The Best Parks in Northern Virginia

***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

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My Experience at The Winery at Bull Run + Review

***Please note that this My Experience at The Winery at Bull Run + Review will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date Virginia Wine scene. This guide was most recently updated as of May 2026.***

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. So, this blog post will focus on a The Winery at Bull Run review as well as my experiences there over the past 6 years, which is located right next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Centreville, Virginia.

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. For a comprehensive guide on Northern Virginia Wineries, look no further than here.

My Experience at The Winery at Bull Run + Review

Table of Contents

How To Save at Virginia Wineries (and Beyond!)

Getting There 

About The Winery at Bull Run + Plan Your Visit!

My Experience

How To Save at Virginia Wineries (and Beyond!)

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  • Explore – by simply downloading the Reserve Pass app, you can simply plan your wine tasting adventure within your own backyard or while on vacation.
  • Perks – as a Reserve Pass member, you get to enjoy exclusive perks while touring historical sites, strolling through vineyards, and tasting local wines.
  • Revisit – unlike just any old coupon, you can revisit any of the wineries you loved and get the same Reserve Pass deals with them time and time again.

Interested in getting your own Reserve Pass today?! Interested in trying Reserve Pass for yourself?!?! Use my discount code “ktwine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69).

For more details on Reserve Pass, look no further than here. For a comprehensive guide on Northern Virginia Wineries, look no further than here.

Getting There

The Winery at Bull Run is located in Fairfax County, Virginia – a county located just south of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia. Just off of Lee Highway (I-28) on the edge of Fairfax County adjacent to Prince William County, The Winery at Bull Run is centered in history with close proximity to the nation’s capital. Something unique about The Winery at Bull Run is that it is the closest winery to Washington, DC that is a grape to glass farm and Winery (aka all wines are produced on their grounds) and 1/2 of the wineries within Fairfax County, Virginia! While not easily Metro accessible like most wineries in Northern Virginia, The Winery at Bull Run is nearby I-66 and could potentially be reachable by Uber (from a nearby Metro station) or rental car. Although closer to Washington, DC than most wineries in the region, you totally will not want to leave The Winery at Bull Run upon entering its gorgeous grounds – filled with tons of Civil War history, a lively event venue, a place to learn about locally made wines, and MORE!

Address: 15950 Lee Hwy, Centreville, VA 20120

About The Winery at Bull Run + Plan Your Visit!

The Winery at Bull Run is open Saturday-Wednesday 11am-7pm, Thursday 11am-8pm, and Friday 11am-9pm. Please note that walk-ins are welcome, too. If you are coming with a large group, then be sure to make a group reservation here. Pets are welcome onsite and must be kept on a leash. The Winery at Bull Run is a family-friendly winery, however, children must be supervised at all times.

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 Experience

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 I was in for a treat. Excitedly enough, the drive in was only just the beginning of a spectacular afternoon out!

One of the highlights of visiting The Winery at Bull Run is that all wine tastings are guided tastings within their tasting room by one of their staff members. All guests can take home their wine glasses post-tasting. Truly, I find the guided wine tasting at The Winery at Bull Run one of the best and a great way for Virginia winery first-timers to learn more about the Virginia Wine Country. Highlights of my guided wine tasting include:

  • 2024 RMR Sauvignon Blanc – With 0% residual sugar and aged in 100% stainless steel, this Sauvignon Blanc has an underlying scent of lemon grass and citrus which lingers with a smooth mineral enhanced finish. It pairs well with shrimp ceviche, Mediterranean dishes, Summer pasta salad, and fresh mozzarella.
  • 2023 RMR Viognier – Containing 0% residual sugar and aged in 100% neutral Acaia wood, this Viognier has light aromas of pear, green apples, honeydew melon and contains naturally sweet tastes of apple blossoms and raw honey. It pairs well with seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail and calamari, soft cheeses, and spicy seafood pasta. 
  • 2025 Delaney – Having 3% residual sugar and aged in 100% stainless steel, this Delaney has notes of stone fruits and hints of almost ripe honeydew beginning on the nose and palate. It pairs well with sharper cheeses like parmesan or Irish cheddar, mixed nuts, and spicier foods.
  • 2023 Cabarnet Franc – With 0% residual sugar and aged in natural French and American Oak, this Cabarnet Franc has notes of cherry, plum, blackberry, and slight orange peel lead. It pairs well with lamb, brisket, pork, barbecue, and sharp cheeses. 
  • 2022 Meritage – Containing 0% residual sugar and aged in American Oak, the aromas of this Meritage are ripe with a red and dark berry fruit medley with hints of cola and brown sugar. It pairs well with beef stew, short ribs, shepherd’s pie, and pork chops.
  • 2020 Norton – Having 0% residual sugar and aged in American Oak, this Norton has a fragrant nose of sweet cola, dried wildflowers, and cedarwood with a palate full of burnt cedarwood and toasted oak. It pairs well with the timeless peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and sauteed mushrooms. 

Learn more about wines offered onsite as well as The Winery at Bull Run’s Wine Club here and here.

Along with amazing wine and gorgeous barns, The Winery at Bull Run also offers historical tours and tastings alongside concerts and other lively events, which are super popular amongst visitors. 

Wrap-Up

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! Hopefully, my The Winery at Bull Run review inspires YOU to add this incredible winery to your “to visit” list!

A special thank you to Reserve Pass for sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee2 Comments