# Washington DC Museums, Gardens & Virginia Adventures > Explore Virginia's hiking trails, historical sites, and Washington DC's museums and gardens with this guide by @emilygoesplaces, featuring 53 curated places. Travel map by @emilygoesplaces on Nowy · 53 places · Updated 2026-10-01 Interactive map: https://map.nowy.io/emilygoesplaces/emilygoesplaces-travel-guide More maps by this creator: https://map.nowy.io/emilygoesplaces This travel guide by @emilygoesplaces explores diverse experiences across Virginia, Washington D.C., and the wider DMV area. It features 53 curated places, encompassing challenging hikes in Shenandoah National Park, historical landmarks in Leesburg, vibrant gardens, and prominent museums in Washington D.C. The collection also highlights various summer and fall fairs, alongside unique activities like sunset sails on the York River. This map is ideal for travelers seeking active exploration and rich historical and cultural insights in the Mid-Atlantic region. ## Featured places in Washington DC and Virginia ### DC Category: Other · Coordinates: 38.9071923, -77.0368707 DC refers to Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. It is a hub for museums, monuments, and cultural events. @emilygoesplaces is a DC-based travel creator. ### National Mall Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.889931, -77.035278 National Mall is a national park in Washington D.C., home to many of the city's most famous monuments and museums. It is a central location for national events and cultural attractions. @emilygoesplaces mentioned it in relation to museums and fairs. ### Stafford County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.4083333, -77.4083333 Stafford County Fair is an annual county fair in Stafford, Virginia. It is listed as one of the recommended fairs in the DMV area for summer and fall. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### State Fair of Virginia Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.8930556, -77.4083333 State Fair of Virginia is an annual state fair in Doswell, Virginia. It is one of the many summer and fall fairs recommended in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### St. Mary’s County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.2916667, -76.6458333 St. Mary’s County Fair is an annual county fair in Leonardtown, Maryland. It is among the summer and fall fairs recommended for visitors in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### The Great Frederick Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.4208333, -77.4083333 The Great Frederick Fair is an annual agricultural fair in Frederick, Maryland. It is listed as one of the recommended fairs in the DMV area for summer and fall. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Charles County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.5388889, -76.9833333 Charles County Fair is an annual county fair in La Plata, Maryland. It is one of the many summer and fall fairs recommended in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Anne Arundel County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.0069444, -76.5930556 Anne Arundel County Fair is an annual county fair in Crownsville, Maryland. It is among the summer and fall fairs recommended for visitors in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Maryland State Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.4347222, -76.6269444 Maryland State Fair is an annual state fair in Timonium, Maryland. It is listed as one of the recommended fairs in the DMV area for summer and fall. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Montgomery County Agricultural Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.1438889, -77.2019444 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is an annual agricultural fair in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It is one of the many summer and fall fairs recommended in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Arlington County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.8783333, -77.0947222 Arlington County Fair is an annual county fair in Arlington, Virginia. It is among the summer and fall fairs recommended for visitors in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Prince William County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.7458333, -77.5083333 Prince William County Fair is an annual county fair in Manassas, Virginia. It is listed as one of the recommended fairs in the DMV area for summer and fall. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Fairfax County Carnival & Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.9608333, -77.4097222 Fairfax County Carnival & Fair is an annual event in Herndon, Virginia. It is one of the many summer and fall fairs recommended in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Loudoun County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.0991667, -77.5638889 Loudoun County Fair is an annual county fair in Leesburg, Virginia. It is among the summer and fall fairs recommended for visitors in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Fauquier County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.7083333, -77.8166667 Fauquier County Fair is an annual county fair in Warrenton, Virginia. It is listed as one of the recommended fairs in the DMV area for summer and fall. