10-Day Washington DC and Fairfax County Road Trip from London
Arrival in Washington
- London to Washington Dulles International Airport — transatlantic flight, depart London morning and allow 1–2 hours after landing for immigration, baggage, and car hire; drive to your Washington hotel, typically ~45 minutes depending on traffic.
- National Mall — downtown, take an easy orientation walk around the Washington Monument grounds and World War II Memorial, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Old Ebbitt Grill — Downtown, classic setting for an arrival dinner near the Mall; evening, ~$35–60 per person.
Arrival from London
Take a morning flight from London to Washington Dulles International Airport, allowing roughly 8–9 hours in the air. After landing, budget 1–2 hours for U.S. immigration, baggage collection and customs; even with Global Entry, the queues can vary considerably. Collect your hire car at the airport rental-car centre, then drive into Washington via the Dulles Toll Road and I-66—usually around 45 minutes, though late-afternoon traffic can make it longer. If your hotel is central, confirm whether it has parking before arriving, as overnight garage rates commonly run $30–60. You may prefer to leave the car parked for the next few days rather than drive downtown.
Late Afternoon at the National Mall
After checking in and freshening up, make an easy orientation walk around the National Mall, beginning at the Washington Monument and continuing east toward the World War II Memorial. Allow about 1½ hours and keep the pace gentle after the overnight flight; the distances look short on a map but the Mall is much larger than it appears. There is very little shade, so bring water and a light layer—late May is often warm and humid. The monuments are generally accessible throughout the day, with no admission charge, and the best arrival window is around 4:00–5:00pm when the harshest midday heat has eased.
Evening Dinner
Walk or take a short rideshare to Old Ebbitt Grill, just north of the Mall near F Street NW. This historic dining room is a good first-night choice: lively, unmistakably Washington, and convenient if everyone is tired from travelling. Expect about $35–60 per person before drinks and tip; dinner service often runs into the late evening, but booking ahead is wise, especially on a Friday. Keep the evening unambitious after dinner—return to your hotel by rideshare or Metro if convenient, and leave the car behind rather than dealing with downtown parking.
Central Washington, DC
- United States Capitol — Capitol Hill, reserve a guided tour and explore the grounds, morning, ~2 hours.
- Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building — Capitol Hill, admire the magnificent Great Hall and reading-room overlook, late morning, ~1 hour.
- Eastern Market — Capitol Hill, browse local food and crafts and have lunch, midday, ~1.5 hours; ~$15–30 per person.
- National Museum of the American Indian — National Mall, explore its distinctive Indigenous collections, afternoon, ~2 hours.
- The Wharf — Southwest Waterfront, finish with a riverside walk and dinner, evening, ~2 hours; ~$30–60 per person.
Morning
Start around 8:00am on Capitol Hill, when the streets are still relatively calm and security queues are manageable. Your first stop is the United States Capitol: reserve a timed guided tour in advance through the official Capitol Visitor Center, and allow about two hours for the tour, security screening and a stroll around the west and east grounds. Bring photo ID, avoid large bags, and expect airport-style restrictions. From the Capitol, walk roughly 10 minutes along East Capitol Street to the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. The Great Hall is particularly beautiful in the morning light; allow an hour for the building and the overlook into the Main Reading Room. Opening times can vary, so check the official visitor schedule before travelling—timed-entry passes are commonly required.
Lunch and Afternoon
Continue on foot to Eastern Market, about 10–15 minutes south through the attractive residential streets of Capitol Hill. Spend around 90 minutes browsing the indoor market, outdoor stalls and local craft stands before lunch; a realistic budget is $15–30 per person. The market is generally open Tuesday through Sunday, but individual vendors and holiday schedules vary, so verify hours for this Saturday. After lunch, take the Blue, Orange or Silver Line from Eastern Market to L’Enfant Plaza, then walk about 10 minutes to the National Museum of the American Indian. Admission is free, and two hours gives you enough time to see its distinctive Indigenous collections without rushing. It normally opens at 10:00am; bags are checked at entry, and the Mitsitam Café is a useful backup if your lunch timing slips.
