Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Tysons Corner, VA

  • Published 2023/01/17

When people hear about Northern Virginia, the first few things that cross their mind is history and outdoor activities.

However, this state has more than natural attractions and historical landmarks.

You’ll find dozens of upscale shopping malls, specialty shops, restaurants, and bargain outlets, particularly Fairfax County’s Tysons Corner.

Tysons Corner’s setting is dominantly a modern suburban community with a laidback atmosphere despite its growing commercial hub.

This community is a census-designated place in Fairfax County, nestled in between the towns of Vienna and McLean.

This community is a stone’s throw away from the United States’ capital, Washington DC, and a couple of major cities like Arlington and Baltimore.

Tysons Corner offers you a different world full of wonderful places to roam – from shopping malls, theaters, outdoor recreation, and historic sites.

It has a unique and memorable travel experience that you won’t likely experience in other suburban towns in the U.S.

Tysons Corner is an excellent leisure traveler destination.

So, what awaits you in this growing community?

Here are the 20 best things to do in Tysons Corner, Virginia:

Engage in Outdoor Activities at the Raglan Road Park

View of Raglan Road Park

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The Raglan Road Park served as a thoroughfare in Tysons Corner but was eventually converted into a park for active recreation purposes.

The park covers 12 acres, including a forested area and open space.

Recently, the Raglan Road Park unveiled its newest feature, the Vesper Trail, which offers more amenities and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

View of Raglan Road Park

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Visiting this park offers you both relaxation and exciting outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and sports.

The park has multiple accesses in both Vienna and Tysons Corner.

The entrance from Tysons Corner is at 8590 Raglan Rd, and it’s open from 6 am to 8:30 in the evening.

View of Raglan Road Park

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Shop at the Region’s Largest Shopping Mall (Tysons Corner Center)

View of Tysons Corner Center

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The vast Tysons Corner Center is a few minutes away from Washington D.C.’s downtown area.

It’s conveniently accessible through the Metro’s Silver Line multiple stations in Tysons Corner.

Moreover, Tysons Corner Center is one of the top 10 malls in the United States.

The mall boasts more than 300 specialty shops, including a department store, salons, and entertainment.

View of Tysons Corner Center

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Mainstream retail brands like Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M, Dyson, American Girl, Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, GUCCI, Spanx, and Apple are found in Tysons Corner Center.

Tysons Corner Center is nestled at 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA.

The mall opens daily during regular business hours.

Interior view of Tysons Corner Center

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Hop on the Metro Rail

Tysons Corner is highly accessible from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Arlington through the Metro Rail.

The community has four Metro Rail stations located at Spring Hill, Tysons Corner, McLean, and Greensboro.

These stations offer a free ride to Washington D.C., giving you more chances to explore the nearby places of Tysons Corner.

Metro Rail passing through Tysons Corner

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Furthermore, these stations are half-mile within Tysons Corner or about a 15-minute walk from each other, making them highly accessible.

The Metro Rail stations in Tysons Corner are near the Tysons Corner Center, Fairfax Square, Tysons Galleria, and other shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants.

To experience riding the Metro Rail in Tysons Corner, you can purchase the Metro Farecards available in all four stations.

Watch Live Performances at the One Capital Hall

The Capital One Hall is one of the focal points of the Capital One Center in Tysons Corner.

Capital One Center, in general, is a vast development property aimed to become a top-notch commercial hub in Fairfax County and the Washington Metropolitan area.

The Capital One Hall is run by the ArtsFairfax, a local non-profit artists group that organizes Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows, and more.

The entire theater can accommodate as many as 1,600 people, while its black box theater called the “Vault” has 225 seats.

You can watch regular performances from various artists and groups or perhaps major concerts in this theater located at 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA.

Spoil Yourself at the Tysons Galleria

View of Tysons Galleria

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The Tysons Galleria features more luxurious fashion and specialty brands than the Tysons Corner Center, making it the premier upscale mall in Northern Virginia.

If you have an exquisite and expensive taste in fashion, Tysons Galleria is your perfect mall to shop at.

You’ll come across luxury brands such as Chanel, Cartier, Burberry, and Versace, including designer brands like J. Crew, Lily Pulitzer, and Eileen Fisher.

View of Tysons Galleria

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ultimately, Tysons Galleria offers you a different kind of malling experience.

If you plan to shop at this famous Tysons Corner mall, it is at 2001 International Drive.

Glass walkway to Tysons Galleria

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Explore the Capital One Center

The Capital One Center, which houses the Capital One Hall and other attractions in Tysons Corner, is a 26-acre commercial development area.

Its main piece is the Capital One Tower, the Washington region’s tallest commercial building completed in 2018.

You can do tons of things in Capital One Center, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure.

The place is a perfect spot to wander and be amazed by the nice architecture of its buildings.

After a hearty meal from one of its restaurants, Capital One Center is also perfect for strolling, especially during nighttime when the tower illuminates the skyline of Tysons Corner.

The Capital One Center is located at 1803 Capital One Dr. S, Tysons, VA, and it opens from 6 am to 12 midnight.

