Top Things to do in Fairfax County
Top Hotels in Fairfax County
- 1. The Watermark Hotel
- 2. Hyatt Regency Dulles
- 3. Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center
- 4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield
- 5. DoubleTree by Hilton McLean Tysons
- 6. Hampton Inn Washington-Dulles Int'l Airport South
- 7. Best Western Springfield
- 8. Hyatt Regency Reston
- 9. Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner
- 10. Courtyard by Marriott Dunn Loring Fairfax
What to do and see in Fairfax County, Fairfax County: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Fairfax County, United States including Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Great Falls Park, Frying Pan Farm Park, Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, Bull Run Regional Park, Cox Farms, The Winery at Bull Run, Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge.
Restaurants in Fairfax County
1. 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!
2. George Washington's Mount Vernon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,640 reviews
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 breinhaugen - Fargo, United States
This was the second time we have visited Mount Vernon. While both visits were during the same time of year, both tours were completely different. A few years ago we did the Candle Light tour, but this year we decided to do a day tour which included the extra Dinner with the Washingtons tour. I would highly recommend either tour. Day or night, Mount Vernon is very worth visiting. During the Candle Light tour we were led by a tour guide, obviously by candle light around the property. Actors dressed as the Washington and servants played their parts well at each stop. During the Dinner with the Washingtons tour we were led around by a very knowledgeable tour guide who gave us an in-depth look at how the property sustained itself. Of course no matter which time you choose to go, you need to tour the house itself as well. There is a really nice, new visitor center on the property. There is a food court, shops, and various movie theaters showing short films on various topics around the Washingtons and that time period. We were able to easily get an Uber to and from Mount Vernon from Old Town Alexandria. It was quite inexpensive.
3. 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.
4. Frying Pan Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Working farm, live farm animals, playground, Country Store, wagon rides($), antique carousel rides ($), Kidwell farmhouse tours (select days, call), children's concerts (10am, Wednesdays, June - August, Visitor Center Pavilion), family concerts (7pm, Thursdays, June - August, farmyard), bluegrass concerts (select Sundays, September - April, Visitor Center), farm stand (May-Sept, Wednesdays 8am-12:30pm)
Reviewed By cpl1775 - Herndon, United States
This park is a wonderful place to get away from it all. It has animals for kids and adults to both enjoy, and they have activities for kids and families. For anyone who didn't grow up on a farm, it can be a really fun place to learn new things. For those of us that did grow up in the country or on a farm, it can be like a little taste of home from your childhood. They also have picnic tables around the property that we enjoy just sitting at and people watching. Sometimes will bring work or homework to do on the picnic tables just because of the atmosphere in the park. It's just a really relaxing place to get away.
5. Meadowlark Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By NOVACALI - Burke, United States
I attended a wedding and reception at this venue. There was plentiful parking. The grounds were magnificent. The building had plenty of space for buffet tables as well as tables, seating and dancing. The magnificent outdoors was "brought in" to the inside by clever design so you felt that you were still in a garden. I do not know about the cost, as I was not part of the planning process.
6. Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By palmerfam - Shavertown, United States
We had a wonderful visit middle of July 2018. Arrived at 10am in the dot, line was about 15 minutes long. Went very fast. Plenty of seats and shade! Pool area very clean. Very attentive life guards, everyone is very friendly! This is the perfect place for families! We had 3 kids here, 5, 10 & 11, they all loved it! There was plenty for everyone to do. We felt the older 2 were safe enough do they own thing. Safety breaks every hour for 10 min to rehydrate, reapply sunscreen and take the kids to the bathroom. Not too crowded, not too big. Just perfect! Highly recommended by us!
7. Bull Run Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By csserious - Chantilly, United States
Every year during the holidays the park hosts amazing drive though amid beautiful lights depicting fairyland characters and landscape, including the Wizard of Oz, Santa’s workshop and what not. Its a great treat for kids and parents alike. Driving the loop at 10-20 mph, it takes about 30-40 min to complete the amazing experience.
8. Cox Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By edc338 - Arlington, United States
We took our grandchildren to the Cox Farms Fall Festival. It was a delight. There were more slides than you could shake a stick at. numerous things to climb, a goat feeding area (be aware the older goats can be agressively demanding), rope swings, corn field path, and hay ride. We went early when they opened which was a mistake - there were a lot of school groups which made for crowds and lines. After the groups left the lines got shorter. However we ended up being chased out by rain :( One recommendation - even though there is food available, the lines can be very long. I strongly recommend you carry snacks. However, the doughnuts are worth standing in line for. (The line is slow as they are cooking the doughnuts fresh)
9. The Winery at Bull Run
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 320 reviews
Cradled in the foothills of the Bull Run Mountains, adjacent to over 5,000 countryside acres of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, you'll find our historic property specializing in artisanal wine tasting experiences. The Winery at Bull Run transports you to the 1800s in an authentic Virginia farm setting that values American history and hospitality. Visit us and enjoy the cultural heritage of a Virginia past and the award-winning wines of the present. As the closest winery to Washington, D.C., we are conveniently located in Fairfax County, Virginia, less than a half hour from DC and only 2 miles off Interstate 66.
Reviewed By Tanyajn1 - Sterling, United States
I took my sister, mother, and father to the winery while they were visiting. They loved the display cases of artifacts available to view, which is a unique feature. I convinced my father to join my sister and me in a tasting, which was at a really good price. And we split a bottle of wine while sitting outside at a table enjoying the scenery on a gorgeous day. There are some typical foods for purchase (cheeses, crackers, etc). We went on a weekday, so it was quiet. They offer music and food truck on the weekends and have a family area if you want to bring the kids.
10. Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By WPLandry - Fairfax, United States
This part of the park was very quiet. We only saw two people the whole time we were there. The trails are well-maintained. There are animals to see and hear. Trails are well-marked, so you know where you are going. I would definitely recommend it and we will definitely be back.
