Things to do in Fairfax

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Fairfax showing heritage elements and a house
Fairfax which includes heritage elements and military items
Fairfax which includes a park
Fairfax which includes heritage elements
Fairfax showing a garden and street scenes

Fairfax Attractions

They say that the best things come in small packages, and this alluring city is no exception. From impressive tourist attractions to thrilling activities, there's a wealth of things to do in Fairfax.

If you're ready to explore Fairfax, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you some of the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {78 fun activities in Fairfax fun activities in Fairfax} are also worth checking out.

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Most popular activities in Fairfax

Tours & day trips

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Niagara Falls(US) 2-Day Tour from Washington D.C.

Niagara Falls(US) 2-Day Tour from Washington D.C.

Activity duration is 40 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $49 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
Mosaic Lamp Workshop

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $120 per adult
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Attractions

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LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $28 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Fairfax

Number of things to do
78
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Fairfax

Free Things to Do in Fairfax

A visit to Fairfax doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You won't have to spend a penny if you check out:

Fairfax Museum - Approach the friendly staff and find out about the special collections exhibited at this museum.

George Mason University - Be inspired by the creativity and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Ratcliffe-Allison House and Pozer Garden - If you're interested in times gone by, this is one stop you won't want to miss.

Ox Hill Battlefield Park - No matter if you know your daffodils from daisies, you're sure to find beauty in this magnificent display.

Things to Do in Fairfax with Kids

Fairfax is a fabulous place for a family break. Take the youngsters along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Fairfax? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Fairfax

I discovered this little battlefield park while on a walk with my boyfriend. Having only lived in the area for two weeks, I didn't know this was down the street. The park itself is small, quaint even, but the informational plaques were helpful, if but a bit sad. There are photographs of what the area looked like (along with maps) when the battle took place. Now you look around and only see developments. The pathway is decent and wheel chair accessible

Ox Hill Battlefield Park

You can take time to visit Ox Hill Battlefield Park during your travels to Fairfax. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Ox Hill Battlefield Park

George Mason University

Walk around the campus at George Mason University as part of your travels around Fairfax. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

George Mason University

Fair Oaks Mall

During your visit to Fairfax, you can enjoy retail therapy at Fair Oaks Mall. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Fair Oaks Mall

EagleBank Arena

Catch an event at EagleBank Arena during your trip to Fairfax. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

EagleBank Arena

Fairfax Circle Plaza Shopping Center

During your trip to Fairfax, you can enjoy retail therapy at Fairfax Circle Plaza Shopping Center. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments.

Fairfax Circle Plaza Shopping Center

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Though Inova Fair Oaks Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Fairfax while you are here.

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Blenheim

You can learn about the history of Fairfax with a visit to Blenheim. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Blenheim

National Firearms Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in National Firearms Museum during your travels in Fairfax. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

National Firearms Museum

Merrifield Center

Though Merrifield Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Annandale while you are here.

Merrifield Center

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Fairfax

Photo by Vicki Chandler

Vienna

Herndon

Herndon

Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center showing aircraft, signage and interior views

Chantilly

Photo by Jamal Zia

Springfield

Photo by Kelly Godby

Annandale

Photo by Seyda

Centreville

Photo by Kelly Godby

Clifton

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairfax worth visiting?
Fairfax has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Fairfax?
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and Fairfax Museum are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Fairfax while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Fairfax?
Don't leave without exploring Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, ranked the top tourist attraction in Fairfax.
Is three days enough to stay in Fairfax?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city attractions, like Fairfax Museum, EagleBank Arena and Ox Hill Battlefield Park. The average stay in Fairfax is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, Washington isn't far away.
Is Fairfax a walkable city?
That all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Fairfax. Several must-visit attractions, including Fairfax Museum, are accessible on foot. If you feel like a stroll around one of Fairfax's cool neighborhoods, Mantua is 3 miles away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Fairfax with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Fairfax with kids.

What to do in Fairfax for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Fairfax, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Paradise Springs Winery or EagleBank Arena.
Are there free things to do in Fairfax?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Fairfax. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Fairfax Museum is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.