The 15 Best Things to Do in Falls Church, Virginia

Many places like to boast about offering the best of both worlds, but Falls Church, Virginia, is one destination where that claim actually holds true. The town of less than 15,000 residents is just a 30-minute drive from our nation’s capital, and those 10 miles across the Potomac River make a huge difference in the type of experience visitors get. Falls Church’s location means visitors can easily reach all the attractions of the big city while still experiencing the charm and character of a small Southern town. Comparing DC’s historic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene to Falls Church’s would be like comparing apples to oranges, but it would be a disservice not to acknowledge all that Falls Church has to offer on its own. Relive the past by visiting an early American farm, shop in a walkable downtown, or tantalize your taste buds with restaurants serving a variety of cuisines—these are the 15 best things to do in Falls Church, Virginia.

Meet locals at the weekly farmers market

The Falls Church year-round Farmers Market is where the town gathers every Saturday morning to stock up on fresh produce and homemade foods. Open from 8 a.m. to noon April through December and 9 a.m. to noon January through March, this weekly festival in the City Hall parking lot is not to be missed. Start your morning here with baked goods from Grace’s Pastries and a cup of coffee from Catoctin Coffee.

fallschurchva.gov/FarmersMarket

Discover Vietnamese culture at the Eden Center

Part of what makes DC so great is that it’s a cultural melting pot, with residents from all over the world influencing the city’s culture and cuisine. And yet, DC can’t hold a candle to the Eden Center, the largest Vietnamese trade center on the East Coast and the largest Asian shopping mall on the East Coast of North America. The center is home to more than 125 family-run businesses, from restaurants and grocery stores to jewelry and specialty shops. There are dozens of places to find authentic Vietnamese cuisine here, so at least one meal (plus some bubble tea and maybe a snack) is a must. Other landmarks include the Clock Tower, an exact replica of the tower in downtown Saigon, and the Lion Arch on Wilson Boulevard.

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

Visit historic Falls Church

You can’t visit Falls Church without seeing the historic house of worship for which it was named. Falls Church was founded in 1732 as an Episcopalian church and moved to its current brick building in 1762. The church welcomes everyone for Sunday services, but you can stop by any time to see the building that gives the city its name.

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

Book a night at the Meeting House

This boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for some Southern hospitality. Upon check-in, guests are greeted with a homemade cookie from the on-site restaurant, Godfrey’s Bakery & Café. Wake up to free Illy coffee and a Godfrey’s muffin, then take advantage of the hotel’s included bike rentals. Rooms come with smart TVs and mini-fridges, and there’s even a pillow menu so you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

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

Shop in the shops in the city centre

Falls Church scores highly for its walkability, and one of the best ways to get a little walking in is to browse the downtown shops. You must stop by Brown’s Hardware, which opened as a general store in 1883 and is the oldest family-owned business in the community. Other shopping options include Botanologica for plants, home decor and gifts, Lucuma for boutique clothing, and Falls Church Antique Annex. If you need a pick-me-up between shopping trips, head to Rare Bird Coffee Roasters for a cappuccino or Lil City Creamery for a double scoop.

Visit Cherry Hill Farm

For a direct connection to Falls Church’s past, visit Cherry Hill Farm, a historic family farm established in 1845. To celebrate the land’s 200th anniversary in 1976, the city of Falls Church decided to restore and preserve Cherry Hill. Today, visitors can take a tour of the mid-19th century house, barn and outbuildings, where you’ll find period furniture and decor, as well as a collection of antique tools. The grounds also include Cherry Hill Park, which features a basketball court, playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, barbecue areas and more.

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

Sit for a while in Mr. Brown’s Park

If you need a little break while you’re draining your credit card downtown, stop by Mr. Brown’s Park. Located right off Broad Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare, it’s a beautifully landscaped outdoor living area with Adirondack chairs and tables. Named after the family that owns Brown’s Hardware, the spot is the perfect place to take a breather. Be sure to snap a photo with the two colorful murals before heading out.

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

Enjoy unlimited brunch at The Falls

There’s something for everyone at this modern American spot in the heart of downtown. It’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner that starts with appetizers like brisket dumplings or smoked chicken wings, followed by a vegetable plate or shrimp and grits with a craft cocktail. But the real star of the show is the 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 like. The choices range from house-made doughnuts to smoked salmon toast and baby back ribs to fried chicken and waffles.

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

Treat yourself to a pint at Audacious Aleworks Brewery

One of the city’s most popular hangouts, Audacious Aleworks opened in 2018 and has since become the locals’ go-to spot for great beer and even better company. There’s a huge rotating beer menu, with at least 20 varieties on tap at any given time. Don’t like beer? Gluten-free sparkling water and slushies are also on the menu.

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

Enjoy a Michelin-quality meal at Ellie Bird

Ellie Bird, the little sister of DC’s acclaimed, Michelin-starred Rooster & Owl, is set to open in Falls Church in spring 2023. Owners Yuan and Carey Tang grew up in Falls Church and wanted to bring a chef-driven, yet accessible restaurant to their hometown. Make a dinner reservation and choose from seasonal, internationally 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

Rethink Vietnamese cuisine at NUE Elegantly Vietnamese

You should definitely try the many excellent Vietnamese restaurants in the Eden Center, but you should also enjoy the unparalleled dining experience at NUE Elegantly Vietnamese. The modern fine-dining restaurant creates innovative reinterpretations of traditional favorites. 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 best-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

Experience live music at the State Theatre

Built in 1936 as a movie theater, the State Theater underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in the 1990s and is now one of the area’s most popular live music venues. Today, you can watch bands rock out on the original stage while enjoying a meal from the menu. Don’t feel like eating? Head out to the balcony and take a seat in one of the 200 original seats.

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

Learn more about Black history in Tinner Hill

This historic park was built on the site of the home of Joseph and Elizabeth Tinner. The couple fought against segregation laws that moved boundary lines to run directly through their town. A Zigzag monument/art installation in the park depicts the jagged line that divided the town. The Tinners’ work led to the first rural branch of the NAACP.

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

Cycling on the W&OD Trail

This Rails to Trails trail follows the former route of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad. The 45-mile route runs from Shirlington to Purcellville, with Falls Church just a few miles 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

Lunch at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

Aside from the ocean views, a meal at Clare & Don’s will put you in the island spirit. The beach-style restaurant is full of nods to the salty surf, and the menu is packed with seafood specialties, from fried shrimp baskets to fish tacos. Enjoy live music several nights a week and trivia on Thursdays.

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