Looking to hike a piece of history? These scenic historic trails in Prince William, VA will enable you to experience Ameican History ranging from George Washington's fabled cherry tree to modern-day Marine history. History-lovers will enjoy this 2-day itinerary through DC's historic countryside.
Day 1
Morning: Your day begins with a somber walk through the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. With over a mile of walking trail, the park has memorials and bricks dedicated to the service of all Marines. See over 40 monuments and memorials along the path and stop at the three overlooks to reflect and contemplate the freedom provided to Americans by these valiant Marines.
Travel north on historic Route 1 to Dumfries where you’ll stop at the Weems-Botts Museum. Once the law office of Benjamin Botts, Aaron Burr’s youngest defense lawyer during his treason trial in 1807, this quaint home has a wonderful story to tell, which the guides can do outside or inside the home. The house was also used as a bookshop for the creator of the George Washington cherry tree story, Mason Locke “Parson” Weems. Within a short walking distance of the museum is a 17th-century cemetery, which can be included as part of your tour.
Lunch: After a busy morning, head north to Woodbridge for lunch outside at Stonebridge at Potomac Towne Center. Of the many restaurants to choose from, most of them have outdoor seating. If you’d rather go at your own pace, grab something to-go and eat in the large public plaza with a number of café style tables and chairs. From Uncle Julio’s Mexican and Brew Republic Bierwerks craft brewery to P.F. Chang’s and Brixx Wood Fire Pizza, there’s a cuisine to please nearly any appetite.
Afternoon: Put your walking shoes on this afternoon for a trip along the Potomac National Heritage Trail. Part of this enormous trail network passes through eastern Prince William County, including a phenomenal ¾ mile boardwalk over the Neabsco Creek and surrounding marsh. With breathtaking views and fabulous wildlife spotting, you’ll get lost in the tranquility of this special spot. For a quick diversion during your jaunt, you will want to visit Rippon Lodge, the second oldest home in Prince William County and conveniently located along the trail.
Evening: After your time on the water, enjoy lunch at one of the over dozen restaurants in town. From hidden gems like the Secret Garden Café to views of the river at Madigan’s Waterfront, you’ll find a place to calm any craving in town. A trip to Occoquan also wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the dozens of stores to find a special treasure for you or someone you know. You’ll find quaint fashion boutiques, antique stores, homemade bakeries and confectioners, and a gamut of other charming shops during your leisurely stroll through town.
Places to Stay
Best Western Battlefield Inn
- 10820 Balls Ford Road
The Best Western Battlefield Inn features 25 comfortable furnished double/doubles, deluxe king, non-smoking, and…
Best Western Potomac Mills
- 14619 Potomac Mills Road
With a stay at Best Western Potomac Mills in Dale City, you'll be in the business district and minutes from Potomac…
Candlewood Suites Dumfries
- 16927 Old Stage Road
The Brand New Candlewood Suites Dumfries - Quantico is located just 3 miles North of Quantico Marine Base in Dumfries…
Candlewood Suites Manassas
- 11220 Balls Ford Road
Ideal for extended business trips, family vacations and temporary housing, this hotel's suites in Manassas provide…
Chopawamsic Backcountry Camp Sites
- 18100 Park Headquarters Road
Chopawamsic (chop-ah-wahm-zik) Backcountry Area, which means by the small "divided streams" or "river flats" in…
Comfort Inn near Quantico Main Gate North - Dumfries
- 16931 Old Stage Road
Make the Comfort Inn Near Quantico Main Gate North hotel your home away from home when visiting the Dumfries, Virginia…
Comfort Suites Manassas
- 7350 Williamson Boulevard
Step back in time when you visit historic Prince William, VA and stay at the Comfort Suites® Manassas Battlefield Park…
Comfort Suites Near Potomac Mills
- 14525 Gideon Drive
Get a great night’s rest at the Comfort Suites Near Potomac Mills hotel. lt doesn’t matter if you’re here at our…
Courtyard Potomac Mills
- 14300 Crossing Place
*Newly Renovated** One of the most conveniently located hotels near Potomac Mills Mall, I-95 & Prince William Parkway…
Days Inn Dumfries Quantico
- 16925 Old Stage Road
Experience warm and welcoming hospitality between Washington D.C. and Fredericksburg at Days Inn Dumfries Quantico…
Days Inn Manassas Battlefield
- 7249 New Market Court
Make the most of your trip at our Days Inn Manassas Battlefield hotel. Conveniently located directly off Interstate 66…
Extended Stay America Select Suites Gainesville
- 14141 Dave's Store Lane
WoodSpring Suites Gainesville, Virginia is an extended stay hotel. Ideal for military members, students, tourists…
