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  • Home
  • Explore
    • Towns and Cities
    • Parks and Nature
    • Hike and Bike
    • History and Museums
  • Events / Seasonal
    • Holiday Season
  • Dine/Drink
  • Getaways
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Press + Collaborations
    • Disclosures + Usage

Parks + Nature

Parks in Northern Virginia offer DC area residents and visitors beautiful places to enjoy nature and fun activities for kids and families. The region boasts a huge collection of national, regional, county, and town parks including waterfront parks at local lakes and along the Potomac River. Nature trails, playgrounds, marinas, and kid-friendly features like miniature trains and carousels offer fun for every age.

Stunning Trillium Trail Hike Perfect for Virginia Nature Lovers

Many colors on the Trillium Trail

See the largest stand of large-flowered trillium in Virginia (and maybe the world) on an easy Trillium Trail hike perfect for wildflower fans, nature lovers, and birders of every age. … Read more

Peaceful Seneca Park Hiking and History in Northern Virginia

Enjoy pretty fall views and interesting Potomac River history at Seneca Park in Northern Virginia.

Seneca Park combines lovely woods, pretty streams, interesting history, and a stretch along the Potomac River that is part of a designated National Scenic Trail. The park is popular with … Read more

Beautiful Spring Wildflowers and Wildflower Hikes in Northern Virginia

White Bloodroot, one of the prettiest Spring Wildflowers in Northern Virginia

Spring wildflowers in Northern Virginia carpet the ground beginning in March and extending into April. My guide includes Virginia wildflowers to look for and where to find spring wildflowers on … Read more

Best Places to Watch Sunrise and Sunset in Northern Virginia

GW Parkway sunset over the Potomac River at Fort Hunt Park VA

Discover the best places to watch a fabulous sunrise or sunset in Northern Virginia where mountain overlooks, Chesapeake waters, and open fields frame the beauty. Our guide to sunrise and … Read more

Great Falls Park River Trail Hike to Waterfalls and Views Near DC

Mather Gorge from the River Trail in Great Falls Park Virginia near Washington DC

The River Trail hike at Great Falls Park in Northern Virginia offers some of the best waterfall and nature views near Washington DC. It’s a favorite place to impress out-of-town guests, but it’s … Read more

21 Fun Family-Friendly Parks with Trails in Northern Virginia

Bright green foliage lines a Spring Trail at Seneca Park in Northern Virginia

Family-friendly parks in Northern Virginia offer activities for every age from easy walks to challenging hikes, boating, biking, picnicking, history, special events, and more. These local, regional, state, and national … Read more

Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for Year-round Beauty in Northern VA

Flowers, gazebo, and pond at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna Virginia

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers 95 acres of stunning beauty, paved and natural paths, beautiful cherry blossoms and seasonal plantings, and a unique Korean Bell Garden. The garden is located just … Read more

Difficult Run and Great Falls Loop Hike to Beautiful River Views

View of Mather Gorge from Great Falls Ridge Trail in Northern Virginia

The Difficult Run and Great Falls loop hike includes shady riverside trails, a dramatic ridge, and gorgeous views of the Potomac River and Mather Gorge. This hike is a wonderful … Read more

Great Falls Park Virginia Outdoor Fun and Stunning Waterfalls

Great Falls Park waterfalls from overlook 1

Visit Great Falls Park Virginia for stunning waterfall views, excellent hiking, fascinating history, picnics, and more outdoor fun, just 15 miles from Washington DC. Great Falls Park is one of the most … Read more

Marys Rock Hike to Spectacular Shenandoah Views

Relaxing at Marys Rock Shenandoah NP

This beautiful Mary’s Rock hike on the Appalachian Trail includes two spectacular Shenandoah vistas, a look at an AT hut, and a fun rocky outcropping that’s perfect for lunch, a rest, or … Read more

Potomac Hike: Bluebells and Sycamores at Riverbend Park

Bluebells in full bloom at Riverbend Park, Great Falls Virginia

Virginia bluebells cover the ground and sycamores stand out against a clear, blue sky on a spring hike by the Potomac River at Riverbend Park. This hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail in Great … Read more

7 Beautiful Boardwalk Hikes in Northern Virginia

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, a beautiful boardwalk trail in Northern Virginia

Explore 7 beautiful boardwalk hikes in Northern Virginia on trails close to nature and unique wetland habitats near Washington DC. All of these boardwalk trails are level and easy, and … Read more

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Julie McCool is a travel writer and the creator of Fun in Fairfax VA a Northern Virginia travel blog.

Join me, Julie McCool, and explore the best of Northern Virginia parks, hikes, historic sites, restaurants, breweries, wineries, seasonal events, and more. I'm a Northern Virginia local, so you get first-hand tips and accurate information.

My Virginia travel guides are a resource for residents and visitors alike. Go beyond the standard tourist spots and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond.

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About Us

Join me, Julie McCool, and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond. I'm a Northern Virginia local, so you get first-hand tips and accurate information.

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