Fairfax, commonly called Fairfax City, is located in Virginia, just a few meters from the United States’s Capital.
Fairfax city was incorporated in 1869 and currently has a population of approximately twenty-four thousand, one hundred and forty-six.
Widely known for its abundance of attractions, Fairfax city is rated as one of the best cities to visit in Virginia, United States.
There are several attractions to explore in this city, such as the Fairfax Community Farmer’s Market, De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches, Abunawas Cafe & Hookah Bar, the Fairfax Parks and Recreation, Bond’s Escape Room, Angelika Film Center, and many more.
Brace up and get ready to be blown away by all Fairfax City got to offer. You might get confused about what to begin with.
Are you visiting soon? Here is a detailed guide to the top things to do in Fairfax, VA.
Things to Do in Fairfax
1. Royal Lake Park
Royal Lake Park
Don’t stress yourself searching for a family fun Center; just add a visit to Royal Lake Park to your list of fun things to do in Fairfax, VA.
Royal Lake Park is a beautiful park of forty-six acres featuring a stunning lake of thirty-eight in a J-like shape.
Easily accessible from hiking trails in the area, the park features several exciting facilities like a basketball court, and a multi-use sports field.
Royal Lake Park has a large playground featuring lots of play equipment such as slides, a merry-go-round, and more.
There are picnic tables where families can gather and spend quality time while enjoying a meal together.
Royal Lake Park features trash cans, parking lots, and trails ideal for hiking, with several benches and trees spread throughout the trails.
This park offers you a chance to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in the city of Fairfax.
Address: 5344 Gainsborough Dr, Fairfax, VA 22032-2741 United States
2. Children’s Science Center Lab
Specially for families traveling with kids, a visit to the Children’s Science Center Lab should be at the top of your list of fun things to do in Fairfax, VA.
The Children’s Science Center Lab was established for children as well as for families and school groups.
This interactive center provides a space for children to gather and learn more about mathematics, technology, and engineering.
Children get to learn more uniquely and sensationally through diverse means and intriguing exhibits with hands-on activities.
These teaching and learning methods encourage the children and motivate their interests in science and technology.
Children’s Science Center Lab also provides visitors a place to sit at the experiment bar and a chance to pick from the temporary choices available featuring the basics of biology, chemistry, physics, and more.
Address: 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033, United States
3. The Hub Theatre
The Hub Theatre is a non-profit theatre and a partner of the Helen Hayes Awards and the Arts Council of Fairfax.
An award-winning theater in the city which have obtained numerous grants from several organization, including Booz Allen Hamilton, The Friends of Lake Anne, Integrity Applications, ARTSFAIRFAX, Virginia Commission for the Art, and more.
Its major objective is to produce works that focus on ordinary humanity, offering a challenging and exciting theatrical moment.
The Hub Theatre was established in March 2008 by Marey Oakes, Maggie Ulmer, and Helen R. Murray and was fully integrated into the Virginia state on the 8th of August, 2008.
This visual center is centered on community, arts, and story to provide a venue to showcase and present the productions.
Address: 9431 Silver King Court Fairfax, VA 22031 United States
4. The Fairfax Community Farmer’s Market
How does preparing a delicious meal for the whole family sound? Fun right? Add shopping at Fairfax Community Farmer’s Market to your list of things to do in Fairfax, VA.
The Fairfax Community Farmer’s Market is a public market open to locals and visitors from Mid-May to late October.
This large outdoor market is established for local farmers and small business owners to display their goods for sale and grow their businesses.
Here, you can purchase freshly plucked fruits, plants, flowers, & vegetables, meats, honey, baskets, and crafts.
The Fairfax Community Farmer’s Market is a seasonal market that allows you to meet and interact with many locals and learn about their native dishes.
Address: 10500 Page Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
5. Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts is located on the George Mason University Campus in Fairfax and usually attracts thousands of locals and visitors annually.
It consists of a concert hall with a seating capacity of two thousand seats, offering emerging and professional artists opportunities to showcase their talents.
This is a venue for a variety of events presented by International and regional artists. Some of the presentations include world music, global dance, jazz, theatre, opera, and more.
