Fairfax

Travel Guide

Fairfax featuring a house and heritage elements
Fairfax featuring military items and heritage elements
Fairfax showing a park
Fairfax showing heritage elements
Fairfax which includes street scenes and a park

Discover American Civil War sites, historic buildings, shopping districts and a schedule of vibrant festivals at this independent city within Fairfax County.

Get ready to mix history with entertainment and recreation in the city of Fairfax. Explore Civil War heritage sites and visit architecturally impressive buildings. Shop at modern malls and attend festivals aimed at everyone from art lovers to chocolate fanatics. Fairfax sits in northern Virginia and dates back to the 1700s, when it was established by migrating farmers.

Today, the city’s beating heart is the downtown district called Old Town Fairfax. Start your visit at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. Browse the exhibitions that retrace the city’s history and pick up information about significant landmarks. Buy a ticket to go on a guided walking tour of the Old Town held on the second Saturday of the month from May to September. Alternatively, use the free self-guided walking tour brochure available from the visitor center.

Go to Old Town Square and check out the Old Town Hall, inaugurated in 1900 and distinguishable by its classical revival-style façade. Nearby is the early 19th-century Fairfax Courthouse, which operated as Civil War military headquarters. Learn about the activities of Main Street during the 19th and 20th centuries at Ratcliffe-Allison House.

Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques and relaxing at the sidewalk cafés of Old Town Plaza. Dine at downtown restaurants that range from well-known chains to Asian cuisine, steakhouses and wine bars.

Time your visit to coincide with the city’s eclectic cultural events. Chocoholics will rejoice at the Chocolate Lovers Festival while book lovers will appreciate the Fall for the Book Festival. Experience Irish traditions at September’s Irish Folk Festival. Attend free music shows during the Summer Concert Series and Rock the Block.

Be sure to visit attractions outside of the city center. Follow in the footsteps of American Civil War soldiers at Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center. See a through-the-ages exhibition of firearms at the National Firearms Museum. Enjoy shaded walks in Daniels Run Park and Van Dyck Park.

Fairfax is about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Washington D.C. Get here by taking the metro to Vienna-GMU Station and then catch a bus from there. Several free parking lots are available to those arriving by car.

Washington Plaza Hotel
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4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is P6,150 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
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Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,400 reviews)
"Clean, elegant, classy all in the center of everything walkable. Staff from bell boys to front desk pleasant and efficient! Pool bar staff excellent!! From personal attention to quality drinks all especially Shonda made my stay memorable and I will be back soon!! My got to hotel in DC!!"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,742 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P5,742
P8,294 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,969 reviews)
"None"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
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Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is P6,997 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P6,997
P9,830 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,452 reviews)
"I love this property is around everything for walking distances."

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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.
Glover Park - Georgetown
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Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,483 reviews)
"Great stay"

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The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
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4 out of 5
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,794 reviews)
"Convenient location, quiet room, walkable distance to nearby restaurants, the front desk staff is nice and response quickly to our request (such as extra towels, print a short document)."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,358 reviews)
"Need better markings on steps in lobby since they are different heights"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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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