I wandered over here because I had time to kill before heading to my Airbnb for the night. Even in early March, it was beautiful and the area was coming out of the winter. It was a Wednesday afternoon in March 2026 after arriving into DCA airport and braving the Yellow line metro crowds and the frigid cool March DC weather, I made it here to decompress and see what Alexandria had to offer. Huntley Meadows Park seemed to have a lot of space, based on Google Maps. And so, I got off the public transportation and walked a block or so to the entrance of the park. Hardly anybody was here at the time they sent me and a couple of people that were just walking their dog. It was quite nappy, but I guess the dog and the people were used to these conditions. I guess they live in the area or something, so they're are used to it. I spent about an hour or so wandering around and enjoying one hour of my vacation time before it was time to pick up dinner and head to my Airbnb nearby. I found the wetland and decided to walk the paths to just enjoy the beauty of the park in the middle of Alexandria, Virginia. The wide open spaces was a comfort for me and wondering why not more people are here. My guess is they're rushing home after a tough day at the office or something. There are many benches and watch areas to see the wildlife thrive in the winter time. While it is serene in March, there is always beauty in nature wherever you can find it. And here in Huntley Meadow Park, you can find it here anytime of the year. Come as you are and the wildlife will love you. The overall experience here at the Huntley Meadow Park was fantastic and educational. It gave me a chance to decompress after a long day of travel and just enjoy the beauty of Alexandria at this nature preserve that also doubles as a beautiful park. There's a lot of trees here and it's very much maintained by the staff at the Fairfax County Parks Authority. I felt like walking in the woods a bit and not in a park for parts of the path. It was serene to be here especially during the winter. There's always something about the dead of winter that gives pause to everything. Here in Alexandria, I found such a place that lives inside Huntley Meadows Park. It was very enjoyable and definitely worth a visit if you can and are in the area to do so. Definitely peaceful and serene to relax even in cold winter conditions. I ended up walking slowly around the path that circles the park and seeing the wetlands and the wildlife that greeted me. I'm sure that they all were hibernating in one way or another and awaiting warmer spring weather. Coming here makes me happy even in the cold. I saw a few birds in the water, but not much else activity. Cold tends to slow nature down a bit. Best bet would be to come when you can to enjoy the outdoors and nature at its most pristine form. Definitely recommended if you are in the area and an alternative to visiting Washington DC. Best thing to do is to come during daylight hours to capture the essences of Huntley Meadow Park and where the wildlife living in the park is more active. It was one of the highlights of my day after a day long travel from Honolulu via Los Angeles. Huntley Meadow Park is the hidden gem of Alexandria, Virginia and Fairfax County. It's a large city community park that caters to anyone and everyone who wishes to visit. The entrance is Is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd in Alexandria, Virginia. It's Fairfax County's best kept secret. Best of all is that there is no admission fees for individuals and families. However, groups of 12-60 people are charged $30 for entry. Good thing I was there by myself so I got to experience Huntley Meadow Park for free. As far as parking, there's parking areas for those of yall who drive. Best thing to do is to get there early to secure the prime parking spot you want. If you are like me, I got here from the Ronald Regan Washington international airport and took the Yellow Line metro and then a bus. After arriving, I walked towards the entrance to the park, which wasn't too far from that. There's always Uber and Lyft, if you don't prefer to take public transportation and don't drive yourself. Huntley Meadows Park is more than a park but like a nature preserve that is home to many species of wildlife. It's a sanctuary that makes nature come alive everyday. Do yourself a favor and come visit if you get a chance to. It's better than a Zoo. 5.0 stars for the overall experience Support local! A+ read more

If you're into photography or wildlife watching, this is one of the best spots in the DC metro area. Only 30 minutes from the metro area. The boardwalk through the wetlands gives you incredible views of turtles sunbathing, birds in flight, and reflections that make for beautiful shots. It's peaceful, scenic, and a perfect place to slow down with a camera or binoculars or to meditate. You'll also find meadows, forest trails, and the historic house nearby -- but the real highlight is being up close with nature in such a beautiful, photo-ready setting. read more

