Falls Church Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture of Falls Church, Virginia. Learn about hiking routes, food and drinks, transportation options, and more in this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Falls Church

Welcome to Falls Church, Virginia – a charming city located in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia. It is conveniently located near major attractions like Washington D.C (15-minute drive), Arlington (10-minute drive), and Great Falls National Park (30-minute drive). Falls Church is home to a vibrant community, with a rich culture and history, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take you on a journey through the best places to visit, activities to do, and local culture to experience in Falls Church.

List of Places to Visit in Falls Church

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Falls Church Episcopal - A historic church that dates back to 1734, with stunning architecture and a rich history.
  • Tinner Hill Historic Site - A site dedicated to celebrating the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
  • Cherry Hill Farmhouse - A restored farmhouse that tells the story of life in Falls Church during the 1800s.

Natural Attractions of Falls Church: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Browns Mill Park - A serene park with walking trails, play equipment, and a creek.
  • W&OD Trail - A 45-mile trail that runs through Falls Church, perfect for those who want to hike, bike, or jog.
  • Tuckahoe Park - This park has sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it the perfect spot for family outings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Falls Church

  • W&OD Trail - The 45-mile trail is perfect for both hiking and biking, and provides a beautiful backdrop for any outdoor enthusiast.
  • Tuckahoe Park - With plenty of trails and paths around the park, visitors can enjoy scenic views while hiking or biking.

Best Things to Do in Falls Church: Activities and Tours

  • Falls Church Farmers Market - Held weekly on Saturdays, the farmers market features local vendors, fresh produce, and live music.
  • Escape Room Fairfax - Perfect for families and groups, this escape room offers challenging puzzles and games.
  • The State Theatre - A restored historic theatre that hosts concerts, shows, and events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Falls Church

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Tinner Hill Historic Site, followed by lunch at The Sandwich Shop (try their famous cheesesteak!). End the day with a relaxing stroll at Tuckahoe Park.
Day 2 Get your day started for a hike or bike ride on the W&OD Trail. Afterward, enjoy brunch at Famous Toastery before heading to The State Theatre for an evening show.
Day 3 Spend the day exploring the many museums and historical places in the city, like The Falls Church Episcopal and Cherry Hill Farmhouse. Cap off the day with dinner at the wildly popular taco spot, Taco Bamba.
Day 4 Take a trip to Great Falls National Park for some hiking and breathtaking views. Stop at Caboose Brewing Company on the way back to Falls Church for a delicious dinner and locally brewed beer.
Day 5 Spend the day shopping and exploring the arts and crafts scene at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Dine at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, known for its fresh seafood and beach vibes.
Day 6 Take a day-trip to the National Mall in Washington D.C, and visit the many monuments, museums, and landmarks.
Day 7 End your trip with a visit to Falls Church Farmers Market for fresh produce and local vendors. Enjoy the outdoors at Browns Mill Park, followed by dinner at La Côte d’Or Café, offering traditional French cuisine.

Food and Drink Scene of Falls Church

Must-Try Dishes

  • Falafel Wrap from Yayla Bistro
  • Philly Cheese Steak from The Sandwich Shop
  • Tacos al Pastor from Taco Bamba
  • “The Big Breakfast” Omelet from Famous Toastery

Local Beverages

  • Charlottesville Gold from Audacious Aleworks
  • Märzen Oktoberfest Lager from Mad Fox Brewing Company
  • Key Lime Pie Sour from Solace Brewing Co.

Where to Stay in Falls Church: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

What to Buy in Falls Church: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup from Maple Avenue Market
  • Handmade crafts from the Torpedo Factory Art Center
  • Coffee beans from Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

Local Culture and Customs of Falls Church

Falls Church is a diverse and inclusive community, known for its rich history and friendly locals. Residents of Falls Church value their culture and heritage, which can be seen in the many museums and historical places throughout the city.

Best Time to Visit Falls Church

The best time to visit Falls Church is in the fall season from September to November, with mild weather and beautiful foliage. Spring season from March to May is also a great time to visit, as the city comes alive with cherry blossoms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Falls Church

Do:

  • Learn about the rich history of Falls Church by visiting the many museums and historical sites.
  • Try the delicious cuisine of the city, including cheesesteaks, tacos, and seafood.
  • Go hiking or biking on the W&OD trail for scenic views of the city.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places.
  • Don’t be rude to locals or other tourists.
  • Don’t ignore the amazing local culture and heritage of the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in Falls Church

Falls Church is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Visitors should take general safety precautions, like securing their belongings and being alert in crowded areas.

Health in Falls Church

Visitors to Falls Church should take standard preventative measures, like staying hydrated, washing hands regularly, and wearing sunscreen.

Getting to Falls Church: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Falls Church

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
  • Washington Dulles International Airport
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Bus Stations Near Falls Church

  • Arlington Court House Bus Station
  • West Falls Church Metro Bus Station

Other Options

  • Uber and Lyft services are available in Falls Church, making it easy to get around the city.

How to Get Around in Falls Church

Falls Church is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many attractions and shops within a short walking distance. Visitors can also take advantage of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, or rent a bike and explore the city on the W&OD trail.

Where to Go Next from Falls Church: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Washington D.C
  • Arlington
  • Great Falls National Park

Conclusion

Falls Church is a hidden gem of Northern Virginia, offering an abundance of natural beauty, unique attractions, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature enthusiast, Falls Church has something to offer to everyone. We hope this comprehensive tour guide has given you a glimpse into the many things you can do and see in this charming city. Come visit us and explore Falls Church for yourself!

The metro is one of the best ways to travel to and from Falls Church to nearby cities The metro is one of the best ways to travel to and from Falls Church to nearby cities An incomplete, general map of Falls Church. An incomplete, general map of Falls Church. The Falls Church in a historical photograph. The Falls Church in a historical photograph. Eden Center's arch Eden Center's arch Banh Xeo—delicious stuffed Vietnamese Banh Xeo—delicious stuffed Vietnamese "pancakes" Vietnamese ''banh mi'' in Falls Church is peerless on the East Coast. Vietnamese ''banh mi'' in Falls Church is peerless on the East Coast. Self catering dessert at an Eden Center bakery Self catering dessert at an Eden Center bakery