10 Easy Road Trips From West Falls Church, VA: Big Fun Just Beyond Fairfax County
If you live in or near
West Falls Church, Virginia, you already know it’s a convenient spot in Northern Virginia. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, get out of
Fairfax County, and explore somewhere new for a few hours.
The good news? You don’t need to plan a full vacation. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find historic towns, waterfront views, hiking trails, and even wineries. All of the places below are
outside Fairfax County, in nearby counties and independent cities like Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Alexandria, and more.
So fill up the gas tank, grab some snacks, and let’s look at 10 short road trips from West Falls Church that make perfect day or half-day escapes.
1. Arlington, VA – Monuments, Views, and Urban Vibes Next Door
Arlington is so close to West Falls Church that it barely feels like a road trip, but once you leave Fairfax County, it definitely counts.
One classic stop is
Arlington National Cemetery. It’s a powerful, quiet place that always makes you pause. You can see the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the
Kennedy gravesites, and the stunning views of Washington, DC below. Plan on some walking, and wear comfortable shoes.
If you like views, head to the
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial). From there, you get one of the best panoramas of the DC skyline, especially at sunset.
For something more laid-back, check out the
Clarendon or
Rosslyn neighborhoods for coffee, brunch, or an easy dinner. It’s a short drive, but it feels like a mini city adventure.
- Distance from West Falls Church: about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic
- Perfect for: history lovers, photographers, quick evening outings
2. Alexandria City, VA – Old Town’s Cobblestones and Waterfront Charm
If you crave that classic East Coast charm,
Old Town Alexandria is hard to beat. Brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and colorful rowhouses make it feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set.
Stroll down
King Street and pop into boutiques, ice cream shops, and cafes. Walk all the way to the
Old Town waterfront to watch boats glide along the Potomac River. On a warm day, it’s easy to spend hours just people-watching.
A few fun ideas:
- Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see local artists at work
- Hop on a water taxi to National Harbor or The Wharf
- Walk or bike the Mount Vernon Trail along the river
I once spent a rainy Sunday here ducking in and out of bookstores and coffee shops, and it ended up being one of my favorite low-key days in the area.
- Distance from West Falls Church: around 25–35 minutes
- Perfect for: couples’ dates, solo wandering, waterfront dining
3. Falls Church City, VA – A Tiny Independent City With Big Character
Just to be clear,
Falls Church City is its own independent city, separate from
Fairfax County, even though it’s surrounded by it. That makes it fair game for a quick out-of-county adventure.
The city is small, but it has a cozy, walkable feel. You can:
- Browse local shops along Broad Street
- Grab coffee or brunch at a neighborhood café
- Catch an indie or foreign film at the historic State Theatre area (and nearby entertainment spots)
It’s the kind of place where you can park once, stretch your legs, and just see where the day takes you. If you don’t want to drive far, this is a great “micro road trip.”
- Distance from West Falls Church: usually under 10–15 minutes
- Perfect for: lazy Saturday mornings, casual meet-ups
4. Fairfax City, VA – Small-Town Feel With College Energy
Fairfax City is another small independent city that sits outside Fairfax County boundaries. It has an old-fashioned downtown mixed with the youthful energy of nearby
George Mason University.
Head to
Old Town Fairfax to explore:
- Historic buildings and markers that tell the story of the Civil War era
- Local restaurants and dessert spots
- Community events, especially in warmer months
The streets here feel calmer than some of the busier suburbs, which makes it a nice change of pace. If you like combining history with a good meal, this is an easy pick.
- Distance from West Falls Church: about 20–30 minutes
- Perfect for: family outings, low-stress afternoons
5. Loudoun County, VA – Wineries, Small Towns, and Big Sky Views
When you think “day trip from Northern Virginia,”
Loudoun County is probably near the top of the list. In about 40–60 minutes, you can go from suburban streets to rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns.
Two popular small towns to explore:
- Leesburg – Charming downtown with shops, restaurants, and antique stores.
- Middleburg – Horse country, stone fences, and a picture-perfect main street.
If you enjoy wine, Loudoun is famous for its
wineries and tasting rooms. Even if you don’t drink, many wineries offer wide-open views, picnic areas, and live music on weekends. It’s a peaceful way to spend a sunny afternoon.