Evening
From the museum, walk or take a short rideshare—roughly 10 minutes depending on traffic—to The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront. Finish with an easy riverside walk along District Wharf, browsing the piers and watching boats on the Washington Channel before dinner. Choose a casual seafood meal at Hank’s Oyster Bar, pizza at Lupo Marino, or a more polished dinner at Officina; allow $30–60 per person before drinks and tip. The waterfront is pleasant after sunset, but reserve ahead for a weekend table. To return, L’Enfant Plaza is about a 10-minute walk from the central Wharf, with Metro service across the city; alternatively, a rideshare is simplest if you are staying outside central Washington.
Northwest Washington, DC
- National Zoo — Woodley Park, see the giant pandas’ former habitat and extensive animal exhibits, morning, ~3 hours.
- Duke’s Counter — Woodley Park, relaxed lunch with burgers and British-inspired fare, midday, ~$20–35 per person.
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens — Northwest DC, tour the former Marjorie Merriweather Post estate and gardens, afternoon, ~2 hours.
- Washington National Cathedral — Cleveland Park, visit the Gothic cathedral and grounds, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Georgetown Waterfront Park — Georgetown, enjoy a scenic Potomac-side stroll before dinner, evening, ~1 hour.
- Fiola Mare — Georgetown waterfront, polished seafood dinner, evening, ~$80–150 per person.
Morning
Start around 8:30am at the National Zoo in Woodley Park. Take Metrorail to Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan—the zoo entrance is about a 15-minute uphill walk—or use a rideshare, as parking inside the zoo is limited and must generally be reserved. Admission is free, though parking costs extra; check the opening time and reserve ahead through the Smithsonian, especially for a weekend. Allow roughly three hours for the animal areas and the former giant-panda habitat. The grounds are hilly, and late May can already feel hot, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Afterward, walk a few minutes to Duke’s Counter for a relaxed lunch of burgers, fish and chips, and British-inspired comfort food; budget about $20–35 per person and expect a short wait at peak lunchtime.
Afternoon and Evening
From Woodley Park, take a 10–15-minute rideshare to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens near Cleveland Park; public transport is possible but involves a longer walk. Set aside about two hours for Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former estate, its decorative-arts collection, and the beautifully maintained gardens. Confirm the day’s opening hours before leaving—Hillwood is commonly closed on Mondays—and timed admission may apply. Continue by rideshare for roughly 10 minutes to Washington National Cathedral, where the soaring Gothic interior, chapels, stained glass, and grounds are best enjoyed in the quieter late afternoon; allow 1½ hours and check the final admission time because worship services or special events can affect access. Finish with a one-hour stroll through Georgetown Waterfront Park, following the Potomac as the light softens and watching the kayaks and boats below the Key Bridge. For dinner, walk to Fiola Mare on the waterfront, a polished seafood restaurant where reservations are essential; expect approximately $80–150 per person before drinks, tax, and tip.
Alexandria and Arlington
- Alexandria’s Old Town waterfront — Old Town Alexandria, drive from central DC and walk the riverfront before the crowds, morning, ~1 hour.
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum — Old Town Alexandria, learn about Alexandria’s colonial history in an authentic historic tavern, late morning, ~1 hour.
- Old Town Books — Old Town Alexandria, browse this independent bookstore on King Street, midday, ~30–45 minutes.
- Virtue Feed & Grain — Old Town Alexandria, atmospheric lunch in a converted warehouse near the waterfront, midday, ~$25–45 per person.
- Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington, visit the major memorials and changing-of-the-guard area, afternoon, ~2.5 hours.
- Netherlands Carillon — Rosslyn, see the bells and enjoy a panoramic view toward Washington, evening, ~45 minutes.
