The Complete Guide to Visiting Prince William County, Virginia

Whether you love a boutique shopping spree, love a scenic stroll, or can’t wait to dive into history, Prince William County has something for you. 

The Northern Virginia county stretches from Gainesville to the shores of the Occoquan Bay and Potomac River, offering plenty to travelers along I-66 or I-95. Here are our recommendations for where to stay, eat, and drink, plus top attractions and nearby fun in Prince William County, Virginia. 
 

WHERE TO STAY IN PRINCE WILLIAM

The Inn at Evergreen

You’ll find this historic boutique hotel nestled at the base of the Bull Run Mountains. The renovated 19th century home offers luxury suites and rooms appointed with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Enjoy a made-to-order breakfast and meals in the Grill Room. 

The Rose Gaming Resort

The party doesn’t stop at The Rose, a hotel with over 100 rooms plus hundreds of games, eight bars and restaurants, and live entertainment. 

Camp at Prince William Forest Park 

If you’d rather immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of Prince William, choose from a variety of campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park. Tent, cabin, and RV camping is supported. 

Keep exploring more lodging options. 
 

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

The Black Sheep Restaurant–Sip whiskey or wine as you try a variety of innovative small plates made with high quality ingredients. 

2 Silos Brewing Co.–Get craft beer, share a freshly made brick oven pizza, and enjoy live music at this NOVA Live spot. 

Proof Kitchen + Bar–Globally inspired dishes are paired with drinks from nearby MurLarkey Distilled Spirits.

Aroma II Tasting Room–Sample wines from Morais Vineyards & Winery at this Manassas tasting room, plus cheeses, charcuterie, and crackers. 

Battle Street Bistro–You’ll find this scratch-made kitchen restaurant in Old Town Manassas. 

The Secret Garden Cafe–Head to Historic Old Town Occoquan for a fresh and delicious lunch or dinner in a secluded garden setting. 

Hungry for more? Find dozens of local restaurants in Prince William County. 
 

TOP ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

NOVA Live

Eat, drink, stay, and rock out to live music at NOVA Live. The all-in-one campus has 21 acres of restaurants, food trucks, a brewery, a distillery, and multiple performance stages. 

The Winery at La Grange

Reserve a private group tasting or enjoy a glass of wine on the patio, surrounded by lush greenery. The winery also hosts special events like live music, line dancing, and yoga on select days. 

Effingham Manor & Winery

Sip and relax on the pastoral grounds of this Nokesville winery. Effingham frequently hosts food vendors on the weekends and offers a range of tastings from the 18th century Manor house. 

Find more wineries in the area with our complete guide to Virginia Wine Country. 

Leesylvania State Park

Hike the trails, walk along the shore, or launch a boat from this state park on the Potomac River. There are five hiking trails and the river is popular for fishing largemouth bass. 

Prince William Forest Park

Meander through this outdoor oasis which features 37 miles of hiking trails, a scenic drive, streams, and lakes. Whether you want to fish, traverse the backcountry, observe wildlife, or bike paved trails, there’s something for you to explore in Prince William Forest Park. 

Burnside Farms

Explore a flowering paradise at this Nokesville farm. In spring, stroll among over two million tulips and daffodils during the Festival of Spring. In summer, find more than 70 acres of sunflowers. Be sure to get tickets online in advance. 

Historic Occoquan

Discover the charm of Occoquan, a riverside mill town with a historic shopping district and outdoor opportunities at Lake Ridge Park. Rent a boat or a kayak and spend the day on the water. 

More Occoquan Attractions: Enjoy a meal with a view at Madigan’s Waterfront after checking out the Mill House Museum, located at the site of the nation’s first automated grist mill. 

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Walk the grounds of the First Battle of Manassas — the first major land battle of the Civil War — and the Second Battle of Manassas, a key battle in 1862. Visit the museum to see artifacts and set off on over 40 miles of hiking trails with historical markers showing the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. 

More Manassas Attractions: After exploring the history of the area, stop in for a show at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, or cheers to a day of learning at a local craft brewery or winery on the Steins, Vines, and Moonshine Trail. 

National Museum of the Marine Corps

You’ll probably spot the National Museum of the Marine Corps from afar — the soaring, 240,000-square-foot structure cuts into the skyline over Prince William. Visit the museum to see immersive exhibits dedicated to the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of the U.S. Marines. 

Weems-Botts Museum 

Explore colonial history up to the 20th century at this Dumfries museum. Head on a tour to travel through the centuries and trace the history of the house as a church property, a book depot by George Washington’s biographer, a law office, and a personal home. 

Jiffy Lube Live

This Bristow venue has been hosting some of the biggest names in music for three decades. From pre-concert tailgating to VIP experiences or rocking out on the lawn, Jiffy Lube Live has everything you need for an unforgettable concert experience. 
 

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

Alexandria | Stop into boutique stores and local restaurants on King Street in the iconic Old Town neighborhood, get inspired at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and feel the breeze down the Mount Vernon Bike Trail.  

Arlington | Explore the bustling hub of Arlington, located just minutes from our nation’s capital. Reflect at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, explore Roosevelt Island Park for outdoor fun, and shop at the world-class Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. 

Culpeper | Around 35 miles southwest of Prince William County you’ll find Culpeper, a historic hot spot with unique agritourism opportunities like a sustainable bison farm as well as art, boutique shopping, and charming restaurants. 

Fairfax | Head east towards Fairfax County for more award-winning wine, immersive history at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and scientific fun at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. 

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Start planning your trip to Prince William County.