***Please note that this The Best Parks in Northern Virginia Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of April 2026.***

Northern Virginia offers a vast array of unique things to do. One of the most cost-effective ways to have a fun adventure is to go on a stroll at one of its many parks. Parks in Northern Virginia are so diverse yet unique in their own way. There is truly something so distinct and unique about each park. Growing up in Northern Virginia, it is so easy to forget how lucky I am to have lived in a place that offers several unique parks. This guide will outline some of the best parks Northern Virginia has to offer.

*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.*

The Best Parks In Northern Virginia

It is worth noting that some of these parks are federally run, state run, regionally run, and county run. All of these parks, at the end of the day, are lovely and perfect for visiting to take a nice stroll. In the case that you’re visiting the best parks Northern Virginia has at its fingertips, then look no further than some of the many rental car options in the area.

1 – Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station)

In addition to a miniature train, carousel, mini and disc golf courses, and an ice cream parlor, Burke Lake Park has a 4.7-mile long trail going around its beautiful lake and perfect for strolling. Personally, I’ve grown up going to Burke Lake Park as a kid, riding the miniature train and carousel and taking part in the park’s additional Halloween, Easter, and Christmas festivities – ahhhh the nostalgia! As I’ve grown up, Burke Lake Park remains a favorite of mine for wandering its vast trail around the lake, whether for a quick stroll or all around the lake. While there, be sure to snap some photos of the local wildlife and take a walk and enjoy the breeze on the onsite dock at its harbor!

See more information on visiting Burke Lake Park here.

2 – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna)

A lovely oasis filled with lush greenery, vibrant blooms, ducks, coy fish, a greenhouse, and an outdoor gazebo, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is truly a heavenly spot to enjoy a lovely stroll! Specifically in the warmer months, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens lights up with blooming flowers in its lively gardens and is perfect for snapping photos and taking in the moments on a lovely stroll. While there, be sure to make way for ducks crossing!

See more information on visiting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens here.

3 – Great Falls Park (9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean)

Situated alongside the banks of the Potomac River, Great Falls Park is a tiny National Park Service site offering plenty of scenic viewpoints and strolling opportunities. Although disconnected from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Great Falls Park remains an integral park of it and attracts visitors from across the United States and world. It is important to note that Great Falls Park offers stunning scenic viewpoints that involve walking on unpaved trails that can be less accessible for some visitors, however, the park is extremely accessible and offers several viewpoints that are wheelchair accessible and offer ramps in addition to stairs so everyone can have a great time. One of the neatest parks about visiting Great Falls Park is that at many of the viewpoints, visitors can spot kayakers on the rapids – HOW COOL!

See more information on visiting Great Falls Park here.

4 – Fountainhead Regional Park (10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station)

Covering approximately 2,000 acres, Fountainhead Regional Park borders a tributary of the Potomac River and has something for everyone. Whether it be hiking or mountain biking or strolling, Fountainhead Regional Park has it ALL! It is worth noting that the walking can be a bit uphill/downhill, depending on where you park. However, the scenic waterfront views are totally worth the walk!!

See more information on visiting Fountainhead Regional Park here.

5 – Huntley Meadows Park (3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria)

The largest Fairfax County Park Authority-operated park, Huntley Meadows Park has a variety of trails and a boardwalk for visitors looking to admire some local wildlife while enjoying a lovely stroll. The boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park reaches over the local wetlands, offering opportunities for visitors to view frogs, birds, turtles, and more. It is important to note that there are no bikes and jogging allowed on the boardwalk. That all being said, Huntley Meadows Park is indeed made for those looking to simply stroll!

See more information on visiting Huntley Meadows Park here.

