Fairfax County covers more than 400 square miles filled with vibrant neighborhoods, small towns and exciting cities. Each has its own vibe, its own attractions, and its own story to tell. It’s downright poetic.
With a location just across the river from Washington, DC, Fairfax County is a convenient and affordable place to stay as you explore world-class attractions both downtown and right here in our midst. Whether you come for the history, the day trips, family time, the nightlife, or the food, we’ve got the perfect neighborhood to host your journey!
Let's take a look at what you can expect from each neighborhood in Fairfax County, paired with a haiku, just for fun!
Jump to Neighborhood:
ALEXANDRIA/MOUNT VERNON | ANNANDALE | BURKE/LORTON | CENTREVILLE | CHANTILLY | CLIFTON | FAIRFAX | FALLS CHURCH | GREAT FALLS | HERNDON | MCLEAN | MERRIFIELD | RESTON | SPRINGFIELD | TYSONS | VIENNA/OAKTON
ALEXANDRIA/MOUNT VERNON
Through turbulent times
George Washington has slept here
His dearest retreat
A scenic drive alongside the Potomac River leads you to one of the most historic regions of our nation. A founding father’s home. A Frank Lloyd Wright classic. A historic distillery. African American history. And the National Museum of the US Army. All of that is surrounded by wildlife sanctuaries, picnic-worthy riverfront parks, legendary businesses, and even an urban winery.
Must Do: You can’t visit Alexandria/Mount Vernon without stopping at the nation’s most toured—and historically significant—home, George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
ANNANDALE
Bibimbap. Japchae.
Mandoo. Fried chicken. Galbi.
Bulgogi. Kimchi.
Referred to as “Koreatown” in the community, Annandale is the epicenter of one of the nation’s largest populations of Koreans. The big story here is food. Korean BBQ. Korean fried chicken. Korean groceries. Korean bakeries. Korean food tours. No matter where you dine, you’re sure to pick a good place. End your evening with a retro experience at Bowlero.
Must Do: Walk off your food coma at Green Springs Gardens, a delightful park with ponds, demonstration gardens, a plant shop, two gift shops, gardening resources and a historic house.
BURKE/LORTON
Eagles in the sky
And in the maker’s keen eye
Everywhere is art
Together, Burke and Lorton have a little bit of everything you come to Northern Virginia to explore. Nature dominates, from the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge to Burke Lake Park. History amazes with Gunston Hall and Pohick Church, both frequented by founding fathers. And microbrews flow freely at four local breweries.
Must Do: The Workhouse Arts Center was once an infamous prison, but is now a thriving artist colony and museum. It’s a popular attraction, filled with stories and art.
CENTREVILLE
Spring’s wildflowers grow
Where summer’s battles were fought
Time changes all things
A visit to Centreville has something special for the entire family, year-round. Fields of bluebells in spring. Refreshing water parks in summer. Pumpkin festivals in the fall. And sparkling holiday lights in winter. Plus a massive spa and fitness center, a winery overlooking a historic battlefield, a gaming paradise, and excellent Korean and Asian fare.
Must Do: Poke your toe over the county line and you’ll hit Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two major Civil War battles. The stories—and energy—here are palpable.
CHANTILLY
A museum of flight
An international hub
Planes at rest and work
From a Smithsonian museum to DIY chocolate bars, Chantilly is an eclectic mix of fun things to do, all easily accessible via major roadways or the Silver Line Metro. There’s a park with a historic mill and ruins. Three breweries. Frequent events. An underground railroad site. TV dinners. And one of the most iconic airports in the nation.
Must Do: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is the sister site to the museum downtown, with Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, a Concorde, and a restoration hangar.
CLIFTON
Ghostly train whistles
In a place unchanged by time
Devereaux Station
They call Clifton “Northern Virginia’s Brigadoon”—a magical town lost in another time. You’ll find it at the end of a curvy, tree-lined road. And once there, you’ll feel a million miles away. There are historic homes, a classic caboose, restaurants from family to fine, a general store, a mercantile, and homemade ice cream. For its size, Clifton packs a lot of charm.
Must Do: Make Paradise part of your day trip. Paradise Springs Winery is nestled within Clifton’s countryside on land with a history that echoes back to pre-Revolutionary times.
FAIRFAX
A rebel sneaks in
Union general captured
History made here
Historic and modern days collide in the city and surrounding area of Fairfax. On the one hand, there’s the historical significance of Civil War sites like the Historic Fairfax Courthouse, Ox Hill Battlefield Park, and the graffiti-strewn Historic Blenheim. On the other, there’s laser tag, bowling, golf, ice skating, shopping, movies, escape rooms, breweries, and even a children’s science center.
Must Do: The only place you’ll find all the stories of the historic city of Fairfax—from Native Americans to Civil War spies to modern astronauts—is the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.
FALLS CHURCH
Cha Gio and Pho call
Crave-worthy Vietnamese
I’m coming, Huong Viet!
