Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or planning something special any day of the year, here’s a guide to Go, Buy, and Bring your very best gifts to the Dads in your world.
There’s no one way to define a “Dad,” so it can be a bit of a head-scratcher to come up with the best way to celebrate the Fathers, Grandfathers, and special Father-Figures in our lives. That’s why we’ve searched high and low around our neighborhoods for ideas to get you started on creating a day to remember with your dad.
GO: Local Outings Dad Will Love
From baseball games to scenic vineyards to offbeat activities, here are standout experiences that fit every kind of Dad (and some are free!):
Washington, DC
- Father’s Day 2025 falls on the same weekend as the national celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday on 6/14, which also happens to be Flag Day! Events along the National Mall are open to the public with opportunities to interact with soldiers, watch military demonstrations, explore displays, and enjoy live music.
- Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum – Explore aviation marvels and space artifacts—ideal for science or history fans.
- Nationals Park – Catch a Nationals game (they’ll be playing a 3-game series with the Marlins starting Friday 6/13) for classic ballpark fun.
- The Wharf – Walk the waterfront, enjoy any number of tasty treats along the way, and then take a Potomac boat ride with the family.
- If you missed celebrating National Donut Day on June 6, don’t fret! Make it up to Dad by taking him and his sweet tooth on DC’s Underground Donut Tour.
- Release Dad’s inner Paul Bunyan at Kick Axe DC, where dads get a free beer when they hit the bullseye!
- For the Italian music lover, don’t miss Opera Unbound: a Sunset Serenade at Lincoln Memorial with members of the Washington National Opera.
Northern Virginia
- While the big events are happening along The National Mall and DC’s downtown, the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir is celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday with its own special events.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Follow in the footsteps of one of America’s greatest Founding Fathers with a tour of the historic estate, visit the working distillery for a weekend whiskey tasting, and enjoy scenic riverfront views.
- Topgolf Loudoun (and also National Harbor, MD) – Swing, socialize, and enjoy casual food and drinks in a fun, energetic setting.
- Bluemont Vineyard – Savor charcuterie and vino on the mountain—laid-back elegance for the wine-loving dad.
- It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s BOTH at Gravelly Point! Tell your dad to grab his binoculars and watch wings both metallic and feathery take flight at this perfect picnic spot to catch aircraft and wildlife along the Potomac River.
- Celebrate five decades of classic cars and family fun at the 50th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly.
Maryland
- Get down ‘n’ dirty with good clean fun at Montgomery Parks MudFest, with activities at Black Hill Discovery Center (Boyds) and the lawn of Woodstock Equestrian Special Park (Beallsville) and mud pools for attendees to cool off, splash, and jump around in; a giant mud slide, a mud volcano, and the chance to make mud pies at the pop-up kitchen.
- Shop small and support local at The Family Room’s Summer Market (Laytonsville) with 30+ local vendors, food trucks, and live music.
- B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore) – Discover historic locomotives and interactive train exhibits—perfect for all ages.
- If it rains this weekend, never fear! Keep this list of cool hikes to Maryland waterfalls for the next sunny weekend with your dad.
Charles Town, WV
- WV Fest in downtown Charles Town is showcasing 100+ vendors, live music, a beer & wine garden, and games throughout the day.
- Hollywood Casino & Races are a fun way to add a little gaming excitement to Father’s Day celebrations.
- Nestled between the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains is Shanondale Springs Wildlife Area, where visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in nature’s calm.
- Locust Hill Golf Course – Spend a relaxing morning on a scenic, easy-going 18-hole course.
BUY: Local & Unique Gifts for Every Kind of Dad
Local gift suggestions that are sure to delight every Pop’s personality:
Foodie
- The Italian Store (Arlington) – Gourmet cheeses, imported salami, and Italian pantry staples.
- Salt & Sundry (Union Market, DC) – Small-batch sauces, bar tools, and curated cocktail kits.
- O’Donnell’s Market (Bethesda) – A local institution for seafood, fresh butcher cuts, and baked goods.
Outdoorsman
- District Angling (Arlington) – Fly-fishing gear, guides, and specialty apparel.
- REI (DC, Fairfax, Rockville) – The region’s go-to for hiking, biking, and camping gear.
- Good Wolf Gear (Herndon) – A unique shop for buying, renting, or consigning outdoor equipment.
Dapper Dad
- Buck Mason (DC & Tysons Corner) – Relaxed menswear rooted in timeless American style.
- CityCenterDC – Shop an array of luxury brands like Allen Edmonds, Vince, and Paul Stuart for upscale wardrobe upgrades.
- Tom Beckbe (Middleburg) – Rugged sportsman apparel perfect for Hunt Country outings.
Gamer & Tech Enthusiast
- Labyrinth Games & Puzzles (Capitol Hill) – A treasure trove of strategy games, puzzles, and clever gifts for curious minds.
- Dice City Games (Wheaton) – The Metro area’s premier store for Magic, Pokemon, and retro video games.
Sentimental & Vintage
- Red Barn Mercantile (Alexandria) – Framed photo gifts, elegant journals, and homey decor perfect for meaningful gifting.
- Som Records (DC) – Dad can get his groove on at this fave listening spot (don’t miss these other local record stores).
- McKay Used Books (Manassas) – Browse the aisles of tens of thousands of books and other treasures.
- Kensington Antique Row – Dozens of small, one-of-a-kind, owner-operated shops
Pro tip: Look for personalization options—such as engraving, custom baskets, or curated kits — listed by these shops, as they can elevate any gift from nice to unforgettable.
BRING: Homemade & Heartfelt Gifts
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you make or share. Here are crafty, tasty, and creative ideas that show your love without breaking the bank. Steal an idea here or get creatively inspired on your own.
Food & Drink
- A Father’s Day breakfast board featuring pastries from Pop’s local favorites like Compass Coffee (DC) or Vigilante Coffee Company (MD).
- A batch of homemade BBQ sauce, bottled with a custom label that includes cooking tips and family favorite pairings.
- A curated craft beer sampler featuring local breweries such as Aslin Beer Company (Alexandria, Herndon & DC), Jailbreak Brewing Company (Laurel), or Lost Rhino Brewing Co. (Ashburn).
Craft & DIY
- A coupon book filled with “On-demand car wash,” “Movie night of your choice,” or “Yard work help.” Make it fancy with an online template or follow crafting steps here.
- A photo album or framed photo collage with hand-written captions of memories of the events.
- A hand-painted mug or grill plate can be a fun, kid-friendly activity with a useful result. Check your local Goodwill or thrift store to find creative shapes and sizes to get you started.
Thoughtful Gestures
- A curated playlist of songs that represent milestone moments – road trips, weddings, or the first car.
- A short letter or poem, funny or sentimental – read it over breakfast for extra meaning.
- A backyard picnic setup – complete with lawn games and a spread of his favorite foods and drinks.
However you choose to celebrate with Dad this weekend, we hope you leave the day with shared moments that will keep you smiling every time you think of him. And beyond Father’s Day, make a point to Go! Buy! Bring! throughout the summer in all the local areas that Corcoran McEnearney serves.
Karisue Wyson
Karisue Wyson is the Director of Education for Corcoran McEnearney and was previously a Top Producer Realtor® in the Alexandria Office.
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!