Top Things to do in Northern Virginia
Top Hotels in Northern Virginia
- 1. Hyatt Regency Dulles
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Belvoir Alexandria South
- 3. Hyatt Centric Arlington
- 4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City
- 5. Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge
- 6. Hampton Inn Alexandria/Pentagon South
- 7. Hampton Inn Dulles-Cascades
- 8. Residence Inn Arlington Capital View
- 9. Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
- 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City DCA
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia
Discover the best top things to do in Northern Virginia, United States including Arlington National Cemetery, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, Catoctin Creek Distillery, NRA National Firearms Museum, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Leesylvania State Park, Old Town, Great Falls Park.
Restaurants in Northern Virginia
1. Arlington National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9,443 reviews
Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame.
Reviewed By Bill8071 - Lakewood Ranch, United States
No one can visit Arlington National Cemetery without realizing you are paying respect to many many fallen heroes. Every where you go you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. There is the tomb of the unknown soldier that is one of the most reverent sites there. The changing of the guard ceremony is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier Don’t visit Arlington without watching the changing of the guard. You will also see memorials to those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for the African Americans. You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s grave site, and the eternal flame, you will look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and you will turn around and see the majestic view of Washington DC and the United States Capital building. The tour guides are excellent. You can do self guided but be ready for some serious hill climbing. We chose the tram and are glad we did. The guides point out many of the grave markers that are historical in our lifetime as well as some from fallen times before us. The tour also includes a visit to the Marine memorial which is a bronze statue of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The memorial is huge and surrounded with pictures and history. One of the most beautiful monuments I have ever seen. When you visit, give yourself plenty of time to just stand at certain sites and reflect on men and events. The changing of the guard ceremony takes at least 30 minutes of your time. The Iwo Jima memorial another 30 minutes, and just walking around all the other sections and reflecting will consume s couple hours. Give a half a day minimum to your visit. With the many funerals they have there every day you will probably see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving thru the cemetery going to or coming from a burial. It’s just a beautiful, perfectly manicured, cemetery.
2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,045 reviews
Guarded around the clock by the Army's 3rd infantry, this memorial in Arlington National Cemetery honors unidentified American soldiers from the two World Wars and the Korean War.
Reviewed By imakemusic
This is the location of the graves of serviceman whose identities are unknown. It is a place quiet, respect honoring these servicemen. Every 30 minutes there is a changing of the guard ceremony and sometimes it is followed by a wreath laying ceremony by various organizations.
3. Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,389 reviews
The museum is temporarily closed and will reopen on Wednesday, May 5. Free timed entry passes are required. Please see our COVID-19 message and more information for planning you visit.
Reviewed By CourtneyF538 - Chapel Hill, United States
Highlights of this visit: The observation tower!! A MUST!! Space Shuttle Discovery & a whole area dedicated to man in space FREE guided highlight tours MANY staff/volunteers happily able to share information, history, and personal experiences... Extremely organized and very well labeled exhibits Multi-level views of many aircraft thanks to 2nd & 3rd level walkways. Points to note: Museum is free, but parking is not ($15) In-house McDonald's is CLEAN and not as pricey as would be expected inside a venue...it's an option, with views of planes coming into Dulles Lots of well-placed seating for visitors with mobility limitations or rest needs Our family of 5 (kids ages 14, 11, & 8) ALL enjoyed this museum!! For the sake of comparison, we have also recently visited the Wright-Patterson USAF Museum...both are excellent!! WP has more aircraft overall and delves deeper into the history of flight. Udvar-Hazy provides a more open environment with spectacular presentations. We HIGHLY recommend this museum!
4. Catoctin Creek Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 494 reviews
Catoctin Creek® Distilling Company was founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009 as the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition. We are located in Purcellville, Virginia, in the heart of the Loudoun Valley. Loudoun County, often called D.C.'s Wine Country, is home to more than twenty vineyards and wineries, and it now has a distillery. At Catoctin Creek, we believe in high quality food and spirits. Organic means higher quality: grain and fruit, sourced locally when possible, free of pesticides and chemical additives that would come through in the spirits we produce. Sure, it is more difficult to produce organically, but the results speak for themselves. The Virginia Rye Whisky!