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Howard County Fair Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.3005556, -76.9922222 Howard County Fair is an annual county fair in West Friendship, Maryland. It is one of the many summer and fall fairs recommended in the DMV area. @emilygoesplaces included it in her guide to regional fairs. ### Deanwood Category: Other · Coordinates: 38.901667, -76.936111 Deanwood is a neighborhood in Northeast Washington D.C., accessible by Metro. It is a point of access for visitors to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. @emilygoesplaces provided directions to the gardens via this station. ### Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.912557662025, -76.940195560455 Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a national park unit in Washington D.C., famous for its lotus and water lily blooms. It hosts an annual festival celebrating these aquatic plants. @emilygoesplaces highlighted the annual bloom and festival. ### Lincoln Memorial Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.889335169465, -77.048778713855 Lincoln Memorial is an iconic national monument in Washington D.C., honoring Abraham Lincoln. It features a new 15,000-square-foot underrcroft museum detailing its history. @emilygoesplaces highlighted the new museum and advised on booking tickets. ### United States Capitol Building Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.8899, -77.0091 United States Capitol Building is the meeting place of the United States Congress in Washington D.C. It is an iconic symbol of American democracy. @emilygoesplaces featured it in a video celebrating America's birthday and her move to DC. ### Shenandoah National Park Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.5218, -78.4417 Shenandoah National Park is a national park in Virginia, encompassing part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers extensive hiking trails and scenic drives, including the famous Skyline Drive. Old Rag Mountain is a prominent feature within the park. ### Old Rag Mountain Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.551758193409, -78.314147740602 Old Rag Mountain is a challenging hiking destination in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. It is known for its rewarding summit views and rock scramble sections. @emilygoesplaces highlighted it as a favorite for its physical and mental benefits. ### Arlington, Virginia Category: Other · Coordinates: 38.8816, -77.091 Arlington, Virginia is a city in Northern Virginia, known for its proximity to Washington D.C. It serves as a residential and commercial hub with various urban amenities. ### Nokesville, VA Category: Other · Coordinates: 38.71391, -77.58434 Nokesville, VA is a community in Prince William County, Virginia. It is home to Burnside Farms, a popular destination for sunflower picking. @emilygoesplaces recommended it for a day trip from DC. ### Hector’s of Nokesville Category: Eat · Coordinates: 38.71391, -77.58434 Hector’s of Nokesville is a Mexican restaurant in Nokesville, Virginia. It is known for its quick, affordable, and friendly service. @emilygoesplaces suggested it for a post-farm visit meal. ### Burnside Farms Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.7191, -77.58318 Burnside Farms is a farm in Nokesville, Virginia, famous for its seasonal flower fields. It offers visitors the chance to wander through and pick sunflowers. @emilygoesplaces recommended it for a summer day trip. ### Wellington Category: Other · Coordinates: 26.65617, -80.26477 Wellington is a village in Palm Beach County, Florida, recognized as a global center for equestrian sports. It is particularly famous for its polo tournaments and facilities. ### The Palm Beaches Category: Other · Coordinates: 26.7153435, -80.0564998 The Palm Beaches is a region in Florida, known as a premier destination for polo enthusiasts. It offers a luxurious lifestyle and numerous equestrian events. ### West Potomac Park Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.886, -77.047 West Potomac Park is a park in Washington D.C., part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It hosts various events and recreational activities, including polo matches like The District Cup. ### Stevie's Ice Cream Category: Eat · Coordinates: 37.71261, -76.38139 Stevie's Ice Cream is an ice cream shop in Lancaster, Virginia. It provides a sweet treat for visitors exploring the Chesapeake Bay area. @emilygoesplaces enjoyed an ice cream cone from this establishment. ### Chesapeake Bay Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.7, -76.2 Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, located in Maryland and Virginia. It is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and enjoying fresh seafood. @emilygoesplaces enjoyed a Fourth of July weekend here. ### Lancaster, Virginia Category: Other · Coordinates: 37.76988, -76.46588 Lancaster, Virginia is a county in coastal Virginia, part of the Chesapeake Bay region. It offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and enjoying fresh seafood. ### Capital One Arena Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.901, -77.0209 Capital One Arena is an indoor arena in Washington D.C., hosting sports and entertainment events. It is a major venue in the city's downtown area. @emilygoesplaces featured it with American flag decorations. ### US Marine Corps War Memorial Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.8905, -77.0699 US Marine Corps War Memorial is a national memorial in Arlington, Virginia, depicting the raising of the second flag on Iwo Jima. It is a powerful symbol of military service. @emilygoesplaces featured it as an iconic American memorial. ### Mount Vernon Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.7077, -77.086 Mount Vernon is the historic estate of George