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Quantico, Virginia: Where Fun is Always on the Agenda – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

Quantico exists because of the Marine Corps base, and the base is most of what you come for. The National Museum of the Marine Corps covers over 118,000 square feet of exhibits and will take a full day. The base tour is the other half. Everything else is outdoors and easy: Prince William Forest Park runs 15,000 acres and over 37 miles of hiking trails, and the Potomac River takes the fishing, the kayaking and the swimming. Washington is 35 miles north.

Planning a trip to Quantico, Virginia raises the question of where to start. This small town carries a range of activities and attractions and it works for most kinds of visitor. Outdoor time, historical trails, family days or dining and nightlife, Quantico has all four.

Marine Corps people are in the right place. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and Quantico National Cemetery are all here. For outdoor time, there is kayaking, fishing, hiking and biking in the Prince William Forest Park. And for film people, the Embassy Cigar Lounge, which appeared in the movie “Thank You for Smoking.”

This article covers the things to do and places to visit in Quantico, Virginia. Historical trails through to outdoor time, family days and dining and nightlife, it is all in here. Pack the bags and the camera.

Key Takeaways

• Quantico, Virginia offers a variety of activities and attractions for everyone, from outdoor adventures to historical trails, family fun time, and dining and nightlife.
• Marine Corps adventures are a must-visit in Quantico, including the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, and Quantico National Cemetery.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Prince William Forest Park, which offers kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities.

Quantico: A Little Gem in Virginia

Quantico, Virginia does not get talked about much and it holds more than its size suggests. It sits just 35 miles south of Washington D.C., which makes it a day trip or a weekend.

The town is known for the Quantico Marine Corps Base and there is more to it than that. History reader, outdoor enthusiast or anyone who takes food seriously, Quantico covers all three.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is the top attraction in Quantico. The exhibits cover the history and traditions of the Marine Corps properly. The famous flag raising at Iwo Jima through to the modern-day Corps, the people, places and events that shaped this branch of the military are all in there.

For outdoor time, head to Prince William Forest Park. The 15,000-acre park covers hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and camping. With over 37 miles of hiking trails, the forests, streams and wildlife take as long as you have.

For local cooking, stop by the Merge Cafe. The eatery serves sandwiches, salads and entrees made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, so what turns up is a surprise.

Quantico is small and it is worth the visit. The history, the landscape and the food between them fill a weekend.

Marine Corps Adventures

You are in Quantico, home to the Marine Corps Base Quantico and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps side of the trip follows from that.

Start at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The museum covers the history and traditions of the United States Marine Corps, with exhibits on the Corps’ involvement in every major conflict since its founding in 1775. The Medal of Honor Theater runs a film about the men and women who have received the Medal of Honor. The Museum Store handles the Marine Corps swag.

Next, Marine Corps Base Quantico. The base is home to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. A guided tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the Marine Corps operates. You see the Officer Candidate School, the Marine Corps Air Facility and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence. With luck you see Marines at work.

For something more hands-on, the Marine Corps Adventure Program. The program covers rock climbing, kayaking and camping. There is a survival course too, which teaches you how to live off the land the way a Marine does. Grab the gear and go.

Quantico is where the Marine Corps side of the trip sits. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Marine Corps Adventure Program between them cover it properly.

Outdoor Activities Galore

Quantico, Virginia rewards anyone who spends time outdoors. Hiking, fishing, a stroll or an hour looking at the scenery, all four are here. These are the outdoor activities worth the time in Quantico:

Hiking Trails

Quantico is home to some of the finest hiking trails in Virginia. The difficulty runs from easy strolls to serious treks. Hike through lush forests, along the Potomac River, or up to the overlooks. The Chopawamsic Backcountry Area Trails, the Quantico Creek Trail and the North Valley Trail are the popular ones.

Fishing

Anglers do well in Quantico. The Potomac River holds bass, catfish and trout among other species. Fish from the shore or rent a boat and head out onto the water. Bring the gear and a cooler to keep the catch fresh.

Wildlife Watching

Quantico is full of wildlife, deer and foxes through to bald eagles and ospreys. Take a stroll through the woods or along the river and keep your eyes open. Turtles, snakes and other reptiles turn up too.

Swimming and Boating

The Potomac River covers swimming, boating and kayaking. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down the river, or take a dip in one of the many swimming areas. Wear a life jacket and follow the safety guidelines.

Walking Trail

For a leisurely walk, the walking trail through the town of Quantico. The trail is paved and gives you the Potomac River and the surrounding forests. It works for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll.