The Center for the Arts is an affiliate of the College of Visual and Performing Arts(CVPA), whose main goal is to increase the interest of all the students of George Mason University and locals in performing arts.
The Center is also a host to several students and departmental performances exhibited through the school of music.
The Center for the Arts plays a significant role in the performing art industry through the various programs and entertainment offered.
Address: 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
6. Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
It is owned and managed by Historic Fairfax City Inc. and housed in a building of what was formerly a school built in 1873.
The Museum showcases an extensive collection of exhibits and information focusing on the ancient era of the Civil War.
The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center is open for tours of the entire facility to everyone, irrespective of age.
If you are truly interested in discovering new facts about this city and what occurred during the Civil War era, then you should visit the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.
Address: 10209 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
7. EagleBank Arena
EagleBank Arena
EagleBank Arena was initially known as the Patriot Center, located on George Mason University’s Campus.
It is an event center with a seating capacity of 10, 000 persons, entirely operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
It is a venue for several events like music concerts, school graduations, men’s and women’s basketball teams, sports events, and many more.
Having existed for more than thirty-one years, EagleBank Arena’s stage has been graced by numerous talented international and local artists.
Some of the family shows and concerts held here include the Harlem Globetrotters, Marc Anthony, Barnum & Bailey, Ricardo Arjona, Ringling Bros, and more.
Address: 4500 Patriot Circle Fairfax, Va. 22030 United States
8. Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
Go back in time when you visit the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum in Fairfax, a popular place for both residents and visitors.
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum offers the public an opportunity to explore and get more insight into the contributions of Fairfax railroad station throughout Northern Virginia’s history.
After its establishment in 1854, the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum has continuously played an essential role in the economic advancement of the area.
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum also served as a community center and played a significant role during the Civil War.
The Museum hosts exhibitions, events, and activities that preserve and promote the city’s and railroad’s history.
Address: 11200 Fairfax Station Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, United States
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9. Victoria’s Cakery
Are you ready to try some amazing treats that will tickle your taste bud? Then, add a visit to Victoria’s Cakery to your list of best things to do in Fairfax, VA.
Victoria’s Cakery was founded in 1984 as a bakery that offers delicious treats in different varieties of unique flavors.
As a family-owned and operated bakery, it is a favorite stopping spot, especially for children who are usually captivated by the items showcased.
The bakery offers gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring something for everyone who walks in.
Victoria’s Cakery was founded to bring deliciously baked goods including homemade cakes, cupcakes, bread, and more, closer to the people’s doorstep.
They use only the best ingredients which guarantees the optimum quality of the treats, and the beautiful decor offers a welcoming and warm atmosphere.
Address: 10430 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
10. The Ford House
If you’re a history fanatic, add a visit to the Ford House to your checklist of top things to do in Fairfax, VA, it is a place every history lover will cherish.
Antonia was born in Fairfax, and she equally grew up here; she managed to stay in the community, which was formerly taken over in mid-1861 by Union Forces.
The Ford House is the former residence of Antonia Ford, a Georgian Revival, and it was built way back in 1835. In 1987, the home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Antonia Ford lived in this house before she was later incarcerated as a spy after General Edwin Stoughton, the regional union commander, was apprehended on the 9th of March, 1863.
Address: 3977 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
11. Blenheim
Blenheim
Built in a Greek revival style, Blenheim is a building with lots of national importance because of the number of inscribed symbols made during the civil war.
There are more than one hundred and twenty photographs, signatures, games, and thoughts written on the home’s inner walls.
These inscriptions were made by Union Soldiers during the period when they occupied the Fairfax Court House’s area from 1862-1863.
Blenheim is open to the public for guided tours from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 1pm, as they are allowed to explore the building.
Address: 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
12. Daniels Run Park
Daniels Run Park
To your bucket list of fun things to do in Fairfax, VA, add a visit to Daniels Run Park, an impressive park of forty acres.
Daniels Run Park comprises numerous jogging and hiking trails widely surrounded by spectacular forested lands.
There is a little playground packed with several play equipment for children to explore and have tremendous fun.
Daniels Run Park features a picnic area with a pavilion available to the public; you can take a break, sit and relax while you enjoy the beautiful environment.
