10 Easy Road Trips Near Manassas, Virginia (All Outside the City Limits)
If you live in or near
Manassas, Virginia and you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in a great spot. Within about a 15–45 minute drive, you can find battlefields, breweries, lakes, and small-town main streets that feel a world away from your daily routine.
This guide focuses on
short road trips outside the City of Manassas, in nearby areas like
Prince William County and
Manassas Park. Every spot on this list is perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure, and all are easy to reach by car.
1. Manassas National Battlefield Park – History Hike Just Up the Road
Yes, it carries the same name, but the
Manassas National Battlefield Park sits in
Prince William County, not inside the city itself. It’s one of the most famous Civil War sites in the country and an easy first stop if you’re just starting to explore things to do near Manassas.
- Walk the open fields where the First and Second Battles of Bull Run took place.
- Follow easy-to-moderate trails that pass old cannons, monuments, and farmhouses.
- Stop at the visitor center for exhibits and a short film that explains the history.
On a cool fall day, walking those rolling fields feels a bit like stepping into a history book—only with better views and fresh air. If you’re into photography, sunrise and sunset here are hard to beat.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Even the “short” trails can stretch out once you start exploring.
2. Manassas Park – A Quick Escape for Parks and Playgrounds
Head into nearby
Manassas Park city for a simple, family-friendly change of scenery. It’s small, easy to navigate, and packed with community parks that work well for a quick morning or afternoon road trip.
What you might do there:
- Let the kids burn off energy at local playgrounds and open fields.
- Enjoy a quiet picnic under the trees.
- Walk or jog on neighborhood trails without dealing with big crowds.
If Manassas itself feels busy, Manassas Park has a slower, neighborhood vibe. Sometimes that’s all you need.
3. Occoquan – Small-Town Charm by the Water
For a classic small-town Virginia feel, drive southeast from Manassas to the riverside town of
Occoquan in Prince William County. It’s only about 20–30 minutes away, but it feels like you’ve gone on a weekend getaway.
In Occoquan, you can:
- Stroll along the Occoquan River and watch boats glide by.
- Browse art galleries, antique shops, and quirky boutiques.
- Grab a meal at a riverside restaurant and linger on the patio.
On my first visit, I told myself I’d “just walk around for an hour.” I ended up spending almost the whole day poking into shops and sipping coffee by the water. It’s that kind of place—slow, friendly, and easy to love.
4. Leesylvania State Park – River Views and Easy Trails
About a half-hour from Manassas, still in
Prince William County,
Leesylvania State Park sits along the Potomac River and makes a fantastic day trip.
Here’s what draws people in:
- Waterfront views that make you forget you’re close to suburban Northern Virginia.
- Fishing piers that are popular with locals.
- Easy hiking trails through the woods with historical markers along the way.
- Picnic areas that work well for families and small groups.
If you get there early on a warm summer weekend, you’ll see families setting up coolers and chairs like they’re claiming their own little patch of riverfront paradise.
5. Prince William Forest Park – A Woodland Getaway
If you’re craving trees, shade, and the sound of running water,
Prince William Forest Park is a must. It’s located in the
southern part of Prince William County and managed by the National Park Service.
Why locals love it:
- Over 30 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests.
- Streams, small waterfalls, and wooden bridges that feel surprisingly peaceful.
- Cabins and campgrounds if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure.
If you’ve been sitting at a desk all week, a few hours here feels like a reset button. The drives in and out are pretty too—winding, quiet, and green.
6. Haymarket – Wineries and Rolling Hills
Drive west from Manassas into the Haymarket area of Prince William County, and you’ll start to see more open land, more sky, and, yes, more wineries.
What to look for:
- Local vineyards with tasting rooms and hilltop views.
- Scenic back roads that are perfect for a slow weekend drive.
- Casual places where you can sit outside with a glass of wine and a small snack.
Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, the atmosphere alone is worth the drive. Think Adirondack chairs, soft chatter, and a light breeze rolling over the grass.
Tip: Plan a designated driver if you’re tasting. The roads are beautiful, but safety comes first.
7. Gainesville – Shopping, Dining, and a Movie Night Out
If your idea of a road trip is more about
food and fun than forests and history, head to
Gainesville in Prince William County.
You’ll find:
- Large shopping centers with plenty of stores.
- Casual and sit-down restaurants for every taste and budget.
- Movie theaters where you can cap off your mini road trip with a film.
This is an easy pick for a Friday night: drive over, grab dinner, walk around a bit, see a movie, and head home. No planning, no stress.
8. Bristow – Concerts and Casual Countryside Vibes
Just a short drive southwest from Manassas, still in Prince William County, the Bristow area mixes suburban neighborhoods with rural views and a big dose of live entertainment.
Why people make the trip:
- Live music venue: On summer evenings, you’ll often find big-name concerts drawing crowds.
- Scenic drives: Head down side roads and you’ll quickly find barns, fields, and open skies.
- Nearby wineries and breweries that are great for relaxed weekend afternoons.
If you love music, check concert schedules ahead of time and turn it into a full day: lunch nearby, a slow drive, then an evening show.
9. Woodbridge – Potomac Mills and Marina Time
Travel east toward
Woodbridge in Prince William County for a totally different kind of road trip: shopping and water access.
You can:
- Spend a few hours at the massive Potomac Mills shopping area.
- Head down to the marina areas for a walk near the water.
- Grab a bite at one of the many chain or local restaurants in the area.
If you’re trying to knock out back-to-school shopping or holiday gifts, this is a practical but still fun day out from Manassas.
10. Lake Ridge Area – Quiet Neighborhood Trails and River Access
A bit north of Woodbridge, the broader
Lake Ridge area of Prince William County gives you a nice mix of residential calm and outdoor access along the Occoquan and nearby waters.
Try:
- Walking or jogging on neighborhood trails with plenty of shade.
- Launching a kayak or canoe (season and access points vary).
- Exploring small local parks for a low-key afternoon.
This isn’t a big “tourist attraction” area, and that’s exactly the charm. It’s perfect if you want to get out of Manassas but don’t want a full, packed itinerary.
How to Make the Most of These Short Road Trips
To keep your out-of-county adventures from Manassas simple and enjoyable, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check hours and fees: Parks and historic sites sometimes have entrance fees or seasonal hours.
- Pack a small day bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket can save the day.
- Think in themes: Maybe one weekend is “history day” (battlefield + Occoquan), another is “outdoors day” (Prince William Forest Park + Leesylvania), and another is “shops and dining” (Gainesville + Woodbridge).
These short road trips near Manassas are easy to fit into real life. You don’t need to take vacation days, book flights, or spend a lot of money. You just hop in the car, drive 20–45 minutes, and you’re somewhere new.
Share Your Favorite Near-Manassas Road Trip
If you live in or around Manassas, you probably have your own hidden gems—maybe a quiet picnic spot, a back road you love at sunset, or a small local business you always visit on weekends.
What’s your go-to short road trip outside the city?
- Drop your favorite spots and tips in the comments so other readers can discover them too.
- If you found this list helpful, please share it with friends, family, or anyone looking for things to do near Manassas, Virginia.
The more we share our local finds, the easier it is for everyone to turn an ordinary day off into a mini adventure.
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