Location: McLean
Top Things to do in McLean
6 Budget-friendly Things to do in McLean That You Shouldn't Miss
McLean (/məˈkleɪn/ mə-KLAYN) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. McLean is home to many diplomats, businessmen, members of Congress, and high-ranking government officials partially due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and the Central Intelligence Agency. It is the location of Hickory Hill, the former home of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. It is also the location of Salona, the former home of Light-Horse Harry Lee, the Revolutionary War hero. The community had an estimated total population of 53,673 in 2015, according to estimates prepared by the United States Census Bureau. It is located between the Potomac River and the town of Vienna. McLean is known for its luxury homes and its nearby high-end shopping destinations: the Tysons Corner Center and the Tysons Galleria. The two McLean zip codes - 22101 and 22102 - are among the most expensive ZIP Codes in Virginia and the United States. In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that McLean was the 3rd wealthiest city in the United States, based on its poverty rate of 2.6% and its median household income of $190,258.
Restaurants in McLean
1. Clemyjontri Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By SusanK347 - McLean, United States
This park is a hidden gem in McLean. There is a wide range of equipment here in the way of jungle gyms, etc., as well as walking paths. Great for families with kids.
2. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Park composed of three seperate trails, perfect for hiking and biking.
Reviewed By 25wallace79 - McLean, United States
Have loved this place for over 30 years and so happy they never made it a “park”. There’s very little man-made influence here; a few trash cans and benches with some signs near the parking area. Trails are marked by painted color squares in mature trees. It’s a conservatory park meaning no vehicles like motorized bikes, regular bicycles, firearms and camping or campfires. You’ll see horseback riders and hikers and lots of dogs. And that’s nice because it keeps it quiet and safe without speeding bikers taking over the single track paths. I’m an avid cyclist and would love to ride here but it’s not meant for that. My children loved the secluded feel almost like going back in time. There’s part of the canal still in tact from George Washington’s time. I am there at least three times a week with my dog and make an effort to collect trash I see. I hope they never develop this place or make it a formal park. I was reluctant even to write a review that would attract people who will misuse the park but it’s such a great place. If you like natural woods with nothing faster than an occasional jogger, come enjoy this great place.
3. Great Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,335 reviews
An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
A visit to this wonderful park is the perfect respite from the cityscapes of Washington D.C. Just a short drive from D.C., this park features many great hiking trails, abundant wildlife, historical sites, and of course the waterfalls. The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.
4. Scott's Run Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Passport209125
I love Scott’s run because it’s a short hike to the Potomac River. Children and dogs on leash are welcome and the leaves are fantastic in the Fall. Just remember that you are going downhill to the river do you will be coming back uphill. You can also climb up to a small waterfall. The 11year old granddaughter and the dogs loved it.
5. Turkey Run Park
6. Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run is a living history museum that portrays family life on a small, low-income farm just prior to the Revolutionary War. This privately funded and operated National Park, located in McLean, Virginia, has served more than 2 million visitors since it opened in 1973, and is host to increasing numbers each year. The popularity of the Farm is due in large part to its continuing focus on authenticity and its ongoing encouragement of both child and adult visitors to participate in the daily activities of an 18th century family farm. Experiential learning is a growing trend with most museums and the Farm has been a leader in this —-for over 40 years. The Farm has achieved national recognition for its innovative educational programming that uses the 18th-century Farm as an authentic representation of colonial agricultural history to provide perspective and context for present day life. Each year, thousands of students visit this working class farm, which recreates the life and times of a tenant family living in northern Virginia in 1771.