See all

Came here on a whim one random Sunday morning and OMG every nature lover needs to know about this place! Every first Sunday in May volunteers host a celebration of this park's anniversary which is now 50 years old in 2025. It was saved by a woman named Norma Hoffman whose efforts prevented the government from constructing a highway through it. Thank goodness because walking through this park is reminiscent of a hike through the dense forests of Oregon. I saw so many animals in just a few hours: snakes, turtles, 5 types of owls, dragon fly babies (which incubate and are born underwater), beetles, countless species of birds, frogs, toads, and so much more! During this celebration, the very intelligent/informative volunteers hosted many exhibits where I learned about the importance of clay in wetlands which is over 35ft+ deep, how to spot and safely remove parasitic vines from trees and so much more! If you're a nature lover, this place is worth a visit just as much as a trip to Shenandoah. After your visit, grab the best tacos in the DMV at la Mexicana Taqueria & Bakery which I also reviewed :) https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows/visitor-center read more

We discovered recently that there are two ways to enjoy this park. If you enter via a big open parking lot off of S Kings Hwy, the trail is fully paved, flat, and offers you more or less a straightforward path to the outlook. Off of Lockheed Blvd, you get onto an unpaved trail (which I prefer) that takes you to a nature centre, and eventually a boardwalk that takes you through wonderfully diverse wildlife habitats and back out. This is one of our favourite parks ever, and I'm glad it's still maintained and available to the community. read more

See all

Huntley is an amazing place with spectacular wildlife. It's a beautiful place for a walk.

Looking for a nice leisurely stroll through a preserved wildlife area in the DC area? Then this is your place. We love to photograph this area. Offers frogs, snakes, birds of all species, deer, raccoons and others. The children tours can get annoying at times when you're looking to the peace of outdoors, but it's not all the time. Staff at this location are knowledgeable and helpful. They are very polite. read more

See all

Nice spot to see serpents! Am a fan of tails with teeth. Yet for those who don't, lots of herons, frogs, and occasionally a bald eagle. You'll probably see deer in the Forest section. Great nature center. Thank you to the kind staff who work here. All are knowledgeable. The boardwalk is the main attraction. Here you can see what this habitat offers. Wetlands like these are thank goodness protected. This is one of the best bird and serpent viewing spots, in the entire DC area. Parking can be limited, and please lock your cars. Sometimes criminals come here looking for valuables. Don't let them deter you. If in the area it's a great place year round. read more

Perfect place to take a stroll within nature. There's a path way and another one (no animals allowed) that takes you on a stroll on a bridge like structure where you can see wild life animals! (Hence why there's a sign that says NO DOGS/ pets allowed on that trail). It's very beautiful and tranquil, I see a lot of nature photographers there early morning. My go to spot to take my grandma on her little walks since pre covid times. Absolutely love this place and hope we can preserve it for years more to come! read more

One of my favorite parks to go to nearby! It's flat and easy for people of all ages and fitness levels. Theres forest as well as a boardwalk and very easy to walk. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk and running is not allowed on it either. There's a variety of animals (turtles, herons, beavers, birds including eagles and owls)! It's especially gorgeous in the spring and summer with lots of greenery. Plenty of parking and there is a visitor center as well. It's a peaceful area to walk and near a couple shopping centers where you can do groceries or grab a bite afterwards. read more

Huntley Meadows Park is one of the best nature walks I have ever encountered. They have wood bridges and walkways through the meadows and over the water. The elevated area with stairs allowed me to get a panoramic view of the lake and wildlife - very breathtaking. I appreciated all the benches to sit and rest on the nature trail. I, also, experienced many sightings of serpents - the most in my lifetime. It was very crowded on a Sunday afternoon yet it was still a pleasant time at the park. We saw cranes and turtles but mostly serpents. You can get a stamp for your passport park book at the visitor center. They do have a separate paved bike trail for bicycles. The paved hiking trail through the meadows does not allow bicycles. I was surprised at how friendly the serpents were and how they did not mind being photographed. This is a GO SEE park and worth visiting again many times. Admission is free. The visitor center has a lot of information about the park to explore as well. read more

