Plan an Unforgettable 5-day Road Trip through Northern Virginia (w/ FREE PDF itinerary)
The District of Columbia gets most of the attention when talking about the Washington DC metro area. But don’t overlook Northern Virginia as an add-on to your DC trip. Or plan to visit Northern Virginia completely independent of the capital city. After all, many of the sites associated with DC aren’t even located there.
**Disclaimer: This was a hosted stay, however, all opinions are my own. I strive to provide my readers with my most authentic sentiments.
Furthermore, Northern Virginia offers many things to see and do. This wonderful journey will take you to historic places, ag-tourism sites, nature areas, small towns, and much more.
This 5-day itinerary can be done in its entirety or broken into multiple trips. It is based on the assumption that you will arrive in the early afternoon (between 12 and 2 p.m.) and depart the region around 3 p.m. on your final day. A word of advice, you may not want your last day to be Friday or Sunday, especially during the summer as traffic in the metro area can be extremely heavy.
Where is Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia encompasses the 5 counties across the Potomac River from Washington DC. The region comprises Alexandria, Arlington, and the counties of Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudon.
If you want to explore areas that are closely associated with the nation’s capital then you will want to focus predominantly on Alexandria and Arlington. But perhaps you are seeking a more rural and slower-paced adventure near Washington DC that focuses on history, agriculture, and nature, then you will likely focus on Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudon Counties.
Getting To Northern Virginia
The DC metro area is easily accessible from pretty much anywhere. After all, there are three major airports in the metropolitan area: one national and two international. Those airports are Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
But the DC metro area is also easily accessible by AMTRAK train from cities along the East Coast. Washington DC’s Union Station is the central connecting point for AMTRAK lines from east coast cities and western regions including Chicago and New Orleans.
And of course, if you are traveling by car the region is convenient to I-95 which runs the entire length of the eastern seaboard. This makes Northern Virginia a convenient stopping-off point or an easy addition to a longer road trip passing through the District of Columbia.
Day One – Mount Vernon and Alexandria
You will be starting your visit in Fairfax County but on this day you will only be visiting Mount Vernon. You will return to Fairfax County on day three to explore more of the county’s offerings.
As mentioned, this itinerary assumes you will arrive at Mount Vernon between 12 and 2 pm. The day’s itinerary is built around the idea of you getting to the area around lunchtime.
Enjoy a Southern-Syle Colonial Lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn
Start your visit to Mount Vernon with a Southern-style colonial lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. This delightful inn offers a charming atmosphere with great food.
Try the Fried Green Tomatoes, a southern staple, and the Hoecake, a cornbread pancake served with vanilla butter and honey. For your main course consider the Shrimp and Grits, Braised Short Ribs, or Chicken and Waffles. Finish with Colonial Bread Pudding.
Exploring George Washington’s Mount Vernon
After lunch, explore Mount Vernon’s extensive grounds, which span both sides of the Potomac River. The estate features beautiful gardens, Washington’s tomb, and the Original Distillery & Gristmill.
Choose a self-guided audio tour, included with a basic Grounds Pass or an optional guided Mansion Interior tour ($60) for more in-depth insights.
Don’t miss the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. This state-of-the-art learning center offers interactive exhibits on Native American heritage, slavery, and Washington’s achievements.
Expect to spend about 3 hours on a mansion tour, a garden visit, and the education center. Add another 1 to 1.5 hours if you want to see the tombs, farm, gristmill, and distillery.
Mount Vernon Visitor Information
Mount Vernon is open year-round. From April to October, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from November to March, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Museum and Education Center open an extra hour. Tickets are $28 for adults, $15 for children 6-11, and free for kids under 6. Discounts are available. Consider the 60-minute in-depth guided tour for $60 extra.
Tip: Purchase an Alexandria Key to the City Pass online ($20) to receive a 40% discount.
Tip: George Washington’s Mount Vernon is one of the most popular points of interest in Northern Virginia and is busy year-round, especially during the summer months. Purchase your tickets in advance online.
Plan an evening visit to Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, founded in 1749, is just a short drive from George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This nationally designated historic district voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the US and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 5 Best Small Cities in the US blends colonial charm and cosmopolitan style.
If you’ve not yet purchased your Key to the City Pass you will want to stop at the Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King Street). This $20 pass offers admission to 9 museums and significant sites including Alexandria’s History Museum, Alexandria Black History Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, and more.
Enjoy a stroll on King Street known for its trendy boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops and frequented by politicos, DC Powerbrokers, and even celebrities.
