10 Things to Do in Springfield That You Shouldn't Miss

February 8, 2018 Brain Ambrose

Springfield is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The Springfield CDP is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau with a population of 30,484 as of the 2010 census. Homes and businesses in bordering CDPs including North Springfield, West Springfield, and Newington are usually given a "Springfield" mailing address. The population of the collective areas with Springfield addresses is estimated to exceed 100,000. The CDP is a part of Northern Virginia, the most populous region of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Restaurants in Springfield

1. George Washington's Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 +1 703-780-2000
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Come share the fascinating moments of America’s first family with yours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Explore the beautiful mansion and grounds and get to know the man, the ideas and the values that founded a nation. Dive into history through action-packed theaters, fascinating exhibits and meet characters from Washington’s world. Admire the view of the peaceful Potomac, or hop on board a sightseeing cruise. It’s a place where history truly comes to life.

Reviewed By B89156 - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Definitely take a trip to Mt Vernon if you're in the Northern VA or Washington DC area.
Spring is the best time. The weather is great and the flowers are blooming.
Wear good walking shoes though. There is a lot of walking. There is lots to see and learn. Great for kiddos learning about George Washington. The Mt Vernon Inn is quaint and serves delicious food.

2. Burke Lake Park

7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-1929 +1 703-323-6600
Excellent
65%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Burke Lake Park

Reviewed By cathy h - Annandale, Virginia

This is a great location for a high school cross country meet. We've been here numerous times for practices, practice meets, and regular meets. A nice, pleasant place to visit. Fairfax county residents do not pay admission. Military members stationed nearby have to show proof of residency, but are also free.

3. Lake Accotink Park

7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150-3644 +1 703-569-0285
Excellent
39%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Lake Accotink Park

Outside D.C. in Northern Virginia. Tour boat rides, pedal boat rentals, carousel, beach front, playground equipment, hiking trails, snack bar, etc.

Reviewed By Willem K

My wife and I drove here for a wonderful fall hike around the lake. Also a great place to walk your dog. We the hike around the lake is pretty neat, but also pretty long - there's no real shortcut. Great for running too, if you like the running on terrain that's a bit rougher.

4. Hidden Oaks Nature Center

7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA 22003-1575 +1 703-941-1065
Excellent
57%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Hands-on nature exhbits, live turtles and snakes, dress up, nature programs, hiking trails, butterfly crossing

Reviewed By Norma Jo S - Annandale, Virginia

It's nice to have a place like Hidden Oaks as part of the county park system. For one thing, it has preserved some beautiful hilly land from the developers, in a heavily populated area. It is also a free, educational destination for children that does not involve some commercial enterprise or pop culture. Preschoolers and elementary age kids can enjoy the hands-on learning in the nature center, including a faux treehouse, live turtles and snakes, displays of local wildlife. You can take advantage of guided, scheduled activities inside or on the numerous trails of the property. There are nearby swings, play equipment, and picnic areas. Check their website or call for scheduled free activities.

5. Huntley Meadows Park

3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306-2060 +1 703-768-2525
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Huntley Meadows Park

Reviewed By johnoO3567AS - Springfield, United States

The walkway through the wetlands provides the opportunity to see a good sampling of Virginia's most beautiful wildlife. In a single hour you can see otter, beaver, kingfishers, pileated woodpeckers, Cooper's hawks, deer, ducks, geese, redwing blackbirds, hummingbirds and lots of other wildlife. In the Summer, bring some DEET because you might run into some biting flies on the woodland paths on the way to the walkways.

6. Arlington National Cemetery

Entrance at Arlington Memorial Bridge, Arlington, VA 22211 +1 877-907-8585
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Arlington National Cemetery

Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame.

Reviewed By JWWA - Everett, Washington

We took the Metro over to the cemetery and just found our way to the places we wanted to see. Since most people go to the same spots it was easier to navigate since we just followed the crowd.

You will need to bring your patience for being around the school groups. They were a little rowdy and sometimes it was the chaperones being loud too.

Anyone that isn’t in good shape to do all the walking up hills may want to take a tram. It will be a while before I beat the number of floors my iPhone says we did as we walked that day.

7. George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill

5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA 22309-3327 +1 703-780-2000
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 241 reviews

George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill

After nearly a 200-year hiatus and a multi-million dollar reconstruction, George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill is back in business - producing grain products powered by a 16-foot waterwheel and the same rye whiskey that made the Founding Father the nation's most successful whiskey producer in the years after his presidency. Located at the original site, George Washington's Gristmill highlights his vision for America's future as "granary of the world;" while his Distillery is the only site in North America that demonstrates 18th-century distilling from seed to barrel.

Reviewed By BW2 - Charlotte

The docents/ reenactors were very knowledgeable and took plenty of time to explain the operation, the Mansion docent should note. The work to rebuild these operations is amazing. Not to be missed! I thought the cost of the liquor was outrageous, but not after seeing how much work goes into every bottle.

8. Springfield Town Center

6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150-1706 +1 703-971-3738
Excellent
37%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 116 reviews

Springfield Town Center

Reviewed By John C - Burke, VA, United States

My expectations were not high since this was fast food but Thai Max fell way below them. The Pad Thai was bland, almost tasteless. Seafood tasted fishy. There's a reason this place has the shortest line in the food court.

9. Alexandria's Christ Church

118 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3023 +1 703-549-1450
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 334 reviews

Alexandria's Christ Church

Reviewed By Adam N - Jacksonville, Florida

This is the church that two of the greatest generals of two great nations attended. You can see the family pew of both the Washingtons and the Lees (Update: They took away the family plaque marking their pews). Beautiful Colonial Construction and history with every step.

10. Hidden Pond Nature Center

8511 Greeley Blvd, Springfield, VA 22152-2806 +1 703-451-9588
Excellent
64%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Hidden Pond Nature Center

Reviewed By Maceo2017 - Washington DC, District of Columbia

We discovered this hidden gem many years ago during a pre-school field trip and loved it! The playground is small, but fun. The nature center always has interesting exhibits and good questions to ask little ones. The walk around the pond has a lot to look for that changes depending on the season. The staff is helpful and relaxed. I think strollers are ok.

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