10 Fun Things To Do Near Annandale, Virginia (Fairfax County)
If you’re looking for things to do in and around
Annandale, Virginia, you’re in luck. Tucked inside
Fairfax County and just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Annandale is an easy home base for food, parks, history, and family fun.
Whether you’re a local, moving to the area, or planning a weekend trip, here are
10 great things to do near Annandale you won’t want to miss.
1. Eat Your Way Through “Koreatown” Annandale
One of the biggest reasons people talk about Annandale? The
Korean food scene.
This area is often called “
Koreatown, Virginia,” and once you drive down Little River Turnpike at night, you’ll see why. Neon signs, late-night restaurants, and Korean bakeries make this part of Annandale feel like its own little world.
- All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ
- Bakeries with sweet and savory pastries
- Bubble tea, coffee, and dessert cafés
- Korean fried chicken spots that stay open late
If you’ve never tried
kimchi,
bibimbap, or sizzling
bulgogi on a hot grill, Annandale is a perfect place to start. Don’t be shy about asking your server how to eat something; they’re used to helping first-timers.
2. Get Some Fresh Air at Mason District Park
Need a break from traffic and screens? Head to
Mason District Park, right in Annandale.
This local favorite has:
- Shaded walking trails
- A pond with ducks and turtles
- Sports fields and tennis courts
- Playgrounds for the kids
- A picnic area with grills
In the summer, the park’s amphitheater hosts free outdoor concerts and performances as part of Fairfax County’s concert series. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, pack a cooler, and enjoy live music without driving all the way into the city.
If you’re visiting with kids, this is an easy place to let them burn off energy while you relax under the trees.
3. Explore Nature at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Just a few minutes from central Annandale, you’ll find
Hidden Oaks Nature Center, tucked inside 52 acres of forested parkland.
Inside the Nature Center, you’ll see:
- Live reptiles and amphibians
- Hands-on exhibits about local wildlife
- Kid-friendly displays about forests and streams
Outside, the short trails are easy for families and beginners. You’ll walk through tall trees, spot birds, and maybe even see a deer if you’re lucky.
If you’re traveling with younger kids, this is a low-stress stop. The paths are short, and you can easily spend an hour or two learning and exploring without anyone getting too tired or bored.
4. Walk the Trails at Annandale Community Park
For a quieter spot right in town, head to
Annandale Community Park.
This park is great if you want:
- Wooded walking trails without driving far
- A place to stretch your legs after work
- A simple, shaded playground
The trails here connect to neighborhoods, so it feels more like a local hangout than a big tourist attraction. If you like to start your day with a walk or jog, this is a nice option that’s close to everything in Annandale.
5. Shop, Eat, and Wander the Mosaic District
About a 10–15 minute drive from Annandale is
Mosaic District in nearby Fairfax. If you’re looking for a modern, walkable shopping area, this is it.
You’ll find:
- Trendy restaurants and cafés
- Boutique shops and national brands
- An indie-style movie theater (Angelika Film Center)
- Outdoor seating and seasonal events
On weekends, Mosaic often hosts a farmers market, outdoor fitness classes, and pop-up events. It’s a great place to grab brunch, do a little shopping, and just people-watch.
If you’re staying in Annandale and want an evening out that doesn’t involve driving into D.C., Mosaic is a solid choice.
6. Step Back in Time at George Mason’s Gunston Hall
Just south of Annandale, about a 30–40 minute drive, is
Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason, one of America’s Founding Fathers.
Here you can:
- Tour the 18th-century mansion
- Walk the grounds and gardens with views of the Potomac River
- Learn about early American history and the Bill of Rights
The house tour gives you a glimpse into life in Virginia in the late 1700s—long before the Beltway and high-rises. It’s a nice day trip from Annandale if you enjoy history but don’t want the crowds of the National Mall.
Tip: Combine Gunston Hall with a stop at a nearby waterfront park for a full day out.
7. Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Another famous historic site within easy driving distance of Annandale is
George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Plan to spend several hours here. You can:
- Tour Washington’s mansion overlooking the Potomac
- Visit the museum and education center
- See the working farm and reconstructed buildings
- Walk along the river and through the gardens
Even if you’re not a huge history buff, Mount Vernon is a beautiful property with plenty to see and do. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Virginia for a reason.
From Annandale, it’s usually about a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic.
8. Spend the Day at Burke Lake Park
If you don’t mind a short drive,
Burke Lake Park is one of the best outdoor spots in Fairfax County and a favorite with locals from Annandale.
Here’s what you can do:
- Walk or bike the lakeside trail (about 4.7 miles)
- Fish from the shore or by boat (rentals available in season)
- Ride the small carousel or mini train with kids
- Play mini golf or use the picnic areas
On a sunny weekend, the park is busy but not overwhelming. It feels like a classic American park: grills going, kids playing, people jogging by the water.
If you’re visiting in fall, the colors around the lake can be really beautiful, especially in late October and early November.
9. Explore the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
One of the biggest perks of staying in Annandale, Virginia is how close you are to
Washington, D.C.
In about 20–30 minutes by car (or a Metro ride from nearby stations like Dunn Loring or Vienna), you can be on the
National Mall, visiting:
- The Lincoln Memorial
- The Washington Monument
- The U.S. Capitol
- Free Smithsonian museums like Air and Space or Natural History
You get the best of both worlds: a quieter place to stay in Annandale plus easy access to all the big-city landmarks. If you’re planning a D.C. trip but don’t want to pay downtown hotel prices, Annandale is a smart base.
10. Enjoy Local Events and Festivals in Fairfax County
All year long,
Fairfax County hosts events that are easy to reach from Annandale. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Outdoor summer concert series at parks like Mason District Park
- Food festivals and cultural celebrations
- Holiday markets and light displays in winter
- Farmers markets with local produce and baked goods
These events are a good way to experience the local side of Northern Virginia—beyond the monuments and museums. Check Fairfax County’s event calendar before your trip, or ask at your hotel for what’s happening nearby.
Why Annandale Makes a Great Home Base
When you stay in or near
Annandale, VA, you’re in a sweet spot:
- Lots of local restaurants, especially Korean and Asian food
- Easy access to parks and trails in Fairfax County
- Quick drive or Metro ride into Washington, D.C.
- Close to major highways like I‑495 and I‑395
It’s a practical place to stay, especially for families or anyone who wants a little more space and lower prices than downtown D.C., without being too far away from the action.
Share Your Annandale Experience
Have you been to
Annandale, Virginia or anywhere in
Fairfax County?
- Which Korean BBQ spot did you love most?
- Did you catch a concert at Mason District Park?
- What was your favorite day trip—Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, or the National Mall?
Drop your tips, questions, and stories in the comments. Your experience might help someone else plan their own trip.
And if you found this guide to
things to do near Annandale, VA helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media. It’s a simple way to support the blog and help more travelers discover this corner of Northern Virginia.
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