If one day for Mount Vernon and Alexandria doesn't feel like enough, make it a weekend trip.
As you meander the picture-perfect shaded cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria stop at the Hollensbury Spite House (523 Queen Street). Measuring just 7 feet wide it’s America’s skinniest home and a popular backdrop for photos.
Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N Union St.). This former naval munitions factory now serves as a gallery and studio space for 71 artists.
Wrap up your day with a walk along the waterfront, and dinner at a waterfront restaurant like Vola’s Dockside Grill. View the current public art installation at King Street and Waterfront Park.
After dinner head to your hotel. I suggest the Le Méridien Arlington. It’s a cosmopolitan hotel with a stunning view of the Key Bridge, the Potomac River, and Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood. It is an ideal location as you will be starting day two in Arlington.
Day Two – Arlington
Today will be spent exploring Arlington, a city that isn’t a city but a county made up of a collection of neighborhoods, not towns. You will explore some neighborhoods in the morning and spend the afternoon paying your respects to those who serve.
Take a bike tour of Arlington in the morning.
A wonderful way to explore Arlington is by bicycle. I have put together a 12-mile self-guided bike tour of Arlington. You will find the full 12-mile route and a downloadable map here. In this section, I cover the highlights and most important information for this ride.
While only a 12-mile ride, you should anticipate spending 2 to 2-½ hours for this ride. You will want to stop along the way for pictures and to take in the sites.
Once you’ve got your bike, head up Wilson Blvd and fill your belly at EClairons, a great little cafe serving hearty breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and the prettiest pastries.
From Rosslyn, you can pick it up on the Mount Vernon trail near Gateway Park. Once on the trail, you will head south toward your first stop Roosevelt Island. Alternatively, you could drive to Roosevelt Island and begin your journey there. Be aware, bikes are not permitted on the island.
Find the full 12-mile route and a downloadable map here.
Continuing on the Mount Vernon Trail for 4 miles you will ride along the Potomac River on your way to Gravely Point and Reagan International Airport, a popular spot for watching planes arriving and departing this busy runway. This scenic ride offers stunning views of DC and you will pass the Navy Merchant Marine Memorial along the way.
If you are comfortable riding city streets then pedal into Crystal City, the location for the new Amazon H2Q now under construction. Because Amazon and other businesses have chosen the area for their headquarters, Crystal City has seen massive growth in recent years.
From here make your way to Pentagon City where you will want to stop at the US Air Force Memorial and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
As you return to Rosslyn you will pass Arlington National Cemetery. There are a few interesting spots outside the cemetery where you can stop including the Seabees Memorial, Arlington Ridge Park, the Netherlands’ Carillon, and the US Marine Corps War Memorial.
Return your bikeshare to one of the kiosks and return to the hotel to freshen up before tackling the second half of the day. If you are looking for lunch, you may want to try District Taco (1500 Wilson Blvd) for a quick and casual meal.
Spend the afternoon at Arlington National Cemetary
Arlington National Cemetery, covering 639 acres, is the largest military cemetery in the United States and has been a place of honor since 1864. Over 400,000 servicemen and women, along with their dependents, are buried here.
Visitors can pay their respects to notable figures such as Presidents William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Senator Robert Kennedy. The cemetery also holds the graves of Supreme Court Justices, military leaders, influential political figures, and astronauts.
This is an active cemetery with up to 30 interments daily. Please remember to be respectful while visiting these hallowed grounds. To fully appreciate this site you should allow about 3 hours.
Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
On November 11, 1921, three unidentified soldiers (The Unknown), who were returned from France, were honored with a state funeral and interred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. To this day, the tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Visitors can witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tribute to all unidentified soldiers lost in war. Attending this ceremony is a must if you do nothing else at Arlington Cemetery.
View the Women in Military Service for America Memorial
As you enter Arlington Cemetery, you’ll see the Court of Valor, a large curved facade with a reflecting pool and fountain. This is the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, the only major national memorial honoring all women who have served in the U.S. military.
Beyond being a memorial, it features 16 exhibit halls with permanent and rotating exhibits that highlight the service and bravery of women in the military. It also includes a computerized registry of female service members.
Hours, Fee, Tour, and Parking Information for Arlington National Cemetery
Admission to Arlington National Cemetery is free, but you can take a narrated hop-on-hop-off tram tour for a fee. The 45-minute tours depart every 30 minutes, with six stops on weekdays and nine on weekends. Ticket prices are $19.50 for adults (13-64), $10.75 for children (6-12), $15 for seniors (65+), $8.75 for military and veterans, and free for children 4 and under.
