8 Things To Do In Vienna, VA

If you’re looking for small-town charm less than 20 miles from Washington, D.C., you’ll find it in Vienna, Virginia. This town has something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie or history buff. We’ve rounded up eight of our favorite things to do in Vienna, Virginia that should be on your to-do list. 

Top 8 Things To Do In Vienna, Virginia 

At Southern Management, we love living in the Vienna area. We asked Melissa Lucas, our Senior Communications Specialist, about living in the area. “There are so many great places to eat!” she says. “I don’t love to cook, so it’s great having so many options. I feel like living in the Vienna and Tysons area allows me to be in the action for shopping, food and entertainment. I don’t run out of things to do.” 

Here are our top recommendations for fun things to do in Vienna, Virginia. 

Go Shopping in Old Town Vienna, Virginia

Church Street and Maple Ave. in downtown Vienna

Old Town Vienna, Virginia has an amazing selection of independent shops to browse. You can easily make an entire day of perusing the shops on Maple Avenue and Church Street. Find your next favorite read at Bards Alley or a great new record at Vienna Music Exchange. Shop for charming home decor at the Pear Tree Cottage, or find a hidden gem at Just Like New consignment. If you’re going green, check out Trace: The Zero Waste Store, which sells refillable products without plastic packaging. 

Stroll the Meadowlark Gardens

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court

The stunning Meadowlark Gardens are located just outside of Vienna and are the perfect place to stroll on a sunny day. The gardens span over 95 acres and have miles of trails to explore. There are a variety of native plant gardens as well as ornamental gardens enhanced with sculptures and other outdoor art. Meadowlark Gardens hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including holiday lights during the winter. 

Have A Pint at Caboose Brewing Company

520 Mill St. NE

Northern Virginia has a thriving craft beer scene, and Caboose Brewing Company’s first brewpub is located right in the heart of Vienna. Known for its creative brews and fresh farm-to-table food, this brewery is an excellent place to relax with family or friends. They also have a spacious patio that is open year round. 

Visit The Freeman Store and Museum

131 Church St. NE

Looking for things to do in Vienna, Virginia that connect to the local history? History buffs will want to check out the Freeman Store and Museum, a historic general store located in downtown Vienna. The store was originally built during the Civil War and has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can shop for gifts and used books, or visit the museum to learn more about Vienna’s fascinating history. 

See A Show at Wolf Trap

1551 Trap Road

Old Town Vienna is just a few miles from Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the only park of its kind in the United States. Wolf Trap is home to the Filene Center, an outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate over 7,000 people, as well as The Barns at Wolf Trap, which is a smaller, more intimate indoor venue. Wolf Trap attracts many different types of performing arts talent, including both pop and classical music, opera, theater and dance. Visitors can also take tours of the park or take a hike on the 2.5-mile Wolf Trap trail. 

Browse The Vienna Farmer’s Market

120 Cherry St. SE

The summer months are the perfect time to check out the Vienna Farmer’s Market, which is held every Saturday from May to October. Located in the Vienna Community Center, the farmer’s market brings together vendors from the surrounding Fairfax County area. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables and even enjoy some live music. 

Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Entrances on Park Street and Maple Street 

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) runs right through downtown and is one of the best free things to do in Vienna, Virginia. This trail is 45 miles long: starting in Shirlington and running all the way to Purcelville. This trail was originally a railroad and has since been converted into one of Northern Virginia’s most popular recreation areas. It’s a great place for hiking, biking or rollerblading, and there’s also an adjacent equestrian trail. The W&OD trail also connects many popular parks and attractions throughout Northern Virginia. 

Rock Out at Jammin Java

227 Maple Ave. E

Jammin Java is a one-of-a-kind music venue located in Old Town Vienna. This bar and concert venue hosts live music across a wide variety of genres while serving an excellent menu of craft beer and New Jersey-style pizza. Jammin Java is also home to a music school with lessons available for both children and adults. 

Find Your Home in Vienna

With so many fun things to do, it’s easy to see why so many people love living in Vienna, Virginia. “Take advantage of being close to D.C. without constantly battling traffic or bad moods,” says Melissa Lucas. “There are joys of a more suburban style of living, I’ve found it much easier to make friends and relationships with my neighbors.” 

Vienna offers the best of both worlds: proximity to the big city and plenty of amenities nearby, but a slower pace. At Southern Management, we’re here to help you find your next apartment in the Vienna area. We offer a variety of communities in Vienna and throughout Northern Virginia. Contact us today to learn more or explore all our communities.