10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Springfield, VA (Fairfax County)
If you live in
Springfield, Virginia in
Fairfax County, you probably love how easy it is to hop on I‑95, I‑395, or the Beltway and be somewhere totally different in under an hour.
This guide is all about
short road trips from Springfield, VA that take you to nearby counties and independent cities
outside Fairfax County. Think places in:
- Arlington County, VA
- Alexandria City, VA
- Fairfax City, VA
- Falls Church City, VA
- Loudoun County, VA
- Prince William County, VA
- Prince George’s County, MD
- Montgomery County, MD
- Charles County, MD
All of these make easy
day trips from Springfield, perfect for a weekend, a random day off, or when family is in town and you need ideas fast.
1. Old Town Alexandria Waterfront – Alexandria City, VA
Only about a 20–25 minute drive from Springfield (on a good traffic day),
Old Town Alexandria feels like a mini vacation without the long ride.
- Stroll the waterfront and watch boats on the Potomac River.
- Walk down King Street for cute boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops.
- Catch local artists and street performers at Waterfront Park or the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
I like to park in one of the garages a couple blocks off King Street and just wander. Grab an ice cream, sit on a bench by the water, and people‑watch.
Looking for a romantic evening? Come for dinner at one of the riverside restaurants and stay for sunset. It feels miles away from Springfield, even though it’s just down I‑395.
2. Arlington’s National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial – Arlington County, VA
For a short but meaningful trip, head to
Arlington County to visit the
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
- About a 25–30 minute drive from Springfield, depending on traffic.
- Peaceful outdoor memorial with benches honoring the victims of 9/11.
- Open 24 hours, and free to visit.
This isn’t a long, all‑day activity, but it’s powerful. Many locals plan a simple route: visit the memorial, then head to nearby
Pentagon City for lunch or shopping.
If you have teens, this can be a thoughtful way to talk about history in a quiet, respectful setting—very different from reading about it in a textbook.
3. Del Ray Neighborhood – Alexandria City, VA
Just north of Old Town,
Del Ray is a laid‑back, artsy neighborhood that’s great for a casual half‑day trip.
- Walkable main street along Mount Vernon Avenue.
- Colorful murals, local coffee shops, bakeries, and mom‑and‑pop restaurants.
- Frequent street festivals, markets, and outdoor events.
If you like a more low‑key vibe than Old Town, Del Ray might be your spot. It’s the kind of place where you park once, then stroll, snack, shop, and repeat.
Try coming on a Saturday morning for brunch, then wander into the local shops. It’s an easy, relaxed road trip from Springfield that doesn’t require a lot of planning.
4. Manassas National Battlefield Park – Prince William County, VA
Want to mix history with open space and fresh air? Head about 30–40 minutes southwest to
Manassas National Battlefield Park in
Prince William County.
- Site of two major Civil War battles.
- Miles of walking trails through fields and woods.
- Visitor center with exhibits and a short film (check current hours).
You don’t need to be a big history buff to enjoy it. You can:
- Take a short walk around Henry Hill.
- Pack a small picnic and enjoy the scenery.
- Download the audio tour and drive between key sites.
On a cool fall day, this is one of the best
day trips near Springfield, VA if you want something calm, inexpensive, and outdoorsy.
5. Leesburg & Historic Downtown – Loudoun County, VA
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, head about 45–60 minutes to
Leesburg in
Loudoun County. It has a charming historic downtown with a small‑town feel.
- Brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and local boutiques.
- Plenty of pubs, wine bars, and restaurants.
- Close to multiple Loudoun County wineries and breweries.
You can easily spend a full day here:
- Morning: Coffee and a walk around downtown.
- Afternoon: Visit a nearby winery or brewery in the countryside.
- Evening: Dinner back in town before heading home to Springfield.
If you’re traveling with kids, mix in a visit to a local farm or park. If it’s an adults‑only trip, make it a “wine and food” day.
6. National Harbor & MGM – Prince George’s County, MD
Just across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in
Prince George’s County, Maryland,
National Harbor is a classic “close but feels far” getaway.
