Arlington, Virginia, is renowned for its incredible natural attractions, parks, bridges, and more. It’s no wonder that the state has earned the reputation as a place for “lovers” but also known for many beautiful places. If you’re looking to move to Arlington and wondering what there is to do there, where to buy or rent in Arlington, or just want to know what exciting places to check out, look no further. From beautiful sunset sceneries to epic mountain top views, capture an infinite amount of memories with these top picturesque places recommended by Arlington’s locals. Here are some of the most beautiful places to take pictures in Arlington.
1. Airplane spotting at Gravelly Point Park
Situated on the Potomac River sits a National Park Service site known as Gravelly Point Park. Locals call it “the perfect place for a relaxing picnic and walking or biking trails.” Tory Jon, Resident and owner of Camper FAQs says, “My personal favorite: Watching the planes take off and land from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. They come so close to you that it almost feels like you can reach out and touch them.” This destination is definitely an epic photo opportunity and experience.
2. Snap some panoramic views at Mount Vernon Trail
Tory also recommends visiting the Mount Vernon trail as “it offers one of the most picturesque views you’ll find in Arlington. The 18-mile paved trail winds along the Potomac River and gives unobstructed views of the Washington D.C. skyline.” A simple walk, run, or cycle will lead you to several sites along the trail, like George Washington’s house, for example.
3. Smell the roses at Bon Air Park
Set your eyes on the most beautiful garden Arlington offers, the Memorial Rose Garden at Bon Air Park. It’s an often visited site for wedding shoots, featuring the sun and ornamental tree gardens, playgrounds, and athletic fields. Jocelyn Bravo, Northern VA Family and Lifestyle Photographer at Understitch Photography, recommends, “go to the garden in May or October for the best blooms. Most people visit just for the rose garden, but the park also includes gorgeous walking paths framed with greenery and a tucked-away shade garden. I frequently recommend Bon Air Rose Garden to my photography clients due to how versatile and beautiful it is.”
Courtesy of Understitch Photography
4. Visit Georgetown Waterfront Park at sunset
Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the Potomac River from 31st Street NW to Key Bridge. Many locals love the park because of its picturesque spots like the Labyrinth, the fountains, and the rain gardens. Wedding Photographer from Briggite Renee Photography, Brigitte Kleiber gives a local’s secret, “I love photographing at Georgetown Waterfront/Potomac Boat Club because you can climb up and see panoramic views of Arlington’s Rosslyn and the Key Bridge along the Potomac River. Looking out onto the city buildings of Rosslyn is beautiful any time of day, but especially around sunset. ”
Courtesy of Briggite Renee Photography
5. Walk around Old Town Alexandria
Walk back in time by visiting Old Town Alexandria. Cobblestones and 18th-century townhouses mark the quaint town, making it a popular destination for those visiting for foodie spots, open-air eateries by the river, and local shopping. Photographer Tanya Rey recommends this place because “It’s one of my favorite locations to meet clients. There is no shortage of amazing places to stop and capture fun moments. The buildings and alleyways offer a unique backdrop that adds a lot of character to the images. Old Town has a special charm, and I’m always discovering new places to stop and snap pictures.”
Courtesy of Tanya Leigh Rey Photography
6. Sunset views of the Potomac River
The Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the Atlantic coast. Lots of Arlington residents like to visit here during the sunset, including Eric Stern, resident and owner of Casual Adventure. He says, “Is there anything more spectacular than a sunset over the water near the Nation’s Capital? Several bridges connect Arlington to Washington, DC, and allow for amazing views of the Potomac River. Take your pick of canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and boats to enjoy the water up close, or grab a bite and hit the Potomac Heritage Trail any time of year.”
Courtesy of Casual Adventure
7. Sunset views from the Workhouse Arts Center
“The best place to see fantastic sunsets in Fairfax County is at the Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA,” recommends Kathleen Best Gillmann, Artist and Owner of Very Best Fine Arts. Kathleen paints beautiful landscape portraits, so she knows a beautiful sunset when she sees one, “This is one of dozens of shots I have taken on campus – the inspiration for Transforming Light, which is one of my paintings.” The Workhouse is located on the south end of Fairfax and is a 56-acre flat campus that offers an undisturbed view of the sky.
Courtesy of Kathleen Best Gillmann
8. Immerse yourself in nature
Fairfax County has many green spaces and preserves all over, so why not visit one of them? Gillmann recommends “The Liberty Bell Trail, which has a pedestrian bridge over Pohick Creek.” The trail also had some recent work done to make access easier for bikers, including easier connections to nearby trails.
Courtesy of Kathleen Best Gillmann
9. Inca Social photo opportunities
Inca Social is a local community hangout with tons of Instagrammable spots inside. Locals love to come here to try some unique craft beers and meet great people. This is where friends, food, and flavor come together to create an authentic Latin experience. Eat and socialize while you’re surrounded by colorful murals and greenery.
10. Strike a pose in front of a Crystal City mural
For decades Crystal City was a concrete no man’s land until recently when artists filled the concrete dead spaces with pops of color. Since 2008’s Art Walls projects, 30 artists from all around inserted characters into the neighborhood. You can find dozens of murals here, including the popular “Mural 23”, a graffiti collaboration made by Cita Sadeli “Chelove,” Jeff Huntington, Juan Pineda, Mas Paz, and Thomas Pipkin, that spans more than 400 feet wide.
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