Northern Virginia, VA

Travel Guide

Alexandria showing street scenes, cafe scenes and a small town or village
George Washington Masonic National Memorial showing a garden and heritage architecture
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes a park
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes a park
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon showing a garden and a memorial

Picturesque landscapes, historic small towns and urban centers of culture combine to make this Virginia region the gem of the South.

Beautiful landscapes, a rich history, and culturally rich towns make Northern Virginia one of the South's premiere destinations. Blending “Southern charm” with big city appeal, the region offers something for for every traveler. 

Walk through George Washington's family home at Mount Vernon Estate. Located in Mount Vernon along the banks of the Potomac River, the mansion and grounds provide a picturesque portrait of life as it was in the Colonial era. 

Experience the history of aircraft at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an addition to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Experience 3D films at the IMAX movie theater and walk amidst hundreds of aircraft memorabilia at this kid-friendly destination.

Arlington is the region's largest city. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., it provides easy access to the nation's capitol while maintaining its own distinct identity. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of over 400,000 soldiers. While there, visit both the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the Air Force Memorial, two destinations that pay homage to the armed forces. Schedule a guided tour of the Pentagon to get a rare look at the  headquarters of the Department of Defense.

Just 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) east of Washington, D.C, Alexandria offers small-town charm that makes the nation's capital feel worlds away. Spend the day shopping and dining in Old Town, Alexandria's historic district. The King Street Trolley provides a free and convenient way to explore the neighborhood. Whether exploring Civil War history at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site or exploring the local artists' works at Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria offers both historical and modern delights. 

Dulles International Airport, located in Sterling, offers flights worldwide. The region is most easily explored by car, although the greater D.C. Area has a comprehensive Metro system. Both Alexandria and Arlington are connected by the Mount Vernon Trail, a bike lane that runs along the Potomac. The most popular time to visit the region is during autumn, when the fall foliage is at its prime. 

Where to stay in Northern Virginia

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Groveton

Groveton is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Huntley Meadows Park and Greendale Golf Course.

Groveton
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Leesburg's Old and Historic District

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Leesburg's Old and Historic District. You might want to make time for a stop at Tally Ho Theatre or Earth and Fire Gallery.

Leesburg's Old and Historic District
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Huntington

Home to Marshall University and the Huntington Museum of Art, this scenic locale in the Appalachian foothills offers a mix of culture and outdoor activities. Explore the historic Collis P. Huntington Railroad Museum or enjoy a day at Camden Park, one of the world's oldest amusement parks.

Huntington
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Old Town Winchester

Old Town Winchester is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Bright Box Theater and Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum while in the area.

Old Town Winchester
2941 Restaurant is great for elegant or casual dining with great food and bar. May seem hard to find and off the beaten path but worth it. Amazing lake and ponds surround the restaurant with views to match. 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church VA. Use valet parking for full effect.

West Falls Church

West Falls Church is well-liked for many features, particularly its restaurants, waterfalls, and churches. Though there might not be top sights in West Falls Church, consider a stop by State Theatre or Eden Center, located nearby.

West Falls Church
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Rose Hill

Golf courses and sporting events are just a few things travelers like about Rose Hill. A stop by Greendale Golf Course is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Rose Hill
The Watermark Hotel

The Watermark Hotel

4 out of 5
1825 Capital One Dr, McLean, VA
The price is ¥22,642 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
¥22,642
¥26,038 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in McLean. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,424 reviews)
Easy check-in, room is spacious and super-clean

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

The Watermark Hotel
Hyatt Regency Dulles

Hyatt Regency Dulles

4 out of 5
2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon, VA
The price is ¥16,658 per night from Nov 21 to Nov 22
¥16,658
¥19,157 total
Nov 21 - Nov 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Herndon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,475 reviews)
Everything perfect!

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Hyatt Regency Dulles
Best Western Fairfax

Best Western Fairfax

2.5 out of 5
3535 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,701 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
¥12,701
¥14,352 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairfax. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,316 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Best Western Fairfax
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Global Luxury Suites at Reston Town Center

Global Luxury Suites at Reston Town Center

3.5 out of 5
11850 Freedom Drive, Reston, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Reston. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Reston Town Center ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (150 reviews)
Home Away From Home
Restaurants and shop literally at your front door. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Bushra helped us navigate when we had questions and DeShaun is such a joy to see. So friendly and welcoming and makes you feel you have known him forever.

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Reston Town Center
Affordable Suites of America Quantico

Affordable Suites of America Quantico

3 out of 5
44 Woodstock Lane, Stafford, VA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Stafford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
Lisa & Alisha were kind and welcoming. We appreciated their willingness to answer our questions and be as helpful as possible - esp. since my husband has a progressive neurological disease requiring my assistance. It really meant a lot to us as this was my husband’s “final farewell” to his parents ...

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Affordable Suites of America Quantico
Global Luxury Suites at Reston

Global Luxury Suites at Reston

4 out of 5
11410 Reston Station Blvd, Reston, VA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Reston. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Reston Town Center and Fair Oaks Mall ...
7.2/10 Good! (23 reviews)
Great location
My stay was amazing. The only downside is that I forgot my jacket and when I realized and went back the concierge could t let me n to get it and we could not reach anyone at Global Luxury.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Reston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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