Things to Do in Prince William County, North Virginia

When most people hear “Prince William,” they think of the British royal family’s future king. But Prince William County’s regal name is just the beginning of what this treasure trove can offer. This unique spot in Northern Virginia weaves a majestic feel throughout every nook of its historic land, from its delightful activities to its sumptuous restaurants.

Just an hour outside of the nation’s capital, Prince William County is to dynamic cities such as Quantico, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Haymarket, Manassas, Dale City, Occoquan, Lake Ridge, Montclair, and so much more!

As Northern Virginia property managers, we have years of experience uncovering the unique gems this area has to offer both residents and visitors. Today, we get to share those insights with you!

Things to Do in Prince William County

Whether you visit for a day or stay for a lifetime, Prince William County has a lot to offer. If you are looking for world-class museums, exciting cultural experiences, or you seek solace in nature – Northern Virginia is for you. So, let’s take a look at a few of the best things to do in Prince William County.

World-class Museums in Northern Virginia

• National Museum of the Marine Corps – Triangle, VA – The iconic façade of the National Museum of the Marine Corps intrigues passersby with its 210-foot steel mast and glass atrium, inspired by the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima. The interior of the museum is broken up into theaters and galleries, each showcasing various chapters throughout the history of preserving American freedom.
• Weems Botts Museum – Dumfries, VA – Open seasonally throughout the year, the Weems Botts Museum offers a glimpse into the historical past. Tours guide visitors through Dumfries’ colonial history including a property with a storied past. It was once used as a book depot by Parson Weems (George Washington’s first biographer) and as a law office by Benjamin Botts (Aaron Burr’s youngest defense attorney during his 1807 treason trial). In addition, the surrounding area has a Research Library and park with picnic pavilions.
• Mill House Museum – Occoquan, VA – This quaint stone structure is home to the nation’s first automated grist mill. In fact, Occoquan started out in the 18^th century as a mill town. This museum offers exhibits that showcase both colonial and civil war artifacts and memorabilia. It’s open daily (except Wednesdays) from 11am to 4pm and best of all – admission is free!

Best Recreational Parks in Northern Virginia

• Veteran’s Memorial Park – Woodbridge, VA – The Veteran’s Memorial Park is surrounded by Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and the Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve. It’s an outdoor enthusiast dream! In addition to a 7,200 square feet skateboard park, Vets has multiple sports leagues and facilities for public use. Just a few of these activities include swimming, soccer, baseball, tennis courts, pavilion rentals and picnic areas. But that’s not all—it even boasts a massive pool with multiple water slides and diving boards.
• SplashDown Waterpark – Manassas, VA – The Ben Lomond Regional Park boasts the popular SplashDown Waterpark, which spans an impressive 11 acres. Whether you choose to barrel down the 4-story Pipeline Tower slides or relax in the shade of a picnic pavilion – there’s something for everyone! In addition to the water park there is a playground, sports fields, and sand volleyball. The park is set to open for the season May 25^th, so be sure to secure your tickets early!
• Prince William Forest Park – Triangle, VA – Prince William Forest Park is an enormous, 15,000-acre park that beckons visitors to its 37 hiking trails, 4 campgrounds, over 100 cabins, and 21 miles of bike-accessible roads. Most importantly, it’s the home of countless, colorful wildlife. A true place to relax and unwind just 1 hour south of Washington DC!

Top Performances and the Arts in NOVA

• Hylton Performing Arts Center – Manassas, VA – Hylton is a community performing arts center that highlights acts ranging from local to international. Past acts have included the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and Disney’s Coco in Concert.
• Irene V. Hylton Planetarium – Woodbridge, VA – This planetarium, located in C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, holds a 30-foot curved dome with all colors of stars and planets, surround sound music, and plush, cushioned seats. The facility is open to the public but can also accommodate special educational events. They are currently undergoing a revamp and interested visitors can sign up for updates on the grand opening and events through their website.
• Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA – Formerly known as the Nissan Pavilion, Jiffy Lube Live is a fantastic spot to see the latest concerts! It boasts a 25,000-seat arena between reserved seating and the sprawling lawn. It’s a popular tour stop for the latest acts and some classics – previously hosting the likes of Maroon 5, John Mayer, Janet Jackson, Chicago, and Chris Stapleton.

Best Prince William County Shopping Centers

• Potomac Mills – Dale City, Virginia – Potomac Mills is the largest outlet mall in Virginia. Offering a staggering 220 outlets, this shopping destination includes Nordstrom Rack, J. Crew Factory, and a Bloomingdale’s Outlet. In addition, it features a movie theater and IMAX, as well as popular restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory and Bahama Breeze.
• Manassas Mall – Bull Run, Virginia – Manassas Mall has over 100 stores, such as Target, Walmart, and JC Penney.
• Virginia Gateway – Gainesville, VA – Virginia Gateway is a one-stop spot for a variety of your shopping needs. It has Best Buy, Five Below, Sally Beauty Supply, Target, and so much more!

Must-Try Prince William County Restaurants

• Charbroil Grill Brazilian Steakhouse – Woodbridge, VA – ($30-$50pp) Charbroil Grill Brazilian Steakhouse serves up savory dishes such as garlic picanha and Brazilian plank steak. The perfect date night or celebration dinner spot!
• D’Rocco’s – Occoquan Historic District, VA – ($20-$30pp) D’Rocco’s is a rustic Italian eatery in the center of Historic Occoquan. The chefs at D’Rocco’s crafts delicacies such as Tonno e Capperi Al Limone, tuna steak carefully seared to perfection and finished with a lemon caper sauce. They also offer a variety of vegetarian dishes!
• Irie Caribbean American Restaurant – Woodbridge, VA – ($10-$20pp) Irie brings authentic Caribbean cuisine to the streets of North Virginia. Be transported to island shores as you feast on Jamaican jerk chicken, saltfish, veggie roti, and other delicacies.
• Lapaz African Cuisine – Manassas, VA – ($10-$20pp) Lapaz gives patrons a taste of genuine African cooking. You can devour fried plantains, peri-peri rice, Kokonte, and other specialties in this hidden nook.
• Pakwaan Indian Cuisine – Gainesville, VA – ($20-$30pp) Pakwaan presents a fusion of North Indian, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Mughlai cuisines. Experience the sumptuous spices in shrimp jalfrezi, madras fish curry, Chicken Tikka, and other tasty plates.

Make Prince William County Your Home

If all of Prince William County’s exotic cuisines, open-air havens, shopping destinations, and other marvels didn’t sound enticing enough on paper, just imagine what it’s like to have them at your fingertips. Prince William County residents access a rich tapestry of cultural excellence at every turn. It’s possible for you, too, to break away from the humdrum of downtown city life while surrounded by adventure and discovery.

Professional Property Management of North Virginia is your connection between the old and the new. Our team of dedicated leasing professionals can help locate the perfect rental property on your journey to calling Northern Virginia “home.” So, if you are looking to turn over a new leaf in an exciting new area, give us a call today!