***Please note that this master list of 45 things to do in Northern Virginia will be updated and circulated. This post has most recently been updated as of July 2026.***

Recently, as a form of self-care, I have started mapping out all of the places that I aspire to visit in Northern Virginia. While I have been extremely fortunate to call Northern Virginia my own home for the last few years, I feel as if I haven’t made as much of an effort to devote time to checking off the several items on my personal bucket list that are just south of the nation’s capital. A mega thanks to Instagram and Facebook, I have been able to uncover some incredible places to add to my bucket list of things to do in Northern Virginia that I plan to share with YOU as I get started in crossing some places off. This master list will kick off with all of the places that I’ve been to so far and be updated regularly as I check spots off, so stay tuned!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page. For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring The DMV page.

Master List: 45 Things To Do in Northern Virginia

For where to eat in Northern Virginia, look no further than my several dining guides, including:

• Brunch Spots in Fairfax, Virginia
• Brunch Spots in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
• Cafes in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
• Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
• Wine Bars in Alexandria, Virginia
• Wine Bars in Arlington, Virginia

Things To Do In Northern Virginia

1 – Apple, Berry, and Peach Picking + Pumpkin Patches (several locations) – Apples, berries, peaches, and pumpkins – OH MY! Northern Virginia has several spots whether close to Washington, DC or an hour away in the heart of the countryside. I outline many of these spots here (while pumpkin patch-specific, many of these spots also offer additional produce picking options). 

2 – Arlington Historical Museum (1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington) – A historical museum housed in the former Hume School, the Arlington Historical Museum houses a rotating artifact collection paying homage to the history of Arlington, Virginia. The Arlington Historical Society also runs the Balls-Sellers House – both of which offer free admission. Plan your visit here.

3 – Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, Virginia) – Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Arlington National Cemetery is the largest United States cemetery with over 400,000 people buried within its 639 acres – many of whom have served in the United States military. Book your tour and experience of Arlington National Cemetery here.

4 – Amazon 2nd HQ also known as Metropolitan Park (1400 South Eads Street, Arlington) – A part of Arlington’s National Landing neighborhood, Metropolitan Park is an urban green space hosting a variety of events and activities for people of all ages to enjoy within close proximity of Amazon’s 2nd headquarters buildings aka Amazon 2nd HQ/Amazon HQ2. Don’t forget to go inside the Amazon headquarters and grab a free banana – a signature complimentary snack to all that walk through the building’s doors! – and check out a variety of onsite dining options open to all to enjoy at an additional cost.

5 – Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington) – In the heart of Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood, Ballston Quarter is an urban shopping center with restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and events. Be sure to check out all that Ballston Quarter has to offer here.

6 – Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia (400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce) – Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia is a University of Virginia-run field station that homes 700+ acres trails filled with flora and fauna (including some scenic Mountain View’s!) for all to enjoy. Read more here for more information!

7 – Burke Nursery and Garden Center (9401 Burke Road, Burke) – A lovely nursery and garden center in the heart of Burke, Virginia, Burke Nursery and Garden Center is an adorable local staple. Be sure to visit in the Fall for the spooky and all-things Fall fun pumpkin patch and Fall market that’s dog-friendly and fun for all! Their homemade apple cider donuts are THE BEST. Plan your visit today.

8 – Capital One Hall (7750 Capitol One Tower Road, Tysons) – A performing arts theater as a part of Tysons’ Capital One Center, Capital One Hall is one of many theaters for Northern Virginians to go and catch a show! Past shows have included Hairspray, Little Women, and Dear Evan Hansen. One of the best parts about catching a show at Capital One Hall is that all attendees can bring snacks/drinks which are available for purchase onsite into the theater. Check out some of Capital One Hall’s upcoming shows here.

9 – Center For The Arts at George Mason University (373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax) – A performing arts center at George Mason University – Northern Virginia’s premiere center – the Center For The Arts at George Mason University hosts a variety performances including music, theater, and dance from both students and professional artists. Be sure to catch a show and check out their events calendar for more information.

10 – Clifton Historic District (historic downtown) – A national historic district located in Fairfax County’s Clifton, Clifton Historic District is an adorable town filled with lots of delicious restaurants, a local ice cream shop Peterson’s (more on that in the Dine category!), and shops – all surrounded by stunning historical charm at every corner.