Address: 3801 Haynsworth Pl, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
13. Fair City Mall
Fair City Mall is a favorite location for numerous people in Fairfax, offering them an outstanding shopping experience.
The mall consists of about forty stores offering several essential services, including restaurants that offer a wide array of dining options.
They offer the best customer service as well as products that are of high quality and from trustworthy brands.
The prices of the goods are usually affordable and long-lasting, from time to time amazing discounts are offered as well.
Some of the businesses here includes Burlington, Carter’s, DSW Shoes, Marshalls, Cinema Arts Theater, Groceries/Pharmacy, Jenny Craig, Breakers Korean Grill, China Star, First Watch, Ace Tailoring & Tuxedos, Big Blue Swim School , Visualeyes Optometrists and more.
From beauty, fashion, dining, entertainment, health, groceries, and more, this is the best outdoor shopping mall for you.
Fair City Mall is a shopping mall that is worth all the time and money; everything and everyone here is well organized and orderly.
Address: 9650 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
14. Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company
When you want to just chill and hang out with friends, visiting Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company is one of the best things to do in Fairfax, VA.
Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company was the first ever microbrewery in Fairfax, owned and operated by passionate individuals.
They are committed to producing the best crafted beers and the best made dishes to blend with the amazing tastes of the drinks.
The brewery produces the drinks through a traditional method but with a contemporary style for more uniqueness.
Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company offers perogies, poutine fries, pretzels, Bulgogi Fries, Schnitzel Sliders, hot dogs, turkey legs, Frito Pie, flatbreads, Chub’s Smashburger, fish & chips, and more.
The brewery offers a peaceful and homey ambiance where you can sit, relax and chat with your friends and family.
Address: 10382 Willard Way Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
15. Fairfax Parks and Recreation
Fairfax is a city that offers many residents and visitors opportunities to go outside and have an exciting experience.
There are six parks of over twenty-one acres consisting of a premium disc golf course and spacious dog park.
You can explore the biking or walking trails of exactly 5 miles with your friends and family and take a brief walk or go for a run around the park.
Whenever you are looking for a place to relax and have a bit of fresh air, this is the right choice for you due to the quiet and beautiful environment.
Address: City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St UNIT 123, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States.
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16. Fair Oaks Mall
Fair Oaks Mall
It is a shopping mall of 1, 555, 700 Square ft., guaranteeing patrons stress-free and funfilled shopping time.
The center has more than one hundred and sixty-six vendors and restaurants offering great merchandise and services.
The vendors offer a wide variety of products from several renowned brands and some of the best restaurants, including panda express, chick-fil-a, panda express, haagen-dazs, and more.
Fair Oaks Mall also hosts special events, amazing offers & discounts, seasonal festivals, and more open to visitors and locals alike.
The shopping mall is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-7pm.
Address: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033, United States
17. De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches
Having breakfast at De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches is one of the best things to do in Fairfax, VA, especially with your family and friends.
De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches is an excellent restaurant mainly concerned with offering customers delightful coffees and treats.
These coffees served are made using the highest quality Arabic beans, which attests to their unique and refreshing tastes.
De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches roasts the coffee beans in smaller batches to make their flavors more eminent.
You can choose from the wide range of drinks offered, including Green Tea Latte, cappuccino, Medium Roasted Coffee, Iced Coffee, Vanilla Latte, White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Mocha, and many more.
They serve the best Belgian Waffle, Veggie One Eyed Jack, Caprese Sandwiches, Egg and Cheese, honey bread, Deli Ham or Turkey w Cheeseburger, Eggacado, manhattan bagel, and more.
Address: 10389 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
18. Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates
Are you a fan of coffee and chocolates? Then, don’t hesitate before including a visit to Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates on your checklist of fun things to do in Fairfax, VA.
Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates officially opened its doors to the public on the 1st of October, 2013.
The store provides a comfortable and welcoming area for customers to come in and relax as they have an incredible time.
Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates offers patrons a wide range of teas, baked goods, and coffee drinks.
The customers also get to enjoy a free wireless network while they also enjoy their drinks and meals.
Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates offer you a cozy environment, great services, free wifi, and fantastic treats; what more can you ask for?.
