This suburban community is home to the largest branch of Northern Virginia Community College, as well as an extremely diverse population, including a prominent Korean community. Downtown Annandale is affectionately known as Koreatown for its large number of Korean-owned businesses and restaurants.
The oldest toll road in America, Little River Turnpike, cuts through Annandale. This thoroughfare was a major trade route dating back to Colonial times. Beyond the suburbs and the streets, rolling hills, streams, and hiking trails await. The Fairfax Cross County Trail (CCT) is one of the region's favorite escapes for biking, hiking, running, and even cross-country skiing in season. The trail stretches across 20 miles in and around Annandale. If you're looking for a playground, check out Mill Creek Park, which runs along a small section of the CCT.
One of the area's main recreational attractions is Springfield Dam, a WWI-era reservoir constructed in 1918 as a water source to support Camp A.A. Humphreys. Today, it draws thousands of visitors looking to boat and fish the abundant trout supply or to bike and hike its surrounding trails.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the chance to spot foxes, deer, and numerous bird species in their natural habitats in Annandale's forests. Families, scout troops, and schools praise the interactive nature exhibits and activities you'll find at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. There's plenty to entertain inside, including snakes, turtles, toads, and aquariums, a perfect activity for inclement and cold weather. Outdoors, you can smell the flowers or watch the kids on the Center's playground.
If you're staying in Annandale, take advantage of its convenient location to historic old-town Alexandria, whose tree-lined streets are filled with excellent dining options, fun bars, antique shops, and stately Colonial-era townhomes. Just half an hour away, Washington D.C. awaits, with all its history, science, and art museum attractions, as well as major monuments such as the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial. When you stay in Annandale, you get the best of the city and the country, all for an incredible value.
When should you visit Annandale, VA?
Annandale summers can be steamy and hot, but the winters are generally mild, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. The fall is a great time to visit Annandale, as the region's gorgeous foliage turns. Virginia locals also look forward to the annual Annandale Parade, which takes place on the last Saturday of October.
The Annandale Parade is often numbered among the best small-town parades in America. It's a chance for the diverse community to come together and celebrate the international cultures that give Annandale its unique flavor. Civic organizations, clubs, and kids march together, along with fire trucks and antique cars, through the streets of Annandale. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, and sometimes parents and adults get in on the action, too. If you're planning on visiting at this time, be sure to book early.
When choosing your Annandale trip dates, be on the lookout for activities in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, which may affect hotel rates. These include the Alexandria Irish Festival in late August, Alexandria's Food and Wine Festival, Fall Festival, and Alexandria's Birthday Celebration near Independence Day.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Annandale, VA:
Annandale by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean rate patterns by star rating class in Annandale, VA. You can use these charts to evaluate the cheapest time to book in Annandale throughout the year.
What luxury hotels in Annandale, VA are the best?
4 Star Average Prices: $160.39
Just over 5 miles from Annandale, a luxurious hotel experience awaits at the Westin Tysons Corner in Falls Church. This four-star hotel offers so many amenities, you'll never have to leave. No less than 15 bars offer plenty of options for cocktails and nightcaps. But before you hit the bar, pop into the Westin's on-site sushi spot, Sushi Nama. Get pumped in the 24-hour fitness center, or indulge in a relaxing trip to the hotel spa. The indoor pool is another favorite amenity. Guest rooms are also comfortably appointed, from the pillowtop beds to the flat-screen televisions.
Enjoy a delicious full breakfast for a reasonable rate at the coffee shop and café, have the concierge ring for limo service, and head out into the capital city to take on the day. Whether you plan to see the sights or make some business deals, the Westin's express check-out service will get you on your way in no time.
What are the best affordable hotels near Annandale, Virginia?
3 Star Average Prices: $118.33
Guests seeking value, comfort, and affordability in an Annandale hotel should take a close look at Residence Inn by Marriott Fairfax Merrifield, which is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Virginia Tech's Northern Virginia Center. This aparthotel welcomes guests with homey, suite-style layouts that include full fridges, stoves, dining areas, and — of course — cozy beds. Select rooms even feature mantels.
Guests love the Residence Inn's convenient location, which adjoins a shopping center. However, you may find that you don't need to leave once you've gone through your express check-in. Every day, guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet. There's a tennis court, outdoor pool, and a spa tub on the property, and in the room, you'll enjoy satellite programming and free wireless internet access. Be sure to visit the hotel's business center if you need to print anything during your stay.