Government Island is an outdoor recreational area located in Stafford County and features a 4-mile hiking trail that drifts along the Potomac River. It's a great place to hike, birdwatch, or discover the geological significance of the island. Visitors can have fun with the kids, go kayaking or fishing, and have a great day outdoors.
Nestled in a peaceful cove on the Rappahannock River, Falmouth Beach Park features a lovely scenic walking trail and sandy beach area. Not only is it great for swimming and sunbathing, but it also features picnic facilities, a playground, boat ramp, and fishing pier. It's an ideal family-friendly spot for outdoor swimming, games, and late afternoon picnics.
If you are visiting Stafford, it's worth checking out the award-winning Potomac Point Winery and Vineyard. This beautiful facility offers vineyard tours, tasting classes, and on-site dining options. They also have some fantastic wines and special events throughout the year. Take a guided tour, learn about the wine-making process, and taste some of their signature wine selection while the kids have some grape juice.
For those interested in sea creatures, the Rappahannock Aquarium is a must-visit. It offers a wide variety of aquatic life from the local Rappahannock River and nearby Chesapeake Bay. There are hands-on activities for younger kids to learn while interacting with some of the ecosystem's creatures. You and your family can interact with and observe various aquatic creatures like seahorses, crabs, and other sea creatures.
If you are flying, there are two major airports that are close to Stafford, Virginia. Dulles International Airport, which is located 50 miles away from Stafford, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is located 45 miles away. You can hire a taxi or rent a car to travel to your hotel or throughout your trip. You can also download transportation booking apps to compare and search for local transportation, which is available at reasonable prices.
If you have more time, we recommend taking a tour of the Washington Monument, White House, and Mount Vernon. For less time, you can skip some of the attractions or consider visiting only Government Island and Falmouth Beach Park or Rappahannock Windery and Vineyard to make the most of your day.
The closest airport to Stafford, Virginia is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) which is located 45 miles from the city center. The other option is the Dulles International Airport, which is about 50 miles away from Stafford.