The 15 Best Things To Do In Falls Church, Virginia

Cherry Hill Farmhouse
Photo:

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Lots of places like to tout that they offer the best of both worlds, but Falls Church, Virginia, is one destination where the claim is actually true. The town of fewer than 15,000 is located just a 30-minute drive from our nation’s capital, and those 10 miles across the Potomac River make a world of difference in the type of experience visitors get. Falls Church’s location means visitors can easily access all the attractions of the big city, while still getting to experience the charm and character of a small Southern town. Comparing D.C.’s historical landmarks and vibrant cultural scene to that of Falls Church would be like comparing apples to oranges, but it’d be a disservice to not acknowledge all Falls Church offers in its own right. Get a blast from the past by visiting an Early American farm, shop a walkable downtown, or tempt your tastebuds with restaurants representing diverse cuisines—these are the 15 best things to do in Falls Church, Virginia.  

Meet Locals At The Weekly Farmers’ Market

Falls Church Farmers' Market

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Falls Church’s year-round farmers market is where the town gathers each Saturday morning to catch up and stock up on fresh produce and homemade food products. Open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. April through December and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from January through March, you don’t want to miss this weekly festival held in the City Hall parking lot. Start your morning here with baked goods from Grace’s Pastries and a cup of joe from Catoctin Coffee.

fallschurchva.gov/FarmersMarket

Explore Vietnamese Culture At Eden Center

Eden Center

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Part of what makes D.C. so great is that it’s a cultural melting pot where residents from all over the world influence the city’s culture and cuisine. And yet, D.C. has nothing on Eden Center, the largest Vietnamese commercial center on the East Coast and the largest Asian mall on North America’s East Coast. The center is home to more than 125 family-owned businesses that range from restaurants and grocery stores to jewelry stores and specialty shops. There are dozens of places to find authentic Vietnamese cuisine here, so having at least one meal (plus some bubble tea and maybe a snack) is a prerequisite. Other landmarks to see include the Clock Tower, which is an exact replica of the one in downtown Saigon, and the Lion Arch off Wilson Boulevard.

edencenter.com; 6751-6799 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044

See Historic Falls Church

The Falls Church

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

You can’t visit Falls Church without seeing the historic prayer house it was named after. The Falls Church was established as an Episcopal church in 1732 and moved into its current brick building in 1762. The church welcomes all to its Sunday service, but you can stop by any time to see the establishment that gives the town its name.

thefallschurch.org; 115 East Fairfax Street, Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-241-0003

Book A Night At Meeting House

The Meeting House

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

This boutique hotel is the perfect place to base your stay if you’re looking for a little Southern hospitality. You’ll be welcomed at check-in with a homemade cookie from onsite dining option Godfrey’s Bakery & Café. When you wake up, enjoy complimentary Illy coffee and a muffin from Godfrey’s, then take advantage of the hotel’s included bike rentals. Rooms are equipped with smart TVs and mini fridges, and there’s even a pillow menu so you’re guaranteed to get a good night’s sleep.

mh421.com; 421 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046; 571-378-1143

Shop The Stores Downtown

Broad Street Falls Church

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Falls Church scores high for its walkability, and one of the best ways to get your steps in is by perusing the city’s downtown stores. You’ve got to stop into Brown’s Hardware, which opened as a general store in 1883 and is the community’s oldest family-owned business. Other places to shop include Botanologica for plants, home décor, and gifts; Lucuma for boutique clothing; and Falls Church Antique Annex. If you need a pick-me-up in between your purchases, head to Rare Bird Coffee Roasters for a cappuccino or Lil City Creamery for a double scoop.

Visit Cherry Hill Farm

Cherry Hill Farmhouse

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Find a direct pipeline into Falls Church’s earlier day at Cherry Hill Farm, a historic family farm that was founded in 1845. To celebrate the country’s bicentennial in 1976, the city of Falls Church decided to restore and preserve Cherry Hill. Today visitors can take a guided tour of the mid-19th century house, barn, and outbuildings, where you’ll find period furnishings and décor and an antique tool collection. The grounds are also home to Cherry Hill Park, which features a basketball court, playground, picnic shelters, tennis courts, grills, and more.

cherryhillfallschurch.org; 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-248-5171