Morning
Take the Blue or Yellow Line from central Washington to King St–Old Town, allowing 25–40 minutes; contactless payment or SmarTrip is easiest. On this Memorial Day holiday, check Metro’s weekend service before leaving and aim to arrive around 8:30am. Walk downhill along King Street toward the Alexandria waterfront, where the promenade and Oronoco Bay Park are especially pleasant before the day-trippers arrive. Allow about an hour to stroll past the marina and river-facing parks; the views toward National Harbor are better in the softer morning light, and you can pick up coffee from Misha’s Coffee on King Street.
Continue inland to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, open Tuesday–Sunday in normal weeks but subject to holiday scheduling—verify the Memorial Day opening time before setting out. The compact museum takes roughly an hour and gives useful context to Alexandria’s colonial streets, with original tavern rooms and period furnishings. Afterward, spend 30–45 minutes browsing Old Town Books, an independent shop on King Street with a particularly good local-history and travel section. Walk or take the free King Street Trolley a few blocks toward the waterfront for lunch at Virtue Feed & Grain, a handsome warehouse-style restaurant near the river; expect about $25–45 per person before drinks and tip, and book ahead because the holiday weekend can be busy.
Afternoon and Evening
From Virtue Feed & Grain, return to King St–Old Town and take the Blue Line toward Arlington, changing as needed for Arlington Cemetery station; allow around 25–35 minutes door to door. Set aside 2½ hours for Arlington National Cemetery, including the main memorial avenues and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier area. Memorial Day is one of the cemetery’s busiest periods, with ceremonies and security arrangements potentially affecting access, so arrive with photo ID, wear comfortable shoes, and check the official schedule before visiting. The grounds are extensive and gently hilly; the cemetery’s tram tour can save walking, but it may sell out or operate differently on the holiday.
Finish at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, reached by a short rideshare or roughly 20 minutes on foot from the cemetery’s northern side. The 50-bell tower sits in West Potomac Park beside open lawns and offers one of the best free evening perspectives over Washington’s skyline, particularly around sunset. Check whether a scheduled recital is taking place, as bell performances are occasional rather than guaranteed; bring water and a light layer, since the exposed hill can feel breezy. From there, return by rideshare or Metro to central Washington—allow extra time if Memorial Day road closures are still in effect.
Tysons and McLean
- Great Falls Park — McLean, begin with dramatic Potomac overlooks and short riverside trails, morning, ~2 hours.
- Claude Moore Colonial Farm — McLean, experience a working 18th-century-style farm and rural history, late morning, ~1.5 hours.
- The Perch at Capital One Hall — Tysons, walk the elevated park and view its public art, afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Tysons Corner Center — Tysons, browse shops and take a break in the large shopping complex, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Founding Farmers Tysons — Tysons, substantial farm-to-table dinner, evening, ~$25–45 per person.
Morning
Drive from Alexandria to Great Falls Park via I-495 west and the Clara Barton Parkway, leaving around 7:30–8:00am. Allow 30–45 minutes, more if Memorial Day traffic is still lingering, and arrive early for the best chance of finding a parking space. The park opens at 7:00am; the entrance fee is typically around $20 per vehicle, valid for several days. Spend about two hours at the overlooks around Matildaville and Patowmack Canal, then follow a short section of the River Trail. The main overlooks are close together, but the rocks can be uneven and slippery—good walking shoes are worthwhile. Bring water and a snack, as facilities inside the park are limited.
Late morning, drive roughly 15 minutes to Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean. This working historical farm usually opens late morning or around midday on public-opening days, so check its 2027 calendar before committing; operating hours and admission can vary by event and season. Allow about 90 minutes to see the gardens, livestock and reconstructed farm buildings, with interpreters explaining 18th-century rural life. It is a quieter, more hands-on contrast to the busy river scenery, but there is little shade, so sun protection is useful.
