Looking for fun things to do in Occoquan? Historic Occoquan is a charming neighborhood less than an hour from Washington, DC. For those who love history, charming small towns, and water activities, Occoquan makes for a great day trip.
I first discovered Occoquan entirely by accident. I was meeting someone in the area, and as soon as I stepped out of my car, I fell in love with how cute the town was. It feels like something out of a Hallmark movie. The streets are filled with local cafes and boutique shops. You can tell that everything is owned by locals; you won’t find any big-name restaurants in Old Town Occoquan.
This small town is so alluring that in 1801, John Davis wrote, “On crossing a little bridge, I came within view of the settlement, which is romantic beyond conception.”
So if you want something to romanticize your day, plan a trip to Occoquan. Here are all the things you should do while visiting.
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Activities
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River Mill Park: A Must Visit in Occoquan
The best thing about River Mill Park is the mini waterfall that feeds into the Occoquan River. The Park is pretty small, but it’s perfect for family outings or romantic walks. It’s usually quiet, and the views are super relaxing.
Remember to take photos with the infamous Virginia LOVE sign in front of the park. Although I saw a few people near the river, I don’t think this is a great place for swimming. But its a great place for watching the sunset! I hope you enjoy some of the photos I took.
Visit the Mill House Museum
The Mill House Museum is located next to River Mill Park. It’s a small and charming museum; you don’t need more than an hour inside. It’s a great place to learn about early American life and culture, and the staff is super knowledgeable.
The exterior of the museum is my favorite part. It looks like a cabin taken straight out of the pages of Anne of Green Gables.
Visit Mamie Davis Park: Fun Things to Do in Occoquan
Mamie Davis Park is perfect for romantic strolls. I saw so many couples enjoying the view during my trip. It isn’t too busy, even during the weekend. If you’re lucky, you might catch someone having a wedding in the gazebo.
The park is named after a long-time resident and official.
Enjoying a Coffee at the Secret Garden Cafe
The Secret Garden Cafe is one of the most popular places in Occoquan. I was surprised by how international their menu is. They have Indian curry, Korean-inspired plates, and shrimp and grits. The outdoor seating reminds me of someone’s house. It’s very intimate and laid-back, with lots of plants and even a small fountain.
The cafe is cozy and has a good-sized menu. While everything I ordered was great, I strongly recommend the pecan coconut cake.
Snack at Ballywhack Shack
Locals love this spot for a quick bite. They have lots of freshly made sandwiches and it can get a bit busy. My friends loved their Greek wrap and I liked my avocado toast. There weren’t a lot of vegan options and vegan cheese was available for extra. I recommend ordering the Watermelon Rose Mint Italian soda. It’s a tasty and refreshing drink during hot summer days.
Diving With Patriot Diving
Have you ever thought about becoming a scuba diver? Patriot Diving is one of the few diving stores near Washington DC. They offer discovery scuba diving, Openwater Diving, and specialized classes. They even offer mermaid courses! If you want to learn more about becoming a professional mermaid check out this blog post about my experience becoming a PADI Advanced Mermaid.
Kayaking at Penguin Paddling
Penguin Paddling is located right in front of Madigan’s Waterfront. There are no reservations, so it’s first come, first serve. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love kayaking with Penguin Paddling on the Occoquan River.
Lunch at Madigan’s Waterfront
To end your perfect day in Occoquan, I recommend getting to Madigan’s Waterfront early enough to catch the sunset. They have lots of outdoor seating, and the view of the river is amazing.
People go crazy for their seafood boil and mussels. They even have a few vegan and vegetarian options.
After living in the area for so long, I’m disappointed that it took me so long to visit. Occoquan is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and scenic views.
How Long Should I Visit Occoquan?
Historical Occoquan is quite small. Two days is enough time to enjoy the park, roam the museum, and explore the river, but you can also get a lot done in one day.
Hotels Near Occoquan Virginia
If you want to experience the scenic side of Occoquan, then I recommend staying in Historic Occoquan. Many beautiful privately owned condos are located in the middle of everything. I took lots of pictures because the condos have a unique look! I’ve never seen anything like them in the USA. You can also check out a few hotels on Booking.com.
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