There’s plenty to see and do in Northern Virginia, and sometimes you need an expert guide to show you around the best spots. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the history of a neighborhood or want to discover local wineries and breweries, there are specialty tours in the area that make it fun to explore.
Spring Tours
Historic Garden Week
April 18–25
This April, you’ll get a chance to check out some of the most beautifully landscaped private gardens in the area. There are tours through Old Town Alexandria, Leesburg, Fairfax County, and more. Locations vary, starting at $43
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
May 16–17
Embrace Loudoun County’s agricultural charm with visits to see the county’s many farms. You’ll have chances to check out animal farms with llamas and alpacas, flower farms, vegetable farms, and even apiaries to see how honey is made. Multiple locations in Loudoun County, free
Food Tours
Virginialicious
Get some expert insight into NoVA’s robust Korean food scene with a tour of four to six Korean restaurants in downtown Annandale. It’s led by local foodie Mina Kim. Annandale, starting at $89
Blue Fern Travel’s Old Town Alexandria Food Tour
Old Town Alexandria has so many restaurants to explore, it’s impossible to choose just one. Instead, try the Southern Comfort Old Town Alexandria Food Tour for samplings from locally owned restaurants. Old Town Alexandria, starting at $120
Beer & Wine Tours
All ABoard VA Wine Tours & Charcuterie
What’s better than wine and charcuterie? These tours bring you through Virginia’s wine country, with stops at top local wineries and crafted cheese boards to snack on along the way. Tours are available in four regions around Virginia. Locations vary, prices vary
Fairfax City Beer Tour
Get a taste of local brews from three Old Town Fairfax breweries at this bi-monthly tour. The experience includes three beers and one shared appetizer. Fairfax City, starting at $37 for non-drinkers, $80 for drinkers
Vineyard Voyages
Tours with Vineyard Voyages can pick you up straight from the West Falls Church Metro station and bring you through three Loudoun County wineries so you don’t have to worry about driving while sampling Virginia’s wines. West Falls Church Metro, Falls Church, starting at $99
History & Ghost Tours
Alexandria Colonial Tours
Head to Alexandria to learn more about the city’s history and legends. You can choose from a ghost tour through Old Town to learn about ghost stories, legends, folklore, and more, or go for a history tour to learn about figures like George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Old Town Alexandria, $20
Occoquan Spirits
In downtown Occoquan, get a taste of local ghost stories with these tours. There’s a haunted history tour that’s family-friendly, or a haunted pub crawl where adult visitors can “toast to the ghosts” at four of Occoquan’s most famous haunts. Occoquan, $25–$30
Feature image courtesy Alexandria Colonial Tours