Fairfield Inn & Suites Potomac Mills
- 2610 Prince William Parkway
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at Potomac Mills is conveniently located off I-95 and is minutes from Potomac…
Hampton Inn Dumfries Quantico
- 16959 Old Stage Road
Maybe you've come to our hotel in Dumfries to see the FBI Academy. Perhaps you're looking to visit nearby Quantico…
Hampton Inn Gainesville-Haymarket
- 7300 Atlas Walk Way
Located off the famed Route 66, the Hampton Inn Gainesville-Haymarket hotel is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge…
Hampton Inn Manassas
- 7295 Williamson Boulevard
Experience a relaxing vacation at the Hampton Inn Manassas hotel, convenient to I-66, and just 20 minutes from…
Hampton Inn Potomac Mills Woodbridge
- 1240 Annapolis Way
Conveniently located off Interstate 95, our hotel is near shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Enjoy shopping…
Hillwood Camping & RV Park
- 14280 Gardner Manor Place
Tucked amongst the beautiful forests of Gainesville in Northern Virginia, Hillwood Camping Park is a long-term…
Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket
- 15001 Washington Street
Your group will have historic stay in Haymarket! Just a minute down the road from the Haymarket Museum, our hotel is…
Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket
- 15001 Washington Street
Just a minute down the road from the Haymarket Museum, our hotel is six miles from Manassas National Battlefield Park…
Hilton Garden Inn Manassas
- 7001 Infantry Ridge Road
Ample and free motorcoach parking, 52 rooms with two beds, and a full hot breakfast are just some of the reasons to…
Hilton Garden Inn Manassas
- 7001 Infantry Ridge Road
We're just north of I-66, five minutes from Manassas National Battlefield Park. Old Town Manassas is within 20 minutes…
Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge
- 2500 Neabsco Common Place
Get a great night's sleep near Potomac Mills! We're next to I-95, minutes from shops at Potomac Town Center. Sentara…
Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge
- 2500 Neabsco Common Place
The Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge welcomes your group with open arms! With a full-service, on-site restaurant, fully…
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manassas
- 10810 Battleview Parkway
The newly renovated Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manassas, VA Hotel is a friendly and affordable choice for business…
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodbridge
- 14030 Telegraph Road
Located in Prince William County and just 23 miles from downtown Washington, DC, our Woodbridge hotel puts you in close…
Holiday Inn Express Dumfries
- 3901 Fettler Park Drive
As one of the newest hotels in Dumfries, the Holiday Inn® Dumfries- Quantico Centers location is the perfect place for…
Holiday Inn Manassas Battlefield
- 10424 Balls Ford Road
Welcome to one of newest hotels in Northern Virginia, the Holiday Inn Manassas Battlefield, our hotel features a…
Home2 Suites Woodbridge Potomac Mills
- 14005 Telegraph Road
Feel right at home at the newly built Home2 Suites by Hilton Woodbridge Potomac Mills hotel. Located just minutes from…
Homewood Suites Woodbridge
- 2650 Neabsco Common Place
Whether you're visiting a Marine at Quantico or in town for meeting at Fort Belvoir, their location off I-95 is ideal…
Homewood Suites Woodbridge
- 2650 Neabsco Common Place
The Homewood Suites Woodbridge welcomes your group with open arms! With larger than average guest rooms with fully…
Inn at Evergreen
- 15890 Berkeley Drive
This 11-bedroom Inn, that was once a Civil War Era mansion, offers the perfect blend of modern amenities, historic…
La Quinta Inn & Suites Manassas
- 6950 Nova Way
Amenities & Services: Pillowtop Beds Free High-Speed Internet Access Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access Free…
La Quinta Inn & Suites Manassas-Dulles Airport
- 7408 Centreville Road
Join us at the NEW La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manassas-Dulles Airport, off VA-28. We are 14 miles from Dulles…
Leesylvania State Park
- 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive
The birthplace of "Light Horse" Harry Lee, father of Civil War General Robet E. Lee, this 500-acre state park on the…
Motel 6 Dumfries
- 17133 Dumfries Road
Motel 6 Dumfries is conveniently located near area dining, Potomac Mills Mall and Prince William Forest. Enjoy free…
Oak Ridge Campground
- 18100 Headquarters Road
Oak Ridge Campground is a 100-site campground with bathrooms, grills, picnic tables, and drive-up campsites. Both tents…
Prince William Forest Park
- 18170 Park Entrance Road
Prince William Forest Park protects the largest piedmont forest in the national park system and the largest green space…
Prince William Forest Park Historic Cabin Camps
- 18100 Headquarters Road
