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
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Northern Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Northern Virginia, United States including National Museum of the Marine Corps, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, artinsights animation and film art gallery, Catoctin Creek Distillery, Oatlands Historic House & Garden, NRA National Firearms Museum, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Sully Historic Site, Great Falls Park, George Mason's Gunston Hall.
Restaurants in Northern Virginia
1. National Museum of the Marine Corps
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,128 reviews
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Admission and parking are always free.
Reviewed By JamesHWhyte - Hilton Head, United States
If you are visiting Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia in the near future I highly recommend visiting The National Museum of the United States Marine Corps located in Quantico, Virginia It is absolutely amazing and the attention to detail is incredible. Give your self a full day to really experience this amazing Museum. It would do no justice to rush through all the exhibits. Definitely looking forward to returning in the near future. The National Museum of the United States Marine Corps is located beside Quantico Marine Base. Very easy to find due to its proximity to I-95 and you will see plenty of signs a long the highway. A must visit when passing through The Washington DC Area. It should be noted I am originally from Dublin, Ireland , Served in the United States Marines, Traveled all over the world and the United States. I definitely know an amazing Museum from all my travels. Per the above I will definitely be returning to visit this amazing Museum in the near future. If you served in the United States Marine Corps I highly recommend you visit the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps!!! You will feel so proud walking around the Museum and it will bring back so many different memories of your service. Upon leaving you definitely will feel the pride of the Title Of United States Marine. If you love history I highly recommend visiting the National Marine Corps Museum also. This Museum rates ten stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and more!!! Semper FI Marines!! I look forward to returning in the near future per my above comments. In closing they an amazing restaurant called, “Tuns Tavern”. The Restaurant is absolutely amazing!!! If you know your USMC History. The USMC was founded in Tun Tavern , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 10th , 1775. Enjoy!
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. artinsights animation and film art gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Representing a wide range of film and contemporary art at their gallery in Reston Town Center since 1994, ArtInsights focuses on proprietary projects and artist representation relating to the history of animation and film, and the celebration and examination of popular culture. With artists like the preeminent movie poster artist John Alvin, whom they represent, and exclusive images by William Silvers, Jim Salvati, and many others, the gallery builds collections of original and limited edition art for their growing worldwide collector base. Whether you love Star Wars, Harry Potter, Blade Runner, Disney, or pop culture in general, the gallery is a must, as it offers original production and interpretive art unavailable anywhere else in the world.
4. Catoctin Creek Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 494 reviews
Catoctin Creek® Distilling Company was founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009 as the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition. We are located in Purcellville, Virginia, in the heart of the Loudoun Valley. Loudoun County, often called D.C.'s Wine Country, is home to more than twenty vineyards and wineries, and it now has a distillery. At Catoctin Creek, we believe in high quality food and spirits. Organic means higher quality: grain and fruit, sourced locally when possible, free of pesticides and chemical additives that would come through in the spirits we produce. Sure, it is more difficult to produce organically, but the results speak for themselves. The Virginia Rye Whisky!
Reviewed By dianemB8346AW
Catoctin Creek Distillery went above and beyond making a memorable experience to celebrate my husband’s birthday while ensuring customer and staff protections during the pandemic. We made a reservation online and had one indoor table waiting for us at a safe distance from other tables. We were able to attend a tour before enjoying a whiskey flight and cocktail flight. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and were very accommodating of our 4.5 month old puppy. Thank you for making such an enjoyable experience! We will definitely be back!
5. Oatlands Historic House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
A historic garden property administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We are currently closed for our off season, but will reopen to the public on April 18, 2019.
6. 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.
7. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Park composed of three seperate trails, perfect for hiking and biking.
Reviewed By 25wallace79 - McLean, United States
Have loved this place for over 30 years and so happy they never made it a “park”. There’s very little man-made influence here; a few trash cans and benches with some signs near the parking area. Trails are marked by painted color squares in mature trees. It’s a conservatory park meaning no vehicles like motorized bikes, regular bicycles, firearms and camping or campfires. You’ll see horseback riders and hikers and lots of dogs. And that’s nice because it keeps it quiet and safe without speeding bikers taking over the single track paths. I’m an avid cyclist and would love to ride here but it’s not meant for that. My children loved the secluded feel almost like going back in time. There’s part of the canal still in tact from George Washington’s time. I am there at least three times a week with my dog and make an effort to collect trash I see. I hope they never develop this place or make it a formal park. I was reluctant even to write a review that would attract people who will misuse the park but it’s such a great place. If you like natural woods with nothing faster than an occasional jogger, come enjoy this great place.
8. Sully Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Sully Historic Site is a charming and historic place to visit. The feature attractions, of course, are the site's history and historic structures. The grounds are a lovely place for strolling. Sully reflects Fairfax County history. It was the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress and General Robert E. Lee's uncle. Sully is on the National Register for Historic Places, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Holiday Tour Fees for Private / Same Household Groups 12/3/20 - 01/03/21: 1 or 2 people: $25.00 3 to 9 people: $45.00 Walk-through house tours are available Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Forgotten Road Tours are available on demand at 2 p.m. This is a one-hour, outside walking tour of the original outbuildings and slave quarters. Meet at the Main house 15 min prior for COVID-19 screening. Masks are required.
9. Great Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,335 reviews
An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
A visit to this wonderful park is the perfect respite from the cityscapes of Washington D.C. Just a short drive from D.C., this park features many great hiking trails, abundant wildlife, historical sites, and of course the waterfalls. The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.
10. George Mason's Gunston Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Explore George Mason’s nation-shaping ideas at The Home of American Rights. Learn what motivated him to craft the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights and how his ideas inspired the nation. Tour the historic Mason-family home, hike scenic trails to the Potomac River, and discover George Mason's lasting legacy.
Reviewed By joshbraid
What a relief to get to a plantation that doesn't have crowd control lines and controlled access. We never heard of the place before we went and yet found it well worth the trip. George Mason was another of those founding fathers who was passionate for liberty, especially from the government. The house is unassuming from the outside (relatively) and the inside is well worth the tour. What a contrast to Monticello, as this place was far more liveable! We enjoyed the liberty of strolling the grounds, the quiet beauty of the view. Go, even just to learn about George Mason, a dedicated father, a founding father, the champion of individual liberty.