See all

Huntley Meadows is a wetlands nature park operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. A boardwalk extends across the wetlands connecting to trails through woods. A birdwatching tower is located at the far end of the boardwalk. Early in the morning, birdwatchers and photographers use the "golden hour" light to observe a variety of birds, beavers, turtles and other wildlife. During the day, they are joined by trail walkers (no jogging on the boardwalk), families, and others enjoying the flora and fauna of he marsh. It can be crowded at times! There is a nature center (closed at the time of writing) and park nature programs. A very enjoyable place to spend a morning or afternoon! read more

Huntley Meadows Park - Great Blue Heron - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

This was once one of my favorite places to walk--decades ago--and I haven't been back in awhile. It is still a special place with plenty of natural beauty but things have changed. It was very crowded when we were there during a weekend, parking was difficult, and our stop at the Visitor's Center was particularly unpleasant and unwelcoming--a decided change from our last visit years ago. Staff chatted with us back then but this time we were greeted with cold stares and even worse behaviors from a group that was there for a program. We still had a nice stroll on the board walk and enjoyed the pleasant weather and peaceful scenery. Worth a visit (weekdays are less crowded) but good luck. read more

Huntley Meadows Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

The largest of the Fairfax County parks, Huntley Meadows Park is a dream for families, photographers, dog walkers and nature lovers. My toddler and I went on a Monday morning around 9:30am during the summer. As we rolled into the free parking lot, we noticed a number of photographers trekking back from capturing the sunrise off the wetlands in the middle of the park. Once parked, we followed the sign to the wooded trail. We hiked for about ten minutes passing the nature center (it's closed during the pandemic) and markers leading the way to the wetlands. The majority of the ten miles of trails are in woods and shaded (very important during hot D.C. area summers). Dogs on leashes are welcome on these trails and we saw a number of dog walkers. We then hit the boardwalk over the wetlands. This is where the trails become more stroller friendly, but also very hot. The wetlands go back a half-mile, but it's not shaded. Plan accordingly. The wetlands are beautiful with the boardwalk emerging from the greenery. Slowly walk along the boardwalk and look into the water to see frogs, turtles and maybe a beaver or two. Further in the distance, you can see butterflies and heron. If you go, stop by Historic Huntley afterward to learn about the history of Huntley Meadows and see a historic house. read more

See all

What a gorgeous park that you wouldn't know existed in the midst of the suburban sprawl that is Fairfax County unless you heard about it elsewhere. I had read about it on the mommy blogs and took advantage of the unseasonably warm Veteran's Day holiday to visit with my son. Downside of visiting on a national holiday was that the visitor center was closed but just another reason to return sooner than later. The parking lot is rather small, so I can imagine it being filled on the weekends. I did see port-a-potties in the parking lot, but no "formal" bathrooms unless they are in the visitor center. The 2 or 3 different trails are very well-maintained and carved out. Lots of wetland wildlife near the boardwalk. All trails plus the boardwalk are very stroller-friendly. I noticed a lot of bird watchers and photographers, which makes sense given the ample beauty of the area. There is also a "lookout" tower that has some great views of the marsh. I do not believe the trails are bike friendly, but you can have dogs (just not on the boardwalk). I'd love to return in the summer to experience a different season at Huntley Meadows! read more

See all

When I arrived I found few spots at the parking lot. Given how crowded the trails were, however, I can't say I wish the parking lot was any bigger. The boardwalk was impressive, being well constructed and covering a range of habitats. I get the concerns that one might have about invasive species, but those are hardly limited to this one park. I'm not a biologist, but there was certainly interesting wildlife here. Most visitors either had small children or large cameras. It was a good space to get outdoors; not as good as Kenilworth or Dyke Marsh, but if you're in the area worth a look. read more

See all

A little oasis in the midst of a busy city. I'm always looking for a nature escape from the city where I can smell the woods without hearing the bustle of traffic. The trail is flat and even, well taken care of, and there isn't litter along the walk. It's a looped trail if you take the boardwalk half that goes through the swamp (pretty cool) and then through the wooded trail (or vise-versa). The boardwalk does not allow dogs at all. Not even carried ones. So you have to stick to the wooded side which is completely beautiful and peaceful. The welcome center has restrooms and a drinking fountain. And the trails have intermittent benches and "you are here" signs. read more

