Location: Dumfries
Top Things to do in Dumfries
What to do and see in Dumfries, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Dumfries in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Nature & Parks. Discover best things to do in Dumfries with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Dumfries
1. Leesylvania State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
A beautiful park located on the Potomac River that offers historical sites and recreation facilities.
Reviewed By Brion B - Woodbridge, Virginia
Leesylvania is a little gem of a park. Almost within city limits proper, yet you feel you are deep in the hills. Lots of large, covered picnic facilities as well as open-air spots and tables. We have attended many a family, church and Scout events here, and there always seems to be open areas for "drop-ins" among the reserved areas.
Sits right on the Potomac. Nice "wharf" and boating area, including ramps. Sheltered pier area, but I don;t know about overnight facilities for boaters. Plenty of convenience stores and gas stations within 5 minutes' drive for last minute supplies and "OOPS! forgot the ice!"
Wildlife is a plenty...you will see deer rather often.
Fishing is allowed from the wharf.
Several good eatieries such as Tim's Rivershore Crabhouse and chain restaurants if you burn the burgers.
Swimming and jet-skis are allowed.
Entrance fee is reasonable.
OUTSTANDING spot for watching fireworks on 4th of July, or Tim's Rivershore Annual "Not On The 4th" fireworks...almost an hours' worth of spectacular show, given the weekend PRECEDING the 4th. The river is FILLED with spectator boats.
Rangers make regular rounds. Safe and Secure.
Nearby attractions include the Marine Corps Museum (free...open year-round except for Christmas Day) just 5 miles south on Route 1.
For train buffs, there is a large trestle bridge crossing Neabsco bay. The former Richmond, Fredricksburg and Potomac RR mainline, it is now CSX, AMTRAK and VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS traffic that comes by about every 5-10 minutes.
2. National Museum of the Marine Corps
Overall Ratings
5 based on 965 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 tedthefed2 - Grand Rapids, Michigan
Its FREE!!!
This was my 2nd time going! It is just plain awesome even if you have no ties to the USMC. Plan on a day. It is in a timeline format and you work your way around and up through history. Talk to the people in the Green Shirts as various stations! We got our own little history lesson on Iwo Jima and the actual flag that was flown there. There is a art gallery up stairs done by Marines!
The museum is expanding too to include more Iraq and Afghanistan wars history. We got a "sneak" preview...took a wrong turn...LOL
Also...try the Rifle Range!
3. Potomac Point Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Crystal C
I've been a few times this year. One time I went there was a wedding occurring, it was just beautiful!! Another visit was for murder mystery dinner, that was amazing! We had a wonderful time. I'm not a drinker so anyone can come and enjoy a wonderful lunch. This is slightly costly for the average folk but its worth it!!
4. Weems-Botts Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Visitors to the Weems-Botts Museum will learn about historic Dumfries, the oldest chartered town in Virginia. Colonial Dumfries had a thriving port - rivaling New York, Philadelphia, and Boston - located on a deep water harbor, which no longer exists. The tobacco trade led to the development of Dumfries and its position as the social, political, and economic center of Prince William County in the Colonial and Revolutionary periods. Visitors will also learn about the people who used the building, which dates back to the 18th century, including: Parson Weems, author of George Washington's first biography and originator of the cherry tree story; Benjamin Botts, a lawyer and defense attorney for Aaron Burr during his infamous treason trial; and the Merchant family, who lived in the house from 1869-1968. Tour offered hourly May-October (First tour at 11am - last tour at 3pm). Tours by appointment only November-April. Park open year-round dawn to dusk.
Reviewed By David B - Coral Gables, Florida
Interesting place - Parson Weems who wrote the biography of Washington (cherry tree, etc.) was the Weems. Benjamin Gaines Botts who died in The Great Richmond Theater Fire and was VP Aaron Burr's attorney in the treason trial was the Botts. The house is reportedly haunted, by the way
5. Dale City Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By R K - Woodbridge, Virginia
Eight to one on Sundays the year around. About 50 vendors or so... meats, dairy, vegetables, fruit. Great selection seeds/plants in Spring... Pumpkins for Halloween. A number of kiosks selling snacks and drinks. Not the biggest Farmers Market around, but just a great place to spend an hour or so stocking up on local food stuffs and soaking in the atmosphere. We have been going for years and it is growing. Good fun and food!!
6. Historic Barnes House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By ITRT - Virginia
The widening of Route 234 in Prince William County Virginia resulted in the home of former slave Eppa Lee Barnes was moved from Independent Hill to an area next to the Montclair Community Library in Dumfries. VA. This house may be the only house remaining as an example of a Pre-Civil War home owned by an African-American family. Eppa Barnes and his wife Amanda Barnes raised 12 children in this house. The house has two fireplaces and plank entrance doors, and is an example of a Tidewater frame, a simpler version of the English Georgian-style house. Once renovation is completed, plans are to use it as a resource of the history of Prince William County through interpretive programs of post-Civil War life, and as a location for special community events.
7. Smallwood Sate Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By JoeFlynnLaPlataMD
Smallwood State Park is a popular marina on Mattawoman Creek where it meets the Potomac River. There are also hiking trails, picnic shelters, cabins for rent, and an art center that features works by local artists. This is a great place to spot bald eagles and waterfowl. There is an osprey nest in sight of the shore.
8. Prince William Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Park that offers campsites and recreational programs for families and children.
Reviewed By Mark R - Lewis Center, Ohio
The Visitor Center is informative and the staff is helpful. There is a very nice Scenic Drive that is about 9.5 miles. The roadway is one way for much of the drive to allow plenty of space for bikers and hikers. There are camping areas and plenty of parking locations along the drive.
9. Potomac Mills
Overall Ratings
4 based on 397 reviews
Potomac Mills is Virginia’s largest outlet mall and features an indoor shopping experience with over 200 stores, including Bloomingdale's-The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Nordstrom Rack and Nike Factory Store. The new Neighborhood 1 Fashion District offers a collection of upscale brand name outlets and also includes amenities such as plush seating areas. From apparel for the whole family to handbags and home furnishings, our shops feature the looks you love for less! When you need a respite from power shopping, catch a movie at the AMC Potomac Mills 18 Theatres (with IMAX), refuel at Starbucks or grab a bite to eat at one of the center's 25 eateries. Conveniently located immediately off of I-95, Potomac Mills serves the thriving Washington, DC / Northern Virginia region and also welcomes guests from all over the world.
Reviewed By MaryandBobontheroad
What can I say?, it’s a big shopping experience. Seems to be always safe with plenty of parking. A lot of “outlet stores “ but prices don’t seem particularly cheap. Good place to stroll and people watch- it’s a mini UN.
10. Government Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By TGM-2 - Stafford, Virginia
If you're looking for a low stress place to get away from the hectic pace of northern VA, take a stroll through the park's woodlands, boardwalks and natural trails. Along the way you will observe aquatic and native plants, birds and other wildlife. The 1.5 mile trail is easy to navigate and parts are handicap accessible. This former quarry was used to provide sandstone for construction of our U.S. Capitol and White House. It's a place in history you should visit!
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