Aug 24, 2022

Whether you’re new to Woodbridge or have called this city home for years, there are a few can’t-miss attractions to experience in Woodbridge, Virginia. Below, you can read about some of the best places to visit in Woodbridge.

Go on a Shopping Spree at Potomac Mills

Potomac Mills, formerly known as Washington Outlet Mall, is a shopping center right off I-95. You can spend hours walking around the center and exploring the hundreds of retail stores. You can buy anything from clothes and shoes to sporting gear and luxury items like purses and watches from high-quality, designer-name brands.

Potomac Mills has over 30 eateries where you can stop and enjoy a delightful meal in the middle of your shopping. These establishments feature foods from various cuisines like Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, and American, so you’re bound to find something you like. If you need to unwind after a long day of shopping, you can head to the center’s movie theater to relax and watch a film.

While you’re in the spirit of shopping for new items for yourself, consider your current vehicle situation, and visit us at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC if you need a vehicle upgrade. You can browse our inventory and check out new or pre-owned vehicle specials to secure the best deal.

Go Back in Time at the Rippon Lodge

Prince William County is rich in history, and you can discover some of this history by visiting the Rippon Lodge. This modest house was the county’s second permanent residence and is now the oldest standing house in the area. Richard Blackburn, a highly respected sailor, first built this lodge in 1747. Other families lived in it throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries until Prince William County bought it in 2000. The county carefully restored the house to bring back its historic charm and preserve the history behind it.

Today, you can visit the Rippon Lodge to admire its architecture and imagine yourself as one of its first residents. You can stroll the property’s gardens and grounds while enjoying awe-inspiring views of the Neabsco Creek and Potomac River. There are nearby walking trails to enjoy if you want to add some extra steps, including the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. Visitors can further immerse themselves in the lodge’s history by visiting the Atkinson and Blackburn family cemetery.

Feel free to explore on your own or join a tour group. The county follows a consistent tour schedule from May to October, so be sure to show up during touring hours. You may also make an appointment if you’d like to be a part of a tour outside of the regular tour hours.

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful natural site where the Potomac and Occoquan rivers meet. It’s open year-round, so you and your family can enjoy it no matter the time of year. Feel free to drive on through, as there’s a 1-mile wildlife drive if you prefer to stay in your vehicle. If you have the time to get out and explore, you can do so on the 3 miles of hiking trails.

These trails offer access to the area’s tidal marshes and grasslands, so you don’t have to miss out on a single inch of this beautiful scenery. The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge also has several trails that are wheelchair accessible, which makes them inclusive for everyone to enjoy.

You’ll want to bring a set of binoculars or a camera with you on your visit here to observe all the wildlife in their natural habitat. Reports have shown that at least 200 species of birds, including raptors and waterfowl, and 650 species of plants have been spotted at this site. Eastern gamagrass is abundant in Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and you may spot red fox and various types of deer wandering through the refuge.

Get Some Fresh Air at Belmont Bay Harbor

Belmont Bay Harbor is a beautiful marina in Woodbridge. It has a protected status, so you won’t see boats zooming by. Instead, it’s part of a no-wake zone to retain its calm and relaxing scenery. You can visit Belmont Bay Harbor and walk around the floating dock, observe the hundred or so boats that are docked here, and marvel at the beauty of the Occoquan River.

If you’d like, you can sign up for a boat cruise where an experienced tour guide will show you around the river. If you don’t have your sea legs and prefer to stay on land, there’s still plenty for you to do. You can shop for Belmont Bay merchandise at the gift shop or check out the harbormaster building to learn more about the marina’s operations.

Have a Family Day at Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge is a great place to have fun with the whole family. This park is adjacent to Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, and Marumsco Creek, so you can continue the outdoor fun here after a day at one of these sites.

Veterans Memorial Park has soccer fields, baseball diamonds, grassy areas, pickleball courts, swimming pools, and volleyball courts for visitors to enjoy. Little ones can go on the playground and enjoy endless fun on the swings, slides, and monkey bars. Older kids and kids at heart can pop an ollie and work on other shredding tricks on the park’s skate ramp. If interested, you can join a sports league or sign up for a dance class that the park hosts year-round.

Stop By Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC While You’re Out

As you’re exploring all the exciting attractions and memorable spots of Woodbridge, Virginia, you’ll want to have a reliable vehicle to get you where you want to go. Whether you need vehicle maintenance for your current car or truck, or want to complete a trade-in to get a new vehicle, you can contact our team or stop by our dealership today.


Nature by S.D Photo is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0