Afternoon and Evening
After the farm, drive about 20–25 minutes to The Perch at Capital One Hall, using local roads or the Dulles Toll Road depending on traffic. This elevated park is free and makes a pleasant afternoon pause, with public art, planting and views across Tysons; allow about an hour. Continue on foot to Tysons Corner Center, where you can browse the shops, take a coffee break and cool off indoors for roughly 90 minutes. The center generally keeps retail hours around 10:00am–9:00pm, though individual stores vary. Finish with dinner at Founding Farmers Tysons—reservations are sensible, particularly on a weekday evening after a busy day. Expect about $25–45 per person before drinks and tip, with hearty American dishes and a much more substantial meal than a typical shopping-center stop.
Fairfax City
- Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center — Fairfax City, get local context through exhibits on Fairfax’s history, morning, ~1 hour.
- Historic Blenheim — Fairfax City, tour the Civil War-era farmhouse and view preserved graffiti, late morning, ~1 hour.
- Fairfax Farmers Market — Fairfax City, browse regional produce and prepared foods if operating on the day, midday, ~1 hour; lunch ~$10–25 per person.
- George Mason University’s Johnson Center — Fairfax, see the lively university center and campus architecture, afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Korean barbecue restaurant in Annandale — Annandale, enjoy Fairfax County’s well-known Korean dining scene, evening, ~$30–55 per person.
- Lake Accotink Park — Springfield, finish with a relaxed lake walk and sunset views, evening, ~1.5 hours.
Morning
Drive from Tysons to Fairfax City around 8:00am via VA-123 south or I-495/VA-236; allow 25–40 minutes in weekday traffic. Begin at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, a compact, useful introduction to the area’s colonial, Civil War and suburban history. It generally opens in the morning, admission is free, and an hour is enough. From there, drive or walk a few minutes to Historic Blenheim, where a guided tour of the Civil War-era farmhouse reveals remarkably well-preserved soldiers’ graffiti. Check the tour schedule ahead—access can be limited outside scheduled openings—and allow about an hour.
Midday and Afternoon
If it is operating on this Wednesday, browse the Fairfax Farmers Market around lunchtime for Virginia produce, baked goods and prepared food; confirm the seasonal schedule before setting out, as market days and hours can change. Budget roughly $10–25 per person, and allow an hour rather than treating it as a rushed meal. Afterward, drive about 10 minutes to George Mason University’s Johnson Center. Spend an hour seeing the lively student center and walking a little of the surrounding campus; weekday activity gives it more character than a weekend visit, though some interior areas may have access restrictions. Parking on campus usually requires payment or a visitor permit, so check the university’s visitor-parking rules before arriving.
Evening
Head about 20 minutes east to Annandale, one of Fairfax County’s best areas for Korean food. Choose a well-reviewed Korean barbecue restaurant such as Iron Age Korean BBQ or Honey Pig, allowing $30–55 per person depending on drinks and the number of grilled dishes ordered; dinner can be busy, so expect a wait or reserve where possible. Finish with a slower-paced drive of roughly 15–20 minutes to Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. Walk the lakeside paths for around 1½ hours, arriving well before sunset because park facilities and boat operations have seasonal closing times. The water views and wooded trail are especially pleasant after dinner, but bring a torch or use your phone light for the return walk if dusk arrives before you leave.
Reston and Herndon
- Reston Town Center — Reston, start with public art, cafes, and an easy pedestrian-area stroll, morning, ~1 hour.
- Reston Museum — Reston, learn about the community’s planned-town origins, late morning, ~45 minutes.
- Lake Anne Plaza — Reston, explore the distinctive waterfront village and have lunch, midday, ~1.5 hours; ~$20–40 per person.
- Reston National Golf Course — Reston, play a round or use the driving range for a leisurely afternoon activity, afternoon, ~2–4 hours.