These rustic camps, constructed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, contain sleeping cabins , mess halls…
Prince William Forest RV Campground
- 16058 Dumfries Road
The Prince William Forest RV Campground is a concessionaire-operated campground with full hook-ups. The campground…
Quality Inn Manassas
- 10653 Balls Ford Road
The Quality Inn® hotel in Manassas lets you relax and focus on the people and experiences you came for. We’re merely…
Quality Inn Woodbridge
- 1109 Horner Road
The Quality Inn® Near Potomac Mills hotel in Woodbridge lets you relax and focus on the people and experiences you came…
Ramada Triangle / Quantico
- 4316 Inn Street
The Ramada Triangle/Quantico hotel is located near The National Museum of the Marine Corps and offers comfortable rooms…
Red Carpet Inn Dumfries
- 17005 Dumfries Road
Whether traveling to the Dumfries area for business or pleasure, we cordially invite you to be our guest at the Econo…
Red Roof Inn Dumfries
- 17113 Dumfries Road
Located just off of I-95, Red Roof Inn Dumfries – Quantico features newly-renovated rooms which include free…
Red Roof Inn Manassas
- 10610 Automotive Drive
Experience Red Roof PLUS+. Adding more WOW to your stay! Discover an enhanced experience with all-new rooms and our…
Residence Inn Manassas
- 7345 Williamson Boulevard
f you’re looking for hotels in Manassas, Virginia, you'll love the Residence Inn Manassas Battlefield Park. The…
Residence Inn Potomac Mills
- 14301 Crossing Place
Among hotels in Woodbridge, VA, there are few that offer the comfort and convenience of Residence Inn Potomac Mills…
Sleep Inn Woodbridge
- 14080 Shoppers Best Way
Every room at the Sleep Inn® hotel in Woodbridge is a simply stylish sanctuary designed for a happy night’s sleep…
Spark by Hilton Woodbridge
- 2621 Prince William Parkway
Welcome to the Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson, Potomac Mills Woodbridge, VA, conveniently located just off I-95…
SpringHill Suites Gainesville Haymarket
- 7921 Gateway Promenade Place
This modern hotel offers an unbeatable location in Virginia Gateway shopping center, within walking distance of…
SpringHill Suites Potomac Mills
- 14325 Crossing Place
Whether you're visiting for business or leisure the SpringHill Suites Potomac Mills Woodbridge has what you’re looking…
Super 8 Dumfries/Quantico
- 17416 Jefferson Davis Highway
Make Super 8 Dumfries / Quantico hotel your gateway to adventure. Conveniently located off Interstate 95 at Exit 95A…
The Rose Gaming Resort
- 17680 Colonial Street
With more than 100 hotel rooms, The Rose Gaming Resort is your escape from the ordinary. A stay at The Rose defies…
TownePlace Suites Potomac Mills Woodbridge
- 14090 Shoppers Best Way
Experience the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott Potomac Mills Woodbridge where your group will encounter the perfect…
TownePlace Suites Potomac Mills Woodbridge
- 14090 Shoppers Best Way
Experience the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott Potomac Mills Woodbridge where guests will encounter the perfect…
Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground
- 18100 Headquarters Road
Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground(tents only) is a 9-site campground with bathrooms (no showers), grills and picnic…
WoodSpring Suites Manassas
- 10910 Balls Ford Road
WoodSpring Suites Manassas is an extended stay hotel for guests needing a great, comfortable room for several nights or…
Wyndham Garden Manassas
- 10800 Vandor Lane
Convenience is Key. Wyndham Garden Manassas is located 25 minutes southwest of Washington, D.C. We are easily…
Yorkshire Inn
- 7611 Centreville Road
Book your room at Days Inn Manassas hotel, near Bull Run Park, and have a sunsational vacation. Free parking for your…
Morning: Keep your hiking shoes on as you head to Manassas for a jaunt through historic Manassas National Battlefield Park. This over 5,000-acre park features over 40 miles of hiking paths with two trails dedicated to the First and Second Battles of Manassas. The serene atmosphere the park provides is a great place to reflect on the impactful history that occurred here over 150 years ago. Don’t to take your picture with General “Stonewall” Jackson atop Henry Hill.
Lunch: Just down the street from Manassas National Battlefield is City Grille, a local favorite restaurant, and sports bar. Known for their comfort food in generous portions, their friendly and welcoming staff will make your dining experience memorable. Enjoy your meal on their large tiki bar inspired patio.
Afternoon: About a mile down the street is Ben Lomond Historic Site, one of the field hospitals used after the Battle of First Manassas. A guided tour of the house always begins outside, including one of the few remaining slave quarters still intact in Northern Virginia. Also on-site is an antique rose garden with historical panels throughout the property to create an educational and relaxing visit.