Things to Do in Northern Virginia: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary at Lansdowne Resort

Colleen Miele |

Our lovely Leesburg location places you right in the heart of everything you could want to experience in NoVA. Enjoy AAA Four Diamond accommodations, world-class dining and amenities, a picturesque Potomac River Valley setting and all the top activities Northern Virginia has to offer with our Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary at Lansdowne Resort.

Friday | The Journey Begins

Pre-Arrival Capital Adventure

Take advantage of our close proximity to DC to take in the sights. Kick off your morning by hitting the city’s most popular landmarks before the crowds descend. Start by strolling the National Mall before making your way to the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial and Washington Monument. Midday, you can experience the wonders housed within the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Decompress Deeply

A woman sitting on a bench beside Lansdowne's spa pool, a relaxing thing to do in Northern Virginia.

After checking in, indulge in some much-needed self-care. Spa Minérale has an extensive collection of classic treatments and therapies to soothe you — body, mind and spirit. For guests curious about rituals grounded in millennia of wisdom, there is an exclusive menu of Wellness Bodywork offered. Either way, you’ll emerge as a brand new you with that post-spa serotonin freely flowing.

Find Yourself in Harmony

Al fresco dining setup with outdoor seating at Lansdowne Resort’s terrace patio, Harmony Garden.

If you’re staying with us between late April and mid-October, head to Harmony Garden for adult beverages and light pre-dinner bites while listening live music. In any other season, you’re invited to arrive early for your dinner reservation to enjoy a drink (or two) at the bar. Whiskey fans will love sipping our private label spirit from Catoctin Creek Distilling. It’s crafted with locally-grown rye, barrel-aged and exclusively poured in Coton & Rye.

Dine Distinctively

Dinner at Coton & Rye is a feast for the senses that’s worth sharing, so brush up on your food photography skills. With dishes made from Old Dominion recipes and ingredients sourced locally, the tavern fare on your plate honors the legacy of the farm that harvested rye on this very acreage of land.

Release Any Lingering Stress

For a truly immersive reset, experience our signature Floating Sound Bath. A guided, meditative journey where sound and water work in harmony to calm the nervous system and restore balance.

Saturday | Resort Living at Its Finest

Grab & Go Breakfast

Fuel up with delicious, nutritious, convenient selections from Harmony Market (open 24 hours) before you begin a full day of authentic and mindfully luxurious resort living.

Morning Recreation

Two people enjoying a game of pickleball on a bright, sunny day.

Tennis whites or golf polo? The choice is yours. Exclusively the domain of our resort guests and club members, 45 holes of acclaimed golf await. Challenge yourself on one of our 18-hole championship courses designed by Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr. or knock out a quick nine on the Sharkbite Course. You could alternatively brush up on your skills at the Lansdowne Golf Academy. If paddle sports are your passion, reserve time on our courts — two lighted for tennis and three designed for pickleball. Non-players can go hard in our fully equipped fitness center or get their steps in on the 2.5-mile Lansdowne Loop, located outside our door.

Leisurely Lunch

Enjoying a summer stay with us? Grab a casual al fresco lunch and a refreshing cocktail poolside at Current’s Grill between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. If the season or weather put a damper on poolside plans, come back to Coton & Rye for a sit-down lunch. (You know you were torn between two menu items last night — this is your chance to taste the other.)

Afternoon Pampering

A woman receiving a back massage, a thing to do in Northern Virginia, while laying down on a massage table.

Muscles worked and appetite sated, it’s time to wind down. Players seeking post-round pampering can opt for a Wellness Massage paired with our signature Golfer’s Relief enhancement. Spa patrons seeking a radiant and rejuvenating glow will want to peruse our Skincare, Body Treatments, Body Rituals and Salon Services.

Toast Great Taste, Two Ways

Spend your late afternoon sipping varietals with a complimentary Wine Sampling. Care to enjoy favorites in your room later? Bottles are available for purchase, as is our signature Virginia wine package. As evening settles in, we welcome guests to join us for the Great Room Experience. You’ll savor handcrafted cocktails as piano melodies set the mood.

Savor Modern American Cuisine

Exceptional dining is key to the resort lifestyle. Make a dinner reservation at Piedmont’s, our guest and club member exclusive restaurant that overlooks the Greg Norman Course and specializes in cuisine inspired by the Piedmont and Tidewater regions of Virginia. On warm evenings, you can dine on the terrace. When a chill hangs in the air, retreat to the warmth of the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace for a cozy culinary experience.

Light Up the Night

Lansdowne's fire pit nestled between a manicured garden with a wine and food tray on the hearth.

Kick back and linger as long as you please around one of our inviting fire pits. Let the flickering flames spark an illuminating conversation as your final night with us draws to a close.

Sunday | Local Adventures Abound

Morning Movement

Woman working out with kettle bell

It’s the last day of your getaway, so make it count. The resort’s daily activities calendar is filled with opportunities to support your wellness journey. From the Zen vibes of a Yoga session to smooth flow during Water Aerobics instruction to the strength moves of a TRX Fit class, you can start your day in a powerful, purposeful way. Looking for one-on-one coaching? Consider a personal training session.

Bountiful Breakfast

Before checking out, hit Riverside Hearth for a hearty meal prepared in our interactive, exhibition kitchen and served kiosk-style. A side dish of Potomac River Valley views pairs perfectly with your cooked-to-order eggs.

Go Your Own Way

With so many things to do in Northern Virginia, it’s easy to pursue your personal passions. We’re sharing some of our favorite area attractions and activities:

Wine Tours & Tastings

You are now in the heart of the state’s wine country which includes the Middleburg Virginia American Viticulture Area (AVA). Visit vineyards in the Loudoun Heights Cluster or map your own trail using our Wineries & Vineyards Guide.

Breweries & Cideries

An overhead image of a flight of beers on a wooden tray, highlighting a popular thing to do in Northern Virginia.

If you’d rather raise a cold one, we have an extensive list of craft beer, micro-cider and mead producers, all located within 20 miles of the resort.

Outdoor Pursuits

Recreation in the great outdoors ranges from mild to wild in the Potomac River Valley and surrounding area — find yours in our Outdoor Adventure Guide or Hiking & Biking Trails.

History Lives On

A museum and monument located in Loudoun county.

Step into the region’s storied past and discover the historical significance marking the charming towns and villages of Loudoun County.

Culture Crawl

Our little corner of Virginia is a beacon for art and culture lovers. Explore your choice of quaint museums and dive into the area’s lively music & arts scene.

Now that the planning is done, you only need to make a reservation and pack your bags. We recommend exploring our stay packages that conveniently bundle your AAA Four Diamond accommodations and upscale amenities with popular guest perks, including generous resort credits, so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.