Northern Virginia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Alexandria featuring a small town or village, street scenes and café scenes
George Washington Masonic National Memorial which includes a park and heritage architecture
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon showing a garden
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes a park
George Washington\'s Mount Vernon which includes a park and a memorial

Picturesque landscapes, historic small towns and urban centres 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

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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
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Huntington

If you're passing through Huntington, you may want to check out its restaurants. From there, jump on the metro at Huntington Ave. Station to see more of the area.

Huntington
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Old Town Winchester

Old Town Winchester is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bright Box Theater or Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.

Old Town Winchester
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West Falls Church

Get to know West Falls Church by checking out its restaurants, waterfalls and churches. Consider a visit to nearby sights like State Theatre or Eden Center during your time in the area.

West Falls Church
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Rose Hill

Golf courses and sporting events are just a few things travellers like about Rose Hill. A stop by Greendale Golf Course is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Rose Hill
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Lake Barcroft

While there might not be top attractions in Lake Barcroft, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Eden Center and State Theatre.

Lake Barcroft
The Watermark Hotel

The Watermark Hotel

4 out of 5
1825 Capital One Dr, McLean, VA
The price is AU$264 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$264
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,412 reviews)
"The entire experience was great from the staff, very nice and clean rooms, and breakfast was great."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

The Watermark Hotel
Hyatt Regency Dulles

Hyatt Regency Dulles

4 out of 5
2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon, VA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$209 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$209
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Herndon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,470 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hyatt Regency Dulles
Best Western Fairfax

Best Western Fairfax

2.5 out of 5
3535 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$145 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$145
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairfax. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,309 reviews)
"We appreciated the quiet location and free parking. The breakfast was delicious, and the dining area was clean and sizable. Our room was comfortable. The walls are thin enough that we could hear a lot of noise through the adjoining room which kept us awake until our neighbor finally went to ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Best Western Fairfax
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (150 reviews)
Home Away From Home
"Restaurants and shop literally at your front door. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Bushra helped us navigate when we had questions and DeShaun is such a joy to see. So friendly and welcoming and makes you feel you have known him forever."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
"Lisa & Alisha were kind and welcoming. We appreciated their willingness to answer our questions and be as helpful as possible - esp. since my husband has a progressive neurological disease requiring my assistance. It really meant a lot to us as this was my husband’s “final farewell” to his parents ..."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Affordable Suites of America Quantico
Global Luxury Suites at Reston

Global Luxury Suites at Reston

4 out of 5
11410 Reston Station Blvd, Reston, VA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Reston. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Reston Town Center and Fair Oaks Mall ...
7.2/10 Good! (23 reviews)
Great location
"My stay was amazing. The only downside is that I forgot my jacket and when I realized and went back the concierge could t let me n to get it and we could not reach anyone at Global Luxury."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Reston
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.

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Cities near Northern Virginia

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