Tysons Plaza
📍 Tysons
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With thousands of acres of parkland, fun trails, and outdoor activities, adventure-loving couples will find an adrenaline rush here in Fairfax County. Roam through scenic trails, soar high above the trees on a zipline, listen to the rapids of the mighty Potomac River, and get your fix of an unforgettable journey through nature.
Hiking & Biking
There's nothing like a romantic journey through nature with your beloved - just you, them, and the sounds and sights of the trails. Enjoy hiking along the rapids of the Potomac River as it powerfully flows down Mother Gorge at Great Falls Park. Marvel at breathtaking sunsets and wildlife hand-in-hand as you walk along the boardwalk of Huntley Meadows. Have a low-intensity bike ride through the paved streets of the beloved Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, running adjacent to a historic railroad that spills into the charming Town of Vienna. Whatever your style, there's a myriad of hiking and biking options for you and your sweetheart ranging from easy-peasy to more challenging.
Paddling
One of the most well-known landmarks in Fairfax County is the mighty Potomac River, running 405 miles long into the Chesapeake Bay. There's nothing like feeling the wind in your hair and gliding through miles of natural scenic landscapes. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, there are plenty of places to go. Find your picture-perfect paddling adventure here on our boating page.
Treetop Zipline Adventure
Go Ape's aerial adventure park in Springfield gives a new meaning to "head in the clouds." Zooming zip lines, heart-stopping Tarzan swings, suspended bridges, and 70 exciting obstacles sweep you off the ground and into a new treetop experience. Are you up to the challenge? Don't worry - with your partner by your side, anything is possible!
Golf
Get outdoors with an afternoon tee time at one of Northern Virginia's premiere golf courses. From par-three to championship length, Fairfax County offers courses to suit beginner and expert golfers alike. What are you waiting fore? Find out more about our golfing options here.
Camping
The camping experience is an age-old outdoor getaway that connects you to nature in an unforgettable way. From gazing at a sky full of bright stars to gathering around a fire for fresh and gooey smores, there's something about a forest escape that makes a vacation special. Find tent camping, RV glamping, or cabin-living options here.
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One word that's almost synonymous with getaway is relaxation. Let the stress melt away as you and your better half enjoy a new experience at one of these local spots.
Pour Your Own Custom Candle
Keep the spark alive with the perfect date to Paddywax Candle Studio in Reston Town Center. You'll choose your favorite "vessel" and fragrance, and an enthusiastic instructor will lead you through the candle-pouring process. Plus - they allow you to bring in bottles of your own wine to sip while you enjoy the session. Candles and roses? Sounds like a scentsational time! While you wait a few hours for the candle wax to harden, check out some of the amazing shops, restaurants, and the open-air pavilion in Reston Town Center.
Sip and Paint
Unleash your inner Picasso as you paint the night away with the guidance of a tutorial from a professional artist. Muse Paintbar is the perfect place to relax with a glass (or two!) of wine while you get the creativity flowing alongside your other half. Or check out Pinot's Pallette in Herndon. Afterward, head to one of the many dining options in Mosaic District - there are over 30 great places to choose from!
Enjoy Mini Golf
Up for some friendly competition? Another nostalgic date on the list, choose your favorite golf ball and club and embark on a mini golf adventure. From pirate-themed courses to ones that glow in the dark, Fairfax County has a variety of mini golf spots to choose from. Here's our roundup of mini golf courses in FXVA.
Garden Tranquility
There's nothing quite as romantic as taking your loved one to the dreamy oasis of flower-lined ponds at a botanical garden. Postcard worthy views are abundant at these local spots. An 18th century manor house in the midst of a national historic district awaits at Green Springs Garden, along with a wooded stream valley and yard. At Meadowlark Botanical Garden you'll enjoy azaleas, lilies, daffodils and so much more, among a pier complete with a gazebo and three sparkling lakes surrounded by weeping cherry trees. Or, frolick alongside a four-acre meadow, colorful flower displays, and spell-binding vistas at River Farm's garden.
Paint Your Own Pottery
Painting your own pottery is the perfect way to create your own souvenir to remind you of your getaway after you leave! Simply select a piece of ceramic from the selection of unfinished bisque and paint it. The studio will glaze and fire your piece for you to take home with you. Visit Clay Cafe in Chantilly or Kiln & Co. in the Town of Vienna to get the creativity going!
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Good food? Good mood. The phrase couldn't be more true here in Fairfax County. From unique cultural dishes to signature hometown comfort food, you'll love indulging in these culinary experiences. These activities are perfect for the couple who loves to indulge in both new and classic cuisine.
Eat Your Heart Out at Award-Winning Restaurants
Fairfax County features a diverse selection of restaurants - from saucy Korean BBQ to classic Italian fare. No matter what your palette is craving, you'll find something that'll win your heart and your stomach! Click here to view our extensive list of restaurants that’ll have you saying “mmmm!”
Cooking Classes
Instead of going on a classic dinner date, why not learn some new culinary skills together? Date Night cooking classes are designed to be fun, relaxing and an escape from the daily grind. The classes are a great way to learn some basic cooking techniques while enjoying your company and making new friends. The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is the perfect place to try your hand at cooking a new cuisine.
Enjoy a Locally Brewed Beer on a Brewery Tour
With nearly a dozen local breweries to choose from, there are plenty of places to discover your favorite locally brewed beer. From a Hawaiian themed tasting room at Ono Brewing, to waterfront views at Lake Anne Brewhouse, Fairfax County has it all. Don’t forget to snag your Fairfax County Breweries Field Guide to get rewarded!
