Overview
The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is the most densely populated area of Arlington, Virginia.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 10 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Rosslyn–Ballston Corridor
Theodore Roosevelt Island
A lovely nature walk though this small national park gives one glimpses of both the area's natural woods and the Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) waterfront. Also includes a monument to President Roosevelt. While it is a pa…
Observation Deck at CEB Tower
On the 31st floor of the tower, this is the best view of Washington, D.C. and a great place to take a selfie with the Washington Monument!
Ice Skating @ MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Year-round ice skating rink built for the Washington Capitals professional hockey team. Public skating is offered every day; check the web site for schedules. Children's and youth lessons are also available.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 4 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 20 mi away (major hub). Directions
The 5 stops of the combined Metro Orange/Silver Line is the spine of the corridor, providing transit to downtown Washington, D.C. to the east, and Tysons, Reston, Falls Church, and Fairfax County to the west. The Rosslyn station is also served by the Blue Line, which provides access from Crystal City and Alexandria.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $110–$120 a night (typical $120), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Theodore Roosevelt Island, Ice Skating @ MedStar Capitals Iceplex
- Lunch Me Jana
- Afternoon Observation Deck at CEB Tower
- Dinner Tupelo Honey
- Evening Galaxy Hut
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The dense Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is a series of five "urban villages" following Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards west from Rosslyn, just across the Potomac from Georgetown. This area has seen massive redevelopment since the 1980s. While Rosslyn is largely offices and hotels, and depopulated at night, the pricey high-rises and group houses to the west are home to the largest concentration of restaurants, bars, and entertainment in Arlington— and to the young professionals who patronize them. The corridor is literally a textbook case of transit-oriented development, with the thriving neighborhoods of Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square, and Ballston clustered around their eponymous Orange/Silver Line Metrorail stations. At the center is the shopping and restaurant district of Clarendon, which was Arlington's "downtown" until the 1960s.
Get in
The 5 stops of the combined Metro Orange/Silver Line is the spine of the corridor, providing transit to downtown Washington, D.C. to the east, and Tysons, Reston, Falls Church, and Fairfax County to the west. The Rosslyn station is also served by the Blue Line, which provides access from Crystal City and Alexandria.
See
See Theodore Roosevelt Island
A lovely nature walk though this small national park gives one glimpses of both the area's natural woods and the Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) waterfront. Also includes a monument to President Roosevelt. While it is a part of Washington, D.C., the island is only accessible by a footbridge from Arlington.
See Observation Deck at CEB Tower
On the 31st floor of the tower, this is the best view of Washington, D.C. and a great place to take a selfie with the Washington Monument!
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat Guajillo Mexican Grill
Mexican food, including some great mole. The food is always fresh and wonderful. The place is difficult to spot and parking can be a problem.
Eat Me Jana
Upscale Lebanese cuisine (mostly mezzes) in a trendy, casual dining room, and accompanied with a fine selection of Lebanese wines.
Eat Mele Bistro
Italian food.
Eat Pho 75
The "go to" Vietnamese restaurant in the area by many locals, it has great pho in a modest setting. Cash only.
Eat Quarterdeck
Freshly steamed Maryland blue crabs and other seafood. Paper on the tables, buckets full of crabs, pitchers of beer, and an elbow-deep mess of Old Bay seasoning.
Eat Ted's Montana Grill
Ted's is a classic American restaurant serving authentic American cuisine in the style of a 1890s eatery. Featuring bison and beef steaks and burgers, it offers a great made-from-scratch experience.
Eat Tupelo Honey
Creative versions of Southern comfort food.
Eat Wiseguy Pizza
New York style pizza and cheesecake. 3 locations in the D.C. area.
Drink
Bars
Drink Barley Mac
Craft cocktails and good whiskey in an industrial chic setting. Bar food.
Drink Clarendon Ballroom
Known for its large dance floor and (seasonal) rooftop deck.
Drink Continental Modern Pool Lounge
A weird little 1960s-looking, orange-colored pool hall and bar just across the Key Bridge. They also have shuffleboard, darts, and Nintendo Wii!
Drink Galaxy Hut
Northern Virginia's hipster refuge has a fun jukebox, a fantastic draft beer selection, and perhaps the most laid back atmosphere on the Wilson Blvd corridor. Live indie rock Su-M.
Drink Quinn's On The Corner
A sports bar focused on good whiskey.
Cafes
Drink Oby Lee
Coffee, wine, and crepes.
Sleep
Nearby
Arlington National Cemetery
Park · 17 listings · 1 mi away
Washington, D.C.
City / town · 218 listings · 4 mi away
Falls Church
City / town · 22 listings · 4 mi away
McLean
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Bethesda
City / town · 53 listings · 6 mi away
Alexandria
City / town · 70 listings · 7 mi away
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Park · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Mount Rainier
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.