Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Chantilly, VA

  • Published 2022/07/19

Are you ready to start planning your trip to Chantilly, Virginia?

The name “Chantilly” comes from the Château de Chantilly, located approximately 25 miles north of Paris, VA.

This charming tourist destination has exhilarating activities and magnificent tourist sites.

Chantilly is an unincorporated community recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP) in western Fairfax County, Virginia.

This beautiful upcoming tourist destination got its name from an 18th-century plantation in Westmoreland County.

Wander the city center in quest of museums, stores, and your next tasty lunch.

Here are the best things to do in Chantilly, VA:

Take a Walk around Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Walney visitor's center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

VA Student4 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native Americans initially occupied the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

However, only three families affected the land once Europeans settled in Virginia: the Browns, Machens, and Lawrences.

The park protects western Fairfax County’s cultural and environmental values and has a rich and complicated history dating back 8,000 years.

The area was a leased farm, familial homestead, and country estate.

Arched bridge at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

David Byron Keener / Shutterstock.com

In 1971, the Fairfax County Park Authority received the deed to the property.

They turned it into a 640-acre nature park.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has rivers and ponds, woodlands and meadows, and an interpretive center.

When you first enter the park, you’ll notice a small pond surrounded by a hiking route, a fishing deck, and boardwalks.

A wooden bench along Ellanor C. Lawrence Park's trail

David Byron Keener / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Golf at the Pleasant Valley Golf Club

The golf course opened to outstanding acclaim in 1998.

It is ideally situated in Chantilly, Virginia, approximately 25 miles west of the nation’s capital.

It is a lovely, naturalistic layout in a park-like environment with no residences along the golf course.

It boasts beautiful scenery of rising valleys, wood trees, and natural grass meadows.

You’ll also have access to a contemporary clubhouse with a fully equipped Pro Shop, tournament-ready outing facilities, eighteen championship holes, and training facilities.

Relax and Pamper Yourself at CH Massage

Wendy Wang launched CH Massage in 2009.

They are proud of the attention, sincerity, and generosity with which CH Massage treats every one of its customers.

They give exceptional customer service while providing high-quality massages at a reasonable price.

CH Massage takes great pride in using only the best oils and techniques.

You can try deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, Thai massage, duet massage, and many more at CH Massage.

Life is stressful, so take a break and let them massage those worries away.

Get Refreshing Drinks at Ono Brewing Company

Cyndi and Scott Hoffman own the famous Ono Brewing Company as a family company.

The couple has deep ties with Hawaii, hence the name “Ono,” which means either delicious or tasty in Hawaiian.

They offer a changing selection of craft beer, including hard seltzers made by Ono Brewing.

Ono Brewing Company also provides various non-alcoholic drinks, such as tea, soft drinks, juices, fruit-flavored seltzer water, and rotating types of craft beer.

Order Breakfast Food at Eggspectation

You’ll have a hard time picking between Eggspectation’s special delicacies.

Eggspectation is proud to showcase its customer-friendly service, with an eye toward healthy eating and a deep admiration for breakfast food.

For 25 years, they have served handcrafted brioche, french toast, and crepes.

Likewise, you can try Belgian waffles, pancakes, omelets, spaghetti, seafood, vegetables, sandwiches, chicken, steak, burgers, and their famed eggs benedict.

Today, Eggspectation now has over 30 stores around the world.

Create Fun Memories at Monster Mini Golf

Monster Mini Golf is a thrilling indoor glow-in-the-dark 18-hole miniature golf course with various entertainment features.

Monster Mini Golf provides customers of all ages with the most unique and wacky brands of Family Entertainment.

They have 30 locations around the United States and Canada.

You can play mini-bowling, laser maze, monster-themed laser tag, light snacks, and more at Monster Mini Golf.

Their luxury private event spaces, bespoke upcoming events, and a la carte activities and extras will leave you and your guests wanting more!

Explore this tourist attraction with your friends, family, and even kids.