11 – Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Road, Centreville)– Serving the local Northern Virginia area for generations, Cox Farms is a family-owned farm offering a petting zoo, local produce and flowers, and most notably their annual Fall Festival – fit for everyone to enjoy!

12 – Fairfax Corner (4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax) – Featuring state of the art shopping, dining, entertainment, and events in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia, Fairfax Corner truly has it all. Be sure to snap a photo in front of one of the many murals, browse many of the shops which include King Arthur Baking, Apple, Arhaus, and IKEA, check out a variety of happy hour specials and evenings where guests can grab an alcoholic drink at any participating restaurant and enjoy it all around Fairfax Corner, and catch a ride on one of the free golf cart shuttles if you get tired! See it all and do it all at Fairfax Corner by visiting their website.

13 – Fairfax County Historic Courthouse (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax) – Containing records dating back to the start of Fairfax County in 1742, Fairfax County Historic Courthouse is on its 3rd iteration and has a unique history having been occupied by both the Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War. It is open every weekday from 8am-4pm and is free to visit. Plan your visit here.

14 – Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (1100 South Hayes Street, Arlington) – Formerly known as the Pentagon City Mall, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is located just outside of Washington, DC and offers a diverse range of stores, dining, and entertainment, including Panera, McDonald’s, Shake Shack, Zara, Coach, Bath & Body Works, and Apple. Be sure to check out the adjacent Westpost at National Landing. Check out all that the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City has to offer here.

15 – George Mason’s Gunston Hall (10709 Gunston Road, Lorton) – An 18th-century Georgian mansion alongside the Potomac River in the heart of Mason Neck, Virginia, George Mason’s Gunston Hall was built between 1755 and 1759 and was home to George Mason – a Founding Father. Plan your visit here.

16 – George Washington’s Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon) – Mount Vernon is the former home of the United States’s first President George Washington. A beautiful estate right next to the Potomac River, George Washington’s Mount Vernon has an onsite restaurant, gift shop, and offers several opportunities both within his mansion and beyond for visitors to immerse themselves in our nation’s founding. Annually, Mount Vernon hosts multiple wine festivals (read more about my experience here), Christmas candlelight tours, historical reenactments, and Fourth of July fireworks. Plan your visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon here.

17 – Great Falls Park (9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean) – Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service site located alongside the banks of the Potomac River and offers close proximity to Washington, DC. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous falls at one of the many accessible scenic viewpoints throughout the park and go for a stroll to take it all in! I write a bit more about Great Falls Park and visiting here, too.

18 – Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas) – An elegant theater apart of George Mason University’s Manassas campus, the Hylton Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances from operas, to theater, and everything in between. Be sure to catch a show and check out their events calendar for more information.

19 – Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza North, Reston) – Lake Anne Plaza is both a commercial and residential area situated alongside Reston’s Lake Anne with charming and unique architectural buildings. There is a Farmer’s Market on the parking lot on weekends. Plan your visit here.

20 – Mosaic (2905 District Avenue, Fairfax) – Mosaic is an upscale shopping district and dining complex located in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia. Mosaic has a weekly farmers market, events year-round (including seasonal events!), and fun street art.

21 – Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington also known as MoCA Arlington (3550 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington) – MoCA Arlington offers contemporary art exhibitions, educational programs, subsidized studio spaces for artists, event venue space, all in a historic schoolhouse in the heart of Arlington’s Virginia Square neighborhood. MoCA is free to visit for all and has a wonderful onsite gift shop to support local artists alongside its incredible exhibits (which you can check out here). While there, be sure to check out the gorgeous stained glass windows in the Tiffany room!

22 – Muse Paintbar (multiple locations – 4+) – With an opportunity to enjoy a guided paint and sip experience with a la carte food options available, Muse Paintbar allows all guests to take a break and immerse themselves in the ultimate self care experience. Read my full review on my experience at Muse Paintbar here.

23 – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna) – A botanical gardens containing 95 acres of lush greenery and vibrant blooms with a beautiful pond complete with Koy fish, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens not only is a beautiful botanical garden to stroll at, but also an events venue that hosts an annual holiday walk. Plan your visit here.