Reviewed By dianemB8346AW
Catoctin Creek Distillery went above and beyond making a memorable experience to celebrate my husband’s birthday while ensuring customer and staff protections during the pandemic. We made a reservation online and had one indoor table waiting for us at a safe distance from other tables. We were able to attend a tour before enjoying a whiskey flight and cocktail flight. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and were very accommodating of our 4.5 month old puppy. Thank you for making such an enjoyable experience! We will definitely be back!
5. NRA National Firearms Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Small museum that highlights the long history of firearms.
Reviewed By Nordseth
We have driven by the NRA headquarters for years and never really had given it much thought. We were looking for something to do this past weekend and decided to visit their museum. None of our group are big gun fans especially. The quantity of firearms on display is amazing. And the range of history covered is excellent from the American Revolution to the Civil War to both World Wars. Additionally there are display of exotic hunting guns plus there were a slew of weapons used in blockbuster movies (our favorite area). The displays are all well lit and labeled plus brief informational details on each display are shown.
6. George Washington's Mount Vernon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,640 reviews
Come share the fascinating moments of America’s first family with yours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Explore the beautiful mansion and grounds and get to know the man, the ideas and the values that founded a nation. Dive into history through action-packed theaters, fascinating exhibits and meet characters from Washington’s world. Admire the view of the peaceful Potomac, or hop on board a sightseeing cruise. It’s a place where history truly comes to life.
Reviewed By breinhaugen - Fargo, United States
This was the second time we have visited Mount Vernon. While both visits were during the same time of year, both tours were completely different. A few years ago we did the Candle Light tour, but this year we decided to do a day tour which included the extra Dinner with the Washingtons tour. I would highly recommend either tour. Day or night, Mount Vernon is very worth visiting. During the Candle Light tour we were led by a tour guide, obviously by candle light around the property. Actors dressed as the Washington and servants played their parts well at each stop. During the Dinner with the Washingtons tour we were led around by a very knowledgeable tour guide who gave us an in-depth look at how the property sustained itself. Of course no matter which time you choose to go, you need to tour the house itself as well. There is a really nice, new visitor center on the property. There is a food court, shops, and various movie theaters showing short films on various topics around the Washingtons and that time period. We were able to easily get an Uber to and from Mount Vernon from Old Town Alexandria. It was quite inexpensive.
7. Manassas National Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
A 5,000-acre park that was the scene of two major Civil War battles.
Reviewed By 977samd - Vero Beach, United States
The Battlefields of Manassas are quite extensive and a visit begins at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Pet Friendly to pets at all times on leashes, the Visitor’s Center, located at 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109, 793-361-1339, battlefields open daily daylight hours, Visitor’s Center offers information, maps, restrooms, bookstore/gift shop, a introductory film, and exhibits. There were 2 battles referred to as First Manassas (First Bull Run - July 1861) & Second Manassas (Second Bull Run - August 1862). In our view, they First Manassas Battlefield is best understood by taking the walking tour; & the Second Manassas Battlefield is best understood by taking the 12 Station or Locations Driving Tour. First Manassas was the first real Battlefield action between USA/CSA, and it ended with 900 young men dead on the battlefield. It ended any notion the war’s outcome would be decided quickly. Eventually after 4 years of war, the war ended and 600,000+ young men lay dead on the battlefields. We suggest you plan to spend 4 hours or so, minimum, to get an understanding of the meaning of Manassas, and to begin to understand the degree of violence and destruction that occurred at Manassas, and how it set the base for 4 more years of bloody and destructive war.
8. Leesylvania State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
A beautiful park located on the Potomac River that offers historical sites and recreation facilities.
Reviewed By robbir408
You'll pay 5.00 to get in which is fine with me because I really love the park. There is fishing, hiking, gentle walking paths, boat and jet ski launches and a pier. Nice green areas with tables and BBQ grills. The trees go right up to the waters edge. There is a general store, rangers if you need them. Camping, guided tours, wildlife recognition with the tour guides. The largest population of bald eagles in the mid Atlantic. It's a small park, which fill to capacity on holidays. Go off season or during the week. You will love it.
9. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,765 reviews
Quaint old seaport section of Alexandria on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By TorquayIain - Torquay, United Kingdom
we stayed at the Embassy Suites at the top of King Street near the metro station and thoroughly enjoyed our strolls down King Street with its plethora of small stores and eating establishments, very nice area and would stay again.
10. Great Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,335 reviews
An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
A visit to this wonderful park is the perfect respite from the cityscapes of Washington D.C. Just a short drive from D.C., this park features many great hiking trails, abundant wildlife, historical sites, and of course the waterfalls. The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.
