Overview
McLean is a Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C. located in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the southern United States of America.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about McLean
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The headquarters of the most well-known intelligence agency of the United States government is in a part of McLean that is sometimes still called "Langley". Tours are given only with special arrangement to academic and c…
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Named for the small stream that tumbles over a dramatic waterfall before ending in the Potomac, Scott's Run Nature Preserve is criss-crossed by hiking trails, many of them challenging as they follow the rocky cliffs and …
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 — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 15 mi away (major hub). Directions
WMATA, which operates the DC Metrorail, has several Metrorail stops in McLean (all on the Silver Line). For more information on riding the Metrorail, see Washington, DC#By public transportation.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Afternoon Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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 primary reason to visit McLean is to go shopping at Tysons Corner. McLean is primarily residential, with major commercial development concentrated in its portion of Tysons Corner. McLean is also a favored address for many high-ranking government officials and diplomats.
McLean encompasses the older settlements of Lewinsville and Langley. Langley is the name of the local high school and as a metonym for the CIA, after the location of its headquarters. The community is named after John Roll McLean, who owned The Washington Post, and was one of the chief investors in the Washington and Old Dominion Railway.
Get in
By Metrorail
WMATA, which operates the DC Metrorail, has several Metrorail stops in McLean (all on the Silver Line). For more information on riding the Metrorail, see Washington, DC#By public transportation.
By car
The George Washington Parkway runs along the north side of the town. The Chain Bridge connects the George Washington Parkway to Washington, D.C.. McLean is also just off I-495, the Capital Beltway, from the west, with the main exits at the George Washington Parkway and Georgetown Pike.
See
See Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The headquarters of the most well-known intelligence agency of the United States government is in a part of McLean that is sometimes still called "Langley". Tours are given only with special arrangement to academic and civic groups, not to the public. Even attempting to drive down the road leading up to the CIA can get you in trouble. However, there is a virtual tour on the CIA's web site.
Do
Do Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Named for the small stream that tumbles over a dramatic waterfall before ending in the Potomac, Scott's Run Nature Preserve is criss-crossed by hiking trails, many of them challenging as they follow the rocky cliffs and sheer bluffs overlooking the river. A section of the Potomac Heritage Trail crosses through the park east to west.
Buy
Sleep
Rates vary wildly on business/convention demand; weekends are usually cheaper.
Go next
Despite its proximity to Washington DC, nature is close by at Great Falls.
Nearby
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Park · 6 listings · 3 mi away
Tysons
City / town · 8 listings · 3 mi away
Falls Church
City / town · 22 listings · 4 mi away
Bethesda
City / town · 53 listings · 5 mi away
Arlington
City / town · 1 listings · 5 mi away
Vienna
City / town · 10 listings · 5 mi away
Potomac
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Arlington National Cemetery
Park · 17 listings · 7 mi away
My experience
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