Fairfax

Travel Guide
Fairfax showing heritage elements and military items
Discover American Civil War sites, historic buildings, shopping districts and a schedule of vibrant festivals at this independent city within Fairfax County.

Get ready to mix history with entertainment and recreation in the city of Fairfax. Explore Civil War heritage sites and visit architecturally impressive buildings. Shop at modern malls and attend festivals aimed at everyone from art lovers to chocolate fanatics. Fairfax sits in northern Virginia and dates back to the 1700s, when it was established by migrating farmers.

Today, the city’s beating heart is the downtown district called Old Town Fairfax. Start your visit at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. Browse the exhibitions that retrace the city’s history and pick up information about significant landmarks. Buy a ticket to go on a guided walking tour of the Old Town held on the second Saturday of the month from May to September. Alternatively, use the free self-guided walking tour brochure available from the visitor center.

Go to Old Town Square and check out the Old Town Hall, inaugurated in 1900 and distinguishable by its classical revival-style façade. Nearby is the early 19th-century Fairfax Courthouse, which operated as Civil War military headquarters. Learn about the activities of Main Street during the 19th and 20th centuries at Ratcliffe-Allison House.

Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques and relaxing at the sidewalk cafés of Old Town Plaza. Dine at downtown restaurants that range from well-known chains to Asian cuisine, steakhouses and wine bars.

Time your visit to coincide with the city’s eclectic cultural events. Chocoholics will rejoice at the Chocolate Lovers Festival while book lovers will appreciate the Fall for the Book Festival. Experience Irish traditions at September’s Irish Folk Festival. Attend free music shows during the Summer Concert Series and Rock the Block.

Be sure to visit attractions outside of the city center. Follow in the footsteps of American Civil War soldiers at Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center. See a through-the-ages exhibition of firearms at the National Firearms Museum. Enjoy shaded walks in Daniels Run Park and Van Dyck Park.

Fairfax is about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Washington D.C. Get here by taking the metro to Vienna-GMU Station and then catch a bus from there. Several free parking lots are available to those arriving by car.

Hotel Pentagon
Hotel Pentagon
3 out of 5
2480 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
The price is RM510 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
RM510
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,079 reviews)
"Needs a little update but good."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hotel Pentagon
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM516 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM516
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,068 reviews)
"Good value, all things considered."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM847 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM847
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,493 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"The hotel was a great choice. The location was good, the staff was friendly and professional, the hotel and the rooms were very clean. Our room was a great size and comfortable. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

State Plaza Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,590 reviews)
"This hotel is located only a few walking blocks from many Smithsonian museums. Although the hotel is due for some interior updates, the staff were friendly, rooms clean, and processes for check in and check out were smooth."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
Glover Park - Georgetown
Glover Park - Georgetown
4 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,906 reviews)
"Loved being next to the Washington National Cathedral. And surrounding single family homes and neighborhood where beautiful to walk through after a day of touring DC. The tempurpedic king bed was amazing. Check in and out was easy and simple. Loved all the amazing complimentary food and drinks offered ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Glover Park - Georgetown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
3.5 out of 5
900 10th St NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,797 reviews)
"Wonderful stay!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fairfax

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Aug 2019

Short distance to Vienna/Fairfax Metro station for direct access into Washington DC. Visit the Capitol on a week day as long queues for the museums on weekends National Parks operate well run Civil War battlefield sites.