Visiting the nation’s capital is often a bucket list item. Whether it’s the lure of walking the halls of the Smithsonian Institute, taking a selfie in front of the White House, or gazing at the 19ft statue of Abraham Lincoln, many Americans want to take at least one trip to Washington, D.C.
However, staying in the city is far from easy. Options are limited, and prices are high.
Centreville, VA, is a great city west of D.C. to stay in while you visit the Washington Monument and the 9/11 Remembrance Garden. But it’s not just the location that’s convenient. Centreville offers more than an easy route along I-66.
Let’s take a closer look at why you should visit Centreville, VA!
What to Know About Centreville, VA
If you’re looking for a city close to Washington, D.C. but away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, look no further than Centreville, VA. Its convenient location in Fairfax County is only 35-40 minutes from the capital. Often travelers stay in Alexandria, VA, for proximity to the city, but Centreville is another excellent location.
With a population of 74,000, Centreville isn’t a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It has a rich history, especially during the Civil War era.
It has all the amenities of city life like shopping centers, dining, and nightlife. Manassas is only about six miles south if you want to explore more of the Civil War history of the area.
Traveler’s Tip: When you head from Centreville towards D.C., make plans to spend a day in Chantilly and visit the air and space museum.
5 Ways to Do Centreville, VA, Like a Local
Don’t just plan to visit the capital. Spend a couple of days exploring Centreville itself.
You’ll blend in just like a local if you enjoy the outdoor recreational activities, sip some wine at a local vineyard, and tour a 160-year-old church.
1. Hike Along the Cub Run Stream Valley Trail
Address: 0534 06 D, Centreville, VA 20120
According to AllTrails, the Cub Stream Valley Trail is a 6.6-mile loop for all skill levels. There’s only a gain of 177ft in elevation.
It’s mostly paved, but don’t attempt to hike after rain. Take your dog out for an afternoon walk, or let the kids run off some energy. It’s a great way to start the day, and you can welcome the sunrise in a beautiful, scenic location.
2. Get Splashed at Atlantis Waterpark
Address: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Enjoy a 500-gallon dumping bucket, a 170ft enclosed slide, and 230ft of open slides at Atlantis Waterpark. There’s also the main swimming pool, baby pool, and sand play area.
If you want to visit Atlantis Waterpark during the week, make sure to stay in Centreville, VA, from June 12 to August 21, as it’s only open on the weekends the rest of the year.
Bull Run Regional Park, where you’ll find the waterpark, also offers 1,500 acres of hiking, disc golf, and exploring.
3. Enjoy a Tasting at the Winery at Bull Run
Address: 15950 Lee Highway, Rt. 29, Centreville, VA 20120
The Winery at Bull Run is just ten minutes from Atlantis Waterpark. You can enjoy the beautiful countryside of Virginia at the closest winery to Washington, D.C.
The 225 acres in Centreville, VA, contain three vineyards with nine varieties of grapes. Open since 2012, The Winery at Bull Run offers exclusive club wines. So you may consider joining their Wine Club as well!
4. Play a Game Of Tennis at Van Dyck Park
Address: 3720 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030
Before heading to The Winery at Bull Run for an evening wine tasting, you might have a game of tennis at Van Dyck Park just 20 minutes from the winery.
Located on Old Lee Highway, Van Dyck Park features a lighted outdoor basketball court, an exercise trail, a skate park, a lighted outdoor tennis court, and three sand volleyball courts. In addition to these outdoor activities, it also has places for picnics and two playgrounds for the kids.
5. Visit the Old Stone Church
Address: 13941 Braddock Rd, Centreville VA 20120
If you’re looking for a history tour, check out the Old Stone Church, also called The Church of the Ascension.
Built in 1854 during the Civil War, the main building was the first designated Union Army surgical hospital. As the battle lines changed, the Old Stone Church was a hospital for the Union Army and Confederate Army.
In 1973, The Church of the Ascension purchased the Old Stone Church and began holding services. This is a must-see stop during your visit to Centreville, VA.
Is Centreville, VA, Worth a Visit?
Hopefully, Centreville, VA, is now on your list of places to visit in northeastern Virginia. Don’t bypass everything it has to offer to stay in a hotel that’s convenient to Washington, D.C. The rich history of the area and beautiful scenery beckons travelers.
Will you visit Centreville, VA, any time soon?
