Woodbridge is a small homey town in Virginia that is big on nature. Located 20 miles (32 km) from Washington D.C., it is the place to get away from big crowds but still enjoy a variety of interesting attractions that range from nature parks, shopping centres, to historic monuments. The town is skirted by the Occoquan River, whose original settlers were Dogue Indians, and Potomac River, a river crucial for transportation during the American Civil War. If you visit the District of Columbia, don’t miss this chance to take a because you’ll be surprised how this quaint, unassuming town unfolds. Here are 10 things to do in Woodbridge to tick off your list.
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1. Get to see beautiful sceneries while enjoying outdoor activities at Neabsco Regional Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A view from above • Neabsco Regional Park encompasses 300 acres of natural, recreational, and historic amenities...
Posted by Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism on Monday, December 28, 2020
Neabsco Regional Park is where you can take in the stunning natural sceneries, enjoy many recreational activities, and even learn about the history of the area. It’s the perfect place to spend quality time with your family and friends.
The park is 300 acres (121.4 hectares) of natural beauty with historic landmarks such as Rippon Lodge and Leesylvania State Park. It also features trails and a boardwalk that stretch across different topographies including grasslands and wetlands, which are home to a wide array of wildlife such as herons, ducks, cranes, snakes, and turtles.
Neabsco Regional Park
Address: 15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Website: Neabsco Regional Park
Opening hours: 6:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
2. Watch the latest flicks while enjoying the best beer in town at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Woodbridge
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For the best cinematic experience in Woolbridge, check out Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. This cinema is a local favorite as it not only presents films with high-quality pictures and sounds, it also features the most comfortable seats in town. The Alamo Drafthouse is also known for its tasty grubs and refreshing drinks including cold sodas and beers, burgers, pizzas, salads, snacks, and desserts. Top these all off with its professional and friendly staff, and you’re in for a wonderful movie-going experience.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Woodbridge
Address: 15200 Potomac Town Pl #100, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Website: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Woodbridge
Price: 12 -14 USD
3. Have a thrilling night out with the gang at Escape Room Woodbridge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for fun, exciting, and educational things to do with your kids in Woolbridge, you should definitely check out Escape Room Woodbridge! The place features two escape room themes with exciting backstories that would certainly challenge your puzzle-solving skills.
Your kids will love the Atlantis room where you’ll be tasked to help Triton by solving puzzles and looking for clues to finally raise the sunken city from the depths of the sea. The High Roller’s Lounge, on the other hand, is perfect for groups of friends as you find your way out of a sticky situation after playing with crooks in a high-stakes game of poker!
Escape Room Woodbridge
Address: 2020 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Website: Escape Room Woodbridge
Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 3am - 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
4. Have a delectable meal while enjoying the best harbor views at The Harbour Grille
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For the best waterfront casual dining in town, head down to The Harbour Grille! Enjoy their sumptuous lunch and dinner menu that offers a wide selection of soups, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. Don’t forget to sample some of their bestsellers which include crab cakes, seafood carbonara, bacon-wrapped scallops, fried calamari, crab-stuffed shrimp, and other tasty seafood dishes. On late-night weekends, the place turns into a party place with drinks and live music. Private spaces are also offered for events.
The Harbour Grille
Address: 13188 Marina Way, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Website: The Harbour Grille
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11:30am - 11pm; Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 1:30am; Sun: 10:30am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
5. Dance the night away at The Palace
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Palace on Monday, December 5, 2011
Dance the night away at The Palace! Renowned DJs and live acts frequent the place on weekends to perform and entertain patrons, making it one of the most popular hangouts in town. A wide selection of sumptuous grubs and exclusive drinks along with ice-cold brews are also what make the place such a hit for locals and visitors alike. You can also expect top-notch service in a happening place like this! Looking to party this weekend? Check out The Palace!
The Palace
Address: 13989 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Website: The Palace
6. Get on a boat to Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
Getting here would be an adventure on its own. With restricted access, the public can only set foot on Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge by non-motorised boat. It is because a railroad carrying high-speed passenger and freight trains is built along with the refuge. Located on a narrow shore by the Occoquan Bay, it covers 325 acres (131.5 hectares) of tidal marsh and wetlands. As it is very protected, you’ll encounter many notable bird species nesting and hunting, like the red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and bald eagles. Soon, a route for the Potomac Heritage Natural Scenic Trail will be set up for public use.
Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 12638 Darby Brook Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192, United States
7. Learn more at Rippon Lodge Historic Site
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Some people will vouch that Rippon Lodge has got the spooks, but maybe it’s just history trying to tell its story. Built in 1747 by Richard Blackburn, it is the oldest remaining house in the county. The home was once a working tobacco farm that was later converted into a showplace. Visitors will learn about notable historical figures who have been here and historical events linked to it up until the year 2000. It was listed as a National Register of Historic Places in 1971. For those who are not into history, the garden, beautifully landscaped grounds, and old cemetery will delight you.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
Address: 15520 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States
Website: Rippon Lodge Historic Site
Opening hours: Sun: 8am - 5pm; Mon - Sat: 7.30am - 5pm
Price: 5 USD
8. Reminisce a ball game at Pfitzner Stadium
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Also known as ‘The Pfitz’, Pfitzner Stadium was built in 1984. It was originally named G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium and primarily used for minor league baseball. Later the Potomac Nationals were played in this field for 35 years consecutive years. However, they played their last game in 2019 and have just moved to a new ballpark to the south in Fredericksburg. Now, this 6,000-seat stadium stands as part of rich history, while playing host to local community events from time to time. Even though the stadium is now vacant, do not miss heading over just to catch a glimpse of what it would be like during its heyday.
