1. Mason Neck State Park
City: Lorton, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 7301 High Point Road
Description: This 1,814-acre park adjoins more than 2,000 acres designated as a wildlife refuge. Mason Neck is a bird-watcher’s dream: Bald eagles nest among the towering pines and hardwoods, and whistling swans and various varieties of ducks also frequent the park. Observe the resident birds unseen in blinds placed along the 3.5 miles of hiking trails. With wetlands as well as fields and forests, Mason Neck proves ideal for environmental study. Visitors also enjoy picnicking, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, and primitive camping for groups (800-933-PARK). A visitor center, open daily during the summer and on weekends during the spring and fall, offers interpretive exhibits on local plants and wildlife. The park is open 8 a.m. to dusk daily. Parking is $3 on weekdays, $4 on weekends.
2. Pohick Bay Regional Park
City: Lorton, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 339-8585
Address: 6501 Pohick Bay Drive
Description: Like neighboring Mason Neck State Park, this regional park in southeastern Fairfax County is home to nesting bald eagles. Water is the park’s mainstay. Visitors can bring their own boats, or rent sailboats or pedal boats. The park also features an outdoor pool, miniature and disc golf, picnic areas, and nature trails and bridle paths. You also can camp out here year-round at the family campground. (See our Golf listings for information about the course here.) Nonarea residents must pay an entrance fee of $7 per vehicle.
3. Pohick Bay Regional Park Golf Course
City: Lorton, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 339-8585
Address: 10301 Gunston Road
Description: One of three Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority courses—the others are the 701-yard Algonkian in Sterling and 6,764-yard Brambleton in Ashburn—recently renovated Pohick Bay takes pride in being rated by golf magazines as one of the area’s most challenging courses. The hilly, 18-hole, par 72 course with narrow fairways features a 6,405 yardage. Reserve tee times by phone or in person at 3 p.m. seven days in advance. The course also features a driving range, pro shop, and snack bar.
4. Gunston Hall Plantation
City: Lorton, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 550-9220
Address: 10709 Gunston Road
Description: George Mason, a framer of the Constitution and the father of the Bill of Rights whose namesake university is also in Fairfax, built this southeastern Fairfax County landmark in 1755. With its period furnishings, formal gardens, and exhibits, Gunston Hall serves as a landmark connection with the region’s colonial past. The home is more than just a museum or monument, though. It’s also a favorite spot for small meetings, parties, and receptions. Request a schedule of annual events, featuring such seasonal favorites as a kite celebration in March and Christmas programs in December. The plantation is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Home tours begin every half-hour.