The Best Things To Do In Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia has been the home to many of our nation's heroes, and today it is a popular destination for visitors from all over. It's also a great place to live. One of the reasons it's such a popular place to visit is that there are so many different things to do - from museums and historic sites, golf courses in America, or world-class shopping and cuisine. For people who live in Northern Virginia, there's even more to do--from outdoor adventures like hiking at Shenandoah National Park or biking on trails near Washington D.C., to recreation areas with parks and playgrounds like Arlington County’s Four Mile Run Regional Park.
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As you pack your bags and prepare to head out on your vacation, take some time to learn about the best things that Northern Virginia has in store for you!
Tour George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia
The best things to do in Northern Virginia start with a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Not only is this one of the most historic sites in all of America, but it's also right here! Located just outside Washington D.C., you can tour the more than 60 acres that make up the museum and explore everything from his slave quarters to where he lived as an esteemed plantation owner. You'll want to plan your trip ahead so you know what time tours are offered or arrange for your own private guide if you're not sure when they will be there-we recommend getting on their list well before summer because then tickets sell out quickly due to tourism season for those who live nearby and come often. And don't forget: get there early!
The estate is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset and there are many different tours you can choose from. You'll be able to explore his gardens, the grounds of his plantation home, or even take their own private tour with one of their on-site guides if you don't want to wait in line for tickets. As George Washington's Mount Vernon estate isn't just a museum but also an active working farm, they grow everything right here and have some amazing (and delicious) food available as well. With all this history surrounding you, it won't feel like you're visiting at all - instead, it will feel like stepping back into the past and experiencing life as he did more than two centuries ago.
Visit the National Air and Space Museum
One of the best things to do in Northern Virginia is visit its National Air and Space Museum. Located near Washington D.C., this museum has more than 400,000 square feet for visitors to explore--and it's open every day! There are plenty of exhibits that showcase different aspects of aviation history starting from the building of a paper airplane to the lunar rovers.
Visitors to this museum will also get a chance to experience flight simulators and see how it feels like to be an astronaut, all while learning about the history of aviation. There are even IMAX movies at this location for visitors who want something extra immersive!
Explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a great place to start. Operating on both the land and water, it honors each branch of our armed forces with exhibits, displays, and interactive stations that highlight military history from World War II through today’s conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visitors can get up close to tanks, planes, helicopters, and more, or they can explore the stories of Marines in peacekeeping missions around the world. For those who are interested but not able to make a visit, check out their website for an interactive tour!
Visit the George Washington Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a scenic route that runs along both sides of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, VA all the way up past Great Falls National Park and into Maryland. The parkway offers something for everyone--from waterfront dining at restaurants like Chart House or Spottswood, to hiking and biking trails that go for miles without interruption.
The GW parkway also offers some of the best views in our region--including great sites like Great Falls National Park or even a visit to Mount Vernon--and is home to many events throughout the year, such as wine tasting tours during springtime at Chateau Fairfax.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the best ways to see all that Northern Virginia has to offer. It's a beautiful drive with fantastic views and many historic sites along the way, so don't miss it!
Go to a concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
One of the best things to do in Northern Virginia is going to a concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. With an outdoor amphitheater that seats more than 25,000 people and some amazing acoustics from being situated on top of a hill near Vienna, VA., you are sure to have one unforgettable evening with your favorite performer.
In addition to the popular concerts, Wolf Trap is also home to two operas each year and a variety of other performances from big-name musicians or dance companies that tour throughout the world. You may not be able to afford tickets for all three events at one time, but you'll never know when your favorite group will be performing, so it's worth checking the Wolf Trap website for more information.
The amphitheater is open from mid-May through early October and tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance though because concerts tend to sell out quickly!
Head to the Tysons Corner Mall
The Tysons Corner Mall is a mall on Route Seven near McLean, Virginia. It has more than 250 stores and restaurants--from Macy's to Neiman Marcus--and it's home to some of the largest retailers in America as well. You'll find everything you're looking for, from the latest fashions and designer clothes to linens and kitchenware. And if you need a break before you tackle all of that shopping, there are plenty of places to eat--or get your nails done on site!
For those with kids in tow or who just want a little something sweet after their meal at Panera Bread, there's also an ice cream station and a candy store.
