Need a convenient hub near D.C. with suburban comfort and big-city access? Head to Springfield, Virginia! Located in Fairfax County, Springfield offers a relaxed suburban atmosphere just minutes from Washington, D.C. With parks, shopping, global dining, and easy transit, Springfield is a smart base for exploring Northern Virginia and the nation’s capital.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Springfield is from April to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant temperatures and are perfect for outdoor adventures, cherry blossom viewing, and fall foliage. Summers are hot and active, while winters are cool and quieter.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Springfield is easily reached via I-95, I-395, and I-495, about 15–20 minutes southwest of Washington, D.C.
  • By Metro: The Franconia-Springfield Station is the terminus for the Blue Line and offers direct access to D.C.
  • By Plane: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is just 20 minutes away; Dulles International (IAD) is about 40 minutes.
  • By Train: Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) also stop at Franconia-Springfield station.

Where to Stay

  • Hilton Springfield – Modern hotel with spacious rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to I-95 and the Metro.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton – Great for extended stays with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a quiet location.
  • Comfort Inn & Suites Springfield – Affordable and convenient with quick access to area attractions and free parking.

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Lake Accotink Park – Enjoy kayaking, paddle boating, biking, and scenic trails around a peaceful lake.
  • Backlick Park – A small local gem with tennis courts, open space, and a relaxing picnic area.
  • Franconia-Springfield Trail – Popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists connecting to nearby neighborhoods and parks.
  • Hidden Pond Nature Center – Located nearby, this nature preserve features trails, wildlife, and family programs.

More to see and do:

Shop, Dine, and Catch a Movie at Springfield Town Center

Shop, Dine, and Catch a Movie at Springfield Town Center

© Springfield Town Center

The Springfield Town Center in Fairfax County is conveniently situated at the intersection of Fairfax Parkway, Interstate 495, Interstate 395, and Interstate 95, offering a great destination for a retail experience that satisfies the needs of shoppers. Many brands can be found inside the shopping center, including Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Forever 21, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bath and Body Works, American Eagle, and several others. In addition to the numerous retail shops, the Springfield Town Center is also home to Dave & Busters, the Regal Cinema, and a number of dining options, such as Yard House, Chuy’s, and Maggiano’s Little Italy.

6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150, Phone: 703-971-3000

Step Back in Time at the Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse

Step Back in Time at the Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse

© Sydenstricker Schoolhouse

Built back in the year 1928, the originally one-room Sydenstricker Schoolhouse was once Springfield’s center for social activities and education for the community. Today, it remains as a reminder of days gone by, as well as a testament to several generations for local residents who have loved the building and cared for it in order to preserve it over the many years. What’s unique about the more than ninety-year-old historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse is that it still acts as a thriving community center. The structure remains today structurally and architecturally intact with only a handful of minor changes.

8511 Hooes Road, Springfield, VA 22153

Where to Eat

Grab a Slice of Local Flavor at Malek's Pizza

Grab a Slice of Local Flavor at Malek's Pizza

© Malek's Pizza

Malek's Pizza opened in the Springfield community in 1994, after Joanne and Joseph Malek bought Plaza Pizza in 1981 and decided to reinvent and remodel the pizza joint. The restaurant was one of the first in town to offer delivery, carry-out, and dine-in, and continues to quality pizza today. The menu also includes subs, salads, and other specialties. Originally open until 10:00pm, Malek’s Pizza gradually extended its hours to meet demand. The restaurant is now open from 11:00am until 2:00am on Sundays, until 3:00am Monday to Thursday, and until 4:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

7118 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, Phone: 703-451-6969

Enjoy Family Favorites at Delia’s Pizzeria and Grill

Enjoy Family Favorites at Delia’s Pizzeria and Grill

© Brent Hofacker/stock.adobe.com

Delia's Pizzeria and Grill first opened its doors in Springfield in 1981 as a result of a shared dream of Soula and Ted Theodorou to establish a restaurant in the local community. The restaurant soon became a thriving business with wide-spread notoriety thanks to Soula welcoming patrons, the eye-pleasing decor, savvy management, and a natural love for Italian and Greek cuisine. The fresh and perfectly baked pizzas, however, are of course the stars of Delia's Pizzeria and Grill, made with Ted’s secret pizza crust recipe and high quality ingredients, bringing out a freshness and robust flavors that always impress.

