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

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is P6,234 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P6,234
P7,228 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,449 reviews)
"Please give my compliments the manager, thw hotel was well taken care and the stadd were wonderful. One staff member in particular took very good care of us at the pool area. His name was Majid"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is P6,011 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
P6,011
P8,630 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
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! (1,996 reviews)
"Property is dated but nice."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is P6,185 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P6,185
P8,903 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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! (2,496 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
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

Glover Park - Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington
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! (2,503 reviews)
Glover Park stay
"Quiet, clean hotel in Glover Park that’s close to many restaurants and stores. Easy walk to Georgetown and on a bus line for ease of access to other parts of the city."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,671 reviews)
"Another great visit to The Dupont Circle Hotel - Irish hospitality in the heart of DC. Food in The Pembroke was very good - recommend the branzino and side of mushrooms. Cocktails looked great but didn’t partake this time. Efficient, friendly service. Will be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

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! (1,804 reviews)
"Great location! Wonderful staff."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
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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