How to Get On the Water in Fairfax County

It would be nearly impossible to visit Fairfax County without noticing it. We are practically encircled by it. And, within that circle, there’s even more, bearing names like Accotink, Anne and Audubon. We celebrate driving alongside it. We recommend eating besides it. And we definitely think you should take a walk next to it. What is it?

It’s water. From the roiling, rocky force of Great Falls to the placid marshlands of Huntley Meadows, water is everywhere here. And instead of going into further depth about how you can get near the water, today we will tell you how to get on the water. So slap on your life vest, slather yourself in SPF and get ready for the experience of your life atop the waters of Fairfax County!

By boat.

Want to float or gently paddle the day away here in Fairfax County? It’s not hard to do. Many of our parks offer canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals. Or you can rent (or bring your own) stand-up paddleboard for some totally Insta-tastic selfies in front of Washington, DC’s monuments or in popular spots at Lake Anne, Pohick Bay or Riverbend Park. Of course, many of the same places you can get on the water also offer hiking, bird watching and fishing (check regulations, as some parks limit fishing to a shoreline activity.) All of these options are perfect for a outdoor weekend, romantic getaway or traditional family fun!

But the real appeal—especially on a hot summer day or amidst fall color—is getting out into the water on a boat and drinking in the sights for yourself. Here’s where to do that:

• Belle Haven Marina. A scenic park along the Potomac River, midway between DC and Mount Vernon. Rent a sailboat, kayak, canoe, jon boat, stand-up paddleboard and more to explore the sights seven days a week. Want to learn how to sail? They offer a number of classes and courses for children and adults!
• Pohick Bay Regional Park. Extensive riverfront access with swimming, golfing, camping and eagle sightings. Rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards on Fridays and weekends through summer.
• Mason Neck State Park. On the Potomac River, adjacent to Pohick Bay and known for its bald eagle population. Rent a kayak Fridays and on weekends. Must have reservations.
• Fountainhead Regional Park. Situated on the Occoquan River, this park also offers mountain bike and equestrian trails, as well as a boat ramp and paddle tours. Rent kayaks, canoes and power boats.
• Occoquan Regional Park. Across from the town of Occoquan and adjacent to the Workhouse Arts Center, this park combines well with other sightseeing. Rent a kayak daily through the thick of summer and on weekends thereafter.
• Lake Accotink. Enjoy the park’s carousel, hiking trails, mini golf and other activities. Then rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat (or bring your own non-gas-powered craft to launch from their ramp) and explore the scenic shoreline.
• Burke Lake Park. A large and scenic lake with golfing, a carousel, disk golf, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and mini golf. Rent a boat or bring your own, non-gasoline-powered boat.
• Lake Fairfax Park. Home to the Water Mine water park (see below) and a skate park, Lake Fairfax also features weekend kayak and pedal boat rentals and a boat ramp. (No sailboats, motored boats or paddleboards allowed.)
• Riverbend Park. This idyllic Potomac River-adjacent park sits just above Great Falls Park with its Class V+ rapids (that are only recommended to be navigated by pros). But here, above the falls, there are little islands and rocks to explore upriver in the calm waters by boat. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent on weekends. Swimming, however, is prohibited.

NOTE: Check the individual park’s websites for hours of operation and seasonal rental info. Information above references summertime rentals.

 

By cruise.

Wharf at Mount Vernon by Water Taxi, courtesy George Washington's Mount Vernon

So maybe you don’t feel like paddling the 8 or 10 miles between the monuments and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Fortunately, there’s a cruise for that. Float down the river on a guided tour that takes you past the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, and Mount Vernon. You’d have a hard time seeing so many iconic sites on any cruise in any destination in the U.S. Make it a one-way trip and tour America’s most popular historic home. Not to oversell, but the museum at Mount Vernon alone is worth the trip, not to mention the house tour, gardens, Pioneer Farm and spectacular view.

