Located right next door to our nation’s Capitol and overflowing with historical sites, Northern Virginia is a must for any American history lover. Whether you’re looking for adventure or solitude, family outings, Civil War or early 20th century history, Northern Virginia has something for everyone.

Here is our list of top 8 Historical Sights to visit when in Northern Virginia.

1. Mount Vernon Estate

No tour of Northern Virginia or Washington DC would be complete without a trip to George Washington’s estate on the Potomac River. While this is one of the most popular sights to see, it is still a very special experience and highly recommended to learn about the first president of the US.

2. The Manassas National Battlefield Park

This massive park was the site of the 1st and 2nd Battles of Manassas during the Civil War. The 5,000-acre park is home to dozens of walking tours and an interactive visitors center filled with artifacts and a new theater that plays a 45-minute educational movie. 

3. Iwo Jima Memorial 

This monument, a dedication to the US Marines serving since 1700s, was inspired by a Pulitzer Prize winning photograph of one of the most important battles of World War II. The monument is located near Arlington National Cemetery and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Quantico National Cemetery

Open from sunrise to sunset, the Quantico National Cemetery is a beautiful memorial surrounded by hundreds of trees on a rolling hills vista. 

5. National Museum of the Marine Corps

This museum is a narration of America’s history told through artifacts, recounting and memories of the Marines. The museum is divided into chapters of America history, separating out each war to delve deeper into each section of time. Make sure to see the new 45-minute film that helps put all the museum’s findings into one special piece.

6. Morven Park: Loudoun’s Civil War “Rallying Point”

Located in Leesburg and known as a living museum, this mansion and gardens have several guides that are called “historical interpreters” who act as Civil War solider and civiians during 1861 and 1862, to give visitors a very interactive tour experience.

7. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Is your family interested in space exploration? If so, visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a part of the Smithsonian National Air Museum, to see the space shuttle Enterprise, the Lockheed SR-71 and many other space and aircrafts critical to American history.