Pfitzner Stadium
Address: 7 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192, United States
Website: Pfitzner Stadium
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
9. Explore the beach at Leesylvania State Park
Longing for some sand, sun, and sea? While Leesylvania State Park does not fit into that traditional expectation of a beach day out, it makes you feel like you are at one. Located southwest to the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, the land was donated by philanthropist Daniel Ludwig in 1978. More than a decade later, the park was opened to the public. No swimming is allowed, but feel free to boat, fish (with license, of course), and conduct family barbecues here. Be sure to take on at least one of the four hiking trails to explore the historical features of the Potomac. There is a lookout point where you can spot the remains of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point.
Leeslyvania State Park
Address: 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States
Website: Leeslyvania State Park
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 5am - 5:30pm; Mon - Fri: 6am - 5:30pm
Price: 20 USD per vehicle, 15 USD per motorcycle, 10 USD per pex/bicycle
10. Observe a moment of silence at Prince William County Liberty Memorial
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The tragic event that shocked the nation is the devastation that happened on 9/11. While there is a great memorial at Ground Zero in New York City, there is another beautiful but smaller memorial erected at Woodbridge in memory of those who died during the attack. Located just outside the county’s government buildings, there are four beams from the fallen World Trade Center laid out. It then leads visitors across the street to Freedom Park where a fountain shaped like the Pentagon is situated. Sit on one of the benches provided in the area and soak in silence whilst paying respect to those who left us during that fateful day.
Prince William County Liberty Memorial
Address: 1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192, United States
Website: Prince William County Liberty Memorial
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Learn more about wildlife at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing place for all outdoor enthusiasts and can be visited at any season. Covering 642 acres (259.8 hectares) of land, this refuge allows you to observe and learn about the wildlife you see on-site. Explore the marked trails on foot or bicycle. Interpretive kiosks are set up along the trails for visitors to learn more about the animals on-route. Take your time to absorb nature’s beauty; hear the melodious call of the songbirds and the diving action played out by the waterfowl. Alternatively, drive slowly on the already established roads. On weekends, the refuge comes ‘more alive’ with the running of events and programs.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States
Website: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD onwards
12. Hike Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk
Going on the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Trail must be on your list when visiting Woodbridge. The boardwalk spans 0.7 miles (1.2 km) over the Occoquan Bay wetland, meandering gently, so visitors get great views over the marsh. Pack sandwiches and fruits and settle down on one of the benches to relax and enjoy the view. Alternatively, you can linger on at a larger, two-story observatory deck to get a broader view of the wetlands. Learn about the landscape and how it contributes to the ecosystem that consists of many small mammals, reptiles, and birds. If you visit during the warmer months, remember to bring insect repellents.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk
Address:15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States
Website: Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk
Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
13. Shop till you drop at Potomac Mills
Shopaholics, it’s time to rev up. The race is on at Potomac Mills, the biggest shopping mall in Virginia originally named Washington Outlet Mall. Here, you’ll have to do some stretching and arm exercises before tackling the indoor shopping haven that consists of famed stores; namely Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Sears Outlet, and Nordstrom Rack. Men, if you are not into retail therapy, maybe the 18-screen AMC movie theatre would entice you. If shopping and fun make you hungry, there are 25 food and beverage outlets you can use to refuel.
Potomac Mills
Address: 2700 Potomac Mills Cir, Woodbridge, VA 22192, United States
Website: Potomac Mills
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
14. Swing by Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve
Can there be enough greenery in Woodbridge? Definitely not! Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve is a unique landscape that transitions from forested scrub to emergent wetland communities. At 230 acres (90.1 hectares), there is the main trail you can take on a 2-mile (around 3.1 km) long trail that starts off Neabsco Road. Birders, you will have a field day here as there are many species of fowl that nest and migrate in throngs. However, it is important to be properly attired. Wear hiking boots if you have them as some areas can be particularly muddy, even though there are boardwalks installed in some areas of the path.
Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve
Address: 15875 Neabsco Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States
Website: Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Get soaking wet at Waterworks Waterpark
It’s time to make a big splash! If you are on holiday at Woodbridge with your family, do your children (and yourself) a favour and spend your day over at Waterworks Waterpark. Located at Andrew Leitch Park, it boasts several zipping slides, a large water play site equipped with sprayers and a dump bucket, jungle walk obstacles, and wading pools for the little ones. The facilities in this waterpark are more than sufficient. Come in early to get a good spot to sit or lay down. Food is available for sale within the park, as no outside food and drinks are allowed (unless you have allergies). There are lifeguards and staff placed around the waterpark so, everyone is in good hands. All visitors need to do is have a splashing fun time!
Waterworks Waterpark
Address: 5301 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge, VA 22193, United States
Website: Waterworks Waterpark
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm; Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm
Price: 8 USD onwards
Get acquainted with wildlife at Woodbridge, Virginia
If you are taking a drive on the east coast, don’t think twice about stopping by Woodbridge for a bit. Press pause on the road and head on to a nature park or two. If you live on the east coast, consider hopping on the Amtrak or bus to this delta; either for shopping, its history, or to soak up the wonders of nature. Even if you don’t have much time to spend in this town, we suggest you hop on your vehicle and take a scenic drive past the marshlands and parks; your eyes will be blessed by the beautiful foliage, especially during fall.
History
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