- The Breeze — Herndon, have dinner at this casual local restaurant and brewery, evening, ~$20–40 per person.
Morning
Drive from Fairfax City to Reston Town Center around 8:00am via VA-236 and the Fairfax County Parkway; allow 25–35 minutes in weekday traffic. Park in one of the town-center garages—parking is generally free for short visits—and begin with a relaxed stroll around the pedestrian plaza, where cafés, fountains and public art make for an easy start. Stop for coffee and breakfast at Lake Anne Coffee House, then walk about 10 minutes to the Reston Museum, a small volunteer-run museum explaining Robert E. Simon Jr.’s planned-community vision and Reston’s early development. Check its opening days and hours before setting out, as they can be limited; admission is usually free or by donation.
Continue to Lake Anne Plaza, one of Reston’s most distinctive corners, about a 10-minute drive or a longer walk along local paths. Take time to wander the waterfront village, admire its concrete modernist architecture and browse the small independent shops before lunch at Lake Anne Brew House, where pizzas, sandwiches and locally brewed beer make an easy meal; allow about $20–40 per person. After lunch, drive roughly 10 minutes to Reston National Golf Course. Book a tee time in advance for a full round, or reserve the driving range if you prefer a shorter, less committed afternoon. The course is public, and club rental and range prices vary, but expect the afternoon activity to take anywhere from two to four hours; bring water, particularly in early June.
Evening
From Reston National Golf Course, allow about 15 minutes by car to The Breeze in Herndon. It is a casual, local-feeling spot for dinner and house beer rather than a formal end to the day, with typical main dishes costing around $20–40 per person. If you have played a full round, aim to arrive around 6:30–7:00pm and check the kitchen hours ahead of time; weekday traffic on nearby roads can still be slow at peak times. A designated driver is sensible if sampling the brewery’s beers, and rideshare is more practical than trying to connect the two suburbs by public transport.
Great Falls and McLean
- Riverbend Park — Great Falls, walk the wooded Potomac trails and look for local wildlife, morning, ~2 hours.
- Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center — Potomac, Maryland, explore the C&O Canal history and overlooks from the Maryland side, late morning, ~1.5 hours.
- Old Angler’s Inn — Potomac, enjoy a scenic lunch near the canal, midday, ~$25–50 per person.
- McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre — McLean, check for a daytime performance, exhibition, or cultural program, afternoon, ~1.5–2 hours.
- The Union — McLean, finish with modern American food and drinks, evening, ~$30–60 per person.
Morning
Drive from Reston to Riverbend Park around 8:00am, allowing 25–40 minutes; use the Dulles Toll Road if traffic is light, or local roads to avoid tolls. Parking at the park is limited but usually straightforward early in the morning. Spend about two hours on the wooded Potomac trails, keeping an eye out for deer, foxes, herons and spring wildflowers. Wear shoes with decent grip and bring water—some paths can be muddy after rain. From there, drive roughly 15 minutes to the Maryland side of the river and Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, where you can explore the old canal infrastructure, lock system and overlooks along the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Allow around 90 minutes; the falls and canal paths are particularly pleasant before the midday heat.
Lunch and Afternoon
For lunch, drive about 10 minutes to Old Angler’s Inn, a relaxed, historic restaurant near the canal in Potomac. Its shaded outdoor seating is ideal after the morning walk, and mains generally run about $25–50 per person; booking ahead is sensible, especially on a Thursday with good weather. After lunch, allow approximately 25–35 minutes to reach the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. Check the programme in advance, as daytime offerings vary between performances, gallery exhibitions and community cultural events; allow 1½–2 hours and arrive early if the event uses reserved seating. This makes a gentler afternoon after the trails rather than adding another major sightseeing stop.
Evening
Finish at The Union in McLean, only a short drive from the community centre. It is a convenient place for modern American food and drinks, with dinner typically costing about $30–60 per person before extras. Reserve if possible, particularly for the patio or an early dinner slot, and leave the car parked while you eat. The evening is best kept unhurried: McLean is quiet and residential compared with central Washington, so this is a good night to enjoy a proper meal rather than chase another attraction.