Falls Church is a unique spot for throwback shopping and entertainment. You’ll find thrift stores like Unique, Clock Tower, and New to You. And music shops like Action Music and CD Cellar. If nightlife and live music is your thing, The State Theatre is a classic. There is plenty of dining, including the renowned 2941 Restaurant. End your day with a local brew from Settle Down Easy.
Must Do: Known nationally, Eden Center is the largest Vietnamese shopping center on the East Coast. Packed with restaurants, groceries, shops, and services, it’s both a must-see and a must-eat.
GREAT FALLS
Just miles from DC
A deep, raging waterfall
Eye candy for souls
Winding, tree-lined lanes transport you to a world filled with parks, horses, and shopping. Great Falls turns “refined” all the way up to 11 with grand riverfront estates, historic Colvin Run Mill, ancient native artifacts at Riverbend Park, scenic roadways, and one of the most celebrated destination restaurants in Northern Virginia, L’Auberge Chez Francois.
Must Do: The big attraction here is the falls. Great Falls Park is a National Parks property with historic ruins, unmatched hiking, and a waterfall that cascades down numerous drops.
HERNDON
All aboard the train
For a historic journey
The red caboose waits
Herndon is a good-sized town with a small-town feel. Take a tour on walkable streets lined with shops and restaurants, including legendary hangouts and local breweries like Juicy Brewing Co. and Aslin Beer Company. Or venture forth with the kids to a historic farm, a renowned coffee and bakery joint, or a mecca for gamers across the Mid-Atlantic.
Must Do: Start your walk through charming downtown Herndon at the Historic Herndon Depot Museum with its memorabilia and Civil War history. Don’t miss the nearby caboose!
MCLEAN
Secret spies work here
In an off-limits building
Hidden in plain sight
Like many wealthy and refined neighborhoods with top-secret neighbors, McLean likes to keep things low-key. But if you look closer, you’ll find legendary businesses—a 1940s hardware store from the 1940s, a 1950s gift shop, and a restaurant passed down through generations. You’ll also find historic sites, art galleries, and a playground/park for children of differing abilities.
Must Do: Scott’s Run Nature Preserve leads to the Potomac River. A hike across rugged terrain rewards with wildflowers, stream crossings, a waterfall, and beautiful river views.
MERRIFIELD
After-hours playtime
Fashioned from many pieces
Bright lights, big evening
Want a date night in a sleek and sophisticated urban environment? Merrifield’s exciting Mosaic District is the place to go for dinner and drinks or dinner and a movie, followed by drinks. This innovative urban center combines highly rated restaurants, stylish shopping options, entertainment, and events into a single destination built around communal fun.
Must Do: While you’re at Mosaic, look for various murals and other public works of art. Take a self-guided tour that leads through the streets and parking garages of the center.
RESTON
Nature, art and life
Baby, it was planned that way
Indelible vibe
What began as the first post-war planned community in America in 1964 is now the most populous town in Fairfax County. Reston brings humans and nature together in harmony. For shopping or a night on the town, visit Reston Town Center. Grab a local brew at Lake Anne Brew House or Bike Lane Brewing. Or enjoy a waterfront meal at one of Reston’s many lakeside eateries. And even pet a llama!
Must Do: Art is part of Reston’s DNA, with galleries throughout the town. Take a walk on Reston’s wooded paths and throughout its public squares for an eyeful of public art.
SPRINGFIELD
A big mixing bowl
Filled with nature and delight
Recipe for fun!
Fun and games are what Springfield is all about. There’s a good-sized shopping mall. A zip line adventure park. A gaming center and lots of LEGOs. A trampoline park and a laser tag center. Plus, there’s a 450,000-square-foot indoor sports and wellness complex. And, between Afghan Bistro and Mike’s American Grill, some of the best restaurants around. Whenever you’re in Springfield, you’ll find plenty to do!
Must Do: Take a moment of Zen at Lake Accotink Park. Rent canoes and pedal boats. Play mini golf. Ride an antique carousel. Or take a 3.75-mile stroll on the lake’s hiking trail.
TYSONS
Don your walking shoes
There’s lots of mall to cover
Retail therapy
Tysons is a business and lifestyle hub with glitzy buildings, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and other ways to live large. Well served by the Metro, it’s a great place to stay if you want to visit DC and it puts you in the midst of Tysons nightlife, top-tier restaurants, a park 11 stories in the sky, a biergarten made of shipping containers, and whatever is happening under that Big Top!
Must Do: People from all over the world come for Tysons’ legendary shopping. Two full-sized malls and a shopping plaza, one right next to the other, house more than 400 stores!
VIENNA/OAKTON
A National Park
With rolling hills and stages
Where stars come to play
Do you know there’s a National Park devoted solely to the performing arts? You can attend big shows there in Vienna. You can also see popular indie acts in a music venue meets coffee/pizza shop. Stroll through a highly walkable town with shops and restaurants. Try a local brew or two. Explore history. And bike the "Skinniest Park in Virginia."
Must Do: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem. It’s home to the only public traditional Korean Bell Garden in the Western hemisphere. See lights in winter and flora the rest of the year.