24 – Nalls Produce (7310 Beulah Street, Kingstowne) – Calling Kingstowne its home for 60+ years, Nalls Produce is a garden center selling flowers, plants, alongside local fruit, produce, and dairy that has the most adorable seasonal pop-ups in the Fall and at Christmas time. Be sure to check out their kid-friendly pumpkin wall and pumpkin hill starting in late September-October/November and then their Christmas wreaths, trees, and Christmas wall in December (go after dark for a magical and festive experience!!). And, don’t sleep on seasonal produce and gorgeous flowers and plants all year long at Nalls Produce. There is also a resident pig that everyone can befriend while visiting!

25 – National Inventors Hall of Fame (600 Dulany Street, Alexandria) – Established in 1973, the National Inventors Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization that recognizes and celebrates individuals who hold a patent – including engineers and inventors. Plan your visit here.

26 – National Museum of the Marine Corps (1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle) – The National Museum of the Marine Corps is the historical museum of the Marine Corps – paying homage and honoring the people and stories of those who have served, are currently serving, and will serve. Plan your visit here.

27 – National Museum of the United States Army (1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir) – The National Museum of the United States Army is the official museum for the history of the United States Army – paying homage and honoring the people and stories of those who have served, are currently serving, and will serve. Plan your visit here.

28 – Northern Virginia Parks (multiple locations, county-wide) – Explore one of Fairfax County’s many parks. From gorgeous marsh trails to lakeside parks to trails with gorgeous seasonal flowers lining them to everything in between, Northern Virginia truly has it all in terms of parks! Read more here for a list of some of the many incredible parks right here in Northern Virginia!

29 – Northern Virginia Wineries (several locations) – Savor a glass of Virginia wine and take in the incredible views at one of the several wineries that Northern Virginia has to offer. I have a comprehensive guide to Northern Virginia wineries plus an opportunity to save money when visiting local wineries. If you’re looking to take a wine tour, then look no further than Cork & Keg Tours which I review here.

30 – Occoquan Historic District (historic downtown) – Founded in 1804 alongside the Occoquan River via the banks of the Potomac River, Occoquan Historic District is a stunning historic mill town in Prince William County. Occoquan offers a free museum on the town’s history, including on the Occoquan River Bridge which flooded in the 1940s and devastated the town as a result. Today, Occoquan Historic District’s charm remains in tact and it has several dining and shopping opportunities – all of which are small, local businesses – and feels as if it’s a hidden gem in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. Not to mention, Occoquan has several incredible events, including their Christmas tree lighting, trivia and live music, and their semi-annual craft festival. Be sure to snap a photo in front of the LOVE sign and walk across the adjacent footbridge in Mill Park! Plan your visit to Occoquan Historic District here.

31 – Old Lucketts Store (42350 Lucketts Road, Leesburg) – An antiques store and small business outside of downtown Leesburg, the Old Lucketts Store is a circa 1879 restored general store that is stunning at every shop corner. Be sure to visit during the holiday season for the annual Holiday House (check out my guide here) or the Spring/Fall markets in Berryville. Whether you’re taking a day to visit Leesburg or just want a lovely shopping experience, be sure to see all that the Old Lucketts Store has to offer here.

32 – Old Town Alexandria (historic downtown) – A hustling historic district alongside the Potomac River in close proximity to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria is the United States’ 3rd oldest historic district and hosts a 260 years’ old Saturday Farmers’ Market alongside annual events such as a July 4th and New Year’s fireworks show, Scottish Christmas Parade, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For more dining options, refer to my dining guide & stay tuned for a shopping guide *very soon*!

33 – Perch Putt (1805 Capitol One Drive Suite 1150, Tysons) – Located on the rooftop at Capital One Center, Perch Putt is an ultra-fun mini golf course experience! Be sure to grab a cocktail (or two!) as you navigate the course.

34 – Reston Farm Garden Market (10800 Baron Cameron Avenue, Great Falls Crossing) – Reston Farm Garden Market is a garden center that offers a wide array of plants and gardening supplies. Be sure to make a visit in the Fall for fun seasonal events!

35 – Reston Town Center (11900 Market Street, Reston) – With a mix of office spaces, apartments, and retail businesses ranging from restaurants to shopping to convenience stores and everything in between, Reston Town Center truly has it all! With a Metro station located on the Silver Line, Reston Town Center is convenient for those commuting to/from Washington, DC but also has plentiful of parking options, too. Make sure to check out all of the upcoming events and offerings that Reston Town Center has to offer here, including their ice rink under the pavilion in the Winter months!

