With its rich history, cultural diversity, and convenient location just outside the nation’s capital, Fairfax County offers an impressive mix of activities and destinations for residents and visitors alike. Whether exploring the region’s heritage, venturing into its expansive parks, or enjoying world-class shopping and dining, the variety of things to do in Fairfax County, VA makes it one of Northern Virginia’s most dynamic communities.
Real estate expert Cheryl L. Folmer frequently works with clients relocating to the area who want more than just a place to live—they’re looking for a vibrant lifestyle. From historical landmarks and family attractions to live entertainment and scenic retreats, Fairfax County has something for everyone, whether it’s a quiet weekend outdoors or a night out on the town. This guide highlights the best things to do in Fairfax County, VA for those who want to experience the full depth of what this diverse and thriving region has to offer.
Explore the Rich History of the Region
Fairfax County is home to some of the most historically significant landmarks in Virginia. Chief among them is George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a meticulously preserved estate on the banks of the Potomac River. Visitors can tour the mansion, gardens, and working farm while learning about the life and legacy of America’s first president. Mount Vernon also features interactive exhibits and seasonal events that bring history to life for all ages.
Another notable site is Gunston Hall, the plantation home of George Mason, one of the framers of the U.S. Constitution. The property offers guided tours, walking trails, and a look into 18th-century life. In Fairfax City, the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center provides insight into local Civil War history and the development of the county.
For those interested in military history, the nearby National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir is a modern and immersive experience that showcases the Army’s contributions throughout American history. Each of these destinations plays an important role in the array of things to do in Fairfax County, VA, offering both educational value and cultural enrichment.
Another notable site is Gunston Hall, the plantation home of George Mason, one of the framers of the U.S. Constitution. The property offers guided tours, walking trails, and a look into 18th-century life. In Fairfax City, the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center provides insight into local Civil War history and the development of the county.
For those interested in military history, the nearby National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir is a modern and immersive experience that showcases the Army’s contributions throughout American history. Each of these destinations plays an important role in the array of things to do in Fairfax County, VA, offering both educational value and cultural enrichment.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities and Natural Beauty
Fairfax County’s extensive park system is one of its greatest assets. Residents and visitors have access to more than 30,000 acres of parkland and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Burke Lake Park is one of the most popular spots, with a scenic lake for boating and fishing, an 18-hole golf course, trails for walking and biking, and picnic areas perfect for weekend gatherings.
Great Falls Park, just outside McLean, offers dramatic views of the Potomac River’s cascading waterfalls and rocky terrain. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks make it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers. Closer to the heart of the county, Huntley Meadows Park features boardwalks through wetlands, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail is a 45-mile paved rail trail that winds through Fairfax County and beyond, ideal for cycling, jogging, or leisurely walks. Lake Accotink Park and Riverbend Park provide additional waterfront scenery, kayak access, and family-friendly programming.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, one of the most popular things to do in Fairfax County, VA is simply getting outside to enjoy the region’s natural landscapes and well-maintained green spaces.
Great Falls Park, just outside McLean, offers dramatic views of the Potomac River’s cascading waterfalls and rocky terrain. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks make it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers. Closer to the heart of the county, Huntley Meadows Park features boardwalks through wetlands, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail is a 45-mile paved rail trail that winds through Fairfax County and beyond, ideal for cycling, jogging, or leisurely walks. Lake Accotink Park and Riverbend Park provide additional waterfront scenery, kayak access, and family-friendly programming.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, one of the most popular things to do in Fairfax County, VA is simply getting outside to enjoy the region’s natural landscapes and well-maintained green spaces.
Discover Arts, Music, and Live Entertainment
Cultural attractions are plentiful throughout Fairfax County. The county is home to the renowned Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, located in Vienna. This open-air amphitheater hosts an eclectic calendar of concerts and performances during the summer season, ranging from symphonies and ballet to pop concerts and theatrical productions.
In Fairfax, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts presents a diverse mix of live music, dance, and global performances throughout the year. Local theater enthusiasts can enjoy shows at the Alden Theatre in McLean or NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, both of which offer professional productions in intimate settings.
Art lovers will enjoy the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, a former prison turned creative campus. The center features artist studios, rotating gallery exhibitions, art classes, and public events. Regular festivals and open houses invite visitors to experience the local arts scene firsthand.
Attending a show or festival is one of the most rewarding things to do in Fairfax County, VA, allowing residents to engage with their community and support local talent.
In Fairfax, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts presents a diverse mix of live music, dance, and global performances throughout the year. Local theater enthusiasts can enjoy shows at the Alden Theatre in McLean or NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, both of which offer professional productions in intimate settings.
Art lovers will enjoy the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, a former prison turned creative campus. The center features artist studios, rotating gallery exhibitions, art classes, and public events. Regular festivals and open houses invite visitors to experience the local arts scene firsthand.
Attending a show or festival is one of the most rewarding things to do in Fairfax County, VA, allowing residents to engage with their community and support local talent.