 

By floatie.

Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority

Grab your noodles and rubber duckies! It’s time to hit the waterpark! With both indoor and outdoor parks, there is something for everyone—year-round!

• Pirates Cove at Pohick Bay Regional Park is a seasonal pirate-themed water park loaded with fun, like a 300-gallon dumping bucket, water slides, spraying palm trees and waterfalls.
• The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park sends you tubing on the Rattlesnake River. This popular seasonal water park also features over an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables and interactive play features. At the end of the season, they even have a dog day for your furry friends to cool off!
• Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run Regional Park conjures the spirit of Ancient Greece, complete with mermaids, classical architecture and even Neptune himself! If that’s not cool enough for you, the water slides, waterfalls, squirters and 1100-gallon (!) dumping bucket should do the trick at this seasonal waterpark.
• Cub Run Indoor Waterpark, which is open year-round, features a lazy river to float upon and a 30-foot-high, fully enclosed slide that leaves the building and reenters at the bottom!
• Super, Awesome and Amazing Interactive Entertainment Center in The St. James sportsplex is, well, just that. It’s filled with super water slides, awesome dumping buckets, amazing sprayers and more, all indoor and open year-round. Also in the facility: climbing walls, trampolines, pool, virtual reality courses, obstacle courses and more.

 

By speedo.

Swimming at The St. James, courtesy The St. James

In addition to the pools at our waterparks and the fabulous facilities at SpaWorld, Balian Springs, and The St. James, Fairfax County’s Rec Centers have public indoor (unless otherwise noted) pools for your family to get on and in at reasonable rates (see page 9). Most also have saunas, a spa, a sundeck and other features to enjoy:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center—Olympic-sized pool and three diving boards in Annandale.
• Cub Run Rec Center—Two pools and a waterpark in Chantilly.
• George Washington Rec Center—Heated pool, spa, and sauna in Alexandria.
• Lee District Rec Center—Olympic-sized pool, super slide, and diving boards in Franconia.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool—Outdoor pool with wading area in Fairfax.
• Oakmont Rec Center—50-meter pool; 1-, 3-, 5-meter boards; and a slide and fun run in Oakton.
• Providence Rec Center—Heated pool, spas, and diving boards in Falls Church.
• South Run Rec Center—Indoor pools and diving boards in Springfield.
• Spring Hill Rec Center—25-meter pool with two diving boards and water fun in McLean.

 

By other means.

When you think “on the water,” you likely think of watercraft. But in Fairfax County, you can also walk on the water. And heal on it, too. Check out these interesting ways to get on the water:

• By boardwalk. A few parks take you off land and atop the water for amazing sights. Huntley Meadows offers more than a half mile of boardwalk through a sanctuary filled with birds and wildlife. It may also be the most photographed spot in the county. The GW Parkway bike path turns to boardwalk at Dyke Marsh for a brief, but scenic stretch. And the mile-long Bayview Trail at Mason Neck State Park leads you over wetlands on a shady loop that looks out over the water.
• By water spa. The Bade Pool at SpaWorld has multiple healing regions with every type of jet for every inch of the body. Surrender to a gentle neck shower or submit to powerful hydro jets or supersonic waves as you heal both in and on the water. Unwind at Balian Springs with their plunge pools and a rooftop infinity pool.
• By flotation therapy. At Ninotch in Tysons Corner, you’ll float effortlessly atop highly salinated water calibrated to 94 degrees. The result? An otherworldly experience that reduces stress and increases serotonin. 
• By triple salchow. Each winter, another way to be on the water comes to Reston. The Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion is a special treat, especially during the holidays. But you can ice skate year-round at the Mount Vernon Rec Center.

 

This Can be You....

 

 

Which watery adventure sounds best to you? The Mount Vernon cruise? Canoeing on the Potomac River? A day at the water park? Whatever it is, we hope you stay cool—and surrounded by water—on your next trip to Fairfax County!