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 Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Northern Virginia, United States including The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, Inside Ski Training Center, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, NRA National Firearms Museum, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Leesylvania State Park, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Old Town.
Restaurants in Northern Virginia
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. Inside Ski Training Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Year-round indoor skiing and snowboarding on a large infinite slope. A professional instructor controls the speed and the pitch of the slope as the rider progresses. A mirror at the base and the instructor provide immediate feedback. All equipment provided and reservations are required. Important COVID-19 Update: Please wear a mask at all times and observe 6 feet of social distancing. Group lessons must be from the same household. All other lessons must be booked and billed as a private. Lessons are available every other hour to allow us to sanitize between students. Please limit extra spectators to 2.
Reviewed By bigmamma2021
Awesome lessons for me and my 11 yr old son! Great instructors and nice indoor ski slope! We’ve been going for 4 lessons so far and all were fantastic!
4. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,412 reviews
Commonly called the "Iwo Jima Memorial," the statue is a depiction of the famous raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima and is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives defending that flag.
Reviewed By roprey - Arlington, United States
Any veteran, soldier, American, or visitor from overseas should have the USMC Memorial on their list. An 8-10 minute easy walk from the Rosslyn Metro, or tour buses stop there too. Car parking is available as well. A giant statue representing the Marines who raised the flag at Iwojima sits on a bluff overlooking all the monuments across the river. At night, its especially stunning. You are adjacent to Arlington Cemetery as well. Also a must-visit. If you happen to be there at 11 PM, you'll here the TAPS bugle from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
The only national park dedicated to the performing arts, with spaces for indoor and outdoor performances.
Reviewed By MaryW71
I’ve attended concerts here for 20 years. It’s always a wonderful setting with top talent. Rent the cushions and pack a picnic for lawn seats!
10. 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.