6 – Occoquan Regional Park (9571 Ox Road, Lorton)

With an onsite pavilion and Brickmaker’s Cafe, batting cage, and historic site on Women’s Suffrage, Occoquan Regional Park is located alongside the Potomac River and truly has something for everyone looking for a nice stroll. Grab lunch and a glass of wine/beer at the delicious Brickmaker’s Cafe while you take in the heavenly Potomac River views. Continue savoring those lovely riverfront views via a waterfront stroll and perhaps learn some history at the adjacent historic site on Women’s Suffrage and express your gratitude for those who fought for women’s suffrage 100+ years ago. If you LOVE to kayak or boating, Occoquan Regional Park has plenty of onsite kayak rentals and a boat ramp. Parking is plentiful throughout this riverside park, too.

See more information on visiting Occoquan Regional Park here.

7 – Bull Run Regional Park (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville)

Alongside having an onsite waterpark in the Summer months and a Festival of Lights in the Winter months and MORE, Bull Run Regional Park has plenty of trails for visitors looking for a lovely stroll. Encompassing 1,568-acres, Bull Run Regional Park truly has it all! Around April each year, the notable 1.5-mile long Bluebell Trail has beautiful bluebell flowers blooming alongside it, making for the perfect Springtime stroll.

See more information on visiting Bull Run Regional Park here.

8 – Lake Mercer (7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield)

A 154-acre park home to a lake, Lake Mercer is a well-known spot for hiking, fishing, biking, and strolling. Visitors can easily stroll around the entirety of Lake Mercer and take in scenic views of it from all angles. It is important to note that Lake Mercer does not have a public road to the water’s edge or boat ramp, and visitors must walk about 5 minutes to/from the parking lot to the lake.

See more information on visiting Lake Mercer here.

9 – Mount Vernon Trail (Starting Point: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon & Ending Point: Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington DC)

Starting at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and extending ALLLL the way to Washington, DC’s Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved multi-use trail welcoming bikers, hikers, and walkers. This beautiful trail offers stunning views of the Potomac River, Washington, DC’s skyline, and the Woodrow Wilson bridge. This multi-use trail also connects with regional trails such as the Potomac Heritage, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trails, and Four Mile Run. Parking is available at almost every site along this magnificent trail, too.

See more specific information on visiting Mount Vernon Trail here.

10 – Mason Neck State Park (7301 High Point Road, Lorton)

Offering bird watching specifically for American bald eagles and migrating swans (Fall/Winter months only), hiking, kayaking, and *of course* strolling, Mason Neck State Park truly has it all. Mason Neck State Park is known for its wetlands, forests, open water and fields, and ponds. That all being said, this Fairfax County park is the perfect spot to learn something new, especially within the realm of wildlife observation and environmental study.

See more specific information on visiting Mason Neck State Park here.

11 – Shenandoah National Park (21073 Skyline Drive, Front Royal)

Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains stretching 105 miles across Virginia, Shenandoah National Park’s northernmost entrance is in the heart of Northern Virginia in Front Royal. Shenandoah National Park offers several incredible hiking trails and scenic views, including Old Rag and White oak Canyon, via its main road throughout it: Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is an excellent spot for people of all ages and ability levels to be able to catch some stunning mountain views (see here for the latest Fall Foliage prediction!).

See more specific information on visiting Shenandoah National Park here.

12 – Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia (400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce)

Operated by the University of Virginia, Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia is a field station that homes 700+ acres of local flora and fauna. With its beautiful location in Northern Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in Clarke County, Virginia, it provides visitors with an active representation of Virginia’s local habitats (specifically within the Shenandoah Valley). Visitors have opportunities to enjoy bird watching, admire local and native plants (including embarking on the Virginia Native Plant Trail which is lovely in the Spring/Summer timeframe!), and *even* learn more and see local bee hives in action. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself within the local Virginia flora and enjoy is to hike the 2.6-mile Wilkins Lane Loop Drive. The common denominator of this beautiful Northern Virginia spot is the gorgeous Shenandoah Mountains as a backdrop!

See more information on visiting the Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia here.

Wrap-Up:

Northern Virginia’s parks have several opportunities for visitors and locals, alike, to enjoy a lovely stroll. I feel so fortunate to have grown up in Fairfax County, Virginia and having so many incredible parks to enjoy a stroll right in my own backyard. Whether you’re looking for some riverfront views, a unique opportunity to interact and view some local wildlife, or admire local gardens, parks in Northern Virginia truly have an opportunity for everyone to take in a nice stroll!