Biking

For something more adventurous, Quantico has the biking trails. Bike through the woods, along the river, or up to the overlooks. Wear a helmet and bring plenty of water.

Quantico, Virginia rewards outdoor people. Hiking, fishing, strolling or looking at the scenery, all of it is here. Pack the bags, grab the gear and go.

Historical Trails

History readers are in luck. Quantico and the surrounding area carry a great deal of it. Lace up the hiking boots and hit the trails to work through the area’s past.

Start at the Manassas National Battlefield, where Civil War soldiers fought. The park runs ranger-led tours and living history demonstrations, and the museum covers the battles of Bull Run and Manassas.

Next, Fredericksburg, a colonial town with a long history. Walk the streets and look at the architecture, or visit the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which covers the Civil War battles fought here.

For something more immersive, head to Prince William Forest Park. The park was a training ground for spies during World War II. It now takes hiking, camping and a slow walk through the landscape.

For colonial life, head to Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington. Tour the mansion, walk the gardens, and read what the site has to say about life on a Virginia plantation.

For something closer, the Rippon Lodge Historic Site in nearby Triangle. The 18th-century plantation house is open for tours and covers the area’s colonial history.

And no trip to the D.C. area is complete without the memorials and historic sites in the capital. Put on the walking shoes and go.

The Great Outdoors

You are in Quantico, Virginia and you want to get outside. There are plenty of options for it here.

First, the parks. Prince William County is home to several strong ones, Leesylvania State Park and Prince William Forest Park among them. Leesylvania sits on the Potomac River with hiking trails, a fishing pier and a beach area for swimming. Prince William Forest Park is further out and worth the drive, with over 37 miles of hiking trails and campsites for an overnight.

For something more unusual, check out Government Island. The small island was once a quarry for Aquia sandstone, which built many of the buildings in Washington D.C. It is a park now, with hiking trails and a picnic area, and the remains of the quarry are still visible.

The Quantico National Cemetery is also here. It is not an activity. It is a quiet place to pay respects to those who served.

For camping, there are plenty of campgrounds in the area. Prince William Forest Park has several campsites, as does Lake Ridge RV Resort in nearby Woodbridge.

For a beach day, head to the nearby town of Dumfries. It is a short drive from Quantico and has a small beach area on the Potomac River for swimming and sitting in the sun.

Grab the sunscreen and the hiking boots and go and explore the outdoors around Quantico, Virginia.

Sports and Recreation

Quantico is not only the Marine Corps. For sports and recreation, there are plenty of options in and around the town.

Golfing at Medal of Honor Golf Course

To hit the links, the Medal of Honor Golf Course. The 18-hole course is open to the public and the round is challenging without being punishing. The lakes and forests around it are the reason to walk rather than ride.

Practice Your Swing at the Driving Range

Not ready for a full round, head to the driving range and work on the swing. Beginner or seasoned player, the time there pays off.

Take a Dip in the Lakes

To cool off on a hot summer day, head to one of the nearby lakes. Swim, fish, or sit on the shore. It handles the heat and the afternoon at once.

Play Some Football

For a team game, grab some friends and head to the football field. A pick-up game or a more organized league, both are available in and around Quantico.

Whatever the sport, Quantico has the options for it. Get out there and play.

Family Fun Time

Quantico takes families well. There are plenty of activities covering young children through to teenagers. A family outing, a guided tour, workshops or a junior ranger program, all four are here.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is the family outing to make in Quantico. The museum is informative and it is genuinely enjoyable. Children get the interactive exhibits and adults get the history and culture of the Marines. Working through it takes hours, so plan accordingly.

For a guided tour, the Quantico Marine Base Tour. The tour runs through the base and shows what life is like for Marines. Training facilities through to barracks, and with luck you see Marines at work.

For something hands-on, Quantico has the workshops. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation runs them on everything from leatherworking to blacksmithing. You learn a skill and take home something you made.

Children who like nature will take to the junior ranger program at Prince William Forest Park. The program runs for ages 5-13 and covers nature and conservation. They explore the park and complete activities to earn the junior ranger badge.

Whatever you choose in Quantico, the family day works. Bring a sense of humor and be ready for it.

If you want the Marine Corps, everything is on or beside the base: the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and Quantico National Cemetery. If you want the outdoors, Prince William Forest Park is west and Leesylvania State Park is north on the Potomac. If you want a town, Quantico itself is tiny. Fredericksburg is south and Alexandria is north, and both carry more restaurants than Quantico does. Manassas National Battlefield and Mount Vernon are both a drive. Stafford is next door.