The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs $3 per hour (up to $12 daily) for passenger vehicles and $10 per hour (up to $40 daily) for commercial vehicles.
As you wrap up day two, you might find yourself exhausted (and who would blame you) from two extremely active days of exploring. If so, you might want to get something at the Amuse Bar and Terrace (open til 10 pm nightly) located in the hotel or pick from one of the neighborhood restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Day Three – Vienna, Great Falls, and Reston
The primary destinations for day three are Great Falls National Park and the unique planned community of Lake Anne in Reston. On the way to your first destination, you will make a brief stop in the quaint town of Vienna. Day three is the busiest day on this 5-day itinerary so you may want to get an early start.
Either plan to have breakfast at the hotel before checking out or if you can wait, you may want to enjoy your morning meal at your first stop in Vienna.
Spend the Morning exploring Vienna Virginia (about a 25-minute drive)
Start your day in Vienna at Caffe Amouri, a popular coffee shop and roastery known for its specialty coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. It’s a great spot to relax, work, or catch up with locals. They also host live events like open mic nights and offer unique experiences such as private cupping sessions and Specialty Coffee Association Certification courses.
Vienna is located along the W&OD Trail, a former rail line turned biking path. Have your camera ready to snap some photos at the old Red Caboose, the former train depot, or near the Vienna Mural.
Explore downtown Vienna on foot, browsing antique shops, boutiques, and the indie bookstore Bards Alley. Chocolate lovers should visit Cocoa Vienna, while history buffs can stop by the Freeman Store & Museum. Unless you’re doing extensive shopping or browsing, plan to spend about an hour and a half here.
Explore Waterfalls and more at Great Falls National Park (a 20-minute drive)
Great Falls National Park spans 800 acres along the Potomac River, offering breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
The falls are the main highlight. On the Virginia side, there are three viewing points, all offering stunning views of the falls. Overlook Two is wheelchair accessible with a ramp to the viewing platform. All vantage points are within a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, making them accessible for people of most fitness levels. Be mindful of slippery rocks and always stay behind fencing for safety.
The park also has 15 miles of trails, including 5 miles of mixed-use trails for hiking and biking and 10 miles for horseback riding. Popular routes include the 2.5-mile Patowmack Trail, which connects all three overlooks and offers easy, scenic hiking along the river.
Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting over 160 species, including waterfowl, songbirds, woodpeckers, vultures, and kingfishers. Bring binoculars for the best experience. Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the falls to see all three overlooks and take a short hike.
Unless you plan to hike the trails, you will probably spend about 1-½ to two hours at the falls. This will provide enough time to view the falls from all three vantage points and take a short hike to the ruins.
Hours, Fee, and Tour Information for Great Falls National Park
Great Falls National Park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset, except on December 25. The entrance fees are $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, and $10 per individual entering on foot, bike, or horse. All passes are valid for seven days and provide access to both Great Falls Park and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Children 15 and under enter for free. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance or online.
If you are looking for some adventurous road trips from DC consider these Mid-Atlantic destinations.
Enjoy Lunch and Explore the Great Falls Village Centre
By now, you’re likely ready for lunch. If you’re on schedule, head to The Old Brogue: An Irish Pub in Great Falls Village Centre. Owned by the Kearney family since 1981, it serves American and traditional Irish dishes with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Afterward, visit the Great Falls Creamery for hand-scooped ice cream. Enjoy your treat on the outdoor patio or while browsing the village shops.
Alternatively, you could go directly to Lake Anne and enjoy lunch on the water at one of the restaurants there.
Discover Reston’s Surprising Lake Anne (a 15-minute drive)
The 1960s saw the creation of Reston’s Lake Anne Community, the first modern planned community in the U.S., known for its mid-century modern design blending nature, shopping, residential, and commercial spaces. The vision of Robert E. Simon Jr., this fascinating community, situated on the 50-acre Lake Anne, aimed to create a utopian environment inspired by New Urbanism and European coastal villages.
While visiting, stroll around the lake or rent a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Bridge for a picturesque spot. Learn more about the community’s history and Simon’s vision at the Reston Museum, which features permanent and rotating exhibits.