Great place for a quick or long stroll! Make sure you plan your trip/trail route beforehand- I didn't and I ended up not where I wanted to go! It was beautiful non the less. A lot of people walking around, lots of families and dogs! Dogs for the most part were kept on leashes as they should be, although we saw a couple of them that weren't. It was great to come in autumn when the trees were changing leaves, beautiful colors throughout! read more

See all

What a wonderful spot to get away from it all! The boardwalk is set upon a wetland area that allows you to view a variety of plants and animals up-close-and-personal. We saw snakes, tadpoles, turtles, geese, deer, orioles, cardinals and more! Unfortunately we did not catch a glimpse of the badgers that call the place home but we saw evidence of them everywhere! The walk is perfect for toddlers and they will have plenty of fun checking out all the sights. It was a bit busy when we went (the weather was perfect for a June afternoon!) but everyone was really respectful about socially distancing and wearing masks in crowded areas. I highly recommend this little slice of nature right in the middle of Alexandria! read more

This Park is one of, if not my favorite spot in the World. I have come to love this park for its beauty and abundance of Wildlife. I have been to most of the major National Parks (love them), but if comparing bang for your buck, time & effort there is not a better place to visit then Huntley Meadows. You have two sides, both are great, but I prefer the side with the Boardwalk & Visitor Center. Hopefully one day there will be a trail to connect both sides, it will take the park to the next level. Currently, there is no trail that connects so somewhat limited on distance if looking for a huge loop, still good, but somewhat limited. The access to Boardwalk which goes over the marsh is relatively short so those with difficulty walking great distance can still enjoy the views & wildlife. I cannot express what a Treasure Huntley Meadows is, you will be amazed at the Wildlife that you can see on a daily basis from American Bald Eagles, different Hawks, Owls, numerous types of ducks (Mallards, Pintail, Mergansers, Teals) and of course Geese, lots of Geese. The Park has Beavers, Otters, and Muskrats, Deer and Foxes. Seeing these in the Wild right here in DMV is amazing, I have never seen so much so often and with such little effort. Parking is ample (weekends get crazy) and right now Visitor Center is closed, and restrooms are closed. There are Porta Potties, which do in a pinch. If there is one park you visit and you want Wildlife then this is your Park. read more

See all

What a gem of a place! Huntley Meadows is nestled in a corner of Alexandria that I had never discovered in my 20+ years living in the DMV. The star of the park is the half-mile boardwalk that dissects the wetland. On the Saturday afternoon we visited, a textbook-perfect fall day, the boardwalk was busy with mostly masked couples and families - but it wasn't so busy as to ruin the beauty and serenity of the place. The changing leaves hadn't quite reached peak colors yet, but it was still a very pretty sight. We didn't see many of the cool critters that are advertised at the entrance of the boardwalk. No blue herons, no snakes. We did get to spot a couple of turtles sunbathing on a log. And our 2-year-old was fascinated with a few crickets that didn't mind her (gently) nudging them. A circuit of trails lined with mostly dead, mangled trees and twisted vines lead up to the wetland from a few directions. The trails are easy to walk, especially for the little ones (and they won't ruin your stroller either!). We loved our visit here! Can't wait to come back again and again, and hopefully spot more of the wildlife that call it home. read more

See all

Such an amazing place to visit. The thriving ecosystem makes for an adventures family outing. Bird spotting, plant life identifying, reptile watching, aquatic life all around. My children had such a fun time documenting and researching all the wildlife and plant life they came across. Not to mention just being able to get out, let the sun shine on your face and take in the peace and calm of the marshlands...we frequently take this tour together as a way to slow our lives down and just be mindful and together. read more

See all

I made a trip to Huntley Meadows Park this May for the first time. It was great. I walked the dirt trails and the boardwalk. I saw beaver lodges, turtles, fish, and water birds. read more

See all

This is a fabulous park in all seasons, but particularly lively in the spring with baby ducks and geese and in mid September with the raccoons in the persimmon trees in the early evening. Blue herons and turtles can almost always be spotted, and you might see an osprey diving for fish, frogs, snakes and snakeheads. The boardwalk over the water makes it very easy to spot a lot of wildlife up close. Weekends can be very busy, so try other times. Enjoy! read more

A very pleasant place for a short hike. Plenty of wildlife to see. Sufficient parking spaces.