Dining and Nightlife

On dining and nightlife, Quantico carries plenty. A quick bite or a proper dinner, both are covered. These are the spots to try:

Bap Zip Burrito House

For Korean-Mexican cooking, head to Bap Zip Burrito House. The burritos, tacos and bowls come filled with bulgogi, kimchi and other Korean-inspired ingredients. It works for a quick lunch or dinner and the prices are reasonable.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a short drive from Quantico and carries plenty of dining and nightlife. Cozy coffee shops through to upscale restaurants, the range covers most tastes and budgets. The Majestic, Vermilion and Theismann’s Restaurant & Bar are the ones to check first.

Pizza

Pizza never dates. For a slice or a whole pie, Quantico has the pizza places. Tony’s New York Pizza, Veloce Italian Kitchen and Valentino’s New York Style Pizza are the options.

Sandwiches

For a quick sandwich, Quantico has plenty of shops. Jersey Mike’s Subs, Firehouse Subs and Potbelly Sandwich Shop are the ones to know.

Coffee Shops

For coffee, Quantico has the options. Starbucks, Dunkin’ and The Grounds cover it.

Yelp

Not sure where to start, check Yelp for reviews and recommendations from locals and visitors. The dining and nightlife listings there come with tips and photos to work from.

Movie Buff’s Paradise

Movie people are covered in Quantico, Virginia. These are the theaters in the area worth checking out:

Movie Theater	Address	Phone Number
Paragon Theaters	11810 Merchants Walk, Newport News, VA 23606	(757) 525-9898
Regal Cinemas	10091 Jeb Stuart Parkway, Glen Allen, VA 23059	(844) 462-7342
AMC Potomac Mills 18	2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA 22192	(703) 490-5151

Paragon Theaters is the luxury option, with reclining leather seats and in-theater dining. Regal Cinemas carries a strong selection of movies and a loyalty program that discounts tickets and concessions. AMC Potomac Mills 18 is the one for the latest blockbusters, with a large selection of films playing at any given time.

Whichever theater you pick, the evening works. Grab some popcorn and sit back.

TripAdvisor’s Top Picks

You are in Quantico, Virginia and you want to know what is worth doing. TripAdvisor has the data. What follows is the list of top picks for your stay.

Highest Rated Attractions

First, the highest rated attractions in Quantico. According to TripAdvisor data, the top three attractions are:

Attraction	Popularity	Rating
National Museum of the Marine Corps	Very High	4.8
Prince William Forest Park	High	4.8
Leesylvania State Park	High	4.7

These attractions have been rated highly by travelers like you, so work through them.

Traveller Favourites

Next, the traveler favorites. These are the attractions most frequently saved to travelers’ itineraries on TripAdvisor. The top three traveler favorites in Quantico are:

• National Museum of the Marine Corps
• Prince William Forest Park
• Leesylvania State Park

No surprise that these attractions are also the highest rated. They land well with visitors to Quantico.

Traveller Ranking

Finally, the traveler ranking. This is where TripAdvisor ranks the top attractions in Quantico on a combination of ratings, reviews and popularity. The top three attractions according to traveler ranking are:

1. National Museum of the Marine Corps
2. Prince William Forest Park
3. Leesylvania State Park

These attractions are consistently rated highly by travelers. They belong on any visit to Quantico.

That is TripAdvisor’s list of the things to do in Quantico, Virginia. Work through them and see why they rate.

A Day in Stafford and Surroundings

Spending a day in Stafford and the area around it is a solid choice. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in this Virginia town. These are the options.

Start Your Day with a Winery Tour

What better way to start your day than with a glass of wine? Head over to the Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery, one of the top wineries in the commonwealth (according to Virginia Vacation Guide). Take a tour of the vineyard, learn about the wine-making process, and then enjoy a tasting of some of their award-winning wines. Cheers to a great day!

Explore the Great Outdoors

For outdoor time, head over to the Widewater State Park. The park sits in Stafford, Virginia and covers fishing, hiking and a great deal of ground to explore. Wildlife turns up along the way.

Get Your Indoor Fun Fix

If the weather isn’t on your side, fear not! There are plenty of indoor activities in Stafford, Virginia. Check out the Just Axe-N for some axe-throwing fun, or head over to The Range for some gun/rifle range action. Feeling artsy? Visit one of the many art galleries in the area, such as the Art First Gallery or the LibertyTown Arts Workshop.

