Nestled among the trees and hills of Northern Virginia, Reston in Fairfax County is a beautiful town that offers plenty of things to do for tourists and residents alike.
From its charming downtown district to the many parks and trails that wind their way through the area, there’s something for everyone in Reston.
Reston has a thriving arts scene, with several art galleries and studios throughout the town.
The shopping in Reston is also top-notch.
You’ll find everything you need, from small boutiques to major department stores.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Reston, Virginia:
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In 1990, the Reston Town Center was built between Library and Presidents avenues, with the Mercury Fountain as its focal point.
Today, Reston Town Center is home to 50 retailers, 35 restaurants, and a multi-screen cinema.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun place to shop, dine, and play.
You can stroll around the center and take in the views.
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Head to one of the many rooftop restaurants or up to the top of the Hyatt Regency hotel for some of the best ideas in town.
If you want to be entertained, you can catch a movie at one of the two theaters or see a show at one of the many live music venues.
And if you’ve got the kids with you, there are plenty of kid-friendly shops and restaurants and kid-friendly activities like face painting and balloon artists.
Your whole family will have a blast at the Reston Town Center.
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The Reston National Golf Course is open to the public, so anyone can come and play.
There are 18 holes on the course, so it’ll take a few hours to finish a round.
Located along Sunrise Valley Drive, the golf course is pretty challenging, so it’s perfect for experienced golfers.
Even if you’re not an experienced golfer, you’ll still have a lot of fun navigating the course.
Just be prepared for a bit of a workout; there are a lot of hills on the course!
If you’re not confident in your golfing skills, you can take lessons from one of the professional golfers at the Reston National Golf Course.
They offer group and private lessons to choose what works best for you.
As one of the best-kept secrets in Northern Virginia, the Reston Museum is a must-see for tourists and locals alike.
Located along Washington Plaza, the museum tells the story of how Reston, Virginia, came to be and its impact on the growth of Fairfax County.
While there, be sure to check out the Rise of Reston exhibit.
This exhibit tells how Robert E. Simon Jr. founded Reston in 1964 and includes original photos, documents, and artifacts from that time.
For an even deeper dive into the history of Reston, take part in one of the docent-led tours offered by the museum.
These tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers passionate about sharing the story of how Reston’s community came together.
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Located in the heart of Reston, Virginia, Lake Fairfax Park is a hidden gem perfect for a day of relaxation and fun.
Whether you’re looking to go for a swim, hike, or enjoy the beautiful scenery, Lake Fairfax has something for everyone.
Lake Fairfax is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
The lake boasts a large sandy beach area and a spacious grassy area for sunbathing.
A playground and picnic tables are also available, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
You can also rent a canoe or a paddleboat from the park office.
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For those feeling more adventurous, stand-up paddleboards are available for rent.
If water activities are not your cup of tea, six miles of wooded trails wind through Lake Fairfax Park.
The beautifully landscaped paths are perfect for an afternoon stroll or a vigorous hike.
You can also take a stroll back in time and visit the historic Lake Fairfax Carousel, one of the only remaining hand-carved wooden carousels.
Dating back to 1912, the carousel is a popular attraction for kids and adults alike.
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Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole is a great place to take the kids in the summer.
With so many options, it can be hard to decide what to do first.
One of the best things to do at Water Mine Family Swim Fun Park is to relax in the lazy river.
This artificial river is perfect for floating around and soaking up some sun.
The sprayground is perfect for little ones who want to cool off but don’t want to go on any slides.
With numerous spraying fountains and sprinklers, the sprayground will surely be a hit with kids of all ages.
Just bring a change of clothes for afterward!
There are also plenty of slides to choose from, so there’s something for everyone here.
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As the first Village Center of Reston, Lake Anne Plaza holds a significant historical value.
The Plaza presently resides in an area now known as the Historic Overlay District and is filled with life, thanks to its various and thriving community.
Nestled in the heart of Reston, Virginia, Lake Anne Plaza is a picturesque spot perfect for a day of exploring.
What better way to explore the area than by water?
That’s right, folks, one of the best things to do at Lake Anne Plaza is to rent a paddle boat and spend an afternoon paddling around the lake!
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Paddle boat rentals at Lake Anne Plaza are perfect for couples or families who want to explore the scenic lake at their own pace.
One of the best things about paddle boat rentals is that there’s no experience necessary.
Even first-timers will be able to enjoy a paddle around the lake.
If you want a more adventurous way to explore Lake Anne Plaza, why not try stand-up paddle boarding?
Although it may look daunting, stand-up paddle boarding is relatively easy and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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One of the best things to do in Reston is to sample the local beer at one of its many breweries.
Reston has no shortage of places to get your drink on.
Beer lovers will surely love the Lake Anne Brewhouse, which offers a variety of locally brewed beers on tap.
Lake Anne Brewhouse is a brewery in Reston, Virginia that allows patrons to sample the local beer.
The brewery has a wide variety of beers on tap, so there’s something for everyone.
