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
What to do and see in Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Northern Virginia, United States including Arlington National Cemetery, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, NRA National Firearms Museum, Old Town, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Tysons Corner Center, The Falls Church.
Restaurants in Northern Virginia
1. Arlington National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9,443 reviews
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 Bill8071 - Lakewood Ranch, United States
No one can visit Arlington National Cemetery without realizing you are paying respect to many many fallen heroes. Every where you go you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. There is the tomb of the unknown soldier that is one of the most reverent sites there. The changing of the guard ceremony is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier Don’t visit Arlington without watching the changing of the guard. You will also see memorials to those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for the African Americans. You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s grave site, and the eternal flame, you will look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and you will turn around and see the majestic view of Washington DC and the United States Capital building. The tour guides are excellent. You can do self guided but be ready for some serious hill climbing. We chose the tram and are glad we did. The guides point out many of the grave markers that are historical in our lifetime as well as some from fallen times before us. The tour also includes a visit to the Marine memorial which is a bronze statue of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The memorial is huge and surrounded with pictures and history. One of the most beautiful monuments I have ever seen. When you visit, give yourself plenty of time to just stand at certain sites and reflect on men and events. The changing of the guard ceremony takes at least 30 minutes of your time. The Iwo Jima memorial another 30 minutes, and just walking around all the other sections and reflecting will consume s couple hours. Give a half a day minimum to your visit. With the many funerals they have there every day you will probably see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving thru the cemetery going to or coming from a burial. It’s just a beautiful, perfectly manicured, cemetery.
2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,045 reviews
Guarded around the clock by the Army's 3rd infantry, this memorial in Arlington National Cemetery honors unidentified American soldiers from the two World Wars and the Korean War.
Reviewed By imakemusic
This is the location of the graves of serviceman whose identities are unknown. It is a place quiet, respect honoring these servicemen. Every 30 minutes there is a changing of the guard ceremony and sometimes it is followed by a wreath laying ceremony by various organizations.
3. 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!
4. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,412 reviews
Commonly called the "Iwo Jima Memorial," the statue is a depiction of the famous raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima and is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives defending that flag.
Reviewed By roprey - Arlington, United States
Any veteran, soldier, American, or visitor from overseas should have the USMC Memorial on their list. An 8-10 minute easy walk from the Rosslyn Metro, or tour buses stop there too. Car parking is available as well. A giant statue representing the Marines who raised the flag at Iwojima sits on a bluff overlooking all the monuments across the river. At night, its especially stunning. You are adjacent to Arlington Cemetery as well. Also a must-visit. If you happen to be there at 11 PM, you'll here the TAPS bugle from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
5. 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.
6. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,765 reviews
Quaint old seaport section of Alexandria on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By TorquayIain - Torquay, United Kingdom
we stayed at the Embassy Suites at the top of King Street near the metro station and thoroughly enjoyed our strolls down King Street with its plethora of small stores and eating establishments, very nice area and would stay again.
7. Manassas National Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
A 5,000-acre park that was the scene of two major Civil War battles.
Reviewed By 977samd - Vero Beach, United States
The Battlefields of Manassas are quite extensive and a visit begins at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Pet Friendly to pets at all times on leashes, the Visitor’s Center, located at 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109, 793-361-1339, battlefields open daily daylight hours, Visitor’s Center offers information, maps, restrooms, bookstore/gift shop, a introductory film, and exhibits. There were 2 battles referred to as First Manassas (First Bull Run - July 1861) & Second Manassas (Second Bull Run - August 1862). In our view, they First Manassas Battlefield is best understood by taking the walking tour; & the Second Manassas Battlefield is best understood by taking the 12 Station or Locations Driving Tour. First Manassas was the first real Battlefield action between USA/CSA, and it ended with 900 young men dead on the battlefield. It ended any notion the war’s outcome would be decided quickly. Eventually after 4 years of war, the war ended and 600,000+ young men lay dead on the battlefields. We suggest you plan to spend 4 hours or so, minimum, to get an understanding of the meaning of Manassas, and to begin to understand the degree of violence and destruction that occurred at Manassas, and how it set the base for 4 more years of bloody and destructive war.
8. Torpedo Factory Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,200 reviews
Art in Person and in Progress. Located in Old Town Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to 150+ working artists, 7 galleries, The Art League, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.
Reviewed By PRGLewes - Lewes, United States
Wide variety of artwork -- pottery, painting, photography, fiber arts, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture.... It's great to be able to chat with the artists.
9. Tysons Corner Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
As one of the top 10 shopping centers in the country, Tysons Corner Center offers an unbeatable mix of more than 300 department and specialty stores. Tysons' "who's who" of retailers includes Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, American Girl, L.L. Bean, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Spanx, Apple, The Disney Store and more. Tysons Corner Center also offers a 16-screen stadium seating and IMAX 3D AMC Theatre, fine and casual dining restaurants, a food court and a National Geographic sponsored children's play area. The new outdoor Plaza at Tysons Corner hosts events throughout the year and provides a number of eateries with cafe seating. The new 310 room luxury Hyatt Regency Hotel at Tysons Corner Center is the perfect respite from a busy day of shopping.
Reviewed By aro7
Tyson's Corner is a very modern shopping mall where you can find stores from good reputable American brands to premium ones such Coach or Tesla. The food courts are ok but I'd rather recommend the speciality restaurants. The department stores Macys, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are spacious and well provided. Lord and Taylor has a lower standard. Godiva is a store I recommend, especially because Ice cream.
10. The Falls Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By denisz219 - Falls Church, United States
This is one of 38 independent cities in Virginia. This a small, safety, clean, friendly, and cosmopolitan city. You can take a look of historic farm, trails, parks, and eat Afghan, American, Bolivian, Chinese, Greek, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Jamaican, Japanese, Russian, Salvadorian, Thai, and Vietnamese food. Besides, you can walk the broad street in 30 minutes.
