Things To Do
in Reston
Reston is a planned community located in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1964 as a revolutionary concept in suburban living with a focus on mixing residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Today, Reston is known for its diverse range of housing options, extensive trail network, and vibrant town center filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The community also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively and engaging place to live or visit.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at the Reston National Golf Course, where you can enjoy the scenic views. Don't forget to grab a coffee from a local café afterward.
Spend the afternoon at the Walker Nature Center, exploring the trails and learning about local wildlife. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Anne Plaza. Enjoy dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Kick off your day at the Reston Town Center, where you'll find charming shops and boutiques. Grab breakfast at one of the local eateries to fuel your shopping spree.
Continue your shopping adventure with a visit to the nearby South Lakes Village Center. Treat yourself to lunch at a restaurant featuring international cuisine.
In the evening, catch a movie at the local cinema for some entertainment. Finish off the night with dessert from a nearby bakery.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong community feel with numerous local events and activities.
- Excellent public schools and educational institutions.
- Proximity to Washington D.C. for job opportunities and cultural experiences.
- Well-planned neighborhoods with parks and recreational facilities.
- Diverse population with a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Virginia.
- Traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Some areas can be prone to suburban sprawl.
- Weather can be humid in summer and cold in winter.
Best Activities in Reston
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a variety of outdoor events, festivals, and concerts at the Reston Town Center, as well as outdoor dining and shopping.
Explore the beautiful Lake Anne Plaza with its scenic waterfront, walking trails, and outdoor cafes. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy on the lake.
Go for a bike ride, walk, or run along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a scenic 45-mile trail that passes through Reston and is popular for outdoor activities.
Tours
Uncover the best of Reston with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Reston
Visit one of these nice places.
Featuring picturesque views of the lake and unique architecture.
A vibrant urban hub with a landscaped open-air plaza and modern architecture, offering great photo opportunities.
Provides stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape and the perfect spot for sunset photos.
Offers a unique vantage point for capturing the picturesque Reston skyline and natural surroundings.
Food in Reston
Reston Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A southern staple featuring thin slices of Virginia ham sandwiched in warm, fluffy biscuits. A must-try for a classic taste of the region. Found at local bakeries and breakfast spots.
Must-Try!
An iconic seafood delicacy in the region, blue crab is often prepared in dishes like crab cakes or crab dip. It's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and can be savored at seafood restaurants and waterfront eateries.
Reston's proximity to the Chesapeake Bay ensures fresh and delicious oysters. Oyster Rockefeller, a dish where oysters are topped with a rich sauce and baked, is a popular choice and can be enjoyed at local seafood restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Reston better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A community hotspot offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local street food from food trucks. It's a great place to explore the region's flavors and discover unique treats.
Nestled by the waterfront, this market provides a charming setting for sampling local street food and purchasing fresh ingredients. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely food experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Reston, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations.
Punctuality is valued in Reston, so it's important to arrive on time for meetings, appointments, and social gatherings.
Using polite language and showing courtesy to others is a key aspect of cultural norms in Reston. Saying 'please' and 'thank you' is important in interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Reston with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Reston
Ensure a smooth experience
In Reston, United States, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, taxis, and other service industries. The customary tipping rate at restaurants is around 15-20% of the total bill. In taxis, it is customary to tip around 15% of the fare. Tipping is also expected for services such as hair salons, spas, and hotel staff.
Reston, United States, accepts a variety of payment methods including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment applications. Most businesses and restaurants accept major credit cards, and it is common to see contactless payment options as well. Cash is also widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used for transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Reston, United States as the weather is mild and cherry blossoms are in bloom. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Summer in Reston brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a popular time for outdoor events, festivals, and water activities on the nearby lakes and rivers.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Reston, United States as the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It's a great time for hiking and scenic drives to admire the fall colors.
Winter in Reston can be cold, but it's a charming time to visit with holiday lights, festive events, and opportunities for ice skating and other winter activities.
Reston at Night
Hiking in Reston
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park featuring stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and vast natural landscapes, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
A large park with trails around a scenic lake, picnic areas, and a water park, offering various hiking options for all skill levels.
A 45-mile long multi-use trail that runs from Arlington to Purcellville, providing a great hiking experience with beautiful views of the Virginia countryside.
A family-friendly park with several trails offering opportunities for hiking, as well as amenities for picnicking and enjoying outdoor activities.
Located a bit further out, this national park features scenic hiking trails through forests and along ridges, with beautiful views and diverse wildlife.
Aiports
How to reach Reston by plane.
Located approximately 6 miles west of Reston, this is the primary airport serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Located about 20 miles southeast of Reston, this airport primarily handles domestic flights and is conveniently located near downtown Washington, D.C.
Situated roughly 35 miles northeast of Reston, BWI serves as a major airport for the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and provides numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Caucasian residents forming the majority demographic group.
A significant demographic group including individuals of East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent.
Residents of Hispanic or Latino origin, contributing to the cultural diversity of Reston.
A demographic group representing African American residents, contributing to the community's cultural richness.
Includes individuals identifying with multiple races or other racial identities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played team sport that involves two teams of eleven players aiming to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net.
A fast-paced sport where players use a stick with a netted pouch to catch, carry, and pass a ball with the objective of scoring points.
A popular individual sport in Reston, encompassing both recreational running and competitive races, often held on local trails and parks.
A racquet sport played either individually or in doubles, where players hit a ball over a net to score points against their opponent.
A bat-and-ball game played between two opposing teams, where players take turns batting and fielding with the aim of scoring runs.
A popular aquatic sport in Reston with various facilities and competitive teams, focusing on endurance and technique.
A widely enjoyed team sport where two teams compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team's hoop.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reston.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Reston offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, ensuring those with plant-based diets have ample choices. GreenFare Organic Cafe and Founding Farmers are notable for their vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can find a variety of gluten-free options at restaurants and cafes across Reston. Many places provide gluten-free menus or are willing to accommodate special dietary needs upon request.