Insider's Guide
Northern Virginia
Welcome to NOVA's Insider's Guide
Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria, VA form a vibrant region near Washington, D.C., known for historic charm, diverse communities, and strong job markets. Arlington offers urban living, Alexandria boasts waterfront history, and Fairfax blends suburban comfort with top schools and parks.
Weather
This region experiences a moderate climate with fdour distinct seasons. Winters can get chilly with occasional snow. Summers are warm and humid, often reaching the 80s-90s°F. Spring and fall are mild, offering comfortable temperatures and occasional rain.
Avg. Temperature
57°F
Avg. Annual Rainfall
43"
Weather Patterns
Humid Subtropical
High
Low
Rain
January
44°F
30°F
2.1"
February
47°F
32°F
2.1"
March
56°F
39°F
3.0"
April
67°F
49°F
3.3"
May
76°F
58°F
3.5"
June
84°F
67°F
3.4"
July
88°F
72°F
3.1"
August
86°F
70°F
3.2"
September
79°F
63°F
3.3"
October
68°F
52°F
3.3"
November
57°F
42°F
3.1"
December
48°F
35°F
2.8"
Local Sports
Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria offer easy access to D.C.’s pro teams—the MLB’s Nationals, NHL’s Capitals, NBA’s Wizards, NFL’s Commanders, and MLS’s D.C. United—plus strong college sports from schools like George Mason and Georgetown, making the area a hub for sports fans year-round.
D.C. United
D.C. United, founded in 1994, is one of MLS’s most successful teams with four MLS Cups and four Supporters’ Shields. They play at Audi Field, and are known for their passionate fan base and historic role in U.S. soccer.
Sport: Soccer
Founded: 1994
Audi Field
George Mason Patriots
George Mason Patriots, based in Fairfax, VA, competes in NCAA Division I (Atlantic 10). Known for their 2006 Final Four run, they play at EagleBank Arena and consistently rank among the conference’s top programs.
Sport: College Basketball
Founded: 1966
EagleBank Arena
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are D.C.’s NHL team, playing at Capital One Arena. They’ve won one Stanley Cup in 2018, earned multiple division titles, and feature stars like Alex Ovechkin. They deliver exciting hockey action and remain a top contender in the league.
Sport: Hockey
Founded: 1974
Capital One Arena
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders, founded in 1932, are D.C.’s NFL team playing in Landover, MD. They’ve won 3 Super Bowls and 2 NFL championships, with a storied history and loyal fan base in the nation’s capital.
Sport: Football
Founded: 1932
Northwest Stadium
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a Major League Baseball team based in Washington, D.C. They play at Nationals Park and are known for their strong pitching staff and passionate fanbase. The team won its first World Series in 2019 bringing a long-awaited championship to the city.
Sport: Baseball
Founded: 1969
Nationals Park
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards, founded in 1961, play at Capital One Arena. They've won one NBA title in 1978, boast 5 retired numbers, made 30+ playoff runs, and hold one of the NBA's largest arenas.
Sport: Basketball
Founded: 1961
Capital One Arena
Golf Courses
This region features scenic golf options like Fairfax County’s public courses, Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, and Belle Haven Country Club near Alexandria—offering great play for all skill levels close to D.C.
Country Clubs
Golf Courses
Schools
Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria are home to excellent schools—Fairfax County, Arlington, and Alexandria City districts—plus great colleges like George Mason, Marymount, and NOVA, offering families strong academics and vibrant learning communities.
Colleges and Universities
School Districts
Private Schools
Performing Arts Schools
Things to Do and See
Discover Northern Virginia highlights: explore historic Old Town Alexandria, shop and dine in Arlington’s Clarendon, hike Great Falls Park near Fairfax, tour Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy museums, waterfront views, and vibrant food scenes across the region.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery honors U.S. military service with over 400,000 graves, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and memorials. Visitors can attend ceremonies, explore historic sites, and pay respects in a serene, 639-acre setting overlooking Washington, D.C.
Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake Park offers a scenic 218-acre lake for fishing and boating, plus hiking and biking trails, golf course, mini-golf, carousel, picnic areas, and seasonal camping—perfect for outdoor recreation and family fun.
Capital One Hall
Capital One Hall is a modern performing arts center opened in October 2021. It features a 1,600‑seat main theater, a 225‑seat vault theater, a 4‑story atrium, rooftop “perch,” and hosts Broadway, music, comedy & events.
EagleBank Arena
EagleBank Arena, located at George Mason University, is a 10,000-seat venue hosting concerts, sports events, family shows, and community gatherings. It’s a major entertainment hub in Northern Virginia, offering diverse performances year-round.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a historic estate on the Potomac River featuring Washington’s mansion, gardens, museum, and farm. Visitors can tour the home, explore exhibits, and learn about 18th-century life at this iconic landmark.
Georgetown University
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park in Virginia spans 800 acres along the Potomac River, featuring dramatic waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and scenic hiking trails. It’s ideal for picnics, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing, offering stunning views just minutes from Washington, D.C.
LEGO Discovery Center Washington D.C.
LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC, a 32,000 sq ft indoor playground, features 12 interactive zones—from Mini World and DUPLO® Park to a 4D cinema, rides, workshops, and a café—packed with millions of bricks for creative family fun.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens spans 95 acres of themed gardens, walking trails, lakes, and seasonal displays. It’s a serene spot for nature walks, photography, and birdwatching, featuring the Korean Bell Garden and vibrant blooms year-round.
Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is a historic waterfront district with cobblestone streets, 18th- and 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants. Visitors enjoy scenic views, museums, and vibrant cultural events along the Potomac River.
Smithsonian
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 21 museums, the National Zoo, and cultural centers. Admission is free, offering art, history, science, and cultural exhibits across Washington, DC and beyond.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is part of the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, featuring iconic aircraft like the Space Shuttle Discovery, SR‑71 Blackbird, and Enola Gay, plus observation tower, simulators, and IMAX theater.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a vibrant arts hub featuring 82 artist studios, galleries, and workshops inside a historic munitions factory—perfect for exploring local art, meeting creators, and enjoying waterfront views.
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is a linear park and paved trail running through Northern Virginia. Built on a former rail line, it’s popular for biking, walking, and running, linking neighborhoods, parks, and regional destinations.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is the only U.S. national park dedicated to the performing arts, hosting concerts, theater, and dance in scenic outdoor venues like the Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.
Directory
This directory serves as a valuable tool for efficiently locating and accessing essential resources, such as dining establishments, healthcare facilities, public service offices, and community events. By offering comprehensive details and contact information, it aims to streamline the process of finding necessary services and participating in local activities.
Coffee Shops
No coffee shops were found
Ethnic Food Markets
Farmers Markets
Field to Table Farmers Market
Furniture Stores
Government Agencies
Grocery Stores
Health Food Stores
Hospitals
Newspapers
News Stations
Nightlife
Restaurants
Shopping
Alexandria Commons
Ballston Quarter
Bradlee Shopping Center
CityCenterDC
Dulles Town Center
Fair Oaks Mall
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Gallery Place
Georgetown Park
Kingstowne Towne Center
Mosaic District
Mount Vernon Plaza
Pentagon Centre
Potomac Mills
Potomac Yard Center
Reston Town Center
Seven Corners Center
Springfield Town Center
Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
Tanger Outlets National Harbor
The Crossing Clarendon
Turnpike Shopping Center
Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Galleria
The business listings provided in this directory are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, not all listings may include complete information such as phone numbers, websites, or other contact details.