Introduction
When I first headed to Fairfax, Virginia, I mostly thought I’d be dropping by a suburb of Washington, DC—maybe stroll through a historic district, grab lunch, check out a museum. What I found was far richer: a place where cozy brick-lined streets meet lively dining, history meets modern culture, and nature hides just minutes from the city bustle. Over a weekend getaway I packed in more than expected—historic houses, vibrant shopping & dining, green trails, and local charm. If you’re planning a trip (or just dreaming of one), here are 12 of the best & fun things to do in Fairfax, VA, drawn from my personal travels and discoveries.
12 Best And Fun Things To Do In Fairfax, VA (2026)
1. Explore Historic Old Town Fairfax & the Fairfax County Courthouse
My first stop was wandering through Old Town Fairfax—narrow sidewalks, historic brick buildings, the iconic Fairfax County Courthouse square. According to one guide: “Stroll through Old Town Fairfax and visit the historic Fairfax County Courthouse.”
I sat at an outdoor café, watched folks browse boutique shops and vintage storefronts, and felt how the town mixes history with everyday life.
Tip: Start early morning—grab coffee, walk the square, then browse the shops when they open.
See Also: 15 Best And Fun Things To Do In Accord, NY
2. Visit the National Firearms Museum at NRA Headquarters
For something a little different, I visited the National Firearms Museum, located at the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax. It’s a surprisingly intriguing stop—even if you’re not a firearms aficionado—because it covers the design, history, culture and mechanics of firearms in American history.
Walking through the exhibits I found beautifully crafted historic weapons, interactive features, and stories I hadn’t expected.
Tip: Give yourself at least 45 minutes. There’s free parking in the complex.
3. Catch a Live Show or Game at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena
The George Mason University campus in Fairfax isn’t just for students—it’s also a hub for performances and sports. The EagleBank Arena hosts big-name concerts, basketball games, and family shows.
I timed my trip to catch an evening concert; the campus vibe, amphitheatre lights and student energy made it feel lively and fun.
Tip: Check the event calendar ahead of time—tickets go quickly for popular shows.
4. Shop, Dine & Relax at the Mosaic District
One of my favorite refresh-moments was the Mosaic District: outdoor shopping, restaurants, trendy cafés and a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. A travel article says Fairfax’s Mosaic District offers “independent fashion boutiques, healthy grocers, an art-house cinema and more.”
I wandered through boutiques, had lunch on the patio and even caught an independent film at the cinema.
Tip: Great for an afternoon break between other activities—ample parking available.
5. Step into History at the Historic Blenheim Estate & Civil War Interpretive Center
Fairfax has deep history—even into the Civil War era. The Blenheim Estate & Civil War Interpretive Center provide a vivid experience of that past. “Discover local history … at destinations like the Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House … and the Historic Blenheim estate.”
I toured the house, saw historic murals and reflected on how this region was a pivotal borderland in that era.
Tip: Allow a full hour for the site—and consider combining this with lunch nearby.
6. Enjoy Green Space: Trails, Parks & Nature Near Fairfax
Even in a suburban setting, Fairfax offers access to nature. One guide notes the area has “a well-developed rail-trail… runs right through the heart of it all.”
I found a quiet trail, walked 30 minutes, and enjoyed the contrast from city streets to treed paths.
Tip: Bring sneakers and a water bottle. Early morning or later afternoon gives the best light for photos.
7. Indulge in Local Food, Coffee & Craft Beer
What truly impressed me around Fairfax was the dining scene—historic houses turned into restaurants, patios filled with locals, and craft beer spots popping up. According to Southern Living: the town has “vibrant dining … craft beer at local breweries.”
My highlight: dinner in a historic home-turned-restaurant and a local brew afterward.
Tip: Plan one special dinner in Old Town Fairfax and arrive early if you want patio seating.
8. Unleash Some Fun: Escape Rooms, Axe Throwing & Indoor Games
For a lively change of pace I tried something playful: axe throwing and an escape room in Fairfax. As one article describes: “Bad Axe Throwing … Room Escape Fairfax … definitely worth a visit.”
It was energetic, silly and great for an evening with friends.
Tip: Book ahead—especially for weekends. Wear comfy clothes.
9. Shop & Stroll at the Historic Fairfax Corner
Another great mixed-use area is Fairfax Corner: outdoor plaza, boutiques, restaurants, and evening strolls. It was perfect after dinner when the lights came on and the plaza hummed.
Tip: Pop in for dessert or coffee; parking is easy here compared to the older downtown zones.
10. Attend Seasonal Events & Festivals in Fairfax
I was lucky to visit during a summer event in Old Town: the annual parade, live music, streets alive with locals. From The Washington Post: Fairfax hosts “Independence Day Parade … lawn party … fireworks” in Old Town.
Whether it’s food festivals, art fairs or holiday celebrations, Fairfax has a calendar.
Tip: Look up the “Celebrate Fairfax!” festival dates and arrive early for best parking.
11. Visit Nearby Parks for Hiking & Scenic Views
Just beyond Fairfax lies incredible parks: for example, trails, boardwalks, wetlands, or a scenic river gorge. These spots give a big nature payoff without a long drive.
Tip: If you have a rental car, allocate half a day for one of these park excursions.
12. Stay Overnight & Savor the Local Atmosphere
One of the best decisions I made on my trip was to stay overnight in Fairfax rather than commute back to DC. Waking up in the town, grabbing early breakfast, taking a pre-dawn walk—it changed the feel of the visit.
Tip: Choose a hotel in Old Town or Mosaic District for walkability and local flavor.
Final Thoughts
Fairfax, Virginia exceeded my expectations. I went expecting a suburban stopover—and left feeling like I’d discovered a place with layers: history, culture, fun dining, modern entertainment, and unexpected nature. My favorite moments? Sitting on a café patio in a historic brick storefront, the breeze drifting through Old Town; stepping into a laser-sharp escape room with friends and laughing until sundown; wandering a quiet trail that felt miles away from the DC traffic.
What struck me most was how accessible everything is: you don’t need long drives to go from historic to modern to nature—and the town keeps a relaxed pace. If you’re planning a visit, try staying at least 2 days: day one exploring Old Town, dining, local shopping; day two heading into nature, fun games/activities, then evening dining and strolling. Leave space in your schedule for wandering—the best discoveries often happen when you least expect them.
In your travel bag: comfortable walking shoes, something nicer for a dinner out, a light jacket for evening strolls, a camera (or phone!) for both historic buildings and street scenes, and a mindset ready to blend discovery with relaxation.