Belle Haven VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Belle Haven, Virginia.
1. Mount Vernon Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile scenic path that runs along the Potomac River, connecting Gateway Park in Rosslyn to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and spectacular views of the Washington, D.C. skyline across the river. The paved trail offers a peaceful escape from urban life while providing historical context through its connection to significant landmarks.
2. Belle Haven Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Belle Haven Park offers scenic trails that wind through wooded areas alongside the Potomac River. The park provides a perfect setting for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor recreation activities for families and nature enthusiasts. Its peaceful environment makes it a popular destination for locals seeking a quick escape into nature without traveling far from the community.
3. Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
TIDAL WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is home to one of the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington area. The preserve is renowned for its abundant bald eagle sightings, making it a popular destination among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Visitors can explore the marsh via kayak or canoe, offering a unique perspective of this important ecological habitat.
4. Belle Haven Marina
WATERFRONT BOATING CENTER
Belle Haven Marina serves as a popular launching point for boaters and kayakers wanting to explore the Potomac River. The marina houses the Mariner Sailing School, offering classes for those looking to develop their sailing skills in a supportive environment. Its convenient location provides easy access to water recreation while connecting to nearby trails and parks.
5. Fort Willard Historic Site
CIVIL WAR FORTIFICATION
Fort Willard Historic Site preserves the remains of a Union Army fort that played a role in the defense of Washington during the Civil War. The fort's earthworks and interpretive signs help visitors understand the strategic importance of this position during a pivotal time in American history. Today, the site serves as both a historical landmark and a small community park that honors the area's military heritage.
6. Belle Haven Country Club
HISTORIC SOCIAL HUB
Belle Haven Country Club dates back to the early 20th century and serves as a central social institution for the community. The club features an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, and dining facilities that bring residents together for recreation and socializing. Its annual Belle Haven Four-ball invitational amateur golf tournament highlights the club's sporting tradition and community spirit.
7. Virginia Hang Gliding
ADRENALINE-PUMPING ADVENTURES
Virginia Hang Gliding offers exhilarating aerial experiences for adventure seekers in the Belle Haven area. Their highly-rated adrenaline and extreme tours provide a unique perspective of Virginia's stunning landscapes from above. Both beginners and experienced enthusiasts can enjoy professionally guided hang gliding adventures that combine safety with the thrill of flight.
8. Blue Crow Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
Blue Crow Antique Mall houses an extensive collection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items from various eras. Shoppers can browse through a diverse selection of merchandise offered by multiple vendors under one roof. The mall has become a destination for both serious collectors and casual visitors looking for unique pieces with historical significance.
9. George Washington's Mount Vernon
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC ESTATE
George Washington's Mount Vernon is the historic wooden house and plantation built in 1758 that served as the home of the first president of the United States. The meticulously preserved estate includes the mansion, outbuildings, gardens, and Washington's final resting place on sprawling grounds along the Potomac. Visitors can experience 18th-century plantation life through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and seasonal demonstrations that bring American history to life.
10. Gravelly Point Park
PRIME PLANE WATCHING
Gravelly Point Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to watch planes taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport from an incredibly close vantage point. Located within the George Washington Memorial Parkway and overseen by the National Park Service, this green space combines aviation enthusiasm with outdoor recreation. The park's proximity to the Mount Vernon Trail also makes it popular with cyclists and runners exploring the Potomac River corridor.
11. Old Town Alexandria
HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Old Town Alexandria is a charming historic district just a couple miles from Belle Haven featuring well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets. The area boasts over 200 independent restaurants and boutiques along with important historic sites connected to America's founding era. Its picturesque waterfront along the Potomac River offers dining, cruises, and cultural events throughout the year.
12. Huntley Meadows Park
WETLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Huntley Meadows Park encompasses 1,500 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and meadows that support a rich variety of wildlife near Belle Haven. Its signature boardwalk trail allows visitors to observe beavers, herons, and numerous other species in their natural environment without disturbing the ecosystem. The park's visitor center offers educational programs and exhibits about the local ecology and conservation efforts.
13. Torpedo Factory Art Center
CREATIVE WATERFRONT COMPLEX
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a former naval munitions factory transformed into one of the largest collections of publicly accessible working artist studios in the United States. Visitors can watch artists creating original works in various media across three floors of studios and galleries. The waterfront location in nearby Alexandria makes it an essential cultural destination that combines art appreciation with the opportunity to purchase directly from local creators.
14. National Harbor
WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
National Harbor is a 350-acre waterfront resort destination on the Potomac River featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options just a short drive from Belle Haven. The development's iconic Capital Wheel offers panoramic views from 180 feet above the river, while the outdoor plaza hosts seasonal activities and public art installations. Visitors can also browse the distinctive shops at Tanger Outlets or enjoy water taxi service connecting to Alexandria and Washington DC.
15. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIC SITE
The Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House features two significant but contrasting architectural treasures on one historic site near Belle Haven. Woodlawn was built in 1805 on land gifted by George Washington, while the Pope-Leighey House is a rare example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian homes designed for middle-income families. Together, these preserved houses tell the story of American domestic architecture across different eras and social classes.