Taste the Hot Chocolate at the River-Sea Chocolates Factory

River-Sea Chocolates is a famous chocolate business that sells chocolate bars and specialty chocolate cocktails.

It also has a pleasant dining area where you may relax or work.

Chocolate experiences, bar design, and guided sampling expeditions are available at River-Sea Chocolates.

Likewise, you can try chocolate and designer cocoas created from melted chocolate bars at River-Sea Chocolates.

Their beverages are mildly sweetened, making them less appealing to a child’s palate.

However, they may add more sugar if you ask.

They also offer vegan milk choices.

They also prepare hot liquid chocolate drinks using chocolate from their facility.

Book a tour of the Chocolate Factory if you want to see how they make chocolate from farm to bar.

See the Latest Blockbuster at Airbus IMAX Theater

The future of filmmaking technology has arrived!

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center’s Airbus IMAX Theater is the largest IMAX display in Northern Virginia.

It is one of the first cinemas in the world to use the IMAX laser projection equipment.

The Airbus IMAX Theater now has the potential to display a broader range of documentaries and Hollywood films in the highest possible resolution.

The twin 4K laser projection system, paired with a 12-channel discrete audio system, delivers the sharpest, lightest, most colorful digital images ever seen.

You will also experience a new level of immersive sound.

Enjoy a movie today and include this must-see tourist attraction on your Chantilly, Virginia schedule.

Visit Mustang Sally Brewing Company and Grab a Drink

Mustang Sally Brewing Company is a small independent craft brewery in Chantilly that features a big open tasting area and a diverse craft beer menu.

Their sizeable open Tasting Room spans over 4,000 square feet of private event space.

They also feature tables and chairs with counter seats, games, and excellent beers.

Mustang Sally Brewing Company often offers reservations both for small and big parties and semi-private and private gatherings.

The art and science of brewing are at the heart of Mustang Sally Brewing Company’s concept.

Each beer they create is another step in their balanced quest for excellence.

Eat Mexican Food at Picante

Picante is known for its outstanding Mexican food, exceptional service, and welcoming staff.

Traditional Mexican cuisine comes in big servings.

Their Mexican restaurant boasts an innovative take on classic meals and a commitment to the highest quality fresh ingredients.

Picante’s menu includes burritos, soups, tacos, enchiladas, appetizers, desserts, refreshments, etc.

In Chantilly, Virginia, Picante provides exquisite dining, takeaway, and delivery services.

Picante is the place for the most fabulous Mexican food in Virginia.

Grab a Drink at Mustang Sally Brewing Company

Mustang Sally Brewing Company is a small independent craft brewery in Chantilly that features a big open tasting area and a diverse craft beer menu.

Their sizeable open Tasting Room spans over 4,000 square feet of private event space.

They also feature tables and chairs with counter seats, games, and excellent beers.

Mustang Sally Brewing Company often offers reservations both for small and big parties and semi-private and private gatherings.

The art and science of brewing are at the heart of Mustang Sally Brewing Company’s concept.

Each beer they create is another step in their balanced quest for excellence.

Pamper Yourself at the King Spa Virginia

Often known as “Jjim-Jil Bang,” this day spa is a distinctive Korean-inspired spa.

The Jjim-Jil Bang spa is among the numerous traditional Korean riches that have thrived in Chantilly.

The Korean sauna provides excellent relaxation for physical and mental health with its distinct cultural blend.

With its globally competitive innovative idea, The King Spa & Sauna has captured the minds of the American public.

The concept offers a family-oriented sauna and spa.

They are the biggest Asian sauna in the U. S., giving the most genuine Korean spa and sauna experience in the country.

They employ traditional Asian remedies to reduce stress, calm the body and mind, plus restore your body’s health.

Savor Fresh Meals at the Thai Basil Restaurant

Thai Basil Restaurant strives to use only the freshest and finest ingredients, but also prides themselves on having no MSG.

Diners love the restaurant’s Gaeng Massaman Nua, with grilled beef and 17 spices and herbs.

They also have a vegetarian menu.

The restaurant’s decor is lovely, with Thai antiquities adorning the walls.

