6 Favorite Scenic Places to Relax in Fairfax County Virginia

Updated on May 9, 2023 by Julie McCool

Beautiful weather makes us want to take a hike, but it also makes us want to chill. Here are 6 scenic places to relax and soak up nature's beauty on a lovely day in Fairfax County, Virginia. These places to relax are all less than an hour's drive from Washington DC, perfect for a quick escape from the city.

1. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna

There are lots of places to sit and admire the flora at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, but we're partial to these chairs near tiny Lake Lina. They're at the bottom of the hill, close to the gazebo. If you prefer a chair without the walk, head to the rockers just outside the Visitor Center. The park is especially beautiful when magnolias and cherry trees are blooming.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.


Lake Lina Meadowlark Gardens Virginia
Lake Lina chairs Meadowlark Gardens
Meadowlark Botanical Garden rockers
Meadowlark Botanical Garden rockers, Vienna Virginia

2. Riverbend Regional Park, Great Falls

Continuing with the Adirondack chair theme, the expansive deck at Riverbend Regional Park all face a relaxing view of the Potomac River. Stop by with a picnic or your morning coffee, then head out for a riverside hike on the beautiful Potomac Heritage Trail.

Riverbend Regional Park porch, Great Falls, VA
Riverbend Regional Park porch, Great Falls, Virginia

3. Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station

Want a little bit more activity with your sitting? The marina at Burke Lake is open during the summer, and on weekends through October. Rent a canoe or row boat and head out for some fall fishing or just to chill on the lake. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries raves about the largemouth bass population at the lake.

Canoeing on Burke Lake
Canoeing on Burke Lake, Fairfax Station Virginia

4. Mason Neck State Park, Lorton

Willing to work a little harder for your view? The 2-mile trail to Kane's Creek at Mason Neck State Park ends in a bird blind overlooking the marsh. We sat here and watched bald eagles, blackbirds, and dragonflies in absolute peace. The quarter-mile Marsh View Trail ends in a platform with a similarly beautiful view.

Kane's Creek Mason Neck
Kane's Creek view at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton Virginia

5. The Swing, Lake Anne, Reston

The Swing is one of the early art installations at Lake Anne in Reston. It's not the best view of the lake, but it's a cozy stop whether you're exploring Hidden Art in Reston or just taking a break from the busy Farmer's Market in the plaza.

The Swing Lake Anne Reston
The Swing at Lake Anne, Reston

6. The Winery at Bull Run, Centreville and Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton

Our last choice is actually two options, because there are two wineries in Fairfax County and they both offer scenic places to relax with a glass of wine in hand.

The Winery at Bull Run has two large outdoor areas full of picnic tables—one for adults only, and one where parents can relax while the kids run around and play.

The Winery at Bull Run wine
The Winery at Bull Run, Centreville Virginia

Paradise Springs Winery offers lots of open lawn space and an enclosed back patio where wine-drinkers can enjoy music even when the weather isn't cooperating.

Outside seating Paradise Springs
Outside seating Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton Virginia

There you have it, six scenic places to relax—in a chair, or a canoe, or a picnic bench with a glass of wine—and enjoy beautiful weather in Fairfax County, Virginia. What's your favorite spot to chill in Northern Virginia? Promise we won't tell anyone.

Follow Fun in Fairfax VA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more great places to visit and things to do in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic.

Virginia Travel | Six scenic places to relax in Fairfax County, Virginia, where you can enjoy a quiet break, soak up a gorgeous day, commune with nature, and chill.