The city also hosts annual events worth timing a trip around. During Alexandria Restaurant Week, now in its 15th year, top local restaurants offer prix fixe menus at special prices each winter and summer. And on the first Saturday in December, catch the city’s long-running Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler named Alexandria one of the Top 3 Small Cities in the U.S. in 2023 and it’s no wonder; a visit to this vibrant, walkable city will have you wanting to move here permanently. Established in 1749 as a port city by Scottish merchants, Old Town Alexandria is a literal step back in history with its colorful row houses and red-brick sidewalks unchanged for centuries, while the city’s modern Potomac River waterfront continues to evolve with new restaurants, public art and parks. With history around every corner here, there are plenty of opportunities to dive deeper. Take a ghost tour by lantern light with a costumed guide. Pretend to mix potions at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Marvel at The Hollensbury Spite House, the skinniest historic house in the U.S. at 7 feet 6 inches wide, and supposedly built in an alleyway to keep horse-drawn wagons from bumping into Hollensbury’s house.

Known for: You’d be forgiven if you only know of Arlington in connection with the national cemetery, but this is still very much the land of the living. In fact, Arlington has been named the “Fittest City in America” for six years straight by the American College of Sports Medicine. With 1,000 acres of green space connected by more than 75 miles of multi-use trails, Arlington makes it easy to have an active vacation. The whole family can explore the novice-friendly, scenic woodland hiking trails at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, a 67-acre space that includes an environmental center and a seasonal organic vegetable garden. Fort C.F. Smith Park is a 19-acre site that includes a half-mile of trails, a preserved Civil War fort, a peace garden and plenty of wildlife (namely deer, fox, rabbit, squirrels and a host of different birds). The 31 acres at Lubber Run Park include a paved trail, a recreation area for kids as well as multi-purpose lighted courts for pickleball, volleyball and basketball.

Must do: From military memorials and presidential sites to an array of eclectic museums, Arlington brings U.S. history vividly to life. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 400,000 veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War as well as two Presidents (William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy); as the grounds are 639 acres, you may want to ride the tour bus which stops at notable sites. The Military Women’s Memorial honors the contributions of the three million women who have served in the Armed Forces since the American Revolution. Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre forested island located in the Potomac River designed as a memorial to the outdoorsman and conservationist president; it also features nods to other presidents thanks to views of the Lincoln Memorial and Kennedy Center. After a two-year renovation, the DEA Museum is open to the public. It’s free to enter this museum dedicated to the Drug Enforcement Administration that includes more than 5,000 objects, 40,000 photographs and hands-on exhibits related to the history of drug misuse prevention.

Known for: Spanning just over 400 square miles and bordering Alexandria and Arlington, Fairfax County has plenty of room for its many attractions. One of the biggest draws to this area is an American Founding Father’s historic home on the banks of the Potomac. George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate not only includes his final resting place, but also two museums, a farm and his mansion full of interesting artifacts (including the Key to the Bastille, given to the first president by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1790). Just east of Mount Vernon is the National Museum of the U.S. Army, which honors more than 254 years of the nation’s soldiers from colonial times to present day. Learn about individual soldiers through the biographical accounts etched on freestanding pylons, see life-sized battle exhibits and observe items ranging from weapons to personal things like a soldier’s pocket Bible. Admission is free here and also at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Its two large hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a spy plane (a Blackbird SR-71), a space shuttle (the Discovery) and a supersonic jetliner (a Concorde).

Must do: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the only national park dedicated to this subject, is open year-round, but you can hear the sound of music from May-September. During this warm stretch, the various amphitheaters in the park play host to performances such as musicals, dance, opera, jazz, popular and country music. For more fresh air opportunities, Great Falls Park offers 800 acres for hiking as well as three overlooks for viewing the falls. If retail therapy if more your speed, go shopping at Tysons Corner Center, which is also a stop on D.C.’s Metro Silver Line. The complex is home to more than 300 brands, 40 places to eat and a 16-screen movie theater.

Known for: Just 25 miles from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. is its Wine Country. With more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms, as well as barrel tastings with vintners, grape stomping, yoga in the vines and vinotherapy spa treatments, Loudoun County is an oenophile’s dream. Download the Wine Trail guide to make the most of your visit. Loudoun County is an idyllic country escape, full of spectacular vineyard views, rolling hills for horseback riding, bike trails, small towns and boutique shopping. If wine isn’t your thing, there is also a booming craft beverage scene thanks to more than 30 breweries. The LoCo Ale Trail connects trendy urban breweries and bespoke taprooms with farm beer gardens and mountain-top beer halls.

Must do: Seasonal events draw the crowds here, so plan your visit in advance to be sure you get a ticket. In the spring, celebrate steeplechase racing at the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Race at Morven Park in Leesburg. What initially started as a small gathering of horse-riding enthusiasts more than 50 years ago has grown into an event that now showcases the best equine athletes in Virginia and beyond. This year’s event takes place April 21. Now in its 12th season, the Middleburg Film Festival will be held Oct. 17-20. Each year, over the course of four days, narrative and documentary films are shown, followed by Q & A sessions with filmmakers, actors and other guests. The festival was founded by Sheila Johnson, a founding partner of Black Entertainment Television and also the founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. (There’s a 5-star Salamander Resort in Middleburg, if you want to rest your head here, too.)

Known for: Representing a budget-friendly option in Washington, D.C.'s vicinity, Prince William County is full of historical attractions to explore. This area is home to Manassas National Battlefield Park, site of two major U.S. Civil War battles, but also 40 miles of present-day hiking trails through its nearly 5,100 acres of land. Join a history trail walk and check out significant sites from the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, plus other important locations for modern military and African American history. Bring peace to yourself by exploring the largest greenspace in northern Virginia, here in Prince William County. Prince William Forest Park, a 13,000-acre national park, that offers 37 miles of trails for hiking, cycling and bird watching. During the warmer months, camping is also an option in the park’s 100 cabins.

Must do: Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is now in its 45th year. While much of the museum focuses on war through photographs, maps and life-size figures in combat situations, there is also a highlight on the humanitarian duties (such as guarding embassies and relief efforts during national disasters) as well as the human cost of war, honoring fallen Marines. War is a heavy topic, and you might find yourself in need of a drink after soaking up all the military history found in Prince William County. Thankfully, the Steins, Vines and Moonshine Trail is ready to oblige with its 20 breweries, wineries and distilleries. In fact, Water’s End Brewery even offers a golden ale with the tagline “sometimes all you need is a Damn Beer.” Prince William County knows how to make you reflect—and recharge before your next adventure.