Shop, Dine, and Unwind in Walkable Town Centers
Fairfax County is home to some of the region’s best shopping and dining destinations. Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria offer luxury retail, upscale dining, and entertainment all in one place. With flagship stores and trend-setting brands, Tysons has become the retail epicenter of Northern Virginia.
In Merrifield, the Mosaic District combines residential living with stylish boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. It’s a walkable urban village that also features a weekly farmers market, public art installations, and a movie theater with rooftop events.
Historic towns like Vienna, Clifton, and Fairfax City offer a more traditional charm with independent stores, local eateries, and seasonal street festivals. These communities foster a small-town feel while still offering the amenities and access expected in a larger metro area.
Reston Town Center, another standout destination, blends office space, residences, and entertainment. With restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, art installations, and open-air plazas, it's a vibrant place to gather any day of the week.
Whether you’re seeking a high-end shopping experience or a weekend brunch in a charming local café, exploring town centers is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Fairfax County, VA.
In Merrifield, the Mosaic District combines residential living with stylish boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. It’s a walkable urban village that also features a weekly farmers market, public art installations, and a movie theater with rooftop events.
Historic towns like Vienna, Clifton, and Fairfax City offer a more traditional charm with independent stores, local eateries, and seasonal street festivals. These communities foster a small-town feel while still offering the amenities and access expected in a larger metro area.
Reston Town Center, another standout destination, blends office space, residences, and entertainment. With restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, art installations, and open-air plazas, it's a vibrant place to gather any day of the week.
Whether you’re seeking a high-end shopping experience or a weekend brunch in a charming local café, exploring town centers is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Fairfax County, VA.
Engage the Whole Family With Kid-Friendly Attractions
Families with children will find no shortage of engaging activities in Fairfax County. The Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall offers hands-on learning through interactive exhibits focused on STEM subjects. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, houses dozens of aircraft—including the Space Shuttle Discovery—and provides immersive exhibits that are both educational and exciting.
Frying Pan Farm Park gives kids a glimpse into early 20th-century farm life, complete with working animals, antique tractors, and seasonal festivals. There’s also Clemyjontri Park in McLean, a uniquely inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities.
Water parks, indoor play centers, and outdoor movie nights throughout the county provide ongoing entertainment for families throughout the year. When looking for enriching and memorable things to do in Fairfax County, VA with children, these attractions deliver.
Frying Pan Farm Park gives kids a glimpse into early 20th-century farm life, complete with working animals, antique tractors, and seasonal festivals. There’s also Clemyjontri Park in McLean, a uniquely inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities.
Water parks, indoor play centers, and outdoor movie nights throughout the county provide ongoing entertainment for families throughout the year. When looking for enriching and memorable things to do in Fairfax County, VA with children, these attractions deliver.
Embrace Seasonal Events and Local Traditions
Fairfax County’s calendar is filled with seasonal events that bring communities together and celebrate local culture. Fall festivals, summer concert series, Fourth of July fireworks, and holiday markets are hosted throughout the county in both public parks and town centers.
The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, hosted at the county government center, is a longtime favorite that features live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and local artisans. Other beloved events include the ViVa! Vienna! Festival, Reston’s Multicultural Festival, and McLean’s WinterFest Parade.
Farmers markets pop up in nearly every corner of the county, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts while supporting regional growers. Attending these events is not just about entertainment—it’s about feeling rooted in a community that values local engagement and shared experiences.
The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, hosted at the county government center, is a longtime favorite that features live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and local artisans. Other beloved events include the ViVa! Vienna! Festival, Reston’s Multicultural Festival, and McLean’s WinterFest Parade.
Farmers markets pop up in nearly every corner of the county, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts while supporting regional growers. Attending these events is not just about entertainment—it’s about feeling rooted in a community that values local engagement and shared experiences.
A Lifestyle of Variety and Enrichment
What sets Fairfax County apart is its remarkable diversity of options for leisure, learning, and connection. From expansive nature preserves and world-class performance venues to thriving dining districts and historic treasures, the sheer variety of things to do in Fairfax County, VA ensures there’s something to suit every interest and lifestyle.
Residents can enjoy a balanced routine—hiking in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, and attending a concert in the evening—all within minutes of home. Whether you’re relocating from a nearby suburb or moving from across the country, Fairfax County offers a lifestyle that is active, accessible, and ever-evolving.
Residents can enjoy a balanced routine—hiking in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, and attending a concert in the evening—all within minutes of home. Whether you’re relocating from a nearby suburb or moving from across the country, Fairfax County offers a lifestyle that is active, accessible, and ever-evolving.
Discover Things to Do in Fairfax County, VA With Cheryl L. Folmer
Choosing where to live is about more than the property—it’s about the life that unfolds around it. Contact Cheryl L. Folmer today to explore neighborhoods that align with your ideal lifestyle and to discover the many things to do in Fairfax County, VA. With a deep understanding of the area and a commitment to personalized service, Cheryl helps her clients make informed decisions with confidence and ease.
