Northern Virginia

Virginia / Northern Virginia, VA


The Northern Virginia Region

Northern Virginia is next door to our nation's capital - Washington, D.C. - yet has kept its own character reminiscent of colonial times, rambling plantations, equestrian farms and cobblestoned streets leading to quaint taverns, chic shops and historical gems.

Fairfax County is a treasure trove of unique historic sites, museums, performance venues, and natural wonders. Visit and discover national treasures such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Workhouse Arts Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and Great Falls National Park.

More history can be found in Northern Virginia. Arlington honors our nation's soldiers and military history at Arlington National Cemetery and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

A beautifully-preserved historic district on the Potomac waterfront, Old Town Alexandria is the heart of the city George Washington called home. Today, Old Town’s cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks hum with an energy that attracts everyone from presidents to pet lovers and boasts some of the region’s best chef-driven restaurants.

With a vibrant arts culture which includes the nationally renowned Torpedo Factory Art Center; a thriving boutique scene; numerous boat tours and water taxis; and creative cocktails and craft brews, including Alexandria’s own Port City Brewing Company, recently named the Best Small Brewery in America.”

Loudoun County boasts unique beauty with its treasure trove of wineries, breweries, horse farms and equestrian events.  Not to be missed are the Civil War sites and the famous annual Waterford Fair.  Boat and Kayak recreational opportunities are plentiful along the Potomac River.

Northern Virginia is a favorite destination of shoppers, from upscale shopping malls to bargain outlets and winery shops.

This region is considered "Horse Country" with steeplechase races, horse shows and polo matches.

And Northern Virginia is just a stone’s throw from our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Take one of the many trolley tours from monument to monument, visit the great museums in the Smithsonian system, such as the new African American Museum of History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian or the Hirshhorn and Sculpture Garden, all for free.

Next, tour the Capitol with its vibrant visitor’s center to get you started. Hint, if you drop by your Congressman or Senator’s office, you will be able to get free tickets to go up into the galleries of the House and Senate and watch your lawmakers at work.

Don’t miss Georgetown or the downtown area of DC near 9th and G and for a few blocks around. There you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, more museums (like the National Museum and the Spy Museum) and the famous Ford’s Theatre when Lincoln was assassinated, you can even step inside the Theatre to see the dedicated box where Lincoln sat. Within walking distance is the National Archives that house the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and one of four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

You’re going to go home with great pictures and great memories of a great trip!