We really enjoyed coming here. What a gem! It was a great place to go on a hike and enjoy nature and see lots of different kinds of animals. We brought our kids here and they LOVED it. We found so many creatures including snakes, frogs, turtles, deer, birds, ducks, butterflies, fireflies, etc. It has nice shade during the summer in the beginning of the trail but once you go to the boardwalk, there's no shade. This place is kid friendly and stroller friendly. There are outhouses in the parking lot. Weekends are very busy. The parking lot was completely full. The weekdays have less people. Most people wore masks. read more

After my last prenatal visit, my doc recommended that I exercise more. I admit that I have not been as active due to fatigue and lack of motivation. So in response, I have been making an effort to exercise, specifically, walking. We came here to Huntley to get out and exercise. It's an easy flat trail that leads out to the wetlands. It's pretty especially with the fall colors coming in. Suggested parking donation - $2. Bathrooms in the Visitor Center. read more

Huntley Meadows Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

No jogging, biking, or dog-walking on the boardwalks, presumably to avoid startling wildlife. The observatory platform is pretty basic, but the wildlife in this section are more interesting than the flora throughout Huntley Meadows; deer were absent from the wooded trail. Am I just not as big of a fan because I rebel against edutainment? I don't know. Maybe it's because the construction in the corner threw off the vibe, or the wasp nest over the visitor center entrance. The turtle cluster kept me from being completely disappointed. read more

See all

On my surprise day off for our new federal holiday, Juneteenth, I decided to explore a very different part of Alexandria and discovered a peaceful oasis. This place is beautiful, clean, and it's the perfect getaway from busy city life. I enjoyed a relaxing walk, fresh air, and lots of sunshine. Really needed this today. read more

See all

This is a decent and shorter park to take a walk in. I really feel like it's a 4.5ish but I can't give that rating. If you're interested, make sure you read some of these. Let's break it down: Pros: -Plenty of parking. It's suggested to leave a donation of $2 but that's up to you. -The trail is not very steep and winding, which makes it suitable for most people. -The trail really isn't long (could be a con as well). -Plenty of wildlife to see. I saw deer tracks (didn't see any deer), a turtle, plenty of ducks, herons, and birds. I saw beaver dams, but no beavers. You can't get close enough to the dams to get a good view. -Some flowers grow along the trail which make for some good photos. -Once you hit the boardwalk, if you go left at the first split and follow the trail, you'll find an observatory with a pretty good view. -Good for photos Cons: -Holy moly, are there mosquitoes here...I have never seen so many mosquitoes in my life. If you don't coat yourself in bug spray, God help you. I'm talking swarms of 20-30 following you. There's a CVS 0.8 miles down the road so do yourself a favor. -No running on the boardwalk. Likely a precaution to prevent slipping and damage. -No dogs on the boardwalk. -No bicycles. -The walk won't offer you much shade once you hit the boardwalk. Prepare if you go in the summer. -Construction and unfinished trails once you're past the boardwalks. I didn't go into the visitor center. We tried, but the doors were locked. Overall, a decent park to visit with plenty of scenery and wildlife. If you love nature, it's worth a shot, but you better prepare accordingly. read more

See all

A great local wetland park. Boardwalk and visitor center are on groveton but you can access walking and biking area via telegraph. No entrance free but donations of $2 per car are appreciated. The boardwalk is open to walkers only. No jogging bikes or dogs. I never get tired of going to huntley. Each visit is different depending on the season and weather. Take a stroll and enjoy the scenery! read more

