- GREAT FALLS PARK
Take a walk on the wild side of Virginia’s Cultural Region, and discover an incredible destination for recreation within the great outdoors of Fairfax County. Aptly named, Great Falls Park features a stunning collection of cascading rapids and several sparkling waterfalls, marking the Potomac River’s 76-foot drop into the narrow Mather Gorge. With over 800 acres of scenic forests, rocky terrain, and abundant native wildlife, Great Falls Park boasts incredible natural beauty and unlimited outdoor adventure. The park’s winding trails stretch across 15 miles of forested landscape and preserved historic structures, offering hikers, bikers, and horseback riders access to some of the most unique and breathtaking views in the area.
For families seeking kid-friendly adventure, the park’s Junior Ranger Program offers an exciting, self-guided scavenger hunt throughout the park with a booklet of activities and attractions to discover along the way. Children who complete the booklet earn a Junior Ranger Badge to honor their accomplishments. Great Falls is also pet-friendly, and allows leashed pets on all park trails and picnic areas.
- POTOMAC RIVERBOAT CRUISES
Board a riverboat on the banks of Old Town Alexandria for a scenic sail through Virginia’s Cultural Region. From narrated sightseeing tours, to private charters, to water taxis, Potomac Riverboat Company (PRC) offers a collection of cruises perfect for any outdoor summer adventure. Explore a network of notable sites, and enjoy expansive panoramic views along the Potomac River. The eight-vessel PRC fleet features a range of riverboats, each with its own route and unique tour option. Visit Washington DC’s most iconic monuments, discover Old Town Alexandria’s storied Seaport, and take a trip to explore early American history at the nearby home of George and Martha Washington, Mount Vernon. For a fun, pet-friendly way to experience Virginia’s Cultural Region, Potomac Riverboat Company offers its seasonal Canine Cruise, featuring an hour-long river ride and the perfect way to spend time with your pup. If you’re planning a romantic retreat or exclusive event, enjoy a private charter on one of the nation’s last-remaining working sternwheelers, Cherry Blossom. No matter which on-the-water adventure you choose, Potomac Riverboat Company cruises promise stunning riverfront views, spectacular sunsets, and the rich American history of Virginia’s Cultural Region.
- UPTON HILL REGIONAL PARK AND OCEAN DUNES WATERPARK
Access all the ingredients for a great summer getaway, and enjoy a ton of outdoor adventure fit for the whole family at Upton Hill Regional Park. Explore miles of scenic hiking trails or practice your putt on the Upton Hill’s meticulously landscaped mini-golf course. Strengthen your swing at the custom-pitch batting cages, or take a break, grab a bite, and relax in the shade under one of the park’s giant picnic pagodas. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a bathing suit. Ocean Dunes Waterpark, part of Upton Hill’s impressive collection of outdoor entertainment options, is the perfect place to kick back, cool off, and enjoy a day at the beach. Grab an inner tube and relax in the pool; join the kids and explore a beach-themed playground of water jets, splash zones, and fountains; or take a turn on the park’s 230-foot open waterslide. Sun, soak, or slide, Upton Hill Regional Park and Ocean Dunes Waterpark each promise family fun for any vacation style and a summer adventure that always beats the heat.
- Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
If you’re looking for action and adventure in the great outdoors, look no further than Harpers Ferry. Boasting a collection of excursions sure to satisfy even the most fearless outdoor champions, Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (HFAC) offers an impressive range of activities fit for adventurers of all ages, skill levels, and terrain preferences. Guests can choose from a number of attractions and experiences such as tubing, whitewater rafting, ziplining, ropes-coursing, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping and more— all along the scenic shores of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Visitors simply searching for a relaxing retreat, stunning natural views, and some fresh-air can kick back with a cookout in one of HFAC’s multiple picnic areas complete with tables, charcoal grills, and lazy day hammocks. With warm-weather on the rise, HFAC is gearing up for its summer performance season. During the summer months, guests can rock-climb, river-raft, and rock out with live weekend performances from a variety local bands and regional music artists. Take on the great outdoors at HFAC, and experience one of the most unique mountain adventures of Virginia’s Cultural Region.
- LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK
Explore thousands of years of Native American history and experience the story as America’s past comes to life on the banks of the Potomac. Nestled along the shores of the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park offers guests a peaceful getaway along the tranquil, natural riverbanks of Prince William County. Follow the footsteps of Captain John Smith on his voyage of discovery, and explore the historic, nationally landmarked, ancestral home of Virginia’s legendary Lee and Fairfax families. The park’s five trails pass through the area’s rich natural features and also include a scenic overlook of the Potomac River from the remains of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of land and water related activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. Spend an afternoon soaking up the summer sun with a kayaking journey down the Potomac River, cast your line from the fishing pier, or explore the park’s environmental education center.