The Gainesville center is around 1 mile northeast of Robert Trent Jones Golf Club and 6 miles west of Prince William Hospital.
Spring is the ideal time to visit Virginia for balmy weather and plenty of fun festivals to enjoy. With a subtropical climate, however, Gainesville is a destination year round. This allows budget-conscious travelers to save money by visiting in late fall and winter when hotel prices are lower. Fall has the bonus of gorgeous foliage.
If you're planning a long stay in Gainesville, the WoodSpring Suites offers substantial discounts when you book a room for longer than seven days. Comfort Suites offers special rates for AAA and AARP members, senior citizens, and government and military employees. At SpringHill Suites, a Marriott property, discounted prices are available for government and military members, AAA members, and senior citizens. The Hampton Inn offers a 10 percent discount for AAA members and senior citizens, along with special rates for government employees and members of the military.
The best hotel values in Gainesville offer the ideal combination of amenities, high ratings, and reasonable price. A great choice in this category is the Hampton Inn Gainesville-Haymarket, within walking distance to a host of restaurants and shops. Not only does it offer free hot breakfast, you can also grab one of Hampton's signature breakfast bags, with pastries and other items available on the go. Each room has high-speed internet and a flat-screen TV. This hotel also boasts a fitness center and heated indoor pool.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Manassas is a newly renovated property that guests say is clean, modern, comfortable, and well-maintained, with friendly, welcoming service staff. Each room features touches like whirlpool baths, flat-screen TVs, and free wireless internet. You can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool with hot tub, and signature Express Start breakfast bar.
Golf is a premier attraction in Gainesville, with three major courses within city limits. Stonewall Golf Club on Turtle Point Drive is notable for its gorgeous views of Lake Manassas, friendly staff, and great restaurant with a big selection of standards. Heritage Hunt Golf Course was designed by Arthur Hill; this private club offers a challenging course and gourmet dining.
Beer fans should stop by Gainesville's Tin Cannon Brewery for an awesome selection of unusual flavors, with an average of 12 to 14 choices on tap at any given time. Get a draft of your favorite or order a flight of four tastings if you just can't decide. Tin Cannon is open from Thursday through Sunday. Make a beer trail day of it by heading over to Heritage Brewing Co. and BadWolf Brewing Co. in Manassas. Fans of Heritage say the outdoor seating area with lawn games make it a family-friendly destination. BadWolf features a food menu, too, so head there on an empty stomach.
Virginia Gateway in Gainesville is the area's premier shopping and dining location, featuring dozens of restaurants, shops, and services. From J. Crew to Target to Pier 1 Imports, your favorite retailers are located here. Grab lunch at Mission BBQ or enjoy a relaxing happy hour at Bar Louie. In the spring and summer, an interactive splash fountain provides a fun diversion for kids.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located a short drive from Gainesville in Triangle. This 135-acre site featuring a 120,000-square-foot tribute to the Marines is situated next to their base in Quantico. You'll find an immersive experience thanks to the breathtaking interactive exhibits and enjoy browsing the extensive library of Marine Corps artifacts. Enjoy free admission and parking at this one-of-a-kind museum.
If you want to enjoy the area's natural beauty, Prince William Forest Park is also located in Triangle. This national park has provided northern Virginia residents a respite from the hustle and bustle of the world since 1936. You'll find 37 miles of hiking trails and more than 20 miles of paved and gravel cycling roads. Take the free, self-guided, 60-point orienteering course, fish in the park's many streams, or keep your eye out for the more than 100 bird species that make their homes here.
The hotels listed here provide easy access to Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two pivotal Civil War battles. Stroll through the 5,000-acre grounds independently or take advantage of a guided ranger tour. Don't miss the living history demonstrations, which allow you to step back in time by witnessing a battle reenactment. While you're in Manassas, stop by the Manassas Museum to explore the city's history, from Native American times through the modern era, with changing exhibits and seven separate sites to explore on the grounds. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free.
If you're traveling with kids or just love a thrill, don't miss the Splashdown Waterpark in the summer. This hot-weather haven features plenty of slides or a lazy river for those who just want to relax. A children's area within the park is appropriate for the tiniest tots who want to get wet.
In nearby Haymarket, enjoy the Winery at La Grange, with eight acres of vineyards surrounding an 18th-century mansion that hosts tastings, events, and live music. The beautiful grounds are an ideal place for a spring picnic, whether you bring your own food or opt to choose from the winery's selection of fine cheeses, charcuterie, and other snacks. Another can't-miss attraction in Haymarket is Burnside Farms, a third-generation family farm where you can pick your own flowers on certain weekends of the year. In the fall, you can also enjoy the market at Burnside. It's a beautiful place to bring a picnic lunch.
Whether you're staying in Gainesville to enjoy the immediate region or you plan to use the small town as a jumping-off point to explore Washington, D.C., you'll love the quaint local attractions rich with history along with the extensive selection of highly regarded, reasonably priced hotels in this area of Prince William County. If you do want to enjoy the nation's capital, you can either take the 45-minute drive or jump on a local commuter bus at the OmniRide Gainesville Station managed by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
Below are reviews of the city of Gainesville, VA from an actual visitor's perspective.
It looked like a cute town with interesting stores and food places, which we unfortunately had no time to check out.
The location is excellent. It is within walking distance to an area of a plaza that has anything you would need for a great stay.
It has everything you need. Well located on the edge of DC.
Sunshine Farm Winery.
Cordial staff!
Stores and restaurants close by.