Attractions and Places To See around Reston - Top 20

Reston is rich in natural beauty, offering extensive green spaces and several lakes. You can explore the 72-acre woodlands at the Walker Nature Center, which connects to over 250 additional acres of open space and provides educational exhibits and scenic trails. The area also features five lakes—Lake Anne, Lake Fairfax, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon, and Lake Newport—offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic walks. Lake Fairfax Park, in particular, provides a wide range of activities including swimming, hiking, and camping. Additionally, the Glade Stream Valley offers accessible natural areas via pathways.

Yes, Reston has several historical and cultural points of interest. The Reston Museum, located at Lake Anne Plaza, preserves and celebrates Reston's unique history and urban planning. You can also visit Pennyfield Lock, a restored man-made monument built between 1829 and 1831, which offers a glimpse into the past and even overnight stays. The 18th-century Bowman House near Lake Anne provides insight into Reston's pre-planned rural heritage.

Reston offers a variety of outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. The W&OD Trail (Washington & Old Dominion Trail) is a 45-mile multi-use trail perfect for walking, running, and cycling. For more challenging terrain, the Difficult Run Trail follows a stream to the Potomac River, though it can be narrow and rocky in sections. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking and hiking in the area. For more detailed routes, explore the gravel biking guide or the hiking guide around Reston.

Reston is very family-friendly. Lake Fairfax Park offers activities like swimming at The Water Mine Swimming Hole, hiking, and camping. The extensive network of over 55 miles of paved and natural trails is perfect for family walks or bike rides. Many local establishments, such as Caboose Brewery and Green Lizard Cycling, are noted as family-friendly, offering food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Reston boasts an extensive network of trails. The W&OD Trail is a major multi-use pathway running through the area, ideal for cycling, walking, and running. Additionally, the Reston Association Trails and Pathways offer over 55 miles of paved and natural trails connecting parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas. For specific hiking routes, you can check out the hiking guide around Reston, which includes easy options like the Red Loop Trail and the W&OD Bridle Trail.

For those seeking a challenge, the Difficult Run Trail is a notable option. It follows the stream from Georgetown Pike to the Potomac River and is known for its narrow, rocky sections and steep drop-offs, especially when wet. While scenic, it requires caution. You can find more challenging routes in the hiking guide around Reston, such as the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail: Difficult Run.

Reston offers many easy hiking options suitable for all skill levels. Trails like the Red Loop Trail, Turquoise Trail Central Loop, W&OD Bridle Trail, and Fred Crabtree Park Trail are all considered easy. These trails provide pleasant walks through Reston's green spaces and natural areas. For a comprehensive list, refer to the easy hikes guide around Reston.

Yes, several convenient spots are located directly off the trails. Caboose Brewery, situated along the W&OD Trail, offers beer, food, coffee, and pastries. Green Lizard Cycling in Herndon, also right off the trail, functions as a bike shop with a cafe serving coffee and beer. Another option is The Bike Lane Bicycle Shop and Brewery, which provides bike rentals, repairs, and a cafe with drinks.

With its extensive green spaces, woodlands, and lakes, Reston provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Walker Nature Center, encompassing 72 acres of woodlands, is dedicated to highlighting local biodiversity and conservation efforts, making it an excellent spot to observe local flora and fauna. The numerous trails and natural areas throughout Reston also offer chances to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats.

Reston's outdoor attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant for outdoor activities due to milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Fall is especially popular for viewing the vibrant foliage along the trails and around the lakes. Summer offers opportunities for water activities at Lake Fairfax Park, while winter can provide unique experiences on the trails, though some sections might be slippery.

Reston is known for its commitment to public art. You can find numerous temporary and permanent public art displays throughout the town. The Mercury Fountain in Reston Town Center is an iconic installation and a central gathering spot. Lake Anne Plaza and Hunter Woods Elementary also feature various art pieces. The LOVEworks Sculpture at Reston Station serves as an artistic centerpiece and a symbol of Virginia pride.

Reston Town Center is a vibrant urban hub in Reston, known for its dynamic blend of dining, shopping, and entertainment. It features brick-paved plazas, public art installations like the Mercury Fountain, and hosts seasonal events, including ice skating in winter. It embodies Reston's 'live, work, play' philosophy, offering a lively atmosphere for visitors.

Lake Anne Plaza is Reston's first village center and a significant historic site, recognized for its distinctive Mid-century modern architecture and picturesque waterfront views. It's home to quaint shops, restaurants, a farmers market, and various community events. The Reston Museum is also located here, offering insights into the town's history.

Reston strives for accessibility in its public spaces. While specific trails may vary in accessibility, facilities like Green Lizard Cycling are noted as wheelchair accessible. Reston's meticulously planned community design often includes paved pathways and accessible routes within its parks and urban centers, making many areas enjoyable for visitors with mobility needs.

You have a couple of convenient options for bike rentals and repairs right off the W&OD Trail. Green Lizard Cycling in Herndon is a bike shop that also offers rentals. Similarly, The Bike Lane Bicycle Shop and Brewery allows you to rent a bike or get repairs done, making it a perfect stop for cyclists.