Address: 9639 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
19. The Auld Shebeen
The Auld Shebeen
The Auld Shebeen is the only original Irish restaurant and tavern in Fairfax, which brings the authentic feeling of Shebeen to the city.
The restaurant offers delicious American meals prepared using the original native Irish recipes with a unique twist.
They offer a wide range of delicious dishes in a laid-back and relaxing environment, and “the Cellar” is a section that brings out the party vibes.
The Auld Shebeen serves meals like Burdocks Fish and Chips, scotch eggs, baked brie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Braised Beef Brisket, Shepherd’s Pie with Steamed Broccoli, salmon salad, and many more.
The restaurant is open from Sunday to Tuesday from 11am-10pm, and Wednesday to Saturday from 11am-12am.
If you want to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal, the Auld Shebeen is the best place for you, and the workers here are always friendly and professional.
Address: 3971 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
20. Bond’s Escape Room – Fairfax
Bond’s Escape Room offers patrons one of the most unique experiences in Fairfax, so get ready to have fun whenever you visit.
These escape rooms are well designed and highly challenging; you and your teammates will be locked up in one of the rooms just like in a real-life circumstance when you struggle to escape.
Each game here is highly modified with mind-blowing puzzles and riddles for every team to uncover and search for ideas and clues to help you escape in time.
Bond’s Escape Rooms are not entirely locked, and players are allowed to leave the room during the course of the game.
When you and your team are done performing the tasks and escape the room before time elapses, you can also try out other amazing escape rooms.
Playing escape games is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your bonds with your friends and family.
Address: 3949 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
21. Guapo’s Restaurant
Guapo’s Restaurants
For an amazing family eat-out, visiting Guapo’s Restaurant is one of the fun things to do in Fairfax, VA, being one of the best restaurants in the community.
Guapo’s Restaurant provides an inviting and welcoming atmosphere in a beautifully decorated interior adorned with lovely designs.
They offer many options for customers to pick from, which means there is absolutely something for everyone.
This Mexican restaurant prepares the meals using fresh and healthy local ingredients and the original Mexican recipes.
Guapo’s Restaurant serves an extensive food menu, including Chicken Fajitas, beef enchiladas, Quesadillas, nachos, Acapulco Steak, fish tacos, Chunky Salsa and Chips, Bowl Tortillas Soup, Pescado En Salsa Cancun, and more.
The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday from 11am-10pm, Saturday from 10:30am – 11pm, and Sunday from 10:30am-10pm.
So, how about you stop by and try out some of the dishes on their meals, especially if you have never eaten Mexican food.
Address: 13050 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax, VA 22033, United States
22. Abunawas Cafe & Hookah Bar
The Abunawas Cafe & Hookah Bar is housed in a beautifully restored building acquired in 2013 and furnished with unique wall paintings, TVs, chairs, and more.
The owners put so much effort, resources, and time into renovating the place to provide a soothing and inviting environment for customers.
They are also known for their fantastic customer service and the fresh and healthy drinks that attract several people.
The Abunawas Cafe & Hookah Bar offers an extensive list of drinks in different flavors, including bottled drinks, juices, teas, sodas, and more.
Some of the drinks offered include cappuccino, green tea, diet coke, Turkish coffee, monster, Red Bull, mango juice, and many others.
Address: 3218 Old Pickett Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
23. Angelika Film Center
Since its founding in 2012, Angelika Film Center and Cafe have grown into one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Angelika Film Center and Cafe present some of the best art and quality film in the premium cinema consisting of contemporary digital projection and acoustics.
The cinema is designed in a stadium-style with a melodramatic setting which offers guests all the comfortability and relaxation they need.
It serves as a location for several kinds of gatherings and special events, starting from corporate meetings to get-togethers and more.
Aside from the common movie snacks, the snack bar offers a wide variety of snacks, food, and beverages offering a gourmet menu and specialty drinks.
Angelika Film Center and Cafe feature a classic lounge with a gorgeous design used for several kinds of events.
Address: 2911 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
24. NRA National Firearms Museum
NRA National Firearms Museum
NRA National Firearms Museum is a place that will excite those that have an interest in knowing and seeing the artifacts of firearm history.
