Best Day Trips Around UVA | Northern Virginia
Why travel far when adventure is hiding in plain sight? Just a short trip from UVA | Northern Virginia, you can chase waterfalls, wander through ancient caves, step into living history, or immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a local hotspot. Whether you’re craving a peaceful hike, a dose of culture, or a family-friendly outing, the perfect escape is closer than you think. Pack a bag, grab your friends, and let curiosity be your guide – your next unforgettable experience is waiting!
Great Falls Park
Tucked away in McLean, Virginia, Great Falls Park is a scenic trail perfect for getting outside and into your environment! Along the Potomac River, you can expect to see all kinds of formations, from jagged rocks to bending trees. The gorgeous 800-acre park is only 15 miles away from Washington D.C. and 20 minutes from UVA | Northern Virginia, making it a perfect and easy trip for some light trail walking and nature time. The passes for Great Falls Park are $10 per person or $20 per car, and children under 16 don’t need a pass!
Theodore Roosevelt Island
23 minutes away from UVA | Northern Virginia in the Potomac River and right next to the interstate sits Theodore Roosevelt Island. A free, kid-friendly walk in the woods that leads to a dramatic memorial of Theodore Roosevelt. There are miles of nature trails all along this 88-acre island that are all pet-friendly! Best of all, Theodore Roosevelt Island is completely free to enter, no matter your age! Perfect for trail walkers and history buffs alike.
Shenandoah National Park
The Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is a repeated go-to for many locals and tourists alike in the fall when the leaves are turning and for good reason – it’s absolutely gorgeous. Located about an hour away from Fairfax, the Shenandoah National Park boasts over 200,000 acres of land full of waterfalls, overlooks, and animals. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, you’ll never get bored here. Shenandoah National Park also allows pets on almost all of their trails – just make sure to double check online! Like many National Parks, Shenandoah is $30 per vehicle and $15 per person, while children under 16 don’t need an entrance pass.
Washington D.C. Museums
Home to the world’s largest museum complex, the Smithsonian Museums, Washington D.C. offers visitors over 70 museums to visit, many for free! There are 17 Smithsonian Museums in D.C. which range from the Air and Space Museum to the Postal Museum, along with the National Zoo. But if you’ve already explored the National Mall museums, never fear! There are so many museums and history exhibits that you could visit one every day for two months and still not be done!
Harpers Ferry
Located at the merge point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is a quaint historic town with beautiful sights. Harpers Ferry has a small downtown area for shopping and dining, but it offers much more in sightseeing and hikes as well. There are trails that go into Virginia and Maryland, and in total there are about 22 miles of hiking trails in the park. Harpers Ferry is $10 per person or $20 per car, and children under 16 don’t need a pass. About an hour and a half away from northern Virginia, Harpers Ferry is definitely the next stop for your weekend excursion!
Luray Caverns
Known as “Geology’s Hall of Fame,” Luray Caverns has the largest caverns in the eastern United States. With massive formations underground and pools of water, it is truly an experience like no other. This stunning place also has the Great Stalactite Organ, which is the world’s largest instrument! Luray Caverns are about an hour and a half from Fairfax, which makes it the perfect day trip. Tickets for Luray Caverns are $36 for adults, $34 for seniors, $18 for ages 6-12, and free for those under age 6.
Frontier Culture Museum
One of the largest open-air living history museums, the Frontier Culture Museum is full of history suitable for all ages. The Frontier Culture Museum explores Virginia and America by telling the stories of Native Americans and those who came to colonial Virginia from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa. With historical interpreters throughout the area, visitors will interact with blacksmiths, woodworks, tailors, and more, all while learning about the origins of our country. Located 2.5 hours away from UVA | Northern Virginia, this would make for a perfect family trip filled with history and the outdoors. Tickets for this museum start at $12 for adults, $11 for students, $9 for seniors, and $7 for children 6-12.
Mosaic District
Only a mile down the road from UVA | Northern Virginia, the Mosaic District offers a plethora of shopping, dining, and social experiences. From movie nights in the park to World Cup watch parties, the Mosaic District is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Fairfax. There is genuinely something for everyone here which would make for a great family outing for those with differing interests and palates. We can guarantee that you’ll never be bored once you step foot in the Mosaic District – and make sure to check out the Farmers Market for some fresh veggies!
Skyline Caverns
Home to the largest anthodite formation in the world, the Chandelier, Skyline Caverns is a rare and unique cavern system. Only an hour away from D.C., Skyline Caverns has personal small group cavern tours and recommended booking in advance due to its popularity! Visit here to see the Painted Desert, Rainbow Waterfall, and more. Tickets for the caverns are $30 for adults (13+), $15 for children, and those under 5 get in for free.
Charlottesville
Of course, we couldn’t round out this list without including one of our favorite places on here! Charlottesville, VA is home to the University of Virginia, but that’s not nearly all this city has to offer. From live music everywhere to some of the best food and drink in the state, Charlottesville truly has everything to offer. There are many hikes and lakes around the area, so be sure to check those out when you come down! Only 2.5 hours from UVA | Northern Virginia, Charlottesville is a wonderful place to visit, dine, learn, explore, and more!
