Things to do in the Mosaic District

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When you visit Fairfax County, Virginia, check out all the things to do in the Mosaic District and plan to spend a fun day here!

This trendy new neighborhood in Fairfax County has a true urban village feel. People who live here enjoy a variety of retailers, restaurants and entertainment, all within steps of home. And, vacationers looking for things to do in Fairfax, VA can enjoy those same great amenities. 

If you’re looking for unique experiences in a vibrant, walkable urban neighborhood, this is the place to be! And, if you choose to stay here, it’s a great place to use as a home base on a Northern Virginia Getaway, convenient to Falls Church, Washington, DC, Alexandria and other nearby towns!

A wide shot of the Mosaic District showing first floor shops with upper level apartments, tree lined streets and people walking.

Things to do in the Mosaic District

For a fun day of shopping, dining and entertainment, this neighborhood near I-495 and I-66 in Northern Virginia, is easy to get to!

Mosaic District Stores

If you enjoy eclectic shops offering unique gifts, clothes and household decor, then shopping might top your list of things to do in the Mosaic District. Popular high end stores like Anthropologie, Blue Mercury, Madewell, Sephora and Williams Sonoma are great for gifts. Of course, you can shop at Target for all the things you forgot to pack!

When traveling, you might enjoy these regional Mosaic District stores, which aren’t available everywhere.

Faherty

A clothing store inspired by a love of the beach, Faherty is decorated with archival photographs and vintage surfboards to create a sense of adventure. A family-owned company, you’re greeted like an old friend and made to feel welcome. And, the clothes are designed to look effortless, made with quality, easy-care fabrics in a variety of prints and colors.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique

A boutique clothing store for women, Scout & Molly’s knows that one size does not fit all! Their helpful, friendly staff will help you find the perfect outfit or accessories! Or, shop for gifts for friends and family back home. This is my favorite of the Mosaic District stores I visited. It’s hard to beat great customer care!

MOM’s Organic Market

More than an organic grocery store, MOM’s Organic Market is focuse on providing climate-friendly, organic foods in a sustainable way. By reducing the carbon footprint and supporting community efforts, they are committed to restoring the environment in a variety of ways. 

Mosaic District Restaurants

Of course, you need to recharge when shopping, and the best restaurants in the Mosaic District are just the place to do that! Though, the hardest part about dining out is narrowing down where to eat.

Right now, there are 37 restaurants in the Mosaic District, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Many restaurants take reservations, which I recommend. It can be hard to find a table, especially on weekends.

Some of the best Mosaic District restaurants are: 

Our Mom Eugenia

Our Mom Eugenia is an incrediblly popular family-owned restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining that serves authentic Greek fare. The food is tasty, and the cocktails are delicious. When the weather is nice, make a reservation to eat outdoors.

Our mom Eugenia, a Mosaic District restaurant serving Greek dishes with outdoor and indoor dining.

Kirby Club

A casual Eastern Mediterranean restaurant developed by a Michelin-starred restaurant group, Kirby Club celebrates the joy of community, family and gathering with tasty kebabs and cocktails.

Parc de Ville

A casual French bistro with a rooftop cocktail bar, Parc de Ville is a popular gathering place in the neighborhood. The eye catching murals at the rooftop bar make a great backdrop for selfies!

Parc de Ville Restaurant in the Mosaic District Fairfax VA, with rooftop bar that has great murals for selfie backdrops.

RASA

A vibrant and flavorful casual Indian restaurant, RASA believes food is a connection to our roots. Good food nourishes our bodies as we explore new cultures and connect with those who share the table. The Indian inspired dishes are fresh, flavorful and filling.

Pupatella

Of course, every neighborhood needs a great pizza shop, and Pupatella is ready for that challenge. Serving classic Neopolitan pizzas prepared in a 900 degree wood fired oven, this is pizza the way it was meant to be. For casual family dining, this is the best of the Mosaic district restaurants. And, that little car out front? Too cute!

Entrance to Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza, one of the most popular Mosaic District Restaurants with a cute , blue car out front.

Mosaic District Events and Activities

Shopping and dining are great, but what sets the neighborhood apart are the other things to do here. After all, community is built when you share experiences together. And, for visitors to the area these activities and other Mosaic District events are a fun, low-key way to spend a day during a family vacation to Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.

