Top 9 Summer Adventures in Arlington, Virginia You Can’t Miss

Whether you're a local looking to spice up your weekends or a traveler seeking an unexpected East Coast thrill, Arlington is packed with exciting experiences that capture the spirit of summer.

Here are just some of the ways to unlock your inner adventurer in Arlington this season:

Pictured | Have a summer adventure in Arlington!

Push Boundaries at Climb UPton

Adventure gets vertical at Climb UPton, Arlington’s 90-element, adrenaline-pumping climbing course located in Upton Hill Regional Park. With varying levels of difficulty, climbers can choose their challenge with easy, medium, and hard features including zip lines, free fall, and more!

Pictured | Climb UPton

Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

Roll Down to the Bowling Alley

Arlington is home to two spots with bowling alleys, Lucky Strike in Crystal City and Punch Bowl Social in Ballston, both of which are great places to not only practice your bowling technique but play arcade games and indulge in some delicious food!

Go Plane Spotting at Gravelly Point

A must-visit for tourists, Gravelly Point Park is a thrilling plane spotting location right next to Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the Potomac River. Pack a picnic and your camera for a fun afternoon of overhead plane sightings and a serene waterfront view.

Pictured | Gravelly Point

Credit | Mikkel Paige Photography

For the Kiddos: Try Scramble Parkour

Have children or teens in tow? Head over to Scramble Parkour in Shirlington for hours of indoor activity gym fun! Scramble Parkour offers thrilling obstacle courses for kids, teenagers, and adults; each area with different challenges designed for different skill levels.

Hit the Trails

Ride, run, hike or stroll through forests, over streams and past scenic vistas on Arlington's 17 trails. Bike along Washington & Old Dominion Trail’s 45-miles through the urban heartland and countryside of Northern Virginia. Or set out on two wheels on the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail from Rosslyn all the way to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. Hoof it on the wooded trail at Lubber Run Park or trek the paved Four Mile Run Trail.

Pictured | Mount Vernon Trail

Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

Drop into a Skate Park

Looking to shred? Head over to Powhatan Springs Skate Park, a newly renovated skate spot with a combination of old-school and street elements including two bowls, a snake zone and a street area.

For a full list of Arlington's park offerings, click here.

Try Rock-climbing at Movement Crystal City

Climbing gym, Movement in Crystal City, has more than 350 climbing routes spread out on 35,000 square feet of climbing walls – ample space for every age and ability. They welcome beginners to give rock-climbing a try!

Pictured | Movement

Credit | @kelsey_and_bodi via Instagram

Get Out on the River

Conveniently located on the Potomac River, Arlington is the perfect place to put your kayak in the water for a peaceful float or fishing trip. Just across the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Columbia Island Marina docks yachts and serves as a put-in for kayaks and paddleboards.

Explore more ways to experience Arlington's waterfront here.

Get Your Game on at Immersive Gamebox

Immersive Gamebox in Ballston Quarter offers a cool escape from the summer heat! Step into the Gamebox and enter a fully private, interactive digital room featuring projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking, and surround sound to enjoy an immersive 60-minute adventure.

Pictured | Immersive Gamebox