Support Us Button Widget

Travel and Outdoors

The outside of an Amtrak train at Alexandria Station.
Airports and Transportation
Your guide to the Amtrak in Northern Virginia and DC
Traveling soon, but not feeling the hassle of flying? Check out this guide to Amtrak routes in and around Northern Virginia.
December 02, 2025 12:45 PM
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Tents in a field at night.
City
Campsites to check out in Northern Virginia
Make the most of Labor Day weekend by exploring these six Northern Virginia campsites before the cooler weather rolls in.
August 26, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
People overlooking DC from Arlington Ridge Park. Small groups are spread out across the grass, some with dogs, some on blankets. The sky is blue, yellow, orange, and pink, and the Washington Memorial is visible in the background.
Culture
Where would you put an outdoor library in Northern Virginia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in NOVA.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Grand museum atrium with tall arches, skylight, and a lifelike elephant statue. Visitors gaze in awe, creating a sense of wonder and exploration.
Play
Where to have fun with kids in Northern Virginia
We found the best kid-friendly activities in NOVA, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
View of the Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple, on the Acropolis of Athens. The temple, built in the 5th century BC, is characterized by its iconic columns and classical architectural design. The image shows the Parthenon with a clear sky in the background and part of the Acropolis hill surrounding it.
Culture
Take a virtual tour of Washington, DC’s 15 sister cities
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in South Korea or Thailand.
March 24, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A tall, red brick house sits on a grassy yard surrounded by trees.
Play
16 of the top free things to do in NOVA
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in NOVA, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
March 24, 2025
Five people dressed in reflective work vests look into overgrowth off the side of the road. The second volunteer from the left is looking behind and smiling at the camera while holding a sign that says "Volunteers at work, ask us why, Arlington Regional Master Naturalist Park Stewards Program."
Play
Where to give back and volunteer in NOVA
This list of volunteer opportunities around Arlington and Alexandria includes everything from animal shelters to veterans associations.
March 21, 2025
 · 
Madison McMillen
The west facade of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin, China, showcases its distinctive Byzantine-style architecture. The cathedral features a large green domed roof, brick walls with ornate detailing, and tall windows. The entrance is visible in the center, with decorative arches and a tower extending above the building.
Culture
Take a virtual tour of Fairfax’s 3 sister cities
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in South Korea or Turkey.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Rue Froide, a narrow street with colorful shop fronts in Caen France
Culture
Alexandria’s 3 sister cities: A virtual tour
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in Scotland or Sweden.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
NOVAtoday: NOVA_Mt. Vernon Trail dog_MAR25
Culture
NOVAtoday’s spring ‘in’ and ‘out’ list
Spring has sprung… almost. Here are our hot takes on what’s cool this season and what’s not.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
A trailhead on a path shows an image of a stick figure with a leashed dog and says "Turkey Run Loop .75 MI" and "Potomac Heritage Trail .25MI." A river is visible through the trees and down a small set of wooden steps.
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around Northern Virginia
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from NOVAtoday
The Panes con Pavo sandwich from Your Only Friend, made with Salvadoran braised turkey, cortido, salted cucumber, Crystal Hot Sauce fried chili oil, Duke’s Mayo, served cold on a soft roll.
Restaurants
Sandwiches, pho, and more: Newly acclaimed restaurants near NOVA
From restaurants to chefs, see which three DC eateries and one culinary talent recently received top accolades.
November 19, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A beer being poured at Courhaus Social.
Live
NOVA happy hour deals to quench your thirst
Hit the town and enjoy a discounted drink at one of these cheers-worthy NOVA happy hours.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A photo of Chain Bridge Road in McLean.
Real Estate
Explore one of Northern Virginia’s most expensive roads: Chain Bridge Road
Check out a variety of properties on Chain Bridge Road in McLean — from modern mansions to ones resembling Italian villas.
November 17, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Brunch at SER in Arlington.
Restaurants
NOVAtoday readers’ favorite restaurants
Here are over 25 restaurants that you, our readers, said were your go-to spots around Northern Virginia.
November 14, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Someone using their new digital driver's license.
Government
What is Virginia’s new digital driver’s license?
Virginians can now carry their driver’s licenses right on their phones for added ease and convenience. Learn more about what this means for you.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
GivingCampaignNov2025MapGREEN.png
City
Local news, powered by readers like you
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
November 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
The outside of Dulles International Airport at night.
Live
All you need to know about Dulles International Airport: The fourth largest airport in the US
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple. Everything you need to know about traveling at the Dulles International Airport.
November 7, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A sign saying "Fairfax County."
City
How Northern Virginia’s counties got their names
Northern Virginia’s counties each have their own unique names and rich histories. Explore the origins of these names and uncover the stories that shaped the region’s development.
November 6, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A worker installing solar panels.
How to save on your winter energy bills in NOVA
Follow these tips to help save money + energy on water, landscaping, electricity, and AC.
November 4, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The bike land along Clarendon Boulevard.
City
Let’s test the bikeability of Northern Virginia
How safe is it to bike in Northern Virginia? Newsletter Editor Ava Wojnowski tests the bikeability of different neighborhoods in Northern Virginia.
November 3, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski