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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Place Herndon Dulles Airport East

Hyatt Place Herndon Dulles Airport East

3 out of 5
13711 Sayward Blvd, Herndon, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,397 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥15,397
¥17,707 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Herndon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
Hyatt Place Herndon Dulles Airport East
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner

3.5 out of 5
8517 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
The price is ¥15,432 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
¥15,432
¥17,746 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Hunter Mill. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,626 reviews)
"Great 👍 Hotel !!"

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner
The Watermark Hotel

The Watermark Hotel

4 out of 5
1825 Capital One Dr, McLean, VA
The price is ¥23,690 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥23,690
¥27,245 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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. ...
The Watermark Hotel
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Breathtaking View with an Indoor Pool
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Northern Virginia