A trip to northern Virginia could be for business, sightseeing, outdoor adventure or all three. Depending on your agenda and whether you're planning a weekend getaway or extended stay, you’ll want to make sure you pack a few essentials.
Tysons Corner is small enough to get around on foot. To take advantage of the area’s offerings, opt for comfortable basics.
A weekend trip to Tysons Corner is a great opportunity to explore northern Virginia. You can visit a few wineries nearby, explore the Old Town of Alexandria, or get your nature fix at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens or Great Falls Park.
Whether you’re going to spend a day visiting the landmarks of Washington, D.C., or honoring America’s first president at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, don’t forget the essentials.
Rainfall in Tysons Corner is above the national average. Pack a small umbrella and raincoat in case you’re in town during a wet week. Add in a pair of rain boots if your trip falls during winter.
Historical sights, major museums and attractions, spa treatments and a coveted table at the best restaurants are among the most popular experiences in northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Here are few you should reserve prior to your weekend getaway.
At ENTYSE Wine Bar & Lounge, sommelier Vincent Feraud has crafted a list of more than 60 vintages by the glass, which, paired with a small-plates menu, makes for a perfect place to unwind after day of sightseeing. Plus, there is a rotating calendar of events, like Sushi Thursdays, Jazz Fridays and Live Music Saturdays. Fancy afternoon tea? ENTYSE offers that, too. For an elegant seafood dinner book at table at Eddie V’s and for fresh Greek cuisine, the sleek Nostos is a local favorite. For something more casual, go for authentic Persian food at Shamshiry.
Just a day at the sprawling Tysons Corner Center (one of the largest malls in America) or its upscale sister, Tysons Galleria, will be enough to warrant a trip to the spa. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Tysons Corner has just what you’ll need — the Mall Recovery Massage — to alleviate tight muscles and relieve tension with cooling spearmint and rosemary. For a full-body detox, book the Head to Toe Hydration, which uses argan and Moroccan oils, lavender and honey to soothe both body and mind before concluding with an invigorating scalp treatment.
Your concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner will help book a private and customized tour of Washington, D.C. You can choose to hit the federal icons, like the White House and Capitol, or go for the National Mall and famous memorials, including those dedicated to Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR and Washington. Prefer something a little more remote? Arrange a wine tour — yes, Virginia is home to some stunning wine country. Highlights might include the Winery at La Grange, Gray Ghost Vineyards and Paradise Springs Winery (which also has an outpost in Santa Barbara).
Pay tribute to America’s veterans (and visit the gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis) at Arlington National Cemetery. Then make your way down to Mount Vernon, the home where George and Martha Washington lived and are buried. The 45-acre property has a majestically restored mansion and a museum with 500 artifacts from the founding father’s life. For architecture buffs, there’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria, and for those with a green thumb, pay a visit to the picturesque Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in neighboring Vienna.
Northern Virginia is the perfect getaway for couples and families, and the experts of this Tysons Corner hotel have crafted itineraries highlighting the best the area has to offer. From luxury shopping and spa treatments to beautiful hikes and historical landmarks, here’s what not to miss.
In the Northern Virginia town of McLean, situated between Washington, D.C., and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Tysons Corner is a destination unto itself. Spend one perfect day exploring nearby Old Town, Alexandria, with its delightfully quirky boutiques and art galleries, and still have time to get to know Tysons Corner, with luxury shopping, indulgent dining and one unforgettable spa experience. Short on time? Spend your day exploring the best the city has to offer or indulging in a day of relaxation.
History buffs should retreat to Fredericksburg, Virginia, about one hour south of Tysons Corner. With battlefields and stately, beautifully restored homes, the quaint town on the Rappahannock River brims with Colonial and Civil War history. But you’ll also find a contemporary element, thanks to a fresh crop of restaurants, an award-winning distillery and an artisanal doughnut shop.