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
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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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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Rose Hill

Golf courses and jazz scene 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
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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
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Lake Barcroft

Lake Barcroft might not have many top sights, but Eden Center and State Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lake Barcroft
Hyatt Regency Dulles

Hyatt Regency Dulles

4 out of 5
2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon, VA
The price is ¥17,669 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
¥17,669
¥20,318 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
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! (1,374 reviews)
"Nice spot for a travel issue at Dulles. Bed was A++++"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hyatt Regency Dulles
The Watermark Hotel

The Watermark Hotel

4 out of 5
1825 Capital One Dr, McLean, VA
The price is ¥20,329 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥20,329
¥23,379 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
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! (2,255 reviews)
"I love the quietness vibe of the hotel , the several entertainment options and the Wegmans store that’s nearby ."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The Watermark Hotel
Best Western Fairfax

Best Western Fairfax

2.5 out of 5
3535 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA
The price is ¥12,282 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
¥12,282
¥13,878 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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! (1,158 reviews)
Great place
"Great stay only issue i wanted a room in front of swimming pool."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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.
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! (431 reviews)
"Loved the security of my stay. Key required to enter property as well as the room. Added safety & extra protection. Very important for an older customer. The only drawback was I wasnt aware that although there were only 2 levels, there was no elevator and I walk with a cane. Next time I'll make certain ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Affordable Suites of America Quantico
Breathtaking View with an Indoor Pool

Breathtaking View with an Indoor Pool

Bluemont
Stay at this vacation home in Bluemont. Enjoy private pools, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (252 reviews)
Anniversary Celebration
"Great home and location. Back deck could use a few more umbrellas. During our stay an additional umbrella was requested and brought over very quickly. Great service. On our last day (Tuesday), there was a lot of construction noise coming from the brewery. Not sure what was going on, but it eventually ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Breathtaking View with an Indoor Pool
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 Hunter Mill. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Reston Town ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (141 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious.Extremely polite staff at front desk and very helpful."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Reston Town Center
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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