Hiking trails along the Potomac, wetlands with an observation tower, and gardens with varied themes: Fairfax County’s offerings range from active hours outdoors to culture and history. When planning your trip to Fairfax City, you can choose outings focused on landscapes, activity, or historical themes rather than trying to fit all your interests into one day.

Choose trails and landscapes

Fairfax County Park Authority trails are shared by cyclists, walkers, joggers, and horseback riders. The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail is 41.5 miles long and connects communities from Great Falls to Lorton. If you’d like to explore different sections or landscapes, there are also several distinct park destinations.

At Great Falls Park, three overlooks of the waterfall are within about a 10-minute walk of the visitor center; the park also has more than 15 miles of hiking trails. Riverbend Park combines at least 12 miles of trails with 418 acres of woodland and meadow along the Potomac River. These details offer two different ways to plan your day: overlooks near a visitor center, or a larger area of trails, woods, and meadows.

At Huntley Meadows Park, a half-mile elevated boardwalk leads to an observation tower through a 1,500-acre wetland. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there. Nature watching and views from the tower are highlights of a visit here; at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, the focus is instead on the cliffs above the Potomac River and spring blooms. Trails start at two entrances on Georgetown Pike. In spring, blooms include trailing arbutus, Virginia bluebells, and sessile trillium; the preserve is part of the Potomac Gorge.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park also features a varied landscape: woods, streams, meadows, and a pond, as well as pollinator gardens, a historic kitchen garden, and historic buildings. The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center provides information about protecting natural and cultural resources. The park’s history spans 8,000 years.

Experience gardens and history

Green Spring Gardens combines horticulture and culture: The park includes more than 20 themed demonstration gardens and also serves as a museum, National Historic Site, horticultural park, and outdoor classroom. Historic Green Spring is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Landmark. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers a different focus: The 95-acre site is dedicated to the beauty of nature, plant diversity, and conservation. The Korean Bell Garden, created in partnership with the Korean American Cultural Committee, covers 4.5 acres.

Historic tours explore different aspects of the past. At Sully Historic Site, they cover the 1794 house, quarters for enslaved people, the kitchen and laundry, and other historic buildings. Tours of Historic Huntley are offered on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and noon from April through the end of October; check the current schedule before visiting. Historic Huntley also offers programs for groups ranging from scout troops and school classes to universities and historical societies.

Colvin Run Mill features a working, water-powered 19th-century gristmill. The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset; because hours may change, check before your visit. You can buy grain at the mill store. If you prefer to explore culture through collections or performances, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center houses more than 3,000 aviation and space objects in two large hangars, including more than 200 aircraft and spacecraft. The National Museum of the United States Army tells more than 250 years of U.S. Army history. Wolf Trap offers performances at the Filene Center and Theatre-in-the-Woods; performance seasons may change.

Plan active days and your arrival

There are different options for waterside recreation: At Lake Fairfax Park, boats are available to rent on a 20-acre lake; the park also has trails and a skate park. At Burke Lake Park, a 4.7-mile loop trail runs along the lake. The park also offers a miniature train, a carousel, and miniature golf and disc golf courses; rowboats, canoes, and motorboats are available to rent. Pohick Bay Regional Park combines more than 8.5 miles of trails with views of the bay. Paddling excursions offer views of bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, fish, and other wildlife. Occoquan Regional Park has a 5K walking loop and kayak rentals.

For families with young children, Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole offers tube rides on the Rattlesnake Lazy River, a children’s pool at Tenderfoot Pond, as well as slides, tunnels, and interactive play features. Pirate’s Cove Waterpark in Lorton has waterslides, splash areas, and play areas. Fairfax County offers access to three airports, Amtrak train service, and a growing regional Metrorail line. Check current schedules for your specific connection.

Discover more destinations: Fairfax, Giles County, Frederick County, Alexandria, Appomattox County, Bedford County, Colonial Heights, King William County.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.