McLean

Day Trips

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to Great Falls Park for scenic overlooks. The early light brings out the vibrant colors of the Potomac River as it cascades over rocky cliffs. Hike a section of the Billy Goat Trail for an invigorating outdoor experience.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy near the riverbank while listening to the rushing water. Explore additional park overlooks and interpretive exhibits that detail the area’s geological history. Photograph the falls from various vantage points and search for wildlife among the riverbanks.

Relax as the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the rapids and surrounding bluffs. Wander along the River Trail for calming views and catch the glow on the water’s surface. Return to McLean for dinner at a riverside restaurant to cap off the day.

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at La Madeleine before visiting the McLean Community Center. Wander through art galleries and community exhibits that highlight local artists. Join a morning yoga or fitness class if available in the community center schedule.

Take a leisurely stroll through Lewinsville Park’s walking paths, passing historic structures and manicured gardens. Explore nearby residential areas to appreciate the elegant architecture and shaded streets. Stop by a local bookshop for a quick browse of regional history titles.

Dine at The Old Brogue Irish Pub with live acoustic music for a cozy atmosphere. Sample traditional Irish fare paired with local craft beers or a whiskey flight. Cap the evening with a short drive to overlook the Potomac River and enjoy the night sky.

Start with breakfast at Great American Restaurants, then drive to Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. Tour the restored 19th-century water-powered mill and learn about colonial life in Virginia. Watch demonstrations of grain milling and chat with costumed interpreters.

Hike the adjacent trails that wind through woodlands and open meadows along Colvin Run Creek. Pack a light lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables under the shade of mature trees. Spot local wildlife such as white-tailed deer and songbirds in their natural habitat.

Return to McLean and unwind with a glass of wine at Teaism, where Asian-inspired tapas and tea blends are on offer. Share small plates while reflecting on the day’s historical discoveries. Finish the night with a stroll through the peaceful streets of downtown McLean.

Grab a quick breakfast at Starbucks in Tysons Corner Center before embarking on your shopping spree. Explore high-end retailers and designer boutiques for the latest fashions and accessories. Visit the Apple Store or local technology shops to check out new gadgets.

Refuel with lunch at one of the center’s food hall options, enjoying everything from sushi to artisanal pizza. Continue shopping at nearby Tysons Galleria for an upscale mall experience with premium brands. Stop by a spa for a mid-afternoon pampering session or manicure.

Enjoy dinner at Seasons 52, known for seasonal menus and live music on select nights. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail and savor a fresh seafood dish or flatbread. After dinner, catch a movie at the IMAX theater for entertainment before heading back to McLean.

Drive to Riverbend Park and begin your day with a kayak or canoe trip on the Potomac River. Glide past lush riverbanks and keep an eye out for herons and turtles along the shoreline. Pull ashore for a snack break and enjoy the tranquil river ambiance.

Hike the park’s rolling trails through hardwood forests and open fields, reaching scenic overlooks of the river. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the shaded picnic tables near the visitor center. Photograph wildflowers and possibly spot a bald eagle or osprey soaring overhead.

Head back to McLean and dine at Clyde’s of Tysons Corner, sampling regional dishes made with local ingredients. Relax on the outdoor patio as you sip a seasonal cocktail and watch the sunset. End the evening with a casual stroll under the stars along the Georgetown Pike.

Start with a gourmet coffee at Coffee and Crepes and then drive to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Wander through themed gardens boasting cherry blossoms, a Korean bell pavilion, and serene ponds. Take in the fragrance of blooms and watch for butterflies in the herbaceous border.

Stay on site for a picnic lunch in the garden meadow or head over to nearby Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Explore the Filene Center grounds and catch a matinee performance or backstage tour if available. Visit gift shops to find unique souvenirs celebrating the performing arts.

Return to Wolf Trap for an outdoor concert under the stars at the Filene Center. Settle into your lawn seat with a blanket, gourmet picnic basket, and bottle of wine. Enjoy live music ranging from jazz ensembles to classical orchestras as dusk settles around you.

Fuel up with breakfast at Founding Farmers Vienna before embarking on a scenic drive along Georgetown Pike. Cruise through wooded corridors lined with historic estates and sweeping landscapes. Stop at overlooks for photos of rolling hills and colonial-era stone walls.

Pull off at Rivercrest Scenic Overlook to survey the Potomac River valley and surrounding parkland. Unpack a light lunch and relax while watching canoeists drift by below. Continue along the pike and explore small historic markers or turn onto side roads to visit quaint rural settings.

Dine at Peace A Pizza in nearby Great Falls for cozy Italian fare with a local twist. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads in a family-friendly atmosphere. After dinner, head back to McLean for a nightcap at a neighborhood wine bar.

Cross into Washington, D.C. and start your day on Theodore Roosevelt Island with a nature trail hike through tidal marshes and upland forests. Learn about the history of the bronze Roosevelt statue at the heart of the island. Bird watchers can spot warblers and waterfowl flitting among the greenery.

Head north to the C&O Canal Towpath in Georgetown and rent a bike to explore the towpath’s historic route along the Potomac. Stop at mile markers to read interpretive panels describing the canal’s heyday. Pause for lunch at a riverside café in Georgetown before returning to the path.

Return to McLean for dinner at Passionfish in Reston, featuring sustainable seafood and creative cocktails. Toast to a day of riverside exploration while sampling chef-driven dishes made from local produce. Wind down with a leisurely walk through Reston Town Center’s illuminated plaza.

Begin with a chef’s tasting brunch at Restaurant Eve in Vienna, celebrating seasonal Virginia produce. Sip on mimosas or local craft coffee as each course highlights nutritious ingredients. Chat with the culinary team about their farm-to-table approach.

Join a guided food tour of McLean’s diverse eateries, tasting Ethiopian injera, Vietnamese pho, and classic American sandwiches along the way. Visit a local artisan bakery for pastries or a cheese shop for charcuterie to-go. Learn about culinary traditions and ingredient sourcing in the community.

Reserve a table at L’Oca d’Oro for contemporary Italian dining in a sleek, modern space. Savor house-made pasta paired with regional wines and fresh market vegetables. Conclude the night with artisanal gelato from Dolci Gelati just down the street.

Sleep in before enjoying a casual breakfast at Northside Social with locally roasted coffee and farm-fresh eggs. Reflect on your favorite moments from the past nine days while planning a final stroll. Browse gift shops for last-minute souvenirs or local chocolates.

Spend your last afternoon at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, hiking to the river overlook and observing the sandstone gorge. Pack a light lunch and picnic beside the rushing stream to soak up one last dose of nature. Take photos of the dramatic rock formations and lush canopy.

Return to McLean’s downtown for a farewell dinner at The Capital Burger for a laid-back atmosphere and gourmet burgers. Toast with craft beers or milkshakes as you reminisce about the trip’s highlights. End your evening with a short walk under the civic center’s twinkling lights before heading home.