Dulles and Chantilly
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Chantilly, tour the enormous aviation and space collection, morning, ~3 hours.
- Matchbox — Chantilly, have pizza and American comfort food for lunch, midday, ~$20–40 per person.
- Sully Historic Site — Chantilly, tour the preserved 18th-century plantation house and grounds, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Dulles International Airport observation area — Dulles, watch aircraft activity from a suitable public viewpoint near the airport, late afternoon, ~45 minutes.
- The Cheesecake Factory at Fair Oaks Mall — Fairfax, convenient final-night dinner and shopping stop, evening, ~$25–45 per person.
Morning
Leave McLean around 8:00am for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, taking the Dulles Toll Road west before joining Route 28 south; allow roughly 35–50 minutes in weekday traffic, plus time for the toll. The museum opens at 10:00am, so you may arrive a little early—parking is plentiful and costs about $15 per vehicle, while admission is free. Allow around three hours inside: the enormous space-shuttle, aircraft and aviation displays are best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, and the observation tower is worth checking if visibility is good.
Lunch and Afternoon
Drive about 10 minutes to Matchbox in Chantilly for pizza and American comfort food; expect roughly $20–40 per person, and allow about an hour. Afterwards, continue approximately 10 minutes to Sully Historic Site, where a guided or self-guided visit to the preserved 18th-century plantation house and grounds takes about 1½ hours. Check the day’s tour schedule before setting out, since house access can be timed and seasonal hours vary. The surrounding lawns and outbuildings give this stop a quieter, rural feel that contrasts nicely with the morning’s huge modern museum.
Late afternoon, head toward Dulles International Airport for about 45 minutes of aircraft watching from a suitable public viewpoint near the airport; check current access and parking conditions first, as informal roadside stopping is not appropriate around the terminal approaches. Finish at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, where The Cheesecake Factory makes an easy final-night dinner stop—budget $25–45 per person, with plenty of nearby shopping if you still have energy. Keep the evening relaxed and allow extra time to refuel and return the rental car if your departure is early the following day.
Departure from Washington Dulles
- Washington Dulles International Airport — depart Chantilly for the airport, allowing ~15–25 minutes plus rental-car return; arrive about 3 hours before the London flight.
- Washington Dulles to London — return flight, with rental-car drop-off, security, and international departure procedures completed before boarding.
Morning
Plan to leave Chantilly roughly 3½–4 hours before your London flight—earlier if your departure falls during a busy Sunday afternoon or you need to refuel the car. Take VA-28 north directly to Washington Dulles International Airport; the drive is usually 15–25 minutes, but allow extra time for weekend traffic and finding the airport rental-car return entrance. Follow signs for the rental-car center, photograph the vehicle and fuel gauge before handing it back, then take the courtesy shuttle to the terminal. If using Uber or Lyft instead, arrange pickup at your accommodation with enough buffer for the driver to reach you.
Airport and Departure
At Washington Dulles International Airport, aim to be inside the terminal about three hours before departure. Complete airline check-in and baggage drop, then allow time for security; your London flight will depart from the main terminal’s international concourses, reached via the airport’s AeroTrain or mobile lounges depending on the gate. Once airside, pick up snacks and water—prices are high, so buy anything you want before reaching the gate—and check the flight display for gate changes. Keep your passport, boarding pass and any medication in your hand luggage, and remember that U.S. departure formalities are generally handled by the airline and airport rather than through a separate outbound immigration desk.
Journey Home
Your Washington Dulles-to-London flight will take roughly 7–8 hours eastbound, usually arriving the following morning in the UK. Before boarding, confirm your onward transport from your London airport and keep your rental agreement or final fuel receipt until the car-hire company confirms the return.