Enjoy shopping at the village’s boutique stores, especially the Reston Used Book Shop, which offers a range of gently used books. For a relaxing break, visit Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar for coffee, wine, or brunch. Don’t forget to take a photo with the statue of Robert E. Simon on the waterfront.
Looking for some wineries to add to your road trip? Try these amazing Northern Virginia Wineries.
Next Stop: Prince William County
You will be making your way to Prince William County in preparation for exploring the area on day four. Your dinner recommendation and accommodations are both in Prince William County.
Enjoy Dinner and Entertainment at Farm Brew Live
Spend your evening at Farm Brew Live in Manassas, a 12-acre entertainment complex at Innovation Park. Enjoy dining options from food trucks to fine dining at THE BLACK SHEEP: whiskey + wine + noshery, located in a historic barn with exposed beams and vaulted ceilings. Don’t miss the Bacon Tower, a visually impressive starter.
Beer enthusiasts should visit 2 Silos Brewing Co., the onsite brewery and casual eatery known for its local brews and dishes. Relax by the fire pits, enjoy live music on the Yard Stage, or play a game of cornhole while sipping local craft beers.
Drive to your overnight accommodations in Haymarket (20-25 minutes away)
Spend the night at either The Inn At Evergreen, a stunning country inn on an 18-hole championship par 72 golf course and country club, or the new Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Haymarket offering the convenience of an in-town location. These are two very different stays. Your choice will probably depend on your price point and the amenities you prefer.
Day Four – Prince William County
Today you will be exploring Prince Williams County. Day four will take you to historic sites and a truly unique ag-tourism destination before moving on to Loudoun County.
Breakfast in Haymarket or at Your Overnight Accommodations
If you’ve stayed at the Inn at Evergreen breakfast will most likely be included in your stay but check their website for details. However, you can still opt to head into Haymarket for breakfast.
Located across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn is Hidden Julles Cafe. This family-owned and operated cafe offers natural, organic, and locally sourced meals and scrumptious bakery items. The menu caters to a variety of dietary needs.
Grab a Coffee for the Road at Haymarket Coffee Company
Haymarket Coffee Company serves a cuppa Joe you can feel good about drinking. This small local coffee shop operates from the Haymarket Museum on Washington Street. All their coffee is grown on a 48-acre coffee farm in El Salvador directly supporting local coffee farmers.
Manassas National Battlefield Park – (10-minute drive from Haymarket and 20 minutes from the Inn)
Manassas National Battlefield Park, (6511 Sudley Road in Manassas, VA), where the Battles of Bull Run and First Manassas took place during the Civil War, is considered one of the most significant historical sites in the country. The park features the Manassas National Cemetery, where over 5,000 Union and Confederate soldiers are buried, serving as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices.
The park offers educational opportunities for all ages to learn about American and Civil War history. Join one of the park’s daily walking tours offering perspective on the Battle of First Manassas on Henry Hill.
Hours, Fee, and Tour Information for Manassas National Battlefield
Open daily from dawn to dusk, admission to the park is FREE. Check the National Park website for specific hours for the Visitor Center and Brawner Farm Interpretive Center. Daily walking tours led by a Park Ranger are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting, and take about 45 minutes.
Lunch at Taste of Old Country
A short distance from your next stop is Taste of Old Country, a Mediterranean-inspired bistro and market offering tapas-style small plates, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and salads. For lunch, try pairing the Old World Country Platter with a flight of four wines.
You can also sample a variety of estate and flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegar. The owner, Elias, is knowledgeable and can help you select the perfect product that can be shipped to your home. For a unique treat try the Vanilla Fig Balsamic Vinegar on vanilla ice cream—it’s exquisite!
Ben Lomond Historic Site
Following lunch, visit the Ben Lomond Historic Site. This museum offers a unique experience for those who think they don’t enjoy museums, providing a full sensory immersion into a working Civil War-era hospital.
Ben Lomond House served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers after the Battle of First Manassas. The museum recreates the atmosphere of that time with artifacts, audio recordings, and even the smells that might have been encountered.
The house features signatures of Confederate soldiers on the walls, with one wall left exposed to show the original Civil War graffiti.
At Ben Lomond, you can also tour the restored slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy. Don’t miss the Old Rose Garden, which has one of the largest collections of Old Garden Roses in the DC Metro area.
Hours, Fee, and Tour Information for Ben Lomond House
Ben Lomond is open for self-guided tours Friday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm, with guided tours at 11 am and 2 pm. Grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Tour fees are $5 for adults, while children under six and active military enter for free.
