Fair Oaks, Virginia (Fairfax County) 10 Easy Weekend Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Fair Oaks, VA: Fun Day Trips Just Beyond Fairfax County

Living or staying in Fair Oaks, Virginia and itching to escape the usual shopping centers and traffic? The good news is you’re surrounded by amazing places just a short drive away — in other counties and nearby cities — that are perfect for quick day trips from Fair Oaks. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 short out-of-county road trips that are easy to reach from Fair Oaks in Fairfax County, but all the fun happens in nearby counties like Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and across the river in Maryland. Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes by car, making them ideal for:
  • Saturday or Sunday adventures
  • Half-day getaways
  • Family-friendly road trips
  • Quick date ideas or solo escapes

1. Old Town Alexandria & Waterfront – Alexandria City, VA

If you only have time for one quick road trip from Fair Oaks, Old Town Alexandria is hard to beat. It’s charming, walkable, and packed with history and good food. Drive time from Fair Oaks: About 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic. What to do in Old Town Alexandria:
  • Stroll down King Street with its cobblestone sidewalks, boutiques, and cafés.
  • Walk along the Alexandria waterfront and watch boats on the Potomac River.
  • Check out local art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
  • Take a water taxi to National Harbor or The Wharf in DC (fun option if you don’t want to drive everywhere).
If you enjoy people-watching, grab a coffee and sit on a bench near the water. It’s a simple pleasure, but on a sunny afternoon it feels like a mini vacation.

2. Arlington National Cemetery & Iwo Jima Memorial – Arlington County, VA

Just across the river from DC, Arlington offers powerful, meaningful places to visit that are still easy day trips from Fair Oaks. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Around 30–40 minutes. Highlights:
  • Walk through Arlington National Cemetery and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony — it’s solemn, quiet, and unforgettable.
  • Stop by the Marine Corps War Memorial (often called the Iwo Jima Memorial) for great views of the DC skyline.
Even if you’re not usually into “touristy” spots, Arlington has a peaceful feel. It’s a good place to slow down, reflect, and remember why this region matters so much in American history.

3. Clarendon & Ballston – Food and Nightlife Close to Home (Arlington County, VA)

If you want something lighter and more upbeat in Arlington, check out the ClarendonBallstonDrive time from Fair Oaks: About 25–35 minutes. Things to do:
  • Try different restaurants and bars — everything from tacos to ramen to upscale American food.
  • Walk around Ballston Quarter, a modern shopping and dining area.
  • Enjoy a casual evening out without heading all the way into downtown DC.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a short road trip from Fair Oaks in the evening — dinner, a drink, maybe dessert, and then home before it’s too late.

4. Historic Occoquan – Prince William County, VA

Looking for a cozy, small-town feel? Occoquan, in Prince William County, is a pretty little riverfront town that feels like a storybook village. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Roughly 30–40 minutes. What you’ll find:
  • Cute brick and historic buildings filled with shops, galleries, and cafés.
  • A walk along the Occoquan River, with spots to sit and relax.
  • Seasonal festivals and craft fairs that draw people from all over Northern Virginia.
If you like browsing for handmade items, antiques, or unique gifts, this is a pleasant way to spend half a day. It’s also a good spot if you have someone in your life who loves artsy, quaint little towns.

5. Manassas National Battlefield Park – Prince William County, VA

History buffs, this one’s for you. Just a short drive from Fair Oaks, you can walk on the grounds where major Civil War battles took place. Drive time from Fair Oaks: About 25–35 minutes. At Manassas National Battlefield Park you can:
  • Visit the visitor center to learn about the First and Second Battles of Manassas (Bull Run).
  • Take easy walks across open fields and past historic homes and monuments.
  • Enjoy a mix of nature and history—great for families, especially if you’re trying to sneak a little education into a fun outing.
Bring comfortable shoes, some water, and maybe a light picnic. The wide-open views can be surprisingly calm, even though the history here is intense.

6. Leesburg & Historic Downtown – Loudoun County, VA

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, Leesburg in Loudoun County is a great reward. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Around 40–55 minutes, depending on traffic and route. What to see and do:
  • Wander around Historic Downtown Leesburg, full of brick sidewalks, old buildings, and independent shops.
  • Try one of the many breweries or wine bars in town.
  • Stop by antique stores or local boutiques for something unique.
A lot of people think of Loudoun only for wineries (we’ll talk about those next), but Leesburg itself makes a perfect day trip near Fairfax County—especially if you enjoy history and small-town main streets.