The 15,000-square-foot NRA National Firearms Museum comprises 15 galleries, 85 exhibit cases, and 3,000 firearms.
The Museum explores and provides information on the history of roughly 700-year firearms, focusing on freedom, guns, and the American experience.
Each gallery features a specific era in American history, from the Jamestown stockade fort to the New England gun factories.
A channel on the Western Front during World War I, a town square in Normandy during World War II, and a nineteenth-century rifle maker’s shop are all depicted in life-size dioramas.
Additionally, there are stories of production, exploration, hunting, competition, and leisurely shooting sports in the galleries.
Some galleries are also found in the NRA National Firearms Museum, such as The Robert E. Peterson Gallery, which opened in 2010. The gallery has been referred to as “the world’s finest single room of guns.”
The enormous collection of Gatling guns on public display includes exquisite British double rifles and shotguns.
“Hollywood guns” are contained in another gallery called the William B. Rugar Gallery. This gallery displays about 120 firearms that have appeared in 80 years of movies and television.
In addition to all the amazing items you can find here, there is a library in the facility that is only open by appointment.
Address: 11250 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
25. Fairfax Ice Arena
Fairfax Ice Arena is Virginia’s premier indoor ice skating rink facility. Eileen Weisigner founded the Arena in 1973. This facility hosts numerous fun activities, including adult hockey, public skating, and figure skating.
If you’re new to skating, there’s no need to worry, as there are ice skating instructors who offer lessons and classes in skating.
Fairfax Ice Arena also features a pro shop where you can purchase the necessary kit for skating and some souvenirs. In addition, there’s a Cafe for your pleasure.
The facility is accessible year-round and operates for longer hours during holidays. This place is perfect for the whole family. Don’t hesitate to check it out during your stay in Fairfax, VA.
Address: 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
26. Ox Hill Battlefield Park
Ox Hill Battlefield Park
Ox Hill Battlefield Park is located on the southwest intersection of Monument Drive and West Ox Road State Route 608 in Fair Lakes, close to Route 50.
During the American Civil War, the Battle of Ox Hill, also known as the Battle of Chantilly by the Union, took place in Ox Hill Battlefield Park, located in Fairfax, Virginia. Only around 1.5% of the nearly 300 acres where the fight was fought, or 4.8 acres, are occupied by it. It was the only significant battle to take place in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presently maintains the battlefield as a public park where you can visit next to suburban housing projects and the Fairfax Towne Center shopping mall.
The two memorials honoring Isaac Stevens and Philip Kearny, Union generals who died in the conflict, are the area’s most noticeable features. Stevens was shot dead near the modern park, while Kearny was murdered close to the west. Near the park’s entrance, two historical markers from Virginia honor the conflict and its fallout.
Address: 4134 West Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033, USA
27. Bunnyman Brewing.
In the Fairfax region, Bunnyman Brewing is a microbrewery that produces high-quality craft beers with an intriguing rotation of distinctive varieties.
A bridge that is the subject of an urban legend about a man in a bunny suit holding a hatchet is close to Bunnyman Brewing on Guinea Road in Fairfax.
The facility is owned by Sam Gray and Eric Barrett, who grew up in Fairfax. They met at an event where they shared a side-by-side discussion that revealed a love of finely brewed beer and friendly people sharing a few local anecdotes.
Bunnyman Brewing is a must-stop if you want to unwind, enjoy a beverage, share local anecdotes, and perhaps even see the fabled Bunnyman.
You never want to drink alone at this facility because it is always much more exciting to come along with your pals and enjoy some craft beers.
Address: 5583 Guinea Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Want to explore more places in Virginia, check out our list of things to do in Newport News, things to do in Lexington and things to do in Richmond for a fun time in these cities of Wisconsin.
Plan a Trip to Fairfax
Fairfax City offers you a truckload of attractions and activities for tourists and residents alike to explore and have fun.
You will never be bored here, as there are numerous places to visit and many activities to try out.
Although it depends on when you visit, make sure you inquire about the various festivals, concerts, sports events, community gatherings, and more held annually, so you wouldn’t miss out on all the fun.