XOXO – Katie <3

Whether for a girl’s, family, friend group, or mother-daughter outing, a vineyard is an excellent place to catch up with some of the people that you care about. One of the things that I have looked forward to the most was the many outings that I would have at vineyards. Luckily for me, I got to have my first friend outing with one of my best friends: my Big Sis Stephanie at Meredith. Since I know I will be planning many more vineyard gatherings in the future, I thought that I would start to share some of my experiences at the vineyards that I visit. So, I am going to share my experience at Bull Run Winery, which is located right next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Centreville, Virginia.

Since I turned 21 in a temporarily social distanced world, I knew that my 21-related outings with friends would be postponed. Although the majority of my first two months being 21 were spent at my house, I have luckily been able to get out a bit and even see a friend for a social-distanced vineyard outing! Even before quarantine began, Stephanie and I have been wanting to check out The Winery at Bull Run due to its historical significance. Fortunately for the both of us, we were successfully able to execute a social-distanced Big/Lil vineyard outing just a sheer two months later. For the both of us, simply getting outside and sharing a bottle of wine was good for our souls!

Historical Significance

The Winery at Bull Run is located in Fairfax County, Virginia – a county located just south of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia. The 2012-established winery stands on 225 acres and is located right next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park and an equestrian farm. To represent the historical significance of Northern Virginia, the winery was construct to symbolize two types barns in the area. Today, the Winery at Bull Run is the largest working farm in Fairfax County, Virginia – a primarily suburban county. It also serves as a venue for many events, such as weddings. Check out more information on the history of The Winery at Bull Run here.

My Visit

Upon pulling into the winery, I was in awe at how gorgeous it was! With its luscious acres and acres of grapevines to barns galore and a few murals, I knew that Stephanie and I made a good choice of a vineyard to meet up at. Excitedly enough, the drive in was only just the beginning of a spectacular afternoon out!

Due to Covid-19, only the outdoor tables were open to visitors – everything else, including the barns and murals was closed off. Visitors could only go inside to order a bottle of wine while taking the precautions of standing 6 feet apart and wearing a mask. Stephanie and I decided to meet up and each bring a family member with us – Stephanie brought her dad and I brought my Papa. Typically, visitors have to reserve a table at the winery. However, since my group and I showed up on a Wednesday afternoon and it was not crowded, we were luckily able to get a nice table in the shade with a view.

When it came to food, to save money, we each grabbed out picnic baskets and coolers and brought in our own food. The Winery at Bull Run lets their guests bring their own food but not drinks. Stephanie and I both brought nuts, while she brought some cheese and crackers and I brought some prosciutto and salami. For drinks, we all decided to split a bottle of The Winery at Bull Run’s 2018 Chardonnay. The best part was that Stephanie and I unintentionally both wanted the Chardonnay! The Chardonnay was definitely a great choice, and I LOVED getting to enjoy it on a hot summer’s day with some cheese, prosciutto, and crackers. Cuisine-wise, I have to say we definitely had typical vineyard experience at a fraction of the price!

Along with amazing wine and gorgeous barns, The Winery at Bull Run also offers historical tours and tastings. The tours and tastings were not available when we went due to the coronavirus, but Stephanie and I are definitely putting a tour and tasting when it’s safe to do so. In addition to tours and tastings, I am pretty sure that the winery also offers concerts and other lively events, which I hope to attend when it is safe as well.

Ever since I rode through the main entrance of the winery, I knew that I was in for a treat. The wine was delicious and the opportunity to bring your own food to go with it at a fraction of the cost was such a plus. Besides the food and wine, there were breathtaking views everywhere that I turned. I definitely would like to come back with Stephanie as well as with some of my family members and friends. Knowing that I visited The Winery at Bull Run while social distancing was such a great experience, I know that coming back when social distancing measures have been lifted a bit more will be another experience for the books!

XOXO – Katie <3