There are attractions that are great. Then there are attractions that go above and beyond. Literally.
If your vacation dreams include stellar views, leg-wobbling heights, and the kinds of things only birds get to see, Fairfax County has a number of peak experiences to share. When you come to see George Washington's Mount Vernon, explore Old Town Fairfax, or shop in Tysons, be sure to include one of these 10 highly regarded stops on your itinerary, listed here in no particular order.
#1: A park 11 stories in the sky.
Image courtesy Capital One Center
The Perch is an outdoor park on the 11th floor of Capital One Hall in Tysons at Capital One Center. And if that doesn’t sound cool enough, there’s Perch Putt, an elevated mini golf course. And Starr Hill Biergarten with live music. You’ll also find food trucks, a tiki bar, a dog park, outdoor art and a unique, Instagrammable experience. FYI, there is a whole campus of buildings in Tysons with the Capital One logo on them. Look for Capital One Hall and you’ll find The Perch.
#2: The most gorge-ous views in the region.
It will never stop blowing my mind that Great Falls Park exists so close to Washington, DC. This massive and spectacular waterfall is easily seen from multiple overlooks close to the parking lots. And the views are jaw-dropping. With rushing water cascading down a 76-foot total drop, a fractured gorge separating Virginia from Maryland and elevating hiking trails, this 800-acre National Park Service property is a must-see.
#3: A roadtrip above all others.
Another National Park Service property is the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GW Parkway), which stretches more than 25 miles along the banks of the Potomac River. Aside from being my favorite way to navigate Northern Virginia, the views are spectacular. There are a couple scenic overlooks with small parking lots accessible only from the northbound lanes. And Fort Marcy, also accessible only from the northbound lanes, is a Civil War fort perched 275 feet above the Potomac. [Note: The Parkway is undergoing some needed construction updates through 2025, so please be sure to plan accordingly.]
#4: An attraction with added lift.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center captures the spirit of flight to the outer limits of human imagination. In addition to aviation artifacts, there are simulators and IMAX movies that make you feel like you’re soaring. An observation tower where you can watch planes take off at the adjacent Dulles International Airport. And a restoration hangar where you can peer down at experts repairing artifacts for display.
#5: Prehistoric panoramas.
This may sound oddly specific, but the view from the top of the Dino Slide at Cox Farms is pretty darned awesome, especially in fall. Open year-round, Cox Farms is a family-friendly destination for produce, animals, and events. And each fall they hold the region’s largest festival with a corn maze, hayrides, haunted trails, live music and much more. Don’t miss Foamhenge while you’re there.
#6: An adventure in the treetops.
Swing through the trees. Zip through the canopy. And navigate sky-high obstacles at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. This family-friendly attraction allows you to ascent as much as 50’ in the sky, navigate obstacles, ride a zipline, cross aerial bridges, walk on floating planks, climb rope ladders, and otherwise get the adrenaline flowing. Safety instruction begins every adventure.
#7: Peak dining experiences.
A few Fairfax County restaurants not only serve elevated cuisine but also offer towering views. Parc de Ville in Mosaic features French cuisine at their rooftop restaurant and lounge. Wren serves upscale Japanese cuisine on the lobby level of The Watermark Hotel (which is located on The Perch) with sweeping views of Tysons. And Earls Kitchen + Bar offers alfresco dining on the upper level outdoor plaza at Tysons Corner Center.
#8: A journey to the stars.
Two observatories in the area offer public access to the night sky in astronomical detail. The George Mason University Observatory invites the public to look through their telescope—weather and schedule permitting—on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Turner Farm in Great Falls has multiple programs, including public access to their telescope on clear Friday nights and during Night Sky Tours.
#9: New heights along the rails.
A ride on the above-ground Metro Silver Line in Fairfax County weaves you through the towering buildings of Tysons, past the historic planned community of Reston, and along the treetops, all the way out to Dulles International Airport. With multiple hotels along the line, it’s not just a hassle-free way to maneuver through the region, but it’s also a convenient way to reach all the critical stops in Washington, DC without needing to transfer trains.
#10: Invitation-only upgrades.
Image courtesy Archer Hotel Tysons
If you are lucky enough to be invited to a lavish fete at one of Fairfax County’s loftiest venues, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. The Tower Club is a private business and social club atop one of Tysons’ most iconic buildings. The Archer Hotel has a soaring, private balcony that is generally reserved for events. While those two are invitation only, a Club Level stay at The Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner gives you access to their Club Lounge with sweeping views of the city’s sparkle and glitz. Plus, coming Fall 2024: A rooftop bar and lounge at the AC Hotel/Residence Inn in Reston.
A stay in Fairfax County is not only uplifting, but it also puts you just a short Metro ride away from one of the most iconic sites—and sights—in America atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Even with all the prominent attractions in and around this region, you can still raise your vacation to a whole other level by adding one of our sky-high sites to your itinerary!
