Overview
Reston is in Virginia, United States of America) and is 20 miles (32 km) west of Washington, D.C. The population of Reston is approximately 58,000 people (2010).
3 sights · 4 things to do · 5 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Reston
Reston Zoo
The Reston Zoo features several animals such as zebras, monkeys, and camels. It has a petting barn, exhibits, pony rides and wagon rides around the park. Admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children. The zoo is closed…
Baron Cameron Park
Lake Fairfax Park & The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole
Includes a water park with slides, etc...
Ice Skating at Reston Town Center Pavilion
Reston National Golf Course
Designed by Ed Ault.
Reston Community Players
Four major productions per season. This all-volunteer production company began in 1972 and has performed a variety of shows throughout the years. The shows are staged at the Reston Community Center
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.
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 18 mi away (major hub