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
Countries
What to do and see in Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Northern Virginia, United States including Arlington National Cemetery, Old Town, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Great Falls Park, George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor, Morven Park, Historical White's Ferry, Cox Farms, Stone Tower Winery, Leesburg Premium Outlets.
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor is situated on 3.8 acres of gardens on the eastern end of Leesburg's Old and Historic District. The site is designated a National Historic Landmark as the residence of General George C. Marshall from 1941 until 1959. During his residency in the home, General Marshall served our nation as Chief of Staff of the Army, as Special Envoy to China, as Secretary of State, as President of the American Red Cross, and as Secretary of Defense. His career as a military officer spanned 44 years, including distinguished service in two world wars. General Marshall was the architect of the European Recovery Plan (The Marshall Plan), and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. General Marshall was described as the "Greatest American of the twentieth century" by both Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. More than 90 percent of the items in the house belonged to the Marshalls when they lived here in the 1950s.
Reviewed By G4110PEdonnaf
This house is filled with the actual personal belongings of General Marshall and his family, as well as memorabilia from his accomplishments on the world stage. This gives the tours a deeper connection to visitors which is truly inspiring. The docents are well informed, dedicated to the museum, and share fascinating details of Marshall's personal life (including that of his wife). A wonderful experience which brings history to life.
6. Morven Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Morven Park is a 1,000 acre historic estate located in Leesburg, Virginia. For information on Park events and visiting the grounds, visit MorvenPark.org The mansion and museum hours vary by season. Visit MorvenPark.org/Tours for admission details and tour schedules. Known as the “Central Park” of Loudoun County, Morven Park welcomes 250,000 visitors each year who come to enjoy exquisite scenery, formal boxwood gardens, the Morven Park International Equestrian Center, athletic fields, the iconic Greek Revival mansion, museums, and hiking trails. As a nonprofit organization, Morven Park relies on donations to preserve the exceptional buildings and grounds, to support our award-winning student programs, and to continue our fun, family-friendly events.
Reviewed By jaswyre - Leesburg, United States
A great place to go for a long walk and to look at the beautiful surroundings. If you take photos you need to get a permit first Beautiful grounds an fun to just drive through.
7. Historical White's Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By dawnfromseattle - Vienna, United States
For $5 you can take your car across the Potomac on the historic, cable operated ferry. The ride is 5 minutes. On the Maryland side there is a park, restrooms and a little country store. Glad we went.
8. Cox Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By edc338 - Arlington, United States
We took our grandchildren to the Cox Farms Fall Festival. It was a delight. There were more slides than you could shake a stick at. numerous things to climb, a goat feeding area (be aware the older goats can be agressively demanding), rope swings, corn field path, and hay ride. We went early when they opened which was a mistake - there were a lot of school groups which made for crowds and lines. After the groups left the lines got shorter. However we ended up being chased out by rain :( One recommendation - even though there is food available, the lines can be very long. I strongly recommend you carry snacks. However, the doughnuts are worth standing in line for. (The line is slow as they are cooking the doughnuts fresh)
9. Stone Tower Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By 5ronj
Really fun afternoon. Wine tasting, great food, cozy indoors and although it was chilly a whole vineyard to explore outside.
10. Leesburg Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 385 reviews
Leesburg Premium Outlets is more than just a great collection of the finest designer labels and name brands, it is the area's only upscale outlet center. Include a shopping stop during your next trip to the nation's capitol. Located 35 miles from Washington D.C. and 17 miles west of Dulles International Airport, you're sure to find impressive savings of 25% to 65% all year round. Local Shop & Stay packages are available.
Reviewed By richardsW8498GT - Abilene, United States
The Outlets is a great place to shop because there is a fantastic selection of stores. They do a good job of dealing with traffic getting in and out of the mall. There is plenty of parking and multiple access points to the shops. The food court as a limited offering of food options and a nice stating area to enjoy your meal. Rest Rooms are located a strategic point in the shopping area. The Outlets has a Fridays located in the parking area and we noticed a food truck last night. There is a Ruby Tuesday located a block north on Edwards Ferry road. There are several other eating options in close proximity to the Outlets.
