Day Excursion: Day trip to Northern Virginia from Washington, D.C.

Your trip to Northern Virginia from Washington, D.C. begins with a short jaunt across a bridge. Or a quick ride on the Metro system. Or even a scenic journey on a water taxi. While the distance between the two destinations may be small, you will feel like you have been transported to a different world when you arrive in Northern Virginia, an area that has been dubbed “Virginia’s Cultural Region,” due to its vast array of shopping options, fine dining establishments, and world-class historic attractions.

Start your Northern Virginia adventure at one of the most visited historic sites in the United States – George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, you can tour this iconic Presidential estate and learn more about how the nation’s first President and family lived their lives. In addition to the estate, you can tour expansive gardens and even a nearby gristmill and distillery, once the largest distillery in the United States. Grab a bite to eat at the Mount Vernon Inn, an on-site tavern, and sample the delicious flavors of early America.

Continue exploring the region’s history with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. This historic 624- acre cemetery contains the graves of those who fought for the country, going as far back as the Civil War. Arlington National Cemetery is also the burial site of two former U.S. Presidents – Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy. 

For more history, explore Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two historically significant Civil War battles. Nearby, you can tour the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which serves as a lasting tribute to all marines, in a state-of-the-art facility with interactive exhibits. Lastly, a visit to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a must. Serving as the companion museum to the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the Udvar-Hazy Center contains numerous exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay.

If it’s historic charm you’re after, look no further than Alexandria, Virginia. From the cobblestone streets of Old Town, to the dozens of boutique shops and restaurants lining historic King Street, to the waterfront district on the Potomac River, it’s no surprise this city was named a Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Tour the Torpedo Factory Art Center (located in an actual former torpedo factory), home to the largest collection of publicly accessible working artist studios in the United States, or visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial to learn more about Mr. Washington and soak in breathtaking views of Alexandria and Washington, D.C. Fine dining options abound, with many restaurants located in historic buildings, like Virtue Feed & Grain, an American tavern located in an 1800s feed house, or Columbia Firehouse, home to the Columbia Steam Engine Fire Company of the late 1800s.

With nearly 300 wineries, Virginia is now the 5th largest wine producer in the United States and Northern Virginia is one of the best places to sip some of these fine offerings. Nearby Loudoun County, Virginia is known as D.C.’s Wine Country and boasts more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms, certain to deliver a wine experience you will never forget. There are also craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries all welcoming you for a visit.

Next, get ready to shop at one of the region’s many premier shopping locations. With options ranging from the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets and Tysons Corner Center, to Ballston Quarter in Arlington, and even antique shopping, there’s something for all interests and budgets. Before departing Northern Virginia, enjoy the great outdoors, a trip to Great Falls National Park will delight you with its stunning falls and sweeping views. Depart with fond memories and souvenirs from your unforgettable visit to Virginia.