Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining brightly, staycation season is in full effect. In Annandale and Fairfax County, we are lucky to have a variety of Northern Virginia attractions that allow us to get out and have a great time—without spending all day on the road.
Whether you’re looking for local Annandale events or something that involves a pretty drive, grab some friends or family and check out some of our favorite spring day trips!
For the History Buff
Northern Virginia boasts numerous historical sites and places to explore for the history fan. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cherry Hill Farmhouse in Falls Church, VA
Travel time from Annandale: Approximately 15 minutes
Head over to the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse to enjoy reenactments, concerts, lectures, and teas. The Farmhouse is available for events as well, so keep it in mind if you’ve got a special occasion coming up.
Our recommendation: Book a tour of the house and farm. Even if there are no special events the day you visit, the house tour gives you a one-of-a-kind sneak peek into 19th century daily living.
Stratford Hall in Stratford, VA
Travel time from Annandale: About an hour and 45 minutes.
Stratford Hall is the birthplace of General Robert E. Lee, and this homestead is one of the best surviving examples from the colonial period. Go on a tour with a costumed guide or check the calendar for fun events, such as wine-tastings and bird watching excursions.
Our recommendation: Don’t miss the Stratford Cliffs! This geological phenomenon is made up of compacted sea matter that dates back over 10 million years—and you can try your hand at hunting for fossils and shark teeth along the designated beach area.
Museum Madness
If a day spent perusing the halls of a museum or learning about a different way of life sounds perfect to you, be sure to include these stops on your staycation itinerary:
King Barn Dairy Mooseum in Boyds, MD
Travel time from Annandale: About an hour
Head out to the King Barn Dairy Mooseum, where you and your family will enjoy free admission. The Mooseum has everything from history lessons to demonstrations of the inner workings of the dairy farm.
Our recommendation: When you’ve finished at the Mooseum, head over to South Germantown Recreational Park to enjoy hiking, mini golf, and even archery.
Spy Museum in Washington, DC
Travel time from Annandale: About 30 minutes (unless you hit that DC traffic!)
If you’re feeling sneaky, schedule a spy tour through the Spy Museum in Washington, DC. This tour introduces restaurants, hotels, and other locations known for being connected to the world of espionage. It’s an interactive tour where guests are challenged to decode messages from real spies.
Our recommendation: You’ll have to see for yourself! We wanted to tell you more, but it’s classified.
Local Family Fun
While kids can enjoy many of the attractions above, these options will be sure to inspire smiles all around.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, VA
Spend a day exploring and seeking out local animals at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. The Nature Center is located in the heart of Annandale Community Park and provides plenty of opportunities for children and adults alike to learn about all kinds of forest creatures.
Our recommendation: While kids will love the interactive stations and hands-on learning activities, try a little “off the books” exploring and get up close and personal with local reptiles and amphibians in the forest.
Dinosaur Land in White Post, VA
Travel time from Annandale: About an hour and 15 minutes
If you’ve got a dino lover in the family, head to this famous roadside attraction for some outdoor fun. Dinosaur Land has been delighting families for 50 years with their large scale dinos set out in the woods for your viewing pleasure.
Our recommendation: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch next to your favorite dinosaur!
There are so many things to do in Annandale and surrounding areas; we love taking advantage of all our home has to offer. Let us know some of your favorite local activities in the comments below.