Quaint small towns are a big part of the landscape in Northern Virginia. The region is home to places like lush Middleburg with its rolling vineyards and nature-filled Sperryville. One of North Virginia’s best-kept secrets is the town of Fairfax, which is technically considered a suburb of Washington D.C. since it’s only 30 minutes from the capital, but feels like an entirely different destination. The city of around 25,000 people is a lovely place to spend a long weekend. Spend time walking the grounds of George Mason University, learn about the area’s rich past at historic sites, and take advantage of the town’s diverse and delicious dining scene. Here are the 12 best things to do in the town of Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding county.
What To Do In Fairfax, Virginia
The central destination in this charming destination is Old Town Fairfax. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than by strolling through this historic district. Start at Fairfax County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1799 and is one of the area’s oldest buildings. The building has seen some pretty important moments over the years, including the first Confederate officer casualty during the Civil War. You can learn all about its biggest moments on a free guided tour, held each Friday at 3 p.m. The downtown district packs a punch in a relatively contained space. You can visit four of its best local shops all within practically one block. Commonwealth Dry Goods is your spot for locally made products and vintage records. Head to Mode on Main By Mara for stylish women’s wear and accessories. Games and Comic Pair O’Dice is a veteran-owned business specializing in all things board games, comics, and collectibles, while Mobius Records has a vinyl collection to please music lovers of all genres.
The area now known as Fairfax County was first settled in the early 1700s, but the city of Fairfax wouldn’t be established as its own place until 1805, when it began as the Town of Providence. Start your crash course in area history at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, located in a historic schoolhouse in the heart of Fairfax’s historic downtown. You’ll want to start at the Fairfax Story exhibit to learn about the city’s past and present. Then, take time see other special temporary exhibits or chat with the friendly staff for recommendations what to do during your visit. Another nearby point of interest for history buffs is Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center, a Greek Revival-style house dating to 1859 that preserves signatures and pictographs from Federal soldiers who once lived there.
If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, two sites (within one mile of one another) provide all the options you could ever need. Fair Oaks Mall, a massive shopping mall, is home to almost 160 stores and restaurants including all your favorite national retailers. Just down the road, Fairfax Corner provides even more options in an outdoor setting that includes retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, and even a movie theater.
shopfairoaksmall.com; 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033; 703-359-8300
fairfaxcorner.com; 4100 Monument Corner Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030
The state’s largest public research university, George Mason University and its students are a huge part of the community in Fairfax. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the beautiful campus, then take advantage of the plethora of programming that’s available to the public as well as students. The university’s Center for the Arts has a robust schedule or performances that range from dance to theater to visiting musicians and singers. There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages. Another can’t-miss spot is the Observatory, located on the roof of the Research Hall, which hosts free public tours every other Tuesday during the academic year.
gmu.edu; 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Royal Lake Park and Lakeside Park, which together make up the Royal Lake Park system, cover a 155 acres surrounding a 38-acre lake. Locals take advantage of amenities like basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds year-round. There are several loop trails that take walkers, joggers, and runners around the scenic lake. In the summer, you can even catch a free concert next to the lake.
friendsofroyallake.org/the-park
Where To Eat In Fairfax, Virginia
Continue the history tour by getting dinner at Hamrock’s, which is located inside the Moore-McCandlish House, built in 1842. In nice weather, opt for a seat on the wraparound veranda. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch, there are plenty of opportunities to snag a reservation. The menu offers a little bit of everything, from pasta to a grilled filet mignon to Southern fried chicken.
hamrocksrestaurant.com; 3950 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-385-5433
For a small town, Fairfax has a rather accomplished craft beer scene. Four local breweries are located within the city limits, each offering something a little different. A second location of Virginia Beach favorite Commonwealth Brewing Co. recently opened a taproom, restaurant, and music venue on Main Street. Other taprooms and brewpubs to check out include Chubby Squirrel Brewing, Ornery Beer Company, and Audacious Aleworks.
Chef John Krinn brings his immense talents to Northern Virginia with his newest venture, Elyse. The 30-seat fine dining experience offers a multicourse tasting menu of French-inspired, globally influenced. Foodies won’t want to miss this opportunity to treat their tastebuds and expand their culinary horizons.
lila.llc; 10822 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-831-2052
Established in 1977, Captain Pell’s is best known for serving up the freshest steamed blue crabs in the area. Stop in to see what all the fuss is about. In addition to whole crabs, crab legs, and their famous cream of crab chowder, you can also indulge in every other type of seafood under the sun. From middle neck clams to broiled sea scallops to fried clam strips, Pell’s does it all.
captainpell.com; 10195 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-560-0060
You’ve probably heard of iconic Chinese chef and restaurateur Peter Chang, but you may not know that he has an outpost in Fairfax. Folks drive in from t surrounding areas to get their fix of his home cooking on a regular basis, so if you’re visiting Fairfax, it's a must-visit destination. The menu at Mama Chang is largely influenced by the female cooks in Chang’s life, including his wife, daughter, and mother. Come with a group and spring for a Peking or roast duck. Come during brunch on the weekend for dim sum service.
mamachangva.com; 3251 Blenheim Blvd., Suite 101, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-268-5556
The whimsical dining room or “living room café” as they refer to it at Sisters Thai makes your meal taste that much better. Natural light steams into this quaint restaurant where colorful built-in bookcases line one wall and wisteria hangs from the ceiling. Choose from a menu of classic Thai dishes, including a special street food section that includes dishes like Boat Noodles, Khao Soi, and Moo Grob. Don’t skip dessert here. The Mango Sticky Rice is an obvious hit, but other delicacies like Thai Tea Soft Cake and Matcha Green Tea Chocolate Cake are also well worth an order.
sistersthai.com; 4004 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-267-9618
Where To Stay In Fairfax, Virginia
You’ll have your pick of the lot when it comes to national hotels with outposts in Fairfax, so you’ll be able to easily add to your frequent stay points. Popular options include a Marriott property at Fair Oaks, a Hilton nestled into a quiet wooded area, and a comfortable Sonesta ES Suites at Fair Lakes.