In addition to beer, the brewpub serves food and has a patio that overlooks Lake Anne.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some good beer, Lake Anne Brewhouse is worth checking out.
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Artist Pat Macintyre established the Reston Art Gallery in 1986.
For over 36 years, the gallery has showcased the work of both local and national artists in its exhibitions.
Whether you’re interested in seeing the latest work from your favorite artist or discovering new artists, spending some time browsing the exhibitions is a great way to while away the day.
In addition to its exhibitions, the Reston Art Gallery also hosts regular film screenings throughout the year.
These screenings are usually followed by a discussion with the filmmakers, allowing you to learn more about their process and what went into making the film.
The gallery also offers a variety of hands-on art classes for all ages and skill levels!
Whether you’re a beginner who’s never picked up a paintbrush before or a seasoned artist looking for new techniques to try, there’s sure to be a class for you.
If you’re looking for a great place to go for a walk in Reston, Virginia, then consider the trails of Lake Thoreau Red Loop.
The Lake Thoreau Red Loop is a 3.5-mile trail that circles Lake Thoreau.
The trail is popular with hikers and cyclists and offers a variety of scenery along its length.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the Lake Thoreau Red Loop is also home to various wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled as you hike or cycle the trail, and you may spot some deer, bear, or other wildlife.
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Near Reston’s border, Roers Zoofari transports the whole family to a world full of animal friends.
With a wide variety of animals on display, from tigers and lions to chimpanzees and sloths, there’s something for everyone at Roer’s Zoofari.
The animal petting zoo is one of the best things about Roer’s Zoofaro.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favorite furry friends.
To learn more about the animals who call Roer’s Zoofari home, see their animal shows and get to know these friendly creatures.
If you’re looking for an excellent place to picnic with your family, then the North Hills Picnic Pavilion is worth checking out.
The North Hills Picnic Pavilion is a pavilion located in Reston, Virginia, that offers visitors several amenities.
The pavilion has picnic tables, grills, and a playground, so it’s perfect for a family picnic.
The pavilion is also located right along North Village Road.
Visitors can take a walk or ride a bike after their picnic.
The pavilion is open from dawn until dusk, so you can visit anytime convenient.
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If you’re looking for a great outdoor activity in Reston, Virginia, consider hiking or trekking the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.
The Washington and Old Dominion trail is a 45-mile-long trail that runs from Purcellville, Virginia, to Shirlington, Virginia.
The trail is popular with hikers and cyclists and offers a variety of scenery along its length.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an easy trek, the Washington and Old Dominion trail has something for everyone.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the Washington and Old Dominion trail is also home to various wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled as you hike or trek the path, and you may spot some deer along the way.
If you’re looking for a great outdoor activity in Reston, the Washington and Old Dominion trail is worth checking out!
The Reston Regional Library is a public library in Reston, Virginia.
The library offers a variety of services to its patrons, including books, magazines, and newspapers.
The Reston Regional Library is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quiet place to read your favorite books.
The library has a variety of books, magazines, and newspapers available for checkout, so you can find something that interests you.
The library also has several ebooks and audiobooks available for checkout.
If you’re looking for something to watch or listen to, then the Reston Regional Library is the place to go.
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The Walker Nature Center is a nature preserve located in Reston, Virginia.
The center allows visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty and learn about the local wildlife.
Vernon Walker, Reston’s first Nature Center director, was the namesake.
Walker educated Restonians by writing Nature Newsnotes, offering workshops, and providing counsel in a modest structure erected in 1975.
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In addition to its trails and nature exhibits, the Walker Nature Center hosts regular events for all ages.
The Walker Nature Center is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing day outdoors surrounded by nature.
The center has a variety of trails that wind through its preserve, so you can choose a route that best suits your interests and abilities.
In addition to its trails, the Walker Nature Center also has several nature exhibits where you can learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art center in Reston, Virginia.
The center offers visitors a variety of art exhibitions and classes.
The Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art offers visitors a variety of art exhibitions and classes.
Likewise, the center has several galleries that showcase a variety of art styles, and it also offers courses in various mediums.
The Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art is the ideal place for anyone interested in learning more about contemporary art.
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The Van Gogh Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Reston, Virginia, named after Vincent van Gogh.
Installed in 2016, the bridge was designed by artist Patrick Dougherty.
The bridge is made from sticks and saplings collected from the surrounding area and spans over Lake Anne.
The bridge is an impressive sight and worth visiting if you’re in the area.
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In addition to its beauty, the Van Gogh Bridge has several interesting facts.
For example, it took artist Patrick Dougherty only ten days to install the bridge!
Don’t forget to check out the Van Gogh Bridge if you’re looking for a scenic place to take photos in Reston, Virginia!
No matter your interests, you’re sure to find plenty of things to explore in Reston, Virginia.
There are plenty of sites and activities in Reston, Virginia, for tourists and locals alike.
Whether looking for a place to go on a picnic or are interested in learning more about art, Reston has something for everyone.
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