Northern Virginia

Travel Guide

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

Picturesque landscapes, historic small towns and urban centers 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

West Falls Church

West Falls Church is well-liked for many features, particularly its restaurants, waterfalls, and churches. Though there might not be top sights in West Falls Church, consider a stop by State Theatre or Eden Center, located nearby.

West Falls Church
Default Image

Huntington

Travelers enjoy Huntington for its restaurants, and if you want to see some more of the area, you can jump on the metro at Huntington Ave. Station.

Huntington
Default Image

Rose Hill

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

Rose Hill
Default Image

Old Town Winchester

Old Town Winchester is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Bright Box Theater and Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum while in the area.

Old Town Winchester
Default Image

Lake Barcroft

Lake Barcroft might not have many top sights, but Eden Center and State Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lake Barcroft
Hyatt Regency Dulles

Hyatt Regency Dulles

4 out of 5
2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon, VA
The price is P6,922 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,922
P7,960 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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! (1,388 reviews)
"Only an overnight stay but the hotel was a wonderful modern property, check-in was seamless. Hotel shuttle to and from the hotel was excellent. Hotel was located about 10 minutes away from the airport."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hyatt Regency Dulles
Hyatt Place Herndon Dulles Airport East

Hyatt Place Herndon Dulles Airport East

3 out of 5
13711 Sayward Blvd, Herndon, VA
The price is P5,526 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P5,526
P6,354 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Herndon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,368 reviews)
"Checked in late. Staff was great"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hyatt Place Herndon Dulles Airport East
The Watermark Hotel

The Watermark Hotel

4 out of 5
1825 Capital One Dr, McLean, VA
The price is P8,669 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P8,669
P9,969 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (2,261 reviews)
An exceptional stay
"The most up to date hotel I have visited in years. From the touchscreen elevator control to the backlit bathroom vanity mirror, this is a top notch hotel by any measure. The room was spacious with not one but two LCD TV screens. Will stay here again when in the area next time."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

The Watermark Hotel
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.
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! (433 reviews)
"Easy communication with the office"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Affordable Suites of America Quantico
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 Hunter Mill. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Reston Town ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (141 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious.Extremely polite staff at front desk and very helpful."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Global Luxury Suites at Reston Town Center
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 Hunter Mill. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Reston Town Center and Fair Oaks ...
7.6/10 Good! (18 reviews)
"Super cute place, neat, clean, cool city."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do