Fairfax County Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, and important tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Fairfax County, Virginia.


Fairfax County, located in Northern Virginia, is a vibrant and diverse community offering a wide range of activities and attractions for tourists of all ages and interests. From museums and historical sites to parks and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Fairfax County. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, and important tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Fairfax County, Virginia.

Introduction to Fairfax County

Located in the heart of Northern Virginia, Fairfax County is a popular travel destination known for its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. The county is also home to a number of Fortune 500 companies and is a hub for international business and technology innovation. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed adventure, Fairfax County has it all.

List of Places to Visit in Fairfax County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fairfax County is steeped in history and culture, and has a number of museums and historical sites that offer visitors an insight into the region’s past.

  • Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
  • Mount Vernon
  • Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
  • Gunston Hall
  • George Mason’s Gunston Hall
  • Sully Historic Site
  • National Museum of the Marine Corps
  • Aldie Mill Historic Park
  • Fairfax County Visitors Center

Natural Attractions of Fairfax County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Fairfax County is home to a number of parks and outdoor spaces, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and indulge in a range of outdoor activities.

  • Great Falls Park
  • Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
  • Mason Neck State Park
  • Burke Lake Park
  • Riverbend Park
  • Huntley Meadows Park
  • Lake Accotink Park
  • Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fairfax County

  • Washington & Old Dominion Trail
  • Burke Lake Loop Trail
  • Mount Vernon Trail
  • Cross County Trail
  • Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail
  • Potomac Heritage Trail

Best Things to Do in Fairfax County: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tours
  • Food and Brewery Tours
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides
  • Adventures Park USA
  • Escape Rooms
  • Indoor Surfing
  • iFLY Indoor Skydiving
  • Springfield Town Center

Week-Long Itinerary for Fairfax County

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Great Falls Park and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Day 2 Explore Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and George Mason’s Gunston Hall
Day 3 Drive to Mount Vernon and visit Sully Historic Site
Day 4 Take a wine tasting tour and visit Aldie Mill Historic Park
Day 5 Go for a hot air balloon ride or indulge in indoor surfing at Adventure Park USA
Day 6 Spend the day at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Day 7 Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps and explore the Cross County Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Fairfax County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Virginia Ham
  • Steamed Blue Crabs
  • Oysters
  • Chesapeake Bay Rockfish
  • Crab Cakes
  • Brunswick Stew
  • Peanut Soup

Local Beverages

  • Virginia Wine
  • Cider
  • Bourbon
  • Craft Beer

Where to Stay in Fairfax County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
  • Hyatt Regency Fairfax
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Largo/Washington DC
  • The Westin Reston Heights
  • Sheraton Tysons Hotel

What to Buy in Fairfax County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Virginia Wine
  • Handmade Crafts
  • Local Artwork
  • Gourmet Food Products

Local Culture and Customs of Fairfax County

Fairfax County is a diverse and culturally-rich community, with a number of unique customs and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the local culture and respect the region’s customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Fairfax County

The best time to visit Fairfax County is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fairfax County

Do:

  • Explore the outdoors at one of Fairfax County’s many parks
  • Enjoy the local cuisine
  • Take a wine tasting tour
  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Embrace the region’s history and culture

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural surroundings
  • Disrupt the local community or wildlife
  • Ignore traffic laws or pedestrian safety

Safety and Health

Safety in Fairfax County

Fairfax County is a safe and secure travel destination with a low crime rate. Visitors are encouraged to take basic safety precautions such as locking their doors and not leaving valuables unattended in public places.

Health in Fairfax County

Fairfax County has a high-quality healthcare system with a range of hospitals and medical facilities. Visitors are advised to have their medical insurance in order before traveling.

Getting to Fairfax County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fairfax County

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Bus Stations Near Fairfax County

  • Shady Grove Metro Station
  • Silver Spring Metro Station
  • Union Station Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train Station
  • Car Rental Services

How to Get Around in Fairfax County

  • Fairfax Connector
  • Metrobus
  • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
  • Taxis
  • Car Rental Services

Where to Go Next from Fairfax County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Washington D.C.
  • Shenandoah Valley
  • National Harbor
  • Annapolis
  • Richmond

Conclusion

Fairfax County is a beautiful and diverse travel destination filled with a variety of attractions, natural beauty, and rich culture and history. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a weekend, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Fairfax County. Make sure you plan your activities in advance, respect the local culture, and take necessary safety precautions for a memorable and enjoyable trip.



    Alexandria
    Arlington
    Burke
    Centreville
    Chantilly
    Falls Church
    Herndon
    McLean
    Reston
    South Alexandria
    Vienna