25+ Things to Do Near Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Springfield, and More!

Fort Belvoir and the surrounding areas have much to offer. You can choose from rural trails and historical landmarks, bustling city life, and plenty of fun destinations for dates, families, and four-legged friends. With so much to do, you might work up an appetite for some amazing restaurants, too. Don’t wait to get out and explore your new surroundings. You won’t be disappointed.

5 Places in Fairfax County That Are Military Friendly

Although Fort Belvoir is located near Washington, D.C., you’ll find much to do without the commute. Right on base, you’ll find museums, golf, bowling, and camping. And just outside the base, you’ll find a historic farm with two historic homes to tour.

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National Museum of the United States Army

The National Museum of the United States Army celebrates over 250 years with military artifacts, exhibits, and interactive experiences, aiming to help visitors learn more about the Army’s rich history. The museum showcases the past, present, and future of the Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard.

Address: 1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Hours: Daily, 0900-1700

Admission: Free

Fort Belvoir Golf Club

The Fort Belvoir Golf Club features two championship 18-hole courses, a driving range, a pro shop, and more. Supported by professional PGA staff, you’ll hit a hole in one here!

Address: 8450 Beulah Street, Building 2920, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060

Hours: Daily, 0630-1800

Admission: Prices vary. Check the website linked above for more details.

Fort Belvoir Bowling Center

The Belvoir Bowling facility is a great way to relax right on base. Featuring a cosmic and laser system you’ll have to see to believe, jumbo screens, and a grill for grub, you’ll make this a regular stop.

Address: 5975 Middleton Road, Building 1199, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 1500-2100, Friday, 1500-2300; Saturday, 1300-2300; Sunday, 1300-1800

Admission: Prices vary. Check the website linked above for more details.

Fort Belvoir Travel Camp

Looking to enjoy the great outdoors? Travel Camp has what you need with RV camping spots along the Potomac River. You’ll have access to fishing piers, hunting, hiking, biking, and boating, with MWR offering equipment rentals on site.

Address: 10155 Johnston Road, Building 778, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060

Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 0900-1700

Admission: Prices vary. Check the website linked above for more details.

Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House

The Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey Houses are two iconic, historic homes belonging to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Woodlawn was a gift to the owners from George Washington in 1805, and the Pope-Leighey House is known for its stunning design, built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Tour both homes to feel the culture and heritage of the area.

Address: 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, Virginia 22309

Hours: Thursday through Monday, 1000-1600

Admission: Free for military and families through the Blue Star Museum initiative.

5 Restaurants Near Fort Belvoir That Are Sure to Please

The bustling cities around Fort Belvoir offer a wide variety of culinary treats. Whether you’re in the mood for Traditional American foods or international cuisine, the area around Fort Belvoir has you covered. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below to get you started.

The Farmhouse Tuscan

Serving fresh, Italian dishes in a warm, friendly atmosphere with live music, The Farmhouse Tuscan will surely be a treat.

Address: 7879 Heneska Loop, Alexandria, VA 22315

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1130-2300; Friday & Saturday, 1130-0030; Sunday, 1000-2200

Smyrna Restaurant

Smyrna Restaurant offers delicious Greek and Turkish dishes in a cozy, Mediterranean atmosphere. Guests often compliment the excellent service!

Address: 7588 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 1100-2100; Friday & Saturday, 1100-2130

The Secret Garden Cafe

Located in a historic 1840 building, The Secret Garden Cafe features a celebration of creativity and quality from Chef Sarah. Meticulously crafted offerings ensure there’s something for everyone in every mood.

Address: 404 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District, VA 22125

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1000-2000; Friday, 1000-2100; Saturday, 0900-2100; Sunday, 0900-1900

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a national chain serving up food cooked over a wood fire. You’ll find seasonal features, family meals, a firebar, and more in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Address: 7027A Manchester Blvd, Franconia, VA 22310

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1100-2200; Friday, 1100-2300; Saturday, 10–2300; Sunday, 1000-2200

Mike’s American

Enjoy a side of vintage baseball nostalgia in this Springfield landmark serving up American classics on two levels of friendly atmosphere.

Address: 6210 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22150

Hours: Sunday & Monday, 1100-2230; Tuesday through Thursday, 1100-2300; Friday & Saturday, 1100-0000

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near Fort Belvoir?

No need to leave your four-legged friend at home. There are plenty of spots to adventure and dine with your furry friends, bringing them in on the fun. Below are several pet-friendly outdoor spaces and restaurants in the areas surrounding Fort Belvoir.

Outdoor Spaces

Fort Belvoir MWR Dog Park

Let your dog run off-leash at Fort Belvoir’s Dog Park right on base. You’ll find an 80x80 square foot space open from dusk till dawn.

Address: 778, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060

Lake Accontink Park

Just 20 minutes from base, Lake Accontink Park features a multitude of trails for you to explore with your leashed dog. There’s even a 4-mile paved trail for you to enjoy with your four-legged friend.

Address: 7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA, US, 22150

George Washington Mount Vernon Trail

The George Washington Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile tree-lined, paved trail that stretches from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Take a walk each season to see the changes in this natural landscape.

Address: 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101

Fur-Family Friendly Restaurants

Vaso’s Kitchen

Located in Old Town Alexandria, you and your leashed pet can grab a bite to eat on the pet-friendly patio at Vaso’s Kitchen. Serving up a little piece of Greece with fresh ingredients, you will not be disappointed at this locally owned restaurant.

Address: 1225 Powhatan St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Vola’s Dockside Grill

Vola’s Dockside Grill is a waterfront restaurant featuring a special dog menu and seafood cuisine. The pet-friendly patio is a great way for you to relax with your pup after a stroll along the water.