36 – Shenandoah National Park (several entrances statewide) – Extending from Northern Virginia to Southern Virginia along the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of trails, waterfalls, and rocky peaks with most notably its very own road that drives through the heart of it all: Skyline Drive. Personally, I have a guide on visiting Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive as well as a guide that predicts when peak Fall Foliage will happen. Plan your visit here.

37 – Shirlington Village (2700 South Quincy Street, Arlington) – First opening its doors to the public in 1944, Shirlington Village is a pioneer of its kind! Being the first large shopping center in the Washington, DC area and one of the first in the United States, Shirlington Village has a plethora of local shops, delicious eats, a grocery store, and even a local Signature Theatre. Check out all that Shirlington Village has to offer here.

38 – Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly) – Serving as the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s companion in Northern Virginia, the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center is a massive aviation and space museum with close proximity to Washington Dulles Airport (with opportunities to see planes fly by!). It is worth noting that entry is free, but passes must be reserved in advance. Plan your visit here.

39 – Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center (15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge) – Offering a plethora of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options including a Wegman’s grocery store, Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center is a premier shopping district in Woodbridge, Virginia. Check out everything that Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center has to offer, including events, here.

40 – The Crossing Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington) – In the heart of Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood, The Crossing Clarendon is a fun outdoor shopping mall with a water fountain, shops, dining, and fun seasonal pop-ups that are perfect for photo opportunities. Check out The Crossing Clarendon’s directory and be sure to follow their Instagram for any fun seasonal pop ups!

41 – Tysons Corner Center (Chain Bridge Road, Tysons) – Located right off of Metro’s Silver Line, Tysons Corner Center is a massive shopping mall and premier shopping destination not only for Northern Virginians but also for neighboring residents in Maryland and Washington, DC. From shops such as LOFT, Talbots, Nordstrom, and American Girl to H&M, Primark, and Zara, Tysons Corner Center has everything from upscale restaurants to casual eats and everything in between. While there, be sure to catch a movie at the onsite AMC movie theater! Check out all that Tysons Corner Center has to offer here.

42 – Tysons Galleria (2001 International Drive, McLean) – The second largest mall in Tysons, Tysons Galleria focuses on upscale, luxury shops such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Lilly Pulitzer, and Nordstrom and over 30 options to choose from. Most notably, Ralph Lauren’s iconic Ralph’s Coffee – a popular cafe to honor the preppy fashion designer in New York City and Chicago, too – has its Washington, DC area location right at Tysons Galleria! Check out all that Tysons Galleria has to offer here.

43 – Westpost at National Landing (1201 South Joyce Street, Arlington) – You may have once known Westpost at National Landing by its former name Pentagon Row! An upscale outdoor shopping center and residential area in the Pentagon City neighborhood of Arlington, Westpost at National Landing is right next to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and provides visitors with several dining and shopping opportunities. In the Winter months, be sure to try outdoor ice skating at the local rink! Check out all that Westpost at National Landing has to offer here.

44 – Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House (9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria) – Housing not one but two historic homes – Woodlawn which was built on land gifted to Eleanor Parke Custis and Lawrence Lewis by George Washington in 1805 and Pope-Leighey House which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Loren and Charlotte Pope in Falls Church, Virginia in the 1940’s and later moved to Alexandria, Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House gives visitors the opportunity to explore two of Northern Virginia’s many historic homes. Plan your visit here.

45 – Workhouse Arts Center (9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton) – A former onetime prison in Lorton, Virginia, the Workhouse Arts Center has truly transformed not only the Lorton community but as a place to give back to others. Currently, the Workhouse Arts Center serves as a cultural center and an innovative collaboration of the arts, through offering a wide range of art classes, art galleries, a theater, and camps. There is also an onsite Lucy Burns Museum to honor the legacy of the dark history and suffragettes that once did time there for fighting for their right to vote (and later succeeded). Additionally, the Workhouse Arts Center has an annual fireworks show and Second Saturdays monthly events. Be sure to take a photo in front of the LOVE sign – a tribute to Virginia’s tourism state-wide!

Wrap-Up

Whatever you may be looking for to do or dine, there are so many things to do in Northern Virginia that will exceed your expectations. Personally, I feel beyond lucky to be able to call Northern Virginia my home and have so many incredible things to do in Northern Virginia right within my own backyard!

XOXO – Katie <3