6715-F Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, Phone: 703-451-0242

Catch the Game and Chow Down at Kilroy’s Restaurant and Sports Bar

Catch the Game and Chow Down at Kilroy’s Restaurant and Sports Bar

© Kilroy's Restaurant and Sports Bar

Originally founded in 1981 as Uncle Sam’s, Kilroy's Restaurant and Sports Bar was started by three friends who had a desire to fill a gap in the local community. The three saw a need in the Springfield community for a place where people could go to gather, have a great meal, celebrate the special moments in life, and simply relax. Kilroy's Restaurant and Sports Bar has been thriving ever since, serving a variety of delicious menu options to both local residents and visitors alike, including a wide selection of sandwiches, several different flatbread pizzas, salads, burgers, and many entree options.

5250-A Port Royal Rd, Springfield, VA, 22151, Phone: 703-321-7733

Dig Into Chili and Comfort Food at Hard Times Cafe

Dig Into Chili and Comfort Food at Hard Times Cafe

© Hard Times Café

Hard Times Cafe is a local chain that serves burgers, wings, chili, and much more in a simple, relaxed setting featuring flat-screen televisions. Open seven days a week from 11:00am until 2:00pm the restaurant is considered by many to be Springfield’s center for nightlife and sports viewing. A Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and DC United bar, the Hard Times Cafe carries most of the major sports packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket, the Big Ten Network, and the SEC Network. It also hosts regular events, such as World Tavern Poker on Thursday nights, and offers free pool and free shuffleboard.

6362 Springfield Blvd, Springfield, VA 22150, Phone: 703-913-5600

Feast on Italian Classics from the Brick Oven at Bertucci’s

Feast on Italian Classics from the Brick Oven at Bertucci’s

© Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta

Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta started out in Somerville, Massachusetts in 1981, with a central brick oven and serving a menu of handcrafted options, made with the freshest ingredients available and inspired by several family recipes. Today, there are more than fifty Bertucci's producing pizzas in brick ovens from the New England area down to Virginia, including one in Springfield. Each location reflects a love for authentic Italian cooking, along with the charm and unique character of the local community. Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta is open seven days a week from 11:00am until 10:00pm.

6525 Frontier Drive Springfield, VA 22150, Phone: 703-313-6700

If you are interested in local events:

  • Springfield Days (June) – Community festival with food trucks, car shows, a 5K race, and family-friendly fun.
  • Lake Accotink Summer Concerts – Free live music by the lake on select evenings throughout the summer.
  • Fall for Fairfax (October, nearby) – A huge family-friendly fall festival in nearby Fairfax with rides, crafts, and music.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Springfield, Virginia:

  • Washington, D.C. (20–30 min) – Explore monuments, Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and vibrant neighborhoods.
  • Mount Vernon (30 min) – Tour George Washington’s historic estate along the Potomac River in nearby Alexandria.
  • Old Town Alexandria (20–25 min) – Stroll cobblestone streets, visit boutique shops, and dine along the waterfront.
  • Tysons Corner (25–30 min) – Go shopping at one of the largest malls on the East Coast and explore upscale dining.
  • Great Falls Park (40–45 min) – Hike scenic trails and enjoy dramatic views of waterfalls along the Potomac River.

FAQ:

  • Where is Springfield, Virginia located?
    • The city of Springfield, Virginia, is one of the main business centers of Fairfax County.
  • What is the history of Springfield, Virginia?
    • Originally founded in 1847 as a station along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, the city has a nice local feel with plenty of opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and dining options both in town and in the surrounding area.
  • What outdoor activities are available in Springfield?
    • Visitors and locals alike can head to Lake Accotink for some outdoor recreational fun.
  • Where can visitors shop and dine in Springfield?
    • People can visit the Springfield Town Center, especially on a rainy day, for a little retail therapy before ending the day with a delicious meal.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms, great for outdoor exploration. Hilton Springfield – A comfortable stay near major attractions. Visit Lake Accotink Park – Enjoy scenic trails, kayaking, and picnic spots.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for outdoor activities and day trips to D.C. Courtyard by Marriott Springfield – A modern stay with easy access to the metro area. Take a short drive to Washington, D.C. – Explore museums, monuments, and vibrant nightlife.
Fall (September-November) – Cool air and beautiful fall foliage, great for hiking and scenic drives. Homewood Suites by Hilton Springfield – A great extended-stay option with home-like amenities. Explore Hidden Pond Nature Center – A peaceful spot for nature lovers.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and festive, perfect for holiday shopping and seasonal events. Springfield Suites by Marriott – A convenient stay near shopping centers. Visit Springfield Town Center – Shop, dine, and enjoy holiday events.

Plan Your Trip