In Stafford, we do the outdoors a little outside of the box. We have all the typical outdoor activities you love: hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and lots of other “ing” words. But doing them in Stafford County just brings a little something extra to the experience.
Take a scenic walk through Government Island where the great outdoors and rich history come together. This 17-acre park has a boardwalk, ideal for observing aquatic and native plants, birds, and other wildlife. Walk their 1.5-mile loop and learn about the historic site that provided Aquia sandstone for historic buildings in Washington, D.C. The construction of the U.S. Capitol and the White House were built with Aquia sandstone directly from Government Island. Visit Government Island in Stafford County where hiking meets history.
Stafford is the perfect place for any lover of water whether you boat, fish, or kayak. Stafford County has access to a variety of bodies of water including the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, Lake Mooney, and others that suit your favorite or future hobby.
Paddle away at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve with our canoe/kayak launch and travel along the Crow’s Nest Water Trail. You can also spend time out of the water by walking through 8 miles of hiking trails or bird watching. You can spend several hours or even a day exploring Crow’s Nest.
Visit a Virginia State Park right in Stafford County with Widewater State Park. On a peninsula where Aquia Creek and the Potomac River meet, Widewater provides access to both bodies of water. Widewater is another great place to launch your canoe or kayak. Widewater State Park has a visitor center, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms that provide a perfect family-friendly environment. If all of the outdoor experiences were not enough, Widewater State Park is rich in history. Learn about Palmer Hayden, a famous Harlem Renaissance painter who was born in Widewater and other history tied to Widewater State Park.
Fishing in Stafford County is known on a local, regional, and even national level. Stafford County has hosted the Kayak Bass Fishing Trail Series Tournaments year after year, which brings over 200 anglers from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond to compete on the Potomac River. From bass fishermen to those seeking a challenge of the emerging snakehead, fishermen rave about how the tidal influence in Stafford makes the fishing experience more fun and challenging. Stafford’s proximity, access, and diversity provides a world-class fishing experience.
Aquia Landing Park has something for everyone, open year-round, and is a popular public beach offering a variety of activities. Simply bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery with their two large picnic shelters. Fish, canoe, or kayak on the Aquia Creek. Aquia Landing Park is rich in outdoor recreation and steeped in history. Aquia Landing Park is a destination of the Civil War Trails and the Trail to Freedom Trail.
If you enjoy the outdoors and have a competitive spirit, spend time at Stafford’s golf and disc golf courses. Stafford has 3 premier golf courses that are perfect for your next round of golf. Aquia Harbour Golf Course, Augustine Golf Club, and the Gauntlet Golf Club offer fun and challenging courses for any skill level. Take part in a fun twist of the traditional game of golf by playing disc golf at Curtis Memorial Park, John Lee Pratt Park, or 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company’s Putting Course.
When you’ve done your share of outdoor activities, explore Stafford’s arts & culture, history, breweries & wineries, restaurants, and other attractions welcoming spaces for people to gather.
Get outside in Stafford and explore our website for outdoor activities and area attractions, itineraries, things to do, and events.
