Located just south of Old Town Alexandria and north of Mount Vernon, Belle Haven overlooks the Potomac River and is home to Belle Haven Country Club, it is considered one of the most prestigious areas in Fairfax County. The Belle Haven Community is rooted in history, as far back as being a 17th century outpost.
Belle Haven is a quiet neighborhood with access to more, it is primarily a residential neighborhood that is comprised of a few hundred homes. In this quaint community are a mix of large luxury homes, manors, cottages, and townhouses all situated on tree-lined streets. It’s located at the northern end of the Route 1 Corridor. Parkway/Ft. Hunt and George Washington’s home of Mt. Vernon are to the south, while the Huntington Metro neighborhood is to the west. Located just south of Old Town Alexandria and north of Mount Vernon.
Ft. Willard was later part of the Civil War defense system of the city. The developers of the Belle Haven Country Club later developed the area into an official subdivision in the 1920s, and any original homes still remaining are from around that time.
Outdoor Activities
Belle Haven residents have so many options for outdoor activities. You can run, walk or ride your bike alongside the river on the Mount Vernon Trail that stretches from the Theodore Roosevelt Island in Rosslyn down to the Mount Vernon Estate. Along those eighteen miles of trail you can pack a lunch and pick your favorite spot to have a picnic, take an early stroll to bird watch at some of the local parks. The Mount Eagle Park also offers a playground along with volleyball, multi-purpose fields, and trails. For residents with dogs that like to get out and run, the Westgrove Dog Park on Fort Hunt Rd next to Mount Vernon District Park has a maintained off-leash dog area.
If you want a boating and fishing experience, or lessons, head to the local Belle Haven Marina within the Dyke Marsh along the GW Parkway. You can also rent a slip and dock your own boat. Regardless, the 485 acre Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is an impressive natural environment to explore along the Potomac. If you tire of outdoor excursions, take the family to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center on Belle View Rd where there is an indoor ice rink, an Olympic size indoor pool and aquatic center, and a huge fitness center.
Shopping and Dining
There are multiple good dining options right within the neighborhood. The Haven Pizzeria has a neighborhood bar atmosphere with awesome pizza and accompanying craft beer selection. Dishes of India is right in the Belle View Shopping Center for traditional authentic Indian food made by dedicated and experienced chef, and it is a neighborhood favorite. And the infamous Primo’s Pizzeria as well also located in Belle View.
For general shopping needs, the neighborhood is in close proximity to the Beacon Mall Center, which is an outdoor mall area with Giant, Lowe’s, Starbucks, Target, and Marshalls to name a few. There’s also a Costco and a Walmart a to the south on Richmond Hwy. Multiple grocery stores are nearby, including a Safeway right within the neighborhood. You can grab your coffee at the local Starbucks at Belle View Shopping Center as well.
Getting Around
Belle Haven is nestled just south of Old Town (3 minute drive) between multiple major routes. This community has direct access to I-495, I-395 and the George Washington Parkway, so commuting is a breeze. Route 1 is also nearby. Just moments from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge that spans the Potomac River, Belle Haven also has ready access to major bus routes as well as the nearby Huntington Metro stop. The Ronald Reagan Airport is just a short trip north along the GW Parkway.
Metro
Less than two miles away is the Huntington Metro stop, which serves the Yellow line.