Freshfarm Farmers Market

Offered year-round on Sundays, the Freshfarm Farmers Market is a great place to shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats and pastured eggs, baked goods, pastries, kombucha, coffee, ice cream, handmade dog treats, and more. The Freshfarm Farmers Market is hosted on District Avenue. Hours are 10:00-2:00 in winter and 9:00-2:00 April-October.

Angelika Film Center

This Indie cinema for art, foreign and mainstream films, also has a cafe with tea, coffee, baked goods and snacks. Throughout the year, Angelika Film Center hosts special, free showings played outdoors which visitors can watch from Strawberry Park.

Exterior of the Angelika Film Center showing movie on the outdoor screen in the Mosaic District Fairfax VA.

Strawberry Park

This grassy area in the heart of the neighborhood offers a meeting place to learn new things, watch sports on the big screen, and even participate in fit4mom workouts (first session is free). When Strawberry Park isn’t hosting Mosaic District events, you’ll see families relaxing and kids playing in the park. When it comes to free things to do, Strawberry Park is probably where it’s happening.

Crowd gathered at Strawberry Park in the Mosaic District for a free outdoor movie.

Stroll through the neighborhood

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things to do in the Mosaic District is to take a stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy the fun of the arts, activities, dining and shops. Sit and relax as you watch passersby. Beautiful planters and seating areas with umbrellas provide cozy spots to connect with friends and family. In the winter, patio heaters extend the outdoor season. It’s a vibrant little place visit!

People enjoying the parklike seating areas, with two women in the front area, a group in the next seating area and kids playing on the grass behind.

Plan your visit

Use these tips to plan your visit, whether going to shop dine or tour the neighborhood.

Parking. Parking in the Mosaic District is FREE! There are 5 garages providing 2,500 parking spaces, including electric car charging stations at the Market Garage and the Target Garage. Whether visiting for a day or just stopping by to pick up a few items, you won’t waste time on a long parking search.

Apartments and retail building in the Mosaic District with free onstreet parking and landscaping shown.

Complete Mosaic District Directory. We have highlighted some of our favorite Mosaic District events and activities. Check the Mosaic District directory to find other things to do, including activities for children and other entertainment in Fairfax VA.

Stay. Perhaps the only thing better than visiting to enjoy all the things to do in the Mosaic District is staying here!

Archer Hotels Falls Church at 8296 Glass Alley is my preferred hotel in the neighborhood. Free, covered parking in the garage just across the street is nice. But, the incredible rooms and service make this a standout! The breakfast buffet is the best hotel breakfast I have ever had. Besides the overnight oats with chia, fresh fruit and pastries, they had hot dishes, too, like eggs, pancackes and bacon.

Breakfast of melon, blueberries, pastry and overnight oats with chia, and coffee.

And, my room was cozy and comfortable, too! It was as close to a perfect stay as a hotel visit can get. Oh, there’s a rooftop pool, too, but I didn’t get to use it since I went in winter.

Sofa with pillows, one of which says, "Be our guest" in the lobby entrance at Archer Hotels Falls Church.

Other hotels nearby, though not in walking distance to this neighborhood, might have the right hotel perks for you.

When you’re traveling to Northern Virginia or nearby Washington, DC, the many things to do in the Mosaic District make it a great day trip. Shop at Mosaic District stores for gifts or a little something special for yourself. On Sundays, visit the Freshfarm Farmers Market, though there are lots of Mosaic District events throughout the neighborhood and at Strawberry Park. For a fun getaway, stay at the Archer Hotels Falls Church to enjoy incredible service, a super-comfy room and great free breakfast.

FAQs

Where is the Mosaic District?

Part of the Merrifield Suburban Center Comprehensive Plan, and serving as the Merrifield “city center,” the Mosaic District is located near the interchange of I-495 and I-66, as well as nearby Routes 29 and 50 about 25 minutes west of Washington, DC.

How big is the Mosaic District?

The Mosaic District spans approximately 31 acres, and includes mixed-use development consisting of retail, restaurants, residential, hotel and office along with two urban parks and pedestrian-friendly streets.

How much is parking at the Mosaic District?

There are 2,500 parking spots in the Mosaic District parking garages, plus 150 on street parking spots and EV charging stations at the Target and Market garages. All parking is free. There is no overnight parking except for residents and hotel guests.