10 Fun Things To Do Near Fair Oaks, Virginia (Fairfax County Travel Guide)
If you’re looking for things to do near
Fair Oaks, Virginia, you’re in a sweet spot. This part of
Fairfax County sits right between big-city excitement and quiet, tree-lined suburbs. You can shop, hike, taste amazing food, and even step back into early American history—all within a short drive.
Below are
10 fun, easy day-trip ideas near Fair Oaks that work for couples, families, solo travelers, or anyone just trying to make the most of a weekend.
1. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch at Fair Oaks Mall
Fair Oaks Mall is basically the hometown “downtown” for this area. If you’re staying nearby, you’ll probably end up here at least once.
- What to do: Browse big-name stores, grab a coffee, and walk the indoor mall loop (nice on hot or rainy days).
- Why go: It’s one of the major shopping destinations near Fair Oaks, with plenty of parking and easy access from I-66.
- Good for: Families with kids, casual date nights, and anyone who likes to walk and window-shop.
Around the holidays, the mall decor goes all-in. If you enjoy people-watching, grab a seat by the center court and just soak in the buzz.
2. Explore Historic Fairfax City (Just Minutes Away)
Hop in the car, and in under 15 minutes you’re in
Old Town Fairfax, a compact historic district that feels like a small town inside Northern Virginia’s suburbs.
- Stroll brick sidewalks and check out local shops and cafés.
- Stop by the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center to learn how the area grew from a small town into a busy county hub.
- Walk past the old courthouse and historic buildings that date back to the 1800s.
It’s not a giant tourist spot, and that’s part of the charm. On a nice day, grab ice cream, wander around, and imagine what this place looked like before the highways and office parks.
3. Hike, Bike, or Stroll the Fairfax County Parkway Trail
If you like to move your legs, you’re in luck. The
Fairfax County Parkway Trail runs for miles along the parkway and connects into a web of local paths.
- Activities: Walking, jogging, biking, stroller walks, dog walks.
- What it feels like: A mix of suburban scenery, trees, and local neighborhoods.
- Tip: Start from a neighborhood entrance near Fair Oaks and go as far as you like—no special gear needed.
Think of it as a long, skinny park—great for burning off some energy after a big lunch or a long drive.
4. Discover Local Trails at Difficult Run Stream Valley Park
If you’d like something that feels a bit more like the woods, head to
Difficult Run Stream Valley Park. It’s one of those local gems many visitors never hear about.
- Walk along shaded dirt paths near the creek.
- Listen to the water, birds, and wind in the trees—hard to believe you’re so close to busy roads.
- Great for an easy outdoor escape without driving all the way to the mountains.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy, especially after rain. This is a nice way to reset if you’ve been stuck in traffic on I-66.
5. Step Back in Time at Sully Historic Site
A short drive from Fair Oaks, near Dulles Airport, you’ll find the
Sully Historic Site, an early 19th-century plantation home.
- What you’ll see: A historic house from the late 1700s, outbuildings, and grounds that show what life was like long before suburban Fairfax existed.
- Why visit: It’s quieter and less crowded than some big-name historic sites, but still very educational.
- Extras: Look out for seasonal programs, reenactments, and kid-friendly tours.
If you’re a history fan—or traveling with kids studying American history—this is a simple, meaningful stop near Fair Oaks.
6. Spend a Day at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center
This one is a must-do if you’re anywhere near Fair Oaks. The
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, is just down the road in Chantilly.
- See the Space Shuttle Discovery up close.
- Walk under the nose of a Concorde and countless historic aircraft.
- Watch planes land and take off from nearby Dulles Airport from the observation tower.
- Catch an IMAX movie if you want the full experience.
This is one of those places that can easily fill half a day (or more). If you have kids, they’ll remember this stop for a long time.
7. Enjoy Local Parks: Daniels Run, Van Dyck Park & More
Fairfax County is packed with small and mid-sized parks that are perfect for simple, low-cost outings.
A few to check out near Fair Oaks:
- Daniels Run Park: Wooded trails, a stream, and a peaceful vibe.
- Van Dyck Park: A great playground, open fields, and walking paths close to downtown Fairfax City.
- Poplar Tree Park: Sports fields and open space for tossing a ball or flying a kite.
If your day is already busy, parks like these are perfect for a quick walk, a picnic, or a chance for kids to get their wiggles out.
8. Eat Your Way Around Fair Oaks and Fairfax Corner
One of the best things to do near Fair Oaks is simply:
eat. This corner of Northern Virginia has a huge mix of cuisines.
Near Fair Oaks you’ll find:
- American grills and burger spots
- Asian restaurants (Korean BBQ, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese)
- Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options
- Cafés and dessert shops for coffee and sweets
Nearby
Fairfax Corner adds even more choices, along with a movie theater and an outdoor plaza where you can stroll after dinner.
If you like trying new flavors, you could easily turn your visit into a mini food tour.
9. Catch a Show or Festival in Fairfax
Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch a
local festival, concert, or community event just minutes from Fair Oaks.
Look for:
- Outdoor concerts and seasonal events in Old Town Fairfax.
- Movie nights, yoga, and live music at Fairfax Corner.
- Special performances and events at nearby George Mason University (EagleBank Arena and the Center for the Arts).
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the Fairfax City and Fairfax County event calendars. Sometimes a regular weekend turns into something special just because you caught a festival or outdoor show.
10. Take a Day Trip into Washington, D.C.
One huge perk of staying near Fair Oaks: you’re only about 20–25 miles from
Washington, D.C., depending on your route.
- Drive or park at a Metro station like Vienna or Dunn Loring and ride the train into the city.
- Visit the National Mall, monuments, and Smithsonian museums.
- Return to quiet Fair Oaks in the evening instead of dealing with big-city hotels.
It’s a smart strategy: use Fair Oaks as a comfortable base, enjoy free parking and easier traffic, then dip into D.C. when you want that big-city, must-see experience.
Final Tips for Visiting Fair Oaks, Virginia
To make the most of your trip to
Fair Oaks and Fairfax County:
- Bring walking shoes: Between malls, trails, and museums, you’ll be on your feet a lot.
- Plan around traffic: Northern Virginia traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on I-66 and Route 50.
- Mix indoor and outdoor: Pair a hike or park visit with shopping or a museum for a balanced day.
- Check events ahead of time: A local festival, show, or special exhibit can really upgrade your visit.
What Would You Do First Near Fair Oaks?
Are you more excited about the
Udvar-Hazy Center, the
Fairfax trails, or a relaxed day of
shopping and dining?
- Have you been to Fair Oaks or Fairfax County before?
- Do you have a favorite restaurant, park, or hidden gem in the area?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—local insight is gold for travelers. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to Northern Virginia. It might just help them discover a new favorite spot near Fair Oaks, VA.
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