Huntley Meadows Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

I have been going to Huntley Meadows Park for 4 years. I love coming here during spring because I can see pretty spring ephemeral flowers, and see the geese have their babies here. The walkway is beautiful, and you definitely feel like you are a part of the wetland because the walkway takes you to the middle of it. It is a magical sight. I bring my binoculars to look at great blue herons, great egrets, and green herons, and to see if I get lucky in spotting other birds/animals. I saw a poster on their community board about a woodcock walk. It was the last woodcock walk that they were hosting this year, and in the 2 previous walks the group didn't see them. On the last walk we were able to see 2-3 woodcock males displaying romance. We also saw 2 owls. The naturalist that led this walk was awesome! I can't wait for future classes that Huntley Meadows Park offers. I love visiting during the summer too. Mosquito spray is a must during the summer here. There are 3 entrances to the park. I only have been using 2. Both the Lockheed Blvd. and the South Kings Highway have parking lot structures. The Lockheed Blvd. entrance has the visitor center with restrooms. This park is beautiful! I will continue visiting the park! read more

Huntley Meadows Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

We have been several times at various times and seasons. It's always interesting and fun to hike the entire park. Often seeing beavers abd muskrats water fowl birds and deer. Great family place. read more

An island of uniqe beauty in the midst of Metro DC. Wow, what a beatiful place to enjoy nature. I saw a fawn and two baby doe's on the edge of the forest and was amazed to see the two baby's nursing as the mother stood in the water. read more

See all

Today scavengers hunt for the live creatures brought new animals to the surface. Muskrat : Known to be most valuable for their fur or pelts, muskrats are one of the most trapped animals in history. Most of the time muskrats mate underwater. Snakes, turtles, birds, .... It is fun to be one with with nature! read more

See all

Perfect time of year to see fall foliage! Huntley provides a close by nature walk from the large city. There were many older individuals getting their daily exercise the morning we went. There were also many photographers, bird watchers, and nature painters. I would highly recommend this park for shorter walks and nearby neighbors. However, you cannot take your dogs near the water. Also, the walk was not much of a challenge or long enough to get enough steps in if you are focused on your daily recommended 10,000. read more

See all

Huntley Meadows is a beautiful park that's great for the whole family for every season. While this was my first check-in here, I have been to this park over 30 times over many years with my family and friends. The serene scenery is both memorable and photogenic, with animals and flora of every sort making regular appearances along the trail. I would definitely recommend seeing this place in every season, as the experience is different each time. The visitor's center is small but attractive and full of educational displays regarding the history of the park and information about the local wildlife. Definitely check out the shelves for their perpetual book sale, always a fun read to pick up there for cheap. Speaking of cheap, Huntley Meadows is entirely free to visit and park, though donations are appreciated. If you're looking for a great outing that'll provide some sunlight, exercise, and won't break the bank, this is a great option! Overall: 5.0 stars ------- Pros: - Beautiful park, great for all ages. - The price is right! - Always good for a little walk/exercise, and a great place to clear your mind. Cons: - Watch out for the telltale signs of where the geese have been... and do your best to avoid stepping in it! :) Not a big deal though. read more

Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted with a sign that says, "Break-Ins have occurred. Please take your valuables with you." I guess I appreciate the honesty. The place is extremely crowded with lots of families and children. It can be difficult to navigate sometimes. If you are here on the weekends, be prepared for this. The time of year doesn't seem to matter. The park should be called "Invasive Species Meadows." What was most concerning is that the forested land leading to the wetlands is being taken over by invasive species. There is English ivy all over the place as well as other woody vines that are in the process of choking many of the trees. It truly is sad to see that the forest is not being properly maintained. The wetlands boardwalk was very nice but again, very crowded. I only got to see Canadian geese and mallard ducks, which I could probably have seen at any community pond. Nevertheless it was beautiful. I won't be returning here any time soon. At least, not on a weekend. read more

Updated: Great place to get away from the city and into nature without driving forever. We saw all sorts of wildlife: frogs, turtles, muskrats, birds, snakes... lots to see. I recommend staying on the trails, as we should do anyway, to avoid those snakes. Fun place for the kids (but I don't think that you can take dogs there). read more

This is a beautiful trail. We took my martial arts students from Kaizen MMA on a field trip here and they loved the mini trail hike and the scenic walk way. Would recommend for a peaceful trail hike or just a nice walk. Walking was not too strenuous or too long at all to get to the overlook. read more

See all

So nice to have this little oasis right off of Route 1. Great for a quick walk in any season. Be ready to see lots of bird watchers if you go early in the morning! read more