Address: 101 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Art & Soul

Art & Soul features a southern-inspired menu with modern cocktails and pet-friendly patio seating. Check out their dog menu for dog treats like peanut-banana pupsicles.

Address: 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

5 Things For Couples to Do in Alexandria

Alexandria has a wide variety of date destinations. If you’re looking for a day date, you can stroll along some scenic routes and watch artists at work. Date nights bring some mystery with hidden speakeasies, ghost tours, and lantern-lighted streets. So, whatever you’re into, Alexandria has it. Check out our list below to get you started planning your next date.

Old Town Waterfront & Captain’s Row

Take a peaceful stroll along the river at Alexandria Waterfront Park, then head up Price Street (Captain’s Row) to admire the cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps at night.

Location: 1 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314 & 198-112 S Lee St, Alexandria, VA 22314

St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub

Walk along Mount Vernon Avenue to view the local murals, then stop by St. Elmo’s for coffee and live entertainment. (Live music Wednesday through Saturday).

Location: 2300 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Hours: Sunday through Tuesday, 0700-1800; Wednesday through Saturday, 0700-2000

Ghost & Graveyard Tour

Looking for something out of the ordinary for your next date? Take a lantern-lit walking tour through Old Town’s historic streets while your guide tells the tales of local hauntings and folklore.

Location: 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Hours: Tour hours vary by experience.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Located in an old munitions factory on the banks of the Potomac River, the Torpedo Factory Art Center features three floors of open studios where you can watch the artists do their magic. This experience is sure to be a date favorite.

Location: 105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Hours: Daily, 1000-1800

Captain Gregory’s

Test your skills in finding this hidden speakeasy tucked behind a secret door, Captain Gregory's. You’ll have fun finding this gem serving custom cocktails.

Location: 804 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 1700-2230; Friday & Saturday, 1700-2330

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

Fort Belvoir is surrounded by American history. From our nation’s capital to the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, if you’re looking to learn about our nation, these day trips are sure to please.

Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C., has much to offer, from the National Mall to many free museums and plenty of parks for picnics and resting. We’ve listed our top three activities to get you started, but don’t stop here. You will not be disappointed with all Washington, D.C. has to offer.

Drive time: 45 minutes

• Walk the National Mall
• Smithsonian Museums
• Georgetown Waterfront Park

Arlington, VA

Arlington, Virginia, is home to the Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, making it one of the top destinations for families stationed at Fort Belvoir. While this trip may start as a somber experience, you can end on a high note with shopping and dining at the Fashion Centre.

Drive time: 35 minutes

• Arlington National Cemetery
• Pentagon Memorial
• Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg is an iconic location in our nation's history. From bloody battles to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, history enthusiasts will soak in all this area has to offer. Check out our short list below to get you started planning your quick trip to Gettysburg.

Drive time: 90 minutes

• Auto Tour of the Battlefield
• Gettysburg National Military Park
• Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center

5 Things For Kids to Do in Alexandria

The military-friendly area surrounding Fort Belvoir includes many kid-friendly playgrounds and activities! Take the King Street Trolley to get around town without wearing out little legs. The trolley runs every 15 minutes and is free to ride.

• Chessie’s Big Backyard: Located at Franconia Family Recreation Area, Chessie’s Big Backyard and Our Special Harbor are fully accessible play areas. Both areas feature sensory-friendly and wheelchair accessible areas for everyone to play and have fun.
• Hyper Kidz Alexandria: Hyper Kidz offers an indoor playground for children ages 0-13. With age-appropriate play zones, you won’t worry about safety for your littles.
• Tall Ship Providence: Step aboard this wooden ship to learn about the Revolutionary War through interactive tours.
• Torpedo Factory Art Center: Step inside this open studio to watch real artists work. Plan ahead to book a special art class.
• The Dairy Godmother: Stop by the Dairy Godmother for a special treat after a day of adventuring around town.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events!

We’re sharing 5 seasonal events taking place in Alexandria that you won’t want to miss.

• George Washington Birthday Parade: Join the town as they honor George Washington in Mid-February. This large parade features marching bands, reenactments, and decorated floats traveling down the historic district.
• USA Birthday Celebration: In mid-July, Oronoco Bay Park hosts a celebration of our nation’s birthday with food vendors, orchestra performances, and grand fireworks over the Potomac River.
• Art on the Avenue: Mount Vernon Community School hosts this arts festival in early October, showcasing over 300 artists, live music, and international cuisine.
• Scottish Christmas Walk Parade: Line up the streets in Old Town Alexandria the first Saturday in December for a parade of Scottish clansmen, complete with bagpipes, drums, and dogs, as they kick off the winter holiday season.
• Waterskiing Santa: Be a part of this Christmas Eve tradition as Santas, Grinches, and flying elves perform stunts along the Potomac River.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Fort Belvoir!

Moving to a new duty station is a major transition, but Fort Belvoir offers an exceptional blend of robust on-post support and unparalleled access to the National Capital Region. With its massive network of mission partners, comprehensive family services, and highly rated local school districts, the installation is uniquely equipped to support your family's readiness and well-being.

Beyond the gates, you have the entirety of Washington, D.C., the historic waterfronts of Alexandria, and the natural beauty of the Potomac River right in your backyard. Whether you are touring Mount Vernon, hiking the wetland boardwalks at Mason Neck State Park, or simply enjoying the tight-knit community within the base's residential villages, Fort Belvoir quickly proves itself to be much more than just a place to work. It is a dynamic, culturally rich, and highly supportive community that you will be proud to call home.