- Distance from West Falls Church: usually 40–60 minutes
- Perfect for: girls’ day out, couples, scenic drives
6. Prince William County, VA – Battlefield History and Outdoor Space
For history mixed with nature, head to
Prince William County, home to the
Manassas National Battlefield Park. This is where the First and Second Battles of Manassas (Bull Run) took place during the Civil War.
You can:
- Walk the trails where soldiers once marched
- Visit the visitor center to learn about the battles
- See monuments and preserved fields stretching out for miles
It’s a great spot if you like to combine a little bit of learning with some light hiking. On a misty morning, the fields feel almost frozen in time.
Afterward, you can grab a bite in nearby Manassas or explore other county parks and lakes.
- Distance from West Falls Church: about 35–50 minutes
- Perfect for: history buffs, walkers, families with older kids
7. Montgomery County, MD – Trails, Town Centers, and a Different State
Crossing over into Maryland makes the day feel more like a real trip, even though it’s not that far.
Montgomery County, Maryland offers a nice mix of nature and suburban fun.
A few ideas:
- Bethesda – Lively downtown with tons of restaurants, coffee shops, and a walkable feel.
- Rockville Town Square – Family-friendly area with events, dining, and open plazas.
- C&O Canal Towpath – Great for biking or walking along the historic canal and Potomac River.
If you like to be active, the
C&O Canal is especially nice. You can walk as far as you want, surrounded by trees and water, then head back to town for dinner.
- Distance from West Falls Church: usually 35–55 minutes
- Perfect for: weekend walkers, foodies, families
8. Prince George’s County, MD – Museums, Sports, and Family Fun
Prince George’s County sits just east of Washington, DC, and offers a bunch of family-friendly options.
Some popular stops include:
- National Harbor (just over the line, easily reached via PG County routes) – Ferris wheel, waterfront dining, shops, and seasonal events.
- College Park – Home of the University of Maryland, with college-town restaurants and sports events.
- Greenbelt – A planned New Deal-era community with trails and a unique historic feel.
If you have kids, they’ll love the waterfront lights at National Harbor on summer evenings. If you’re a sports fan, catching a college game in College Park can be a fun, budget-friendly outing.
- Distance from West Falls Church: usually 40–60 minutes
- Perfect for: families, sports fans, casual explorers
9. Charles County, MD – A Quieter Waterfront Escape
If you’re willing to drive a little farther,
Charles County, Maryland, offers quieter, more rural escapes along the water.
Here you’ll find:
- Peaceful drives along the Potomac River
- Small waterfront communities and marinas
- Opportunities for boating, fishing, or simply taking in the view
It’s a great option if you’re feeling overwhelmed by crowds and want to see open water and big skies instead of traffic and tall buildings. Pack a cooler, bring a book, and find a spot to unwind by the river.
- Distance from West Falls Church: roughly 1–1.5 hours, depending on your exact stop
- Perfect for: quiet days, scenic drives, nature lovers
10. A “Loop Day”: Mix and Match Several Stops in One Trip
Here’s a fun idea: instead of just one destination, create your own
mini road trip loop from West Falls Church.
For example, you could:
- Start in Arlington for a morning walk at a memorial overlook
- Head to Old Town Alexandria for lunch and a waterfront stroll
- Finish the day with a calm evening in Falls Church City or Fairfax City for dessert and a movie
Or you could build a Maryland loop:
- Drive into Montgomery County for a C&O Canal walk
- Continue into Prince George’s County for dinner or a harbor view
- Head home with a full day of exploring under your belt
The beauty of living in West Falls Church is that so many counties and cities are within easy reach. With a bit of planning, you can turn an ordinary Saturday into something memorable.
Tips for Easy Road Trips From West Falls Church
To keep your day trips simple and fun:
- Check traffic – Northern Virginia and the DC area can get congested, especially at rush hour.
- Pack light – Water, snacks, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes go a long way.
- Have a backup plan – If a place is too crowded, know a second spot nearby.
- Start early – Morning drives are usually calmer and cooler in summer.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From West Falls Church?
Living in
West Falls Church, VA puts you close to some of the best day trip spots in
Northern Virginia and
suburban Maryland. From wineries in
Loudoun County to waterfront views in
Alexandria City and
Prince George’s County, you’ve got options in every direction.
Have you taken any of these short road trips?
Which county or city is your personal favorite for a quick escape?
Share your go-to spots in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near West Falls Church. Your ideas might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
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