The food of Chef Nongkran has earned positive reviews and mentions in the New York Times and local papers.

Thai Basil has also received the Thai Select designation from the Thai government’s restaurant certification program.

Nongkran’s culinary workshops feed not only your stomach but also your mind!

Explore the Dulles Expo Center

Dulles Expo Center is the leading exposition site for consumer exhibitions and trade events in Northern Virginia and Metropolitan Washington, DC.

It caters to a broad and dynamic economy, boasting approximately 27,000 enterprises, trade groups, and organizations.

You can walk from the center to hotels, eateries, and various retail establishments.

The Dulles Cafe operates the center’s food service, which offers a variety of snacks, lunches, and drinks.

Learn How to Make Pottery at the Clay Cafe Chantilly

Create your own pottery and abstract art at Northern Virginia’s leading studio, Clay Cafe Chantilly.

Choose a piece of raw bisque from the area’s most excellent assortment and paint it.

You can get your glazed and fired pots in roughly eight to ten days.

These materials are non-toxic, lead-free, food-safe, and environmentally friendly.

You can join the art camps, scout programs, pottery painting parties, and Clay to Go at Clay Cafe Chantilly.

Try Various Seafood Meals at Ford’s Fish Shack

Ford’s Fish Shack is a popular seafood restaurant with a marine atmosphere that serves fish tacos, lobster rolls, drinks, etc.

On a bright September day in 2010, Ford’s Fish Shack was born.

In Ashburn, Virginia, they opened the first Ford’s Fish Shack.

The restaurant aimed to build a welcoming and pleasant fish shack similar to those along the New England coast.

They imagined a neighborhood restaurant with a special seafood menu served by a warm and welcoming staff.

They knew they had to provide the purest seafood.

Every person passing through the doors of Ford’s Fish Shack will receive the freshest fish, terrific service, and an exceptional New England dining experience.

Learn More about Space at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, spans 760,000 square feet and is also known as the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Tons of aviation and aerospace antiques, along with the Enola Gay, the Space Shuttle Discovery, and a Concorde, are on exhibit in two massive hangars in the Udvar-Hazy Center.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is large enough to hold multiple planes offering its restoration experts the room and tools they need to preserve items.

The Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar is where Museum professionals do the various highly specialized jobs required to conserve, repair, and maintain the collection.

They also have an observation tower where tourists and locals can obtain a 360-degree vision of the surrounding region while watching flights take off and arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Gain knowledge about human space travel, aircraft during World War II, vertical flying, and much more.

Attend the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

Each of the 11 annual Sugarloaf festivals transforms a small hamlet into an artsy haven for everyone in the art community around the world.

The festival brings together all forms of artists from makers and creators to inspired amateurs to inspire awe in those who attend.

There are workshops and creative markets that allow you to meet other people who share your passion for arts, crafts, and design.

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival carefully curates over 200 to 450 artisans each year to make sure that everyone who participates gets a fair deal and the chance to showcase their talent.

The events have been ranked as one of the top 50 craft shows in the world, with something for everyone to enjoy.

The festival happens in the late summer at Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Virginia.

Explore Sully Historic Site

View of a forest from Sully Historic Site

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Northern Virginia’s first Representative to Congress Richard Bland Lee completed Sully in 1799.

Mostly known as Sully Plantation, Sully Historic Site can be found on the National Register of Historic Places in Northern Virginia.

This Virginia landmark gained accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.

Sully Historic Site is an excellent place for family outings.

They offer school tours and house tours, as well as activities and workshops throughout the year.

In addition, there’s the main house, another kitchen on the property, a smoke house, and 1 room school.

Final Thoughts

You won’t be disappointed with the Chantilly, Virginia experience.

Feel the cold breeze on your skin at one of the village’s historically recognized, amenity-filled parks.

Relax with a massage and learn about some of the world’s most cutting-edge air and space projects.

Then, let your kids run wild at one of the state’s most popular youth-only places.

Start planning your Chantilly adventure today!

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