What to do and see in Fairfax County, Fairfax County: The Best Free Things to do

February 1, 2022 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in Fairfax County, United States including St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, artinsights animation and film art gallery, ArtSpace Herndon, Clemyjontri Park, Tysons Galleria Shopping Center, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Tysons Corner Center, Pohick Church, Lake Accotink Park.
Restaurants in Fairfax County

1. St. Bernadette Catholic Church

7600 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22152-2016 http://www.stbernpar.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

St. Bernadette Catholic Church

2. Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151-3002 +1 703-572-4118 [email protected] http://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center/
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,389 reviews

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center

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!

11921 Freedom Dr Reston Town Center, Reston, VA 20190-5667 +1 703-478-0778 [email protected] http://www.artinsights.com/Default.aspx
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

artinsights animation and film art gallery

Representing a wide range of film and contemporary art at their gallery in Reston Town Center since 1994, ArtInsights focuses on proprietary projects and artist representation relating to the history of animation and film, and the celebration and examination of popular culture. With artists like the preeminent movie poster artist John Alvin, whom they represent, and exclusive images by William Silvers, Jim Salvati, and many others, the gallery builds collections of original and limited edition art for their growing worldwide collector base. Whether you love Star Wars, Harry Potter, Blade Runner, Disney, or pop culture in general, the gallery is a must, as it offers original production and interpretive art unavailable anywhere else in the world.

4. ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170-3712 +1 703-956-6590 [email protected] http://www.artspaceherndon.org/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

ArtSpace Herndon

ArtSpace Herndon is a community art gallery created and supported by art lovers in the greater Herndon area. ArtSpace Herndon is a gathering place to celebrate the arts,showcasing artwork and events by local, regionally, and nationally known artists.

Reviewed By FFtravels - Vienna, United States

Tucked out of the way (but plenty of parking close by), this is a gem of a small art gallery. The exhibits I've seen so far have been wonderful. It's not very big, but well worth the time to visit.

5. Clemyjontri Park

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101-2209 +1 703-388-2807 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 124 reviews

Clemyjontri Park

Reviewed By SusanK347 - McLean, United States

This park is a hidden gem in McLean. There is a wide range of equipment here in the way of jungle gyms, etc., as well as walking paths. Great for families with kids.

6. Tysons Galleria Shopping Center

2001 International Dr, McLean, VA 22102-4605 +1 703-827-7730 http://Www.tysonsgalleria.com
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Tysons Galleria Shopping Center

Reviewed By je1058 - Fredericksburg, United States

Tyson’s Galleria (Also known as Tysons II) is an uber hi-end mall with stores like Prada, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Sak’s, Neiman Marcus, etc. Over the years, this mall has been up and down with occupancy. It does feature some nicer restaurants, like Wild Fire. Overall, I like this mall and the stores in it. It’s also connected to the Ritz-Carlton, so if you’re staying at the Ritz, you can walk right into the mall from the 4th floor.

7. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

McLean, VA 20175 +1 703-777-0343 http://www.loudoun.gov
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Park composed of three seperate trails, perfect for hiking and biking.

Reviewed By 25wallace79 - McLean, United States

Have loved this place for over 30 years and so happy they never made it a “park”. There’s very little man-made influence here; a few trash cans and benches with some signs near the parking area. Trails are marked by painted color squares in mature trees. It’s a conservatory park meaning no vehicles like motorized bikes, regular bicycles, firearms and camping or campfires. You’ll see horseback riders and hikers and lots of dogs. And that’s nice because it keeps it quiet and safe without speeding bikers taking over the single track paths. I’m an avid cyclist and would love to ride here but it’s not meant for that. My children loved the secluded feel almost like going back in time. There’s part of the canal still in tact from George Washington’s time. I am there at least three times a week with my dog and make an effort to collect trash I see. I hope they never develop this place or make it a formal park. I was reluctant even to write a review that would attract people who will misuse the park but it’s such a great place. If you like natural woods with nothing faster than an occasional jogger, come enjoy this great place.

8. Tysons Corner Center

1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102-4501 +1 703-893-9401 [email protected] http://www.tysonscornercenter.com
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 409 reviews

Tysons Corner Center

As one of the top 10 shopping centers in the country, Tysons Corner Center offers an unbeatable mix of more than 300 department and specialty stores. Tysons' "who's who" of retailers includes Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, American Girl, L.L. Bean, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Spanx, Apple, The Disney Store and more. Tysons Corner Center also offers a 16-screen stadium seating and IMAX 3D AMC Theatre, fine and casual dining restaurants, a food court and a National Geographic sponsored children's play area. The new outdoor Plaza at Tysons Corner hosts events throughout the year and provides a number of eateries with cafe seating. The new 310 room luxury Hyatt Regency Hotel at Tysons Corner Center is the perfect respite from a busy day of shopping.

Reviewed By aro7

Tyson's Corner is a very modern shopping mall where you can find stores from good reputable American brands to premium ones such Coach or Tesla. The food courts are ok but I'd rather recommend the speciality restaurants. The department stores Macys, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are spacious and well provided. Lord and Taylor has a lower standard. Godiva is a store I recommend, especially because Ice cream.

9. Pohick Church

9301 Richmond Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA +1 703-339-6572 http://www.pohick.org
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Pohick Church

Reviewed By ITRT

I had passed this church numerous times but never visited the church until a few days ago when I attended a memorial service. The present church building, using George Washington’s plan, was completed in 1774. The original interior of the church was destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War who wanted souvenirs of “Washington’s Church”. Pew boxes common during colonial times are in use to this day. Upon entering the church, you will see a baptismal font. It is believed it was originally used as a mortar for a monastery kitchen in England that was closed during the Reformation. Artifacts such as this were shipped to the colonies for liturgical use. Behind the baptismal font you will find the pulpit, canopy and seats in an enclosed box. Under the pulpit is the burial site of the last rector Rev. Lee Massey. The church has the colonial design of pew boxes. Those who could afford it bought pews for their families while some were set aside for people who couldn't afford to pay for them. The altar area has three large pieces containing the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. In the courtyard is a monument dedicated to all the unknown dead who were buried prior to the Civil War. A cemetery on the grounds is open from sunrise to sunset daily and is open to the public. Trivia: Parson Weems, who was known for the story of George Washington and the cherry tree, was once a preacher at Pohick Church.

10. Lake Accotink Park

7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150-3644 +1 703-569-0285 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink/
Excellent
43%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 151 reviews

Lake Accotink Park

Outside D.C. in Northern Virginia. Tour boat rides, pedal boat rentals, carousel, beach front, playground equipment, hiking trails, snack bar, etc.

Reviewed By abomb17 - Philadelphia, United States

Hard to believe this place is right in the heart of suburban DC! I've been here several times both alone and with others and it's beautiful any time of the year. Walking the loop all the way around Lake Accotink is a great way to spend a couple hours but if you're not into hiking there's plenty of activities at the pavilion (merry-go-round, minigolf. picnic areas, paddle boating, etc). Great place for families with young kids and there's a concession stand too.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.