Treat Yourself to Some Retail Therapy

No day out is complete without some shopping, right? Stafford, Virginia, has plenty of shopping options for you to indulge in. Visit the Stafford Marketplace for a variety of stores and restaurants, or check out the Quantico Corporate Center for some great discounts on designer brands.

That is a day in Stafford and the area around it. Enjoy it.

A Peek into the White House

A full tour of the White House is not on offer, and there are still ways to see the building and learn its history. These are the things to do and places to visit related to the White House in Quantico, Virginia:

• White House Visitor Center: Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the White House Visitor Center is a great place to start your journey. You can explore exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the White House as a symbol, stage, and home. Admission is free, and the center is open seven days a week.
• Lafayette Park: The seven-acre public park located across from the White House is a great spot to take photos and enjoy the view. It is a prominent arena often used for public protests, ranger programs, and special events.
• White House Garden Tours: The White House Garden is open to the public a few times a year. You can take a self-guided tour of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, and South Lawn of the White House. Tickets are free, but they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The White House and President’s Park: President’s Park includes 82 acres of park lands surrounding the White House, home to statues, gardens, and memorials. You can explore the park on your own or take a guided tour. The park is open year-round, and admission is free.

You will not see everything inside the White House, and these places give you a real look at its history and significance. Bring the camera for the building and its surroundings.

MCB Quantico: A Closer Look

So you are stationed at MCB Quantico. You are in good hands. The base is home to several units and training programs, which is what makes it a home to Marines. Here is what to expect from MCB Quantico.

First, the Barber Physical Activities Center. The facility runs 57,000 square feet and houses several workout rooms and a great deal of equipment. Basketball courts through to racquetball courts, it covers everything you need to stay in shape.

Not into working out, there is plenty else at MCB Quantico. The National Museum of the Marine Corps is the first stop for anyone interested in the history of the Corps. With over 118,000 square feet of exhibits, it covers the subject properly.

For something more outdoorsy, check out the Prince William Forest Park. The park covers hiking, biking, climbing and fishing. Wildlife is common, black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes and beavers among them.

And there is the Marine Corps Base itself. MCB Quantico is home to several units, the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and the Marine Corps University among them. For anyone furthering their education or advancing a career in the Marine Corps, this is where it happens.

MCB Quantico covers a lot of ground. Working out, the history of the Marine Corps or time outdoors, all three are here. Get out and explore the base.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions near Quantico that are worth visiting?

Quantico has plenty worth the time. The Quantico National Cemetery is a well-maintained national cemetery near the Quantico Marine Base and it is worth an hour. Semper Fidelis Memorial Park is the other. For something more active, the FBI Academy’s Training Division runs a guided tour that shows where FBI agents are trained.

Where can I find the best restaurants in Quantico, VA?

Quantico has some strong restaurants. For American cooking, head to the Globe & Laurel Restaurant. For Japanese food, Tokyo Japanese Restaurant. For a quick bite, Merge Cafe, which does the finest sandwiches in town.

What are some fun activities to do in Quantico that are Marine Corps-themed?

Quantico is home to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, so the Marine Corps-themed options run long. Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which covers the history of the Marine Corps and its role in the United States’ military history. A tour of the Marine Corps Base Quantico shows you where Marines are trained.

Are there any secret spots in Quantico that only locals know about?

There are, and telling you would spoil them. For a quiet spot, check out the Quantico Municipal Park, where the scenery does the work. Sylvanaqua Farms is the other one, with horseback riding and a good deal of outdoor ground.

Frequently asked questions about Quantico, Virginia

Is the National Museum of the Marine Corps free?

Yes, and it is the best value in Quantico. The exhibits run over 118,000 square feet and cover every major conflict since the founding of the Corps in 1775, with the Medal of Honor Theater and a museum store attached. Budget most of a day.

How big is Prince William Forest Park?

15,000 acres, with over 37 miles of hiking trails. You can hike, bike, fish, swim and camp in it, and the campsites make it the cheap way to stay near Quantico for more than a day. It was a training ground for spies during World War II.

Where do you eat cheaply in Quantico, Virginia?

Bap Zip Burrito House for Korean-Mexican burritos, tacos and bowls at reasonable prices. Jersey Mike’s Subs, Firehouse Subs and Potbelly Sandwich Shop cover the sandwiches, and Tony’s New York Pizza covers the rest. Merge Cafe is the local one, with a menu that changes and locally sourced ingredients.

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