Nestled among rolling hills and verdant valleys, the quaint city of Annandale is an engaging destination of peaceful, picturesque charm. With its quaint downtown, wonderful historic attractions, and beautiful natural spaces, you’ll always find something to do in this lovely Virginia town! Ramble through antique stores and artisan shops, or take a stroll along the woodland trails in Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Visit the historic mansion of Oak Hill Plantation House, then rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around Accotink Stream Valley Park. There are plenty of outdoor family-friendly activities to enjoy, including playgrounds, nature walks, and skate parks. From outdoor concerts and community events to shopping and scouting adventures, Annandale is filled with wonderful things to do. Check out the list below for a roundup of the best things to do in Annandale, Virginia.
1. Wander along woodland trails in Hidden Oaks Nature Center
With its rambling trails, peaceful gardens, and picturesque streams, Hidden Oaks Nature Center is a beautiful place to enjoy some outdoor recreation. This gorgeous park brims with family-friendly activities including hands-on nature exhibits, play areas, and a butterfly garden. Wind your way through groves of towering trees and gardens of colorful flowers as you watch native birds flit through the skies. The park hosts informative and creative programs and events throughout the year, and has a terrific resource library that guests can peruse.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Address: 7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Free
2. Enjoy an afternoon at Mason District Park
This family-friendly park is a wonderful way to unwind in Annandale. The beautiful natural area is filled with lovely walking trails, picnic areas, and children’s playgrounds to enjoy. The park also has tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, and a softball field that guests can utilize, and four-legged friends are welcome at the dog park. Another highlight of Mason District Park is the delightful outdoor amphitheater, which is a fantastic venue for concerts and performances. Children will also love the Arts in the Parks entertainment events that happen on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
Mason District Park
Address: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Mason District Park
3. Tour Oak Hill Plantation House
Step back in time when you visit Oak Hill Plantation House. This historic property was built in 1790 by Annandale local Richard Fitzhugh and has been transformed from a family house to a working farm, and then into a mansion, over the intervening years. The property is now privately owned, but the interior can be toured during annual events. While the original property was built in the late Georgian style, the property today is a model of the Colonial Revival architectural style, complete with a grand portico with impressive columns.
Oak Hill Plantation House
Address: 4716 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Oak Hill Plantation House
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4. Find the perfect souvenir at Artisans United Gallery and Shop
Posted by Artisans United, Inc. on Saturday, 26 October 2019
Scout for the best souvenirs and support local artisans at the Artisans United Gallery and Shop. This organization began in 1988 as a way to develop and feature the innovative local makers and creators of the Artisans United guild. The gallery hosts six two-month events throughout the year, and the shop is always filled with brilliant creations from the guild’s artists and craftsmen. Peruse the shop and pick up unique works like fiber art, mixed-media jewelry, decorative pottery, hand-blown glass, and cozy, home-made quilts. In addition to the gallery and shop, the Artisans United guild hosts craft demonstrations, classes, and exhibits throughout the year.
Artisans United Gallery and Shop
Address: 4022 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Artisans United Gallery and Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
5. Visit Wakefield Chapel
With its white clapboard siding and arched windows, Wakefield Chapel is a beautiful example of country Gothic architecture. The historic church was finished in 1899, and is named for Reverend E. W. Wakefield, a local Methodist preacher. The interior of the church is traditional and striking, and includes original pews, a restored pulpit, and two stained-glass windows. A popular venue for weddings in the area, Wakefield Chapel is a wonderful place to visit for a moment of quiet reflection.
Wakefield Chapel
Address: 8415 Toll House Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Wakefield Chapel
6. Go kayaking in Lake Accotink Park
With its peaceful lake and shady forest groves, Lake Accotink Park is a place bursting with natural beauty. This area is perfect for all sorts of outdoor recreation! Amble along the waterfront trails and watch birds and turtles dip through the shallows, or cycle along the leaf-strewn lanes under dappled trees. You can also rent pedal boats or kayaks and skim along the surface of the tranquil lake. A miniature golf course is perfect for family-friendly entertainment, and children will adore the park’s antique carousel. After a busy day enjoying the outdoors, stop at one of the picnic areas and grill up a fantastic outdoor meal.