Washington in Fairfax County, Virginia. It offers tours of the mansion, gardens, and grounds. @emilygoesplaces featured it as a historical site celebrating America's birthday. ### Mount Rushmore National Memorial Category: Do · Coordinates: 43.8791079, -103.4590667 Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. It features the faces of four US presidents. @emilygoesplaces included it in a video celebrating iconic American landmarks. ### Washington Monument Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.8894839, -77.0352784 Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk in Washington D.C., commemorating George Washington. It is a prominent landmark on the National Mall. @emilygoesplaces featured it in a video celebrating America's birthday. ### George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.2368, -76.509 George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge is a bridge spanning the York River in Virginia. It is a prominent landmark visible during sunset sails. @emilygoesplaces featured it in her sailing content. ### Serenity Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.23847, -76.50967 Serenity is a sailboat operating on the York River in Yorktown, Virginia. It is featured in videos showcasing sunset sails. @emilygoesplaces highlighted the vessel during a sunset sail experience. ### Virginia's Historic Triangle Category: Other · Coordinates: 37.23847, -76.50967 Virginia's Historic Triangle is a region in southeastern Virginia, encompassing Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It is rich in American colonial history and offers numerous historical attractions. @emilygoesplaces noted a sunset sail as a perfect way to end a day here. ### York River Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.23847, -76.50967 York River is a tidal estuary in eastern Virginia, flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. It is a scenic waterway popular for boating and sailing. @emilygoesplaces enjoyed a sunset sail along its waters. ### Tall Ship Alliance II Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.23847, -76.50967 Tall Ship Alliance II is a sailing vessel operating on the York River in Yorktown, Virginia. It offers scenic sunset sails, providing views of historic landmarks. @emilygoesplaces recommended booking a sunset sail aboard it. ### Yorktown, Virginia Category: Do · Coordinates: 37.23847, -76.50967 Yorktown, Virginia is a historic town on the York River, known for its role in the American Revolution. It offers waterfront views and historical landmarks. @emilygoesplaces recommended a sunset sail here. ### National Sporting Library & Museum Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.9806, -77.7375 National Sporting Library & Museum is a museum in Middleburg, Virginia, dedicated to equestrian and field sports. It provides educational resources and exhibits, with discounted admission through the Loudoun Heritage Pass. ### Leesburg, Virginia Category: Other · Coordinates: 39.1137, -77.5623 Leesburg, Virginia is a historic town in Loudoun County, known for its charming downtown and proximity to historical estates. It serves as a gateway to Virginia's wine country and historical attractions. ### Morven Park Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.0984, -77.5925 Morven Park is a historic estate and equestrian center in Leesburg, Virginia. It offers discounted admission through the Loudoun Heritage Pass, featuring gardens, museums, and horse events. ### Dodona Manor Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.113534, -77.559677 Dodona Manor is a historic home in Leesburg, Virginia, once owned by George C. Marshall. Its preserved interiors and gardens offer a glimpse into American history. Produce from its gardens is donated to local hunger relief. ### Oatlands Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.0436, -77.6062 Oatlands is a historic plantation and garden in Leesburg, Virginia. It is a National Historic Landmark offering tours and events, with discounted admission available via the Loudoun Heritage Pass. ### Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum Category: Do · Coordinates: 39.0069, -77.4107 Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is a museum in Sterling, Virginia, preserving the agricultural heritage of Loudoun County. It offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, with discounted admission through the Loudoun Heritage Pass. ### Loudoun Hunger Relief Category: Other · Coordinates: 39.10091, -77.55391 Loudoun Hunger Relief is a non-profit organization in Loudoun County, Virginia. It receives produce donations from local historic sites like Dodona Manor to support the community. ### Massachusetts Category: Other · Coordinates: 42.3600825, -71.0588801 Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is known for its rich history and diverse landscapes. @emilygoesplaces grew up in Massachusetts. ### Costa Rica Category: Other · Coordinates: 9.9280694, -84.0907246 Costa Rica is a country in Central America, known for its biodiverse rainforests and coastlines. It is a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure travel. @emilygoesplaces lived there for a year during her master's studies. ### National Air and Space Museum Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.8881511, -77.0198658 National Air and Space Museum is a museum on the National Mall in Washington D.C., part of the Smithsonian Institution. It features new galleries showcasing aviation and space exploration artifacts. @emilygoesplaces highlighted its newly opened exhibits as a free attraction.