Top Things to Do Near Dulles International Airport

Located just west of Washington, DC in the state of Virginia, USA, Dulles International Airport boasts more inbound overseas flights to America’s Capital Region than any other airport in the area. And to make matters extra convenient, the airport’s Silver Line Metro station offers easy rail access to Washington, DC and other destinations throughout the Capital Region. 

Here are some things to do in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia, USA that are in close proximity to Dulles International Airport.

National Mall & Memorial Parks — Washington, DC

Some of the most-visited US National Parks sites in America are the National Mall & Memorial Parks. Climb to the top of the iconic Washington Monument for a bird’s-eye view of DC or make your way to the Lincoln Memorial to see the famous tribute to America’s 16th president. Along the Mall, you’ll also find memorials celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thomas Jefferson — both of these sit along Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin, where you can rent pedal boats. In spring, the basin is surrounded by the pale pink blooms of cherry trees. 

Getting there: You can reach the National Mall in about 75 minutes via the Metro Silver Line or in 35 minutes via car.

Smithsonian Museums — Washington, DC

The Mall also is flanked by several of the world-renowned Smithsonian museums, all of which are free to enter. Peruse numerous collections at the National Museum of American History, including the pop-culture exhibition Entertainment Nation, which features Tejano singer Selena’s jacket, Prince’s guitar, the original Kermit the Frog muppet, Captain America’s shield and so much more. At the National Gallery of Art, marvel at temporary exhibitions from the likes of Native American artists, Mark Rothko and Dorothea Lange or browse their permanent collections, which boast paintings, ancient Chinese pottery, 18th-century furnishings and a vast array of other treasures.

Getting there: You can reach the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall in about 80 minutes via the Metro Silver Line or in 40 minutes via car.

Smithsonian Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Chantilly, Virginia, USA

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, directly adjacent to Dulles International Airport, is the companion site to Washington, DC’s National Air and Space Museum. The Smithsonian facility's two huge hangars house thousands of aviation and space artefacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, Gemini VII space capsule, a Concorde, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the first Boeing 707 prototype, and the Boeing B-29 Enola Gay. The museum’s observation tower also allows visitors to watch planes landing at Dulles. Admission is free, and parking is $15 per car before 4pm.

Getting there: From Dulles Airport Ground Transportation Level, take Fairfax Connector No. 983 one stop to Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center; the ride takes about 30 minutes via the connector or 10 minutes via car.

Manassas National Battlefield Park — Manassas, Virginia, USA

The 5,000-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the site of the American Civil War’s First and Second Battles of Manassas (also known as the Battles of Bull Run). Drive or walk the trails of the scenic yet solemn battlefield, where markers, monuments and memorials retell the history of the site. The Henry Hill Visitors Center features electronic battle maps, displays of equipment and battle memorabilia, and a film covering both battles.

Getting there: You can reach the battlefield via a 20-minute car trip.

George Washington's Mount Vernon — Mount Vernon, Virginia

The faithfully restored home of America’s first president, George Washington, Mount Vernon features commanding views of the Potomac River. Tour the mansion and gardens, as well as the museum, which is home to 23 galleries and theatres as well as more than 700 artefacts and interactive displays. During select months and days, you can even tour the distillery and join a whiskey tasting (as long as you’re not the driver!).

Getting there: From Dulles International Airport, George Washington’s Mount Vernon takes 55 minutes to reach via car.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping in Virginia, USA

After perusing the variety of high-end retail outlets the airport has to offer, make your way to Tysons Corner Center — home to one of the largest concentrations of American shops on the USA’s East Coast (outside of New York City). For big bargains from brand-name retailers, head to the Leesburg Premium Outlets.

Find more shopping in America’s Capital Region.

Getting there: Tysons Corner Center is a 40-minute ride on the Metro Silver Line or a 16-minute drive by car. Leesburg Premium Outlets is a 20-minute drive by car or 90-minute ride via public transport (the Metro Silver Line and two bus connections).

Find more information on Washington Dulles International Airport.