Northern Virginia Travel Guide

Explore all the amazing things to do and see in Northern Virginia with our comprehensive tour guide, including hiking/biking routes, cultural attractions, natural scenery, food, accommodations, local customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Northern Virginia

Located in the southern region of Virginia, in the United States of America, Northern Virginia is a region full of natural beauty, history, and culture. A popular destination for both locals and tourists, Northern Virginia is a perfect blend of stunning outdoor attractions, historical landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Virginia

Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Northern Virginia offers a diverse range of attractions for all kinds of travelers.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

For history buffs and those interested in cultural attractions, Northern Virginia offers a wealth of museums and historical landmarks to explore.

  • Mount Vernon: the former plantation and home of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
  • The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: a museum dedicated to preserving and displaying aviation and space artifacts.
  • Arlington National Cemetery: the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members, including former Presidents and important historical figures.
  • James Monroe’s Highland: the home of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: a museum exhibiting collection of art pieces from mostly from American artists and sculptors.

Natural Attractions of Northern Virginia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Northern Virginia boasts stunning natural scenery and outdoor attractions for the adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Below are some of the top places to visit:

  • Great Falls Park: a scenic park providing hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities around the river falls and magnificent views on Mather Gorge.
  • Shenandoah National Park: a vast national park comprising over 300 square miles of hiking trails and stunning views along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Skyline Drive: a scenic drive along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with multiple overlooks throughout.
  • Virginia Beach: A long shore beach in the East Coast region that attracts all sorts of beach-goers for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia offers endless trails and routes for hiking and biking adventures. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Mount Vernon Trail: a scenic trail along the shores of the Potomac River offering stunning views of the river, Washington D.C. monuments, and beautiful wetlands along the Potomac.
  • Capital Crescent Trail: a popular running, biking and skating trail connecting Washington D.C., Bethesda, Maryland, and Silver Spring, Maryland.
  • Bull Run-Occoquan Trail: a 19-mile trail along the Bull Run Stream winding through hills, fields, forests, and small parks.
  • Appalachian Trail: a 2,200-mile-long marked trail running from Springer Mountain in Georgia, to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Activities and Tours

In addition to cultural and outdoor attractions, Northern Virginia offers a plethora of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular things to do include:

  • Watch a live performance: Visit the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, one of the oldest national parks in the US dedicated solely to the performing arts, for a unique show.
  • Visit the local wineries: With more than 50 wineries scattered throughout Northern Virginia vineyards, it is a must-have itinerary to join and enjoy their tastefully made wine collection.
  • Attend a festival: Northern Virginia has a variety of festivals throughout the year for all interests, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring or the fall wine festival.
  • Explore the nightlife: The urban areas of Northern Virginia have an exciting nightlife full of bars, clubs, restaurants, and other entertainment options.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Virginia

A week-long itinerary is the best option to plan your Northern Virginia trip. Here is a sample itinerary for an exciting and adventurous week in Northern Virginia:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Lincoln Memorial, tour the Washington Monument, and take a walk of the US Capitol
2 Hike the Billy Goat Trail and spend the evening exploring the Old Town Alexandria.
3 Spend the day exploring the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, and visiting a local winery.
4 Visit Monticello and touring the University of Virginia.
5 Spend the day at Great Falls Park hiking and enjoying the magnificent views of Mather Gorge.
6 Explore Arlington National Cemetery while touring DC.
7 Visit Mt. Vernon, and spend the afternoon shopping and dining in Arlington.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with many local restaurants, breweries, and wineries offering a unique taste of the region.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Virginia Ham: The coasts of Virginia are significant producers of ham for over 100 years. The savory meat dish is cured using a combination of time and unique hickory smoked flavoring techniques.
  • Crab cakes: This Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab delicacy is famous in the area’s seafood restaurants.
  • Peanut soup: A delicious soup made by pureeing peanuts, potatoes, vegetables, and cream for a hearty texture.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: There is a wide range of wineries in Northern Virginia. The local wineries have good quality wine collections that are worth trying.
  • Beer: From pale ale to dark stouts, Northern Virginia has some fantastic breweries that craft excellent beer, such as Old Bust Head Brewing Company and Aslin Beer Co.