Sit For A Spell At Mr. Brown’s Park

Mr. Brown's Park

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

If you need a little break while you’re exercising your credit card downtown, make a pitstop at Mr. Brown’s Park. Located right on Broad Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare, it’s a well-landscaped outdoor living room filled with Adirondack chairs and tables perfect. The spot, which is named for the family that owns Brown’s Hardware, is the perfect place to take a breather. Be sure to snap a picture with its two colorful murals before you head on your way.

fallschurchva.gov/1768/Mr-Browns-Park; 100 Block of W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046

Have Unlimited Brunch At The Falls

The Falls Restaurant

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

There’s something for everyone at this modern American eatery in the heart of downtown. It’s a great place to take a leisurely lunch or dinner that starts with appetizers like brisket dumplings or smoked chicken wings, followed by a vegetable blue plate or shrimp and grits with a craft cocktail. But the real star of the show is their unlimited small plates brunch offered on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For $32 per person, you can order as many small plates for the table as you please. Options range from housemade donuts to smoked salmon toast to baby back ribs to fried chicken and waffles.

thefallsva.com; 370 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-237-8227

Grab A Pint At Audacious Aleworks Brewery

Audacious Aleworks

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

One of the town’s favorite gathering places, Audacious Aleworks came on the scene in 2018 and has been locals go-to spot for great beer and even better company ever since. There’s a huge menu of rotating beers, with at least 20 on tap at any given moment. Not a fan of beer? Gluten-free seltzers and slushies are part of the menu too.  

audaciousaleworks.com; 110 E Fairfax St, Falls Church, VA 22046; 571-303-0177

Have A Michelin-Quality Food At Ellie Bird

Ellie Bird

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Little sister to D.C.’s acclaimed, Michelin-starred Rooster & Owl, Ellie Bird opened in Falls Church in spring 2023. Owners Yuan and Carey Tang grew up in Falls Church, and wanted to bring a chef-driven but still approachable dinner spot to their hometown. Make a reservation for dinner where you’ll have your pick of seasonal, globally inspired dishes like grilled sea bream with miso corn chowder and pork pozole with mojo-braised shoulder.

elliebirdva.com; 125 Founder’s Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-454-8894

Reconsider Vietnamese Cuisine At NUE Elegantly Vietnamese

NUE Elegantly Vietnamese

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

You should absolutely check out the many excellent Vietnamese restaurants at Eden Center, but you should also have the unparalleled dining experience at NUE Elegantly Vietnamese. The contemporary fine-dining restaurant creates innovative reinterpretations of old-school favorite dishes. For the best experience, come with a few friends or family members and order the Family Style Set, which is basically a tour of the restaurant’s top-selling dishes, from Green Papaya ‘Caesar’ Salad to Pho Pate to Coconut Curry Risotto.

nuevietnamese.com; 944 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046; 571-777-9599

See Live Music At The State Theatre

State Theatre

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Built in 1936 as a movie theater, the State Theatre got a multimillion-dollar makeover in the 1990s that made it one of the area’s most beloved live music venues. Today you can see bands rock out on the original stage, while you enjoy a meal from a full dining menu. Not looking to eat? Head to the balcony to sit in one of 200 original seats.

thestatetheatre.com; 220 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-237-0300

Learn About Black History At Tinner Hill

Tinner Hill Park

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

This historic park was built on the site of Joseph and Elizabeth Tinner’s home. The couple fought segregation laws that redrew boundary lines to cut directly through their town. A zigzag monument/art installation in the park shows the jagged line that divided the town. The Tinners’ work led to the first rural office of the NAACP.

novaparks.com/parks/tinner-hill-historic-park; 106 Tinner Hill Road, Falls Church VA 22042; 703-729-0596

Bike On The W&OD Trail

W&OD Trail

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

This rails to trails path follows the former line of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad. The 45-mile route runs from Shirlington to Purcellville, with Falls Church just a few miles down the road from Shirlington. For an active adventure that’s fun for the whole family, hop on a bike and start pedaling.

novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park

Have Lunch At Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

Clare & Don's Beach Shack

Courtesy of City of Falls Church

Barring oceanfront views, everything about having a meal at Clare & Don’s will put you on island time. The beach-themed restaurant is full of references to salty surf, and the menu is jam-packed with seafood specialties ranging from fried shrimp baskets to fish tacos. Expect live music several nights a week and trivia on Thursdays.

clareanddons.com; 130 North Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-532-9283

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