7. Loudoun Wine Country – Loudoun County, VA

If you like scenic drives, rolling hills, and a glass of wine, you’re in luck. Loudoun County is famous for its wineries. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Typically 45–60 minutes to many popular vineyards. What to expect:
  • Beautiful drives along country roads with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
  • Winery patios and decks where you can sit outside, taste local wine, and enjoy cheese boards or snacks.
  • Some spots are very family-friendly, with open lawns for kids to run around.
Even if you’re not a wine expert, don’t worry. Most places are laid-back and happy to guide you. Think of it more like hanging out on a farm with a great view — that just happens to serve wine.

8. Rio Lakefront & Downtown Crown – Montgomery County, MD

Crossing into Maryland opens up a whole new set of day trip options. One fun, easy-going destination is Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County. Drive time from Fair Oaks: About 45–60 minutes, depending on the Beltway. Why go:
  • A small lake with a walking path and paddle boats (seasonal).
  • Plenty of restaurants and chain favorites—good for groups or picky eaters.
  • Nearby Downtown Crown, another shopping and dining area just a short drive away.
This is a nice spot if you want a low-pressure road trip from Fair Oaks — walk a bit, grab a bite, maybe do some light shopping, and enjoy a change of scenery.

9. National Harbor – Prince George’s County, MD

If you want something a little splashier — lights, a big Ferris wheel, and a boardwalk feel — head to National Harbor in Prince George’s County. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Around 40–55 minutes. What you’ll find:
  • The Capital Wheel, a Ferris wheel with awesome views of the Potomac and DC area.
  • Waterfront dining, from casual to upscale.
  • Shops, candy stores, and outdoor art perfect for photos.
This is a fun choice for couples, families, or groups of friends. It feels a bit like a mini resort town without having to drive several hours to the beach.

10. Small-Town Escape in La Plata – Charles County, MD

For something quieter and less “touristy,” drive a bit farther south into Charles County, Maryland and visit La Plata. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Usually about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. What to do:
  • Walk around downtown La Plata, a calm, small-town center with local businesses.
  • Stop at a local diner or café for a simple meal — nothing fancy, just good food.
  • Use La Plata as a base to explore more of Southern Maryland’s back roads and scenery.
This is a good road trip if you want to feel like you’ve really left Northern Virginia’s hustle behind for the day. The pace is slower, and that can be exactly what you need.

Bonus: Nearby Independent Cities – Fairfax City & Falls Church, VA

Even though they’re surrounded by Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church City are separate independent cities — and they make for quick, easy outings from Fair Oaks. Drive time from Fair Oaks: Usually 10–25 minutes. Ideas:
  • Explore Old Town Fairfax with its historic sites, restaurants, and small-town main street vibe.
  • Head to Falls Church for local restaurants, coffee shops, and occasional community events.
These spots aren’t far, but sometimes a change of zip code is enough to make the day feel special.

Tips for Planning Your Fair Oaks Road Trips

To make these short getaways from Fair Oaks smoother:
  • Check traffic: Northern Virginia and the DC area can get busy. Leaving earlier in the morning or later in the evening can help.
  • Look up parking info: Places like Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor can have tight parking, especially on weekends.
  • Layer your clothing: Weather near the river or in open fields can feel cooler or windier than at home.
Think of each drive as a small adventure. You don’t need a full vacation to feel refreshed — sometimes a 45-minute drive and a walk in a new place does the trick.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Fair Oaks?

You’re in a great spot — from Fair Oaks, you can hit historic towns, waterfront views, wineries, and charming small cities in under two hours. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date, or a solo escape, these nearby counties and cities offer plenty of things to do near Fair Oaks, VA without burning a full tank of gas. Have you tried any of these spots yet?
  • Which road trip did you like best?
  • Did we miss one of your favorite places outside Fairfax County?
Please share your thoughts in the comments — your tips can help other readers plan their next day trip. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family who live in or around Fair Oaks. You might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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