When it comes to location, Fairfax County has it made. It sits in lush Virginia countryside along the Potomac River an hour east of Shenandoah National Park. It’s home to dozens of historic landmarks and minutes from the nation’s capital, yet you have room to spread out, plenty of free parking and budget-friendly attractions.
Pick any city in the county and you’ll find something unique, whether it’s a 19th-century mill or a zoofari. You can spend your days at art galleries and monuments. wind down the evening with live theater on the stage or live music at one of the pubs.
There’s so much to see and do. Here’s what you can’t miss when you visit Fairfax County.
Choose a home base
The county seat is the bustling city of Fairfax, a great spot for travelers thanks to its central location. For a little luxury, stay at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks. The hotel is up-to-date and strikingly modern. They cater mostly to the corporate set, so tourists can take advantage of better rates on the weekend and often even lower prices around holidays. It’s a short walk to the Fair Oaks Mall and close to both I-66 and Route 50 so you can get around the region quickly.
Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, many with private balconies available at no extra charge. They come with a mini fridge and, if you ask for it, a microwave, handy if you need a snack or quick meal. You can also visit the on-site restaurant for locally sourced food.
Mount Vernon
Northern Virginia is known for natural beauty. The county’s most famous attraction, Mount Vernon, is renowned not only for the mansion George Washington once owned but also for its 18th century landscaped grounds.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Flower lovers will enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Covering 95 acres in Vienna, the gardens bloom in every season: peonies, tulips, daylilies, crape myrtle and more. Pick up a map at the front desk so you don’t miss any of the themed gardens or architectural features like the restored log cabin and Korean bell. If you go with kids, they’ll love spotting the fairy statues near the entrance.
Great Falls Park
A natural oasis of a different style, Great Falls Park lets you get close to the powerful Potomac River. As water rushes through the gorge, it creates a series of cascades just steps from the visitor center. The national park includes trails for hikers, but tourists can visit all three overlooks in a matter of minutes. Two of these are wheelchair accessible, and admission is just $10 per car. Fair warning: On the weekend, it’s popular, so go early.
Chow down
For dinner, stop by the Old Town Plaza in Fairfax. The plaza is a fun place to walk and window shop as you decide which restaurant to visit. You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Bollywood Bistro. They serve inspired Indian food like date-filled naan and slow-cooked lamb biryani. If you’re vegetarian, there are nearly a dozen entrees with tempting ingredients from potato croquettes to smoked eggplant. Flavors are fresh, and the prices are reasonable.
Escape game
For an extra thrill, sign up for an escape game. At Room Escape Fairfax, you and your team have 60 minutes to unravel clues hidden around the room. The puzzles are clever and out-of-the-box, but it makes the challenge that much better. Room Escape DC has six themes to choose from. If you’re feeling patriotic, Save the White House is an absolute blast and can be completed with anywhere from two to 10 people.
Discover DC
Save a day to head into DC. There’s public transport from Fairfax County, or you can drive. If you opt for driving, budget for parking fees. On the plus side, several of DC’s best attractions don’t cost a dime. At the National Zoo, you can hang with apes, alpacas, pandas and sea lions, all for free. If you can, visit during meal times when the animals are active. The keeper talks are also not to be missed.
If you’ve done the DC tourist circuit already, don’t worry — there’s plenty more. For an attraction much less crowded than the Smithsonian museums but still of the same caliber, try the International Spy Museum. Walk through the weird and hands-on history of spycraft to encounter gadgets, plots, disguises and fascinating lore. Featuring Bond memorabilia and even a simulated spy mission, it’s great for all ages and anyone who wants a glimpse into the secretive world of espionage.
Plan Ahead
With so much to see, you can easily spend a week in the area, but make sure to allow at least three days to hit the main sights.
If you drive into DC, allow extra time during rush hour, particularly on weekdays.
Several museums in the county are free. Topics range from aviation and local history to a workhouse prison and Civil War fort.
Tip: The visitor center in Tysons Corner gives you a free gift if you stop by. They’ll also share maps and advice for how to plan your stay.