The Tysons Corner Mall is the perfect place for visitors to Northern Virginia--and it's just one of many great things you can do in this part of America!
Visit Arlington National Cemetery and pay your respects to those who have served our country
One of the most amazing things that you can do in Northern Virginia is visit Arlington National Cemetery. This solemn memorial, located just a few miles away from Washington D.C., was established during the Civil War and honors all those who have served our country from generals to privates alike.
Arlington has more than 2500 acres, so there's plenty of space for all of the military memorials and headstones but don't forget to take some time to visit those that are closest to you.
The Air Force Memorial, located in Section 27, is a beautiful monument with an eternal flame set next to six fountains. It's also home to one of the largest American flags on the planet, measuring at 30 x 60 feet.
There's also the Kennedy Memorial which honors President John F. Kennedy and his family and veterans who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan are honored with their own memorials as well.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located near Section 25, and it features 12 soldiers who are looking up to a bronze statue of an American soldier.
No matter where you visit in Northern Virginia--whether it's the Tysons Corner Mall or Arlington National Cemetery—you're bound to have fun!
Spend a day at Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is a municipal park in Northern Virginia that features beautiful scenery as well as access to the Potomac River. It's home to different hiking trails, picnic areas, and some of the best fishing spots around--so you'll have plenty of fun even if you're not there for one of their family-friendly events.
Great Falls Park also has a diversity of wildlife including deer, herons, and beavers. There are also some great historical sites--like the C&O Canal and Lewis Mill Ruins--to explore while you're there.
Whether you’re looking to go for a hike on one of their trails or spend time fishing, Great Falls Park is sure to offer something spectacular!
Drive to Luray Caverns for an underground tour and light show
One of the best things to do in Northern Virginia is drive out for an underground tour and light show at Luray Caverns. This massive cavern system features more than 28 miles worth of tunnels--each with their own unique geological formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Luray Caverns also has nightly tours that include an underground tour, a light show, and then dinner in the country club.
The caverns are just one of many awesome things that you can do while visiting Northern Virginia--and if you're thinking about coming to this part of America soon make sure to give them a visit!
Check out the Shenandoah National Park and see some of the most beautiful mountains in America
Shenandoah National Park is a vast wilderness area that offers hiking and biking trails for all levels, including some easy ones close to Washington D.C., as well as many more challenging hikes deeper into the park which lead you through beautiful high country filled with history and natural beauty.
Hike the Skyline trail, which starts near Waynesboro and is one of Virginia's most popular hikes with spectacular views that change as you ascend to Rockfish Gap at mile 29.
Take in some of the world's best art at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is a wonderful place to visit. It's an independent and private art museum, meaning that you can experience its collections in the way they were meant to be seen: unfettered from commercial considerations. The building itself is magnificent as well, with sweeping marble stairs leading up to beautifully landscaped galleries and outdoor terraces.
The National Gallery of Art was founded in 1937, and is the largest art museum on the East Coast. More than three million people visit annually! The museum has a collection of more than 100,000 pieces--including paintings by many notable American artists like Georgia O’Keeffe or John Singer Sargent; sculptures from Rodin, Moore, and Picasso; prints by Durer, Rembrandt, and Degas; furniture and decorative arts from medieval to modern times.
The museum is committed to the idea that art can be a source of education--and it offers programs for students on weekends with master artists in residence as well as teacher-led tours throughout the day.
Spend an afternoon at Virginia Beach - one of America's best beaches
When people think of the best beaches in America, they often don't include Virginia. But if you're looking for a place to go and enjoy some sun--without any crowds or high prices--then head over to Virginia Beach where there are miles of soft sands and beautiful white sand dunes along the coast. You can also take your pick of a variety of family friendly activities, such as kayaking and jet skiing.
It's common to find the most popular beaches in America on either coast--but if you're looking for something that is less crowded or doesn't have high prices then head over to Virginia Beach! You'll be able to enjoy miles of soft sand and beautiful white sand dunes along the coast. There are also plenty of family friendly activities to choose from, including kayaking and jet skiing!
Northern Virginia is a great place to visit, but it's also an even better place to live. With so much opportunity in the area for outdoor activities and entertainment, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider moving here or spending more time visiting this region.
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