Lake Accotink Park
Address: 7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, United States
Website: Lake Accotink Park
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
7. Race along the ramps in Wakefield Skatepark
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Wakefield Skatepark provides the opportunity to perfect your skills with your skateboard, BMX bike, or rollerblades. With its Freestyle and Competition courses, this family-friendly skatepark creates exhilarating challenges no matter your skill level. The courses contain a fantastic variety of bank ramps, quarter pipes, and grind boxes for you to try out, and there are even camps and classes offered to help you learn new tricks and skills. After wheeling around, visitors can relax at the many picnic tables and watch from the viewing area.
Wakefield Skatepark
Address: 8100 Braddock Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
Website: Wakefield Skatepark
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 6pm
8. Feast on fajitas from Silverado
Posted by Silverado on Monday, 26 November 2018
A wonderful option for a mouthwatering meal, Silverado has an extensive menu of Tex-Mex and classic American dishes. This lovely casual restaurant has a lunch and dinner menu filled with creative appetizers, robust sandwiches, and delicious entrees, and a brunch service bursting with hearty plates. No matter the time of day you stop by, you can’t miss the renowned fajitas! If you still have room for dessert, try delicious options like the deep dish apple pecan pie or the warm white chocolate bread pudding.
Name of Silverado
Address: 7052 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Silverado
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 10pm
9. Peruse the stores in Annandale Shopping Center
The Annandale Shopping Center is a great place to shop in Annandale. This shopping mall has been a staple of the community since 1957, and it is filled with a wonderful collection of stores, services, and restaurants. From a fresh brew from Beanetics Coffee Roasters to beauty stores like Eden Nails & Spa, Annandale Shopping Center is a fantastic place to fulfill your shopping needs.
Annandale Shopping Center
Address: 4124 Meadow Ct, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Annandale Shopping Center
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 10pm
10. Buy fresh fruits and veggies at Annandale Farmer's Market
Posted by Kim Yen Vu on Thursday, 19 September 2019
Browse through the stalls of brilliant fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and more at the Annandale Farmer’s Market. This weekly market occurs every Thursday from May until November and highlights regional farms, businesses, and creators. Try treats like hand-made ice cream or delicate pastries, or pick up fresh produce, bread, meat, and dairy items to use in your next meal. You can also find tasty souvenirs to take home with you, including jars of pickles and pots of thick honey.
Annandale Farmer's Market
Address: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003, United States
Website: Annandale Farmer’s Market
Opening hours: Thu: 8am - 12pm (closed from Fri - Wed)
11. Tee off at Pinecrest Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf and hone your skills at the pleasant Pinecrest Golf Course. Before you tee off, get in the groove on the verdant putting green, or head to the indoor practice area where you can get an electronic swing analysis and refine your techniques in the practice bays. There are also outdoor driving nets where you can practice. When you’re ready to hit the green, rolling hills and peaceful ponds create a beautiful backdrop to this nine-hole course which offers unique challenges no matter your skill level in the game.
Pinecrest Golf Course
Address: 6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312, United States
Website: Pinecrest Golf Course
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
12. Wander around Green Spring Garden
This beautiful botanical park brims with lush gardens, and it is a delight to the senses. Wander along the peaceful, wooded valley, then stroll through the stunning collection of landscaped gardens and pop into the bloom-filled greenhouse. There is also a historic home on sight that visitors can tour, as well as a horticultural library. The park also hosts intriguing themed events, tours, and classes that burst with fascinating history and information. A visit to the gift stores and plant shop is a must-do before you leave.
Green Spring Garden
Address: 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312, United States
Website: Green Spring Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm
Price: Free
Admire lovely Annandale, Virginia
With its pleasant downtown, wonderful outdoor activities, and family-friendly atmosphere, Annandale is a delightful destination in Fairfax Country. From historic attractions to peaceful parks, this quaint community abounds with scenic charm. Start planning your getaway today and make sure to try out these things to do in Annandale, Virginia.
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