- About 25–35 minutes from Springfield, depending on traffic.
- Waterfront dining, shops, and a Ferris wheel.
- MGM National Harbor nearby with a casino, shows, and high‑end restaurants.
This is a great pick if you:
- Want a fun date night outside Fairfax County.
- Have kids who’d love the Capital Wheel and outdoor events.
- Like strolling along the water with a coffee or ice cream in hand.
On summer evenings, the harbor is lively and bright. On cooler days, it’s still a nice place to walk and grab a bite.
7. Great Falls Park (Maryland Side) – Montgomery County, MD
You might already know Great Falls from the Virginia side, but for an out‑of‑county twist, head to the
Maryland side of Great Falls in
Montgomery County.
You’ll go to the
C&O Canal National Historical Park near Potomac, MD.
- Multiple overlooks to see the waterfalls and rapids.
- Historic canal and towpath you can walk or bike along.
- Plenty of short, family‑friendly trails.
The Maryland side offers different views of the falls and some great photo spots.
If you like hiking but don’t want anything extreme, you can keep it simple and just walk to the main overlooks. Plan a half‑day trip: drive up from Springfield, explore for a few hours, then head back before rush hour hits.
8. National Harbor–Adjacent Escape: Indian Head & Small‑Town Maryland – Charles County, MD
For something quieter and a little off the typical tourist track, drive about 45–55 minutes from Springfield into
Charles County, Maryland, around the
Indian Head area.
- Views of the Potomac River from small parks and pull‑offs.
- Slower pace than National Harbor or the big suburbs.
- Nice for a scenic drive and a simple picnic by the water.
This is the kind of trip you take when you don’t want crowds, but you still want to get out of Fairfax County and see something different. It’s also a good “Sunday drive” option when you just feel like rolling down the windows and exploring.
9. Old Town Fairfax – Fairfax City, VA
Even though it’s surrounded by Fairfax County,
Fairfax City is its own independent city, so it fits perfectly for an out‑of‑county road trip from Springfield.
- Short 20–25 minute drive up I‑495 and Route 50 or Braddock Road.
- Compact historic downtown with restaurants and small shops.
- Frequent seasonal festivals, car shows, and community events.
You don’t need a whole day here, but it’s great for:
- A relaxed lunch outing.
- An evening walk and dessert.
- Checking out local events or markets.
If you want a simple destination that doesn’t feel as intense as DC or National Harbor,
Old Town Fairfax is an easy choice.
10. Tiny But Mighty: Falls Church City – Falls Church City, VA
Just north of Arlington, you’ll find
Falls Church City—one of the smallest independent cities in the country, and an easy 25–30 minute drive from Springfield.
- Small, walkable downtown area.
- Cozy restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.
- Local theaters and community events.
Think of this as a “low‑stress night out.” Park once, walk around, grab a bite, maybe catch a show, then head home.
It’s a nice change of pace if you’re tired of the big, busy hubs but still want to get out of the Springfield routine.
Tips for Planning Your Short Road Trips From Springfield, VA
To make these
day trips near Springfield smoother:
- Watch the traffic: Try to avoid weekday rush hours on I‑95, I‑395, and the Beltway.
- Check parking: Some areas (like Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor) have paid garages.
- Look at event calendars: Cities like Alexandria, Fairfax, and Leesburg host frequent festivals that can make your visit even more fun.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a picnic blanket go a long way.
You don’t always need a full vacation. Sometimes a 30‑minute drive from Springfield is enough to feel like you’ve escaped for the day.
What’s Your Favorite Easy Road Trip From Springfield?
Now it’s your turn.
Do you have a go‑to spot in Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William, Loudoun, or across the river in Maryland that you love for a quick escape?
- Which of these 10 would you try first?
- Did I miss a hidden gem in one of these nearby counties or cities?
Share your favorite out‑of‑county day trip from Springfield, VA in the comments and tell us why you love it.
If you found this guide helpful,
please share it with friends, family, or neighbors in Springfield who are looking for easy weekend ideas. A simple share can help someone discover their new favorite place just down the road.
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