Where to Stay in Northern Virginia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxurious hotel chains to comfortable bed & breakfasts, Northern Virginia has plenty of options for your stay. Below are some of the popular accommodations:

  • The Ritz-Carlton: A luxurious hotel with all modern amenities and prompt services
  • Hyatt Regency Dulles: A contemporary hotel in the area, located near all the popular attractions.
  • The Goodstone Inn & Estate: A bed and breakfast offering a peaceful and countryside living vibe.
  • HI Washington DC Hostel: A shared dorm-style hostel conveniently located in DC and perfect for budget travelers

What to Buy in Northern Virginia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From artisanal food products to locally made crafts, Northern Virginia has many unique souvenirs. Here are some of the best local products to take home:

  • Handcrafted jewelry and pottery from local markets and boutiques
  • Locally-made jams and sauces found in the farmer’s markets, such as blackberry jams or Virginia peanuts.
  • Wine and craft beer from local vineyards and breweries.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is enthusiastic about its history and patriotism, and the residents celebrate it in manners that involve a lot of local tours. The region also takes pride in its craft-making techniques, native arts, and historic cuisines. Behaving appropriately in such contexts includes being attentive and respectful of residents, customs, and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Northern Virginia

The best time to visit Northern Virginia is during the fall season, from September to November, when the temperature is mild, the leaves turn into golden hues, and the region has many festive events to explore.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Virginia

Do:

  • Plan to spend enough time exploring the outdoor attractions and museums
  • Respect the local culture, customs, and traditions
  • Enjoy local food, beer, and wine
  • Travel safely, Respect your surroundings and be aware of your surroundings and your belongings.
  • Keep all the necessary travel permits and documents close by to avoid last-minute hassles.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, and respect the environment.
  • Don’t ignore local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t speak loudly in public spaces and indoor locations.
  • Don’t forget your mask when traveling in public places during the pandemic.

Safety and Health

As with any travel destination, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety and health while in Northern Virginia.

Safety in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is generally a safe destination for visitors. However, visitors should practice standard safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings, staying in well-lit areas, and avoiding dangerous neighborhoods or uncharted trails after dark.

Health in Northern Virginia

While Northern Virginia is generally a healthy destination, visitors should take care of their health by following standard health protocols like washing hands and wearing masks in public indoor spaces while avoiding unnecessary contact, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Northern Virginia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Northern Virginia is accessible through different transportation modes, including rail, plane, car, bus, and bike.

Airports Near Northern Virginia

  • Dulles International Airport (IAD) which is approximately 26 miles from Washington D.C.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is approximately 10 miles from Washington D.C.

Bus Stations Near Northern Virginia

  • Washington D.C. Bus Station
  • Arlington Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car rental
  • Amtrak train travel
  • Bike

How to Get Around in Northern Virginia

Getting around in Northern Virginia is relatively easy, with different transportation modes available, including MetroBus, Metrorail, Uber and Lyft, public taxis, car rentals, bike rentals, and limited routes for walking or hiking. Visitors are advised to explore alternative modes of transportation like biking or walking, as it is the best and most rewarding way to experience the beauty of the area.

Where to Go Next from Northern Virginia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Northern Virginia is an ideal starting point for many exciting destinations in the nearby areas such as:

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s Eastern Shore
  • Virginia Beach
  • Shenandoah Valley
  • Richmond

Conclusion

Northern Virginia is a wonderful destination, offering a wide range of cultural and outdoor attractions, local delights, and exciting activities. Whether you plan to spend the weekend or a week, you will find many fun things to do and see in Northern Virginia. Make the most of your trip with our comprehensive tour guide.

View over I-395 towards the Pentagon, with the Washington Monument in the background View over I-395 towards the Pentagon, with the Washington Monument in the background George Washington's residence at Mount Vernon (Virginia) George Washington's residence at Mount Vernon (Virginia) Dulles International Airport Dulles International Airport Sunset parade at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington (Virginia) Sunset parade at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington (Virginia) National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico


    Fairfax County
    Loudoun County
    Prince William County
    Stafford County