The house is not wheelchair accessible, but visitors with disabilities can use virtual 360-degree tour tablets at no extra cost to explore rooms with videos and narration.
Next Stop, Loudoun County VA (about a 40-minute drive)
Though Loudoun County is just 25 miles from Washington DC, it feels like a world away. Loudoun County is known for its charming small towns, horse farms, and vineyards.
Middleburg: “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital”
On your way to Leesburg, where you will spend the night, I suggest stopping in Middleburg. Explore antique stores and boutique shops as you stroll Washington Street, the town’s main street.
Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at Middleburg Common Grounds or indulge your sweet tooth with an ice cream from Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor Despite the town’s entire main thoroughfare being only a few blocks long, this is a bustling enclave.
Before departing Middleburg, you may want to have dinner at one of the town’s fine, yet casual establishments. Local favorites include King Street Oyster Bar and Bluewater Cucina.
Tonight you will be staying in Leesburg in preparation for exploring Loudon County on day five. I suggest booking at Stone Gables Bed & Breakfast (19077 Loudoun Orchard Road, Leesburg). This historic B and B is in a renovated stone gable barn, one of the last remaining in the county making it a special place. The rooms are nicely appointed. Exposed beams and rock walls give the place a rustic feel while offering all the amenities. Enjoy the onsite pool, homemade cookies, snacks, and an amazing fresh, hot breakfast in the morning.
Day Five – Leesburg in Loudon County
Spend the Morning visiting Oatland Historic House and Gardens
After breakfast and checking out, head to Oatlands Historic House & Gardens (20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln, Leesburg) in Leesburg, a historic plantation with over 200 years of history.
Built by George Carter in 1804, the mansion was once a thriving wheat plantation, worked by 133 enslaved people. The estate openly addresses this history through the “Telling of All Stories Project,” which aims to document every enslaved person at Oatlands to help descendants trace their ancestry.
Oatlands is a National Trust Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation by Edith Eustis in 1964. The estate features terraced gardens originally created by Carter and later restored by Edith Eustis, who added tulips, peonies, irises, lilies, and boxwoods.
The estate is popular for weddings due to its beautiful mansion, gardens, and scenic grounds. Visitors can also stay at the historic Inn at Oatlands Hamlet, Stone Cottage, or the newly renovated Gap House, all available to rent through Airbnb.
Hours, Fee, and Tour Information for Oatlands
Garden & Grounds open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. Guided Tours by appointment – Last tour at 3:00 p.m. – Call for Appt. 703-727-0670
Adult Gardens and Grounds tickets cost $10, and Children 5 and under are FREE – Purchase tickets here.
Wrap up Your 5-day Road Trip Exploring Downtown Leesburg
Loudoun County is known for its locally owned shops, diverse dining options, craft breweries, and historic sites. Stroll through the charming town to see notable landmarks like the war memorials at the Loudoun County Courthouse, the Methodist Meeting House and cemetery, Silas Randall House, and John Janney House.
History enthusiasts can explore the town with self-guided audio tours available on smartphones, covering topics such as African American History, Historic Leesburg Highlights, and Loudoun County War Memorials. For a deep dive into local history, Visit the Loudoun Museum, which preserves the county’s cultural and natural heritage.
Downtown Leesburg is an arts and cultural district with various art galleries and antique shops. You can also enjoy the Leesburg Public Art Tour, featuring over 20 artworks at 11 locations.
For a blend of art and nature, visit Raflo Park and Garden Sculpture, known for its unique sculptures and the “LOVE” sign made from bicycle parts. This park also provides access to the W&OD Trail, a 45-mile path ideal for biking.
Before departing, enjoy a meal at one of Leesburg’s downtown restaurants. For a standout experience, try Tuscarora Mill Restaurant, or “Tuskie’s,” located in a historic 19th-century grain mill. Known for its commitment to local ingredients, Tuskie’s offers an inspired menu with daily specials.
As stated at the start of this article, this itinerary should allow you to get on the road by around 3 p.m. If you can stay a bit longer or have decided to tack on an additional day, you may want to check out some of Northern Virginia’s fine wineries.
This itinerary allows you to see all the highlights of Northern Virginia at a relaxed enough pace that you don’t need a vacation from your vacation when you get home. If you decide to follow this plan, I would love your feedback. Tell me in the comments!!
Get your FREE Printable 5-Day Northern Virginia Road Trip Itinerary, now.
Like this Post?? Share it NOW!
