Weekend Fun
Fun Things to Do in Northern Virginia
After a productive work week, enjoy one of the many fun things to do in Northern Virginia, whether it’s spending time at a favorite winery or brewery, exploring historic sites and estates or taking in beautiful vistas from a state park.
Looking for fun activities in Northern Virginia? The region has no shortage of options to keep you busy on weekends or throughout the week. The area is known for its deep history in Civil War sites, buildings and battlefields—but don’t forget about Mount Vernon, George Washington’s 500-acre estate, or U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington.
For those more interested in learning the history of the grapes and hops in your glass, spend your Saturday at the dozens of wineries and breweries across Northern Virginia. You can rest up at the area’s many campgrounds and cabins and wake up refreshed to take on a Sunday morning hike or kayak adventure.
Rankings & Stats
Manassas National Battlefield Park is the site of the first major Civil War battle
National Park Service
Hike, Bike or Ride Through NOVA
Featuring hiking trails with scenic overlooks, Great Falls Park, a national park in Fairfax County, offers activities for both adrenaline junkies and laid-back family fun. Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park, a former railroad track that is now a 45-mile long pathway for cyclists and joggers, has an adjacent gravel trail for horseback riders while Prince William Forest Park, Algonkian Regional Park and Lake Anna State Park offer incredible views and miles of trails.
For traditional campgrounds offering lots to set up tents, visit Leesylvania State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Burke Lake Park, or Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. Camping too adventurous? Set up your RV camper for family-friendly fun at Watermelon Park Campground and check out the cabins at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Prince William Forest Park and Bull Run Regional Park.
The Best Pours in Northern Virginia
Those who favor hops will enjoy the LoCo Ale Trail, where over 30 craft breweries host events and adventures like ziplining, bikes and brews itineraries and canoeing. Grab the Fairfax County Brewery Field Guide and earn rewards as you enjoy the area’s best brews.
Oenophiles will also enjoy Loudoun’s Wine Country, known as D.C.’s Wine Country, and Fairfax County’s wineries, known as the Gateway to Virginia Wine Country.
Bars of every speed extend the evening in the NOVA. Take in the big game with friends old and new at the dozens of sports bars in Northern Virginia or never have the same glass twice at The Wine
A Civil War Buff’s Paradise
From Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of the first major Civil War battle, to a trail of Civil War-era graffiti, Northern Virginia is a playground for enthusiasts of the War Between the States. The area is home to dozens of Civil War sites, hosts events such as reenactments and lectures throughout the year and has ready-made themed itineraries for easy exploring.
In addition to Civil War attractions, Northern Virginia is home to the United States Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. It’s also home to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Located on the Potomac River, visitors can tour and experience the estate of the nation’s first president.
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