The 6 Best Free Things to do in McLean, Virginia (VA)

October 9, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

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

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101-2209 +1 703-388-2807 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 124 reviews

Clemyjontri Park

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. Tysons Galleria Shopping Center

2001 International Dr, McLean, VA 22102-4605 +1 703-827-7730 http://Www.tysonsgalleria.com
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Tysons Galleria Shopping Center

Reviewed By je1058 - Fredericksburg, United States

Tyson’s Galleria (Also known as Tysons II) is an uber hi-end mall with stores like Prada, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Sak’s, Neiman Marcus, etc. Over the years, this mall has been up and down with occupancy. It does feature some nicer restaurants, like Wild Fire. Overall, I like this mall and the stores in it. It’s also connected to the Ritz-Carlton, so if you’re staying at the Ritz, you can walk right into the mall from the 4th floor.

3. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

McLean, VA 20175 +1 703-777-0343 http://www.loudoun.gov
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

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.

4. Tysons Corner Center

1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102-4501 +1 703-893-9401 [email protected] http://www.tysonscornercenter.com
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 409 reviews

Tysons Corner Center

As one of the top 10 shopping centers in the country, Tysons Corner Center offers an unbeatable mix of more than 300 department and specialty stores. Tysons' "who's who" of retailers includes Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, American Girl, L.L. Bean, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Spanx, Apple, The Disney Store and more. Tysons Corner Center also offers a 16-screen stadium seating and IMAX 3D AMC Theatre, fine and casual dining restaurants, a food court and a National Geographic sponsored children's play area. The new outdoor Plaza at Tysons Corner hosts events throughout the year and provides a number of eateries with cafe seating. The new 310 room luxury Hyatt Regency Hotel at Tysons Corner Center is the perfect respite from a busy day of shopping.

Reviewed By aro7

Tyson's Corner is a very modern shopping mall where you can find stores from good reputable American brands to premium ones such Coach or Tesla. The food courts are ok but I'd rather recommend the speciality restaurants. The department stores Macys, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are spacious and well provided. Lord and Taylor has a lower standard. Godiva is a store I recommend, especially because Ice cream.

5. Scott's Run Nature Preserve

7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102-2142 http://www.hikingupward.com/ovh/scottsrun/
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Scott's Run Nature Preserve

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.

6. Turkey Run Park

George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101 +1 703-289-2500 http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm
Excellent
53%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Turkey Run Park

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