Indulge in The Gateway to Virginia Wine Country
Fairfax County is home to two historic wineries - Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA and The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville, VA. Dubbed the “Gateway to Virginia Wine Country,” these are the closest wineries to Washington, D.C. and are home to various award-winning Virginia wines. Whether you’re a fan of white, red, blush, or anything in between, you’re definitely walking away with a new favorite!
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Get the most out of your couple's getaway by immersing yourself in the long list of cultural activities in Fairfax County. Whether it's rediscovering America's story at one of our historical sites, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts, or enjoying the sweet sounds of local artists in an outdoor concert, there's always a new way to learn something new while you're here.
Visit a Historical Site
Step back in time at our historical colonial sites, Civil War battle sites, homes of original founding fathers and more. Essential parts of U.S. History such as the American Revolution, Civil War and Underground Railroad run deep throughout the foundation of Fairfax County. History was formed here and continues to be made each and everyday in the Washington DC Metropolitan region. Click here to dive deeper into America's history our iconic landmarks.
Artistic Appreciation
Many say that art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Charm the love of your life as you peruse the artworks in Fairfax County at our galleries and public art spaces. Take a gander at over 80 public art installations with Public Art Reston's self-guided walking tours. Or, visit the Workhouse Arts Center for artwork from local creators. Browse through our events calendar to find a plethora of art showcases and exhibits on display.
Outdoor Concerts
Who doesn't love a good outdoor concert? Check out the hundreds of free performances happening throughout the county at one of the great venues listed here. Grab a chair and a drink as you sit back and listen to a local artist serenade you and your sweetheart.
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Shopaholics, rejoice! From local shops to nationally-recognized chains, Fairfax County has the best shopping destinations to find exactly what you’re looking for (and more). Visit these shopping centers for hours of unlimited retail-therapy.
Tysons Corner Center
3 Words: World. Class. Shopping. Tysons Corner Center, one of the top 10 shopping centers in the USA, is home to over 300 specialty and department stores. Tysons' "who's who" of retail includes Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Apple, Uniqlo, Louis Vuitton, GUCCI, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Kiehl's 1861, H&M, and more. There are endless things to do in Tysons Corner, this is just one of them.
Springfield Town Center
Springfield Town Center offers a unique shopping experience in the Washington D.C. metro area, featuring a broad selection of fashion, retail, dining, and entertainment. From first-to-market retailers to an exciting collection of fine dining options, the completely redesigned Springfield Town Center is Fairfax County’s destination for fashion, dining, and living. Located close to I-95 and the Springfield Metro, it’s a conveniently located center to shop-til-you-drop.
Mosaic District
Mosaic is elevating the community experience to a new standard by creating a vibrant,sophisticated environment that connects families and friends together. The unique experience is created through a hand-selected mix of retailers & restaurants, intelligent urban-design and a passion for enabling authentic community engagement. Mosaic brings all of these together to create Washington DC’s most innovative retail & entertainment community - complete with DC's top independent boutiques, premier national retailers, and the best to offer in cuisine.Fair Oaks Mall
Fair Oaks Mall hosts more than 160 stores and restaurant options. Featuring names such as Macy's, Lord & Taylor, JCPenney, Apple, J. Crew, MAC, and Williams-Sonoma, there's no shortage of stores to browse. This unique, enclosed two-story wonderland won't leave you disappointed.
Reston Town Center
Reston Town Center combines elements of the ideal downtown: the vitality of an Italian piazza, the diversity of a French boulevard. Fountain Square serves as a beautiful centerpiece for the open air plaza. Famous names and specialty shops are plentiful, and year-round special events and a seasonal ice skating rink add to the fun for visitors and locals alike.
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Holiday favorites return to Fairfax County annually, from sparkling light displays to spooky haunts. Celebrate with us as you escape everyday life here in Northern Virginia!
Fall
Spooky Activities
Halloween season is a great time to explore Fairfax County! Head to the beloved Cox Farms to cruise through their self-driven hayride and market, and stock up on fall essentials like kettle corn, apple cider donuts, and more. Or, drive through Northern Virginia's first ever haunted drive-thru at the Workhouse Arts Center. Their Haunted Trail brings zombies, prisoners, clowns, and other ghouls to the former correctional facility as you drive through from the safety of your own vehicle.
Scenic Trails
Golds, reds, oranges, and yellows decorate the breathtaking Fairfax County parks and trails every fall, drawing in both locals and visitors in search of breathtaking foliage views. Between late October and November, the magic happens as our natural landscapes are completely transformed. Here's where you'll find 9 leaf-peeping spots in the county for the best Instagram-worthy snapshots.
Coffee Shops
What's more cozy than curling up with a warm beverage? Fairfax County has several places to get your fall beverage fix as pumpkin spice, cinnamon, hazelnut and other fall flavors get added to the menus of our local shops. Here's our roundup of dozens of coffee shops to try on your visit.
Winter
Christmas Activities
As one of the most anticipated holidays in Fairfax County, it's no surprise that there's an abundance of things to do for the holidays! The most popular activity every year is witnessing the twinkling light displays that illuminate the lives of locals and visitors alike. The 2.5-mile-long Bull Run Festival of Lights drive through opens early November, and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms their spectacular garden into the Winter Walk of Lights in early November as well. Stay tuned for more Christmas events as local attractions begin to release more information.
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a special time where love is floating through the air everywhere you go - including Fairfax County! Upcoming events are still pending, but previous ones have included three-course meals at our award-winning restaurants, the annual Chocolate Festival, romantic boat rides and shows, and more. Make sure to bookmark our Valentine's Day Event Calendar to see events that are added closer to V-Day. Until then, check out our Unconventional Date Ideas to see what kind of activities will make for a unique night out!
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