Hike Along the Freedom Hill Park

Aside from leisure activities, Tysons Corner is also home to numerous historical places and landmarks.

One of them is Freedom Hill Park, a former fortified line during the Civil War.

The Freedom Hill Park has several batteries, redoubts, and forts built to surround Washington during the American Civil War.

Today, remnants of these war structures are seen along the park’s trails and open spaces.

One of the famous structures you’ll come across in Freedom Hill Park is the Redoubt Freedom Hill which has been host to numerous battles during the Civil War.

The park is perfect for a morning or afternoon hike alone or in a group.

Visiting this place will let you further understand the history of the American Civil War.

The Freedom Hill Park is located at 8531 Old Courthouse Rd, Tysons, VA, and it’s open from morning until evening.

Enjoy Artisanal Food at the Barrel & Bushel

Outside View of  Barrel & Bushel

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Artisanal food is carefully handcrafted by dedicated people who want to offer top-quality food items to their customers, which Barrel & Bushel is known for.

This restaurant embraces the concept of serving hand-harvested, handcrafted, and handmade food on its menu that mainly focuses on American food.

On top of that, they have 22 regional and local craft beers served on tap, along with more than a dozen bourbons and a wide collection of fine wines.

It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Tysons Corner for casual, fine dining, and relaxation.

The restaurant has cozy communal indoor seating, a patio, private rooms, and a lively bar.

This popular restaurant is located inside the Tysons Corner Center’s plaza area.

The restaurant opens daily from morning until evening.

Chill at the Boro

Boro or the Greensboro is another commercial development in Tysons Corner with dozens of bars, clubs, and restaurants that bring a vibrant nightlife to the community.

People often dub this place the “Commercial Lifestyle Center,” wherein everyone can engage in different recreational activities, including partying.

It’s the only place in Tysons Corner where people who have liquor licenses can carry and drink alcohol publicly.

The Boro is also a popular spot for events such as the Oktoberfest and other outdoor concerts and festivals.

You can grab lunch at the D.C. Food Truck, Tasty Kabob, Fish Taco, and Cabin John, which usually has long queues of hungry customers.

The Boro is at 8350 Broad St, Tysons, VA.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day at Nothing In Between Studio

Drop by for a day of pampering at Nothing In Between Studio, a contemporary self-care paradise offering non-toxic massage and nail treatments.

The Studio’s contemporary zen-like elegance was influenced by their beloved artist, Isamu Noguchi.

The facility comprises oak wood flooring, paper lantern illumination, a lovely tea bar, a shop section, and a massage area.

One of the best producers of opulent, cutting-edge, and long-lasting massage treatment beds, Living Earth Crafts has four massage rooms at Nothing In Between Studio that are outfitted with sustainably built massage beds.

With soothing music for maximum relaxation, the massage room is faintly lighted by salt lamps.

They took inspiration from their appreciation of modern art while designing their studios, giving them a serene, neat, and minimalistic appearance.

Experience Great Food and the Finest Rooms at Archer Hotel Tysons

Tysons has grown from an 1800s peach grove to a modernized urban destination — and Archer Hotel Tyson greets guests with its industrial-elegant ambiance, a touch of class, and excellent hospitality.

With 178 hotel rooms and suites, thoughtfully chosen local items, and genuine service, the hotel pampers its visitors with opulent accommodations.

It creates an artistic environment for formal and informal gatherings thanks to its modern-industrial, boutique vibe and lively spirit.

Archer Hotel Tysons and its devoted crew organize the most remarkable events with great attention to detail.

Food has a fundamental role in fostering relationships and celebrating occasions.

Simply combine buffet selections to fit your event and guests’ needs, then savor the unforgettable gastronomic experience!

Catch up with Friends Over Drinks at AKB, a hotel bar

AKB, a hotel bar is your perfect host whether you’re a Tysons resident seeking a meeting place for work or date night or a tourist visiting for business or leisure.

Some of life’s greatest joys are bound to happen here, whether catching up over cocktails, dining together, and celebrating both the extraordinary and the ordinary.

Find regionally inspired, shareable cuisine, locally adored spirits, friendly bartenders, and adaptable venues with a welcoming atmosphere.

Chill in the AKB’s main bar, at one of the cozy corners, or outside beside the warm fire pit.

Choose from a variety of small regional dishes or the modern classics.

Come on by and enjoy AKB’s beautiful meeting place!

Stroll around and Explore the Shops at Fairfax Square

Fairfax Square emphasizes the ultimate shopping experience with exceptional retailers, personalized shopping services, premium facilities, and valet parking.

Visit The Shops at Fairfax Square for a fun-filled day of dining, shopping, entertainment, and leisure.

Explore Equinox offering elite personal trainers, group exercise activities, and opulent spas.

In some of the most sought-after locations on the planet, their fitness clubs provide quality and flair.

Enter Orpheus Music, a boutique store showcasing only the best pianos worldwide.

Lastly, dine at Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks, a concept of Great American Restaurants, where you can get all the fresh fish and wagyu steaks you could ever want.

Have a Weekend Brunch at Founding Farmers Tysons

A complete-service restaurant and bar, Founding Farmers Tysons is accessible daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Saturday brunches.

They’ve constructed their vision of a Virginia farmhouse with a sun tea room, comfy corners, a barn-framed bar ceiling, and artisanal, American-made Beachley furniture.

They provide fresh fruits and vegetables directly from Virginia farms and traditional American-inspired cuisines when feasible.

Features of the bar consist of their Virginia-brewed craft beer on tap, Rose wine, and specialty cocktails prepared with their very own Founding Spirits.

Founding Farmers Tysons can serve your event dining needs.

They offer several arrangements to give you a memorable group dining experience, from dinner parties to big group gatherings of up to 200 guests.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Your travel adventure in Fairfax County doesn’t end in Tysons Corner.

After you’ve roamed around and shopped at Tysons Corner’s massive malls, you can further explore other attractions in Fairfax County.

So, here are a few of the awesome attractions and things to do nearby Tysons Corner.

Visit the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

View of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

If you have more time in Montgomery, you can proceed and visit the famous Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

The park is also a national monument established by President Dwight Eisenhower.

The park offers another trail from the canal and the towpath, which calls for another exciting hike.

View of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

The entire trail stretches to the Potomac River, Washington D.C., to Cumberland in Maryland, covering 184.5 miles.

The entire trail was also designated as the U.S. Bicycle Route 50 in 2013, making it an excellent route for long-distance cycling.

View of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Discover the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

View of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This unique attraction in the town of Vienna, southwest of Tysons Corner, offers you both entertaining theatrical performances and the beauty of nature.

This attraction is run by the Wolf Trap Foundation, which manages both the national park and the cultural amphitheater.

The park was a former suburb with encroaching roads but was declared a national park in August 2002 as the “Wolf Trap Farm Park.”

View of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The park’s name got changed to honor its historical significance and main purpose.

It’s a worthy place to visit for music, stage plays, and outdoor recreation.

The Wolf Trap National park for the Performing Arts is located at 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA.

Pavilion at Wolf Trap National Park

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Reflect at the Korean War Veterans Memorial

View of Korean War Veterans Memorial

nyker / Shutterstock.com

A 16-minute drive east of Tyson takes you to Washington D.C., which offers limitless things to do and attractions to visit.

The Korean War Memorial is one of the unique monuments in Washington DC because of the 19 life-sized stainless steel statues of soldiers that depict the field of combat in Korea.

View of Korean War Veterans Memorial

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Moreover, the memorial’s entrance is free to the public, and its open 24 hours a day.

You can join interpretive programs from rangers who are on duty to guide the visitor.

Nearby the Korean War Memorial is the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.

View of Korean War Veterans Memorial

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Dive at the Ocean Dunes Water Park

The Ocean Dunes Water Park is nestled in Arlington, VA, a 16-minute drive east of Tysons Corner.

It’s one of the best places to bring your kids because of its vast waterpark that features pipes, slides, water spouts, and multiple pools.

Aside from the water park, other amenities include biking trails, batting cages, and a mini-golf course.

The Ocean Dunes Water Park is the perfect place for family bonding and relaxation.

This attraction in Arlington, VA, is located at 6060 Wilson Blvd.

Hike Along the Scenic Billy Goat Trail

View of Billy Goat Trail

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Head to the Billy Goat Trail in Montgomery County for a relaxing hike with a scenic backdrop of nature’s beauty.

The Billy Goat Trail is a 24-minute drive north of Tysons Corner in Montgomery.

It is a popular outdoor destination for hiking trails and rock scrambling activities.

View of Billy Goat Trail

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

The trail covers roughly five miles, passing by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the Potomac River.

The entire hike usually finishes within five hours, but you’ll likely take longer because of the attractive sceneries of nature, which convinces you for picture taking.

View of Billy Goat Trail during autumn

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Take Nice Photos at the Great Falls Park

Kayaking at Great Falls Park

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The Great Falls Park is not just an ordinary national park; it’s one of the most scenic parks covering Maryland and Virginia.

It has a dramatic view of the waterfalls and the white water rapids from the Potomac River.

You can also visit the Patowmack Canal, the United States’ first canal that became an important thoroughfare for marine vessels plying through the Potomac River’s waterways.

View of a River in Great Falls Park

gary718 / Shutterstock.com

Hiking and picture taking are the most popular activities in this park.

A short detour of your Tysons Corner travel adventure to the Great Falls Park will surely add more fun and memories to bring back home.

The most accessible entrance to the park is at 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, VA.

Scenic view of Great Falls Park

Andrei Medvedev / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Tysons Corner is the epitome of a modern and vibrant suburban community.

You don’t need to fly to New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco to treat yourself to a leisure journey because Tysons Corner has everything you look for in a shopping destination.

Furthermore, Tysons Corner and its nearby places have many equally exciting attractions.

Bookmark this post for an instant itinerary if you’re ready to head to Tysons Corner.

Ultimately, it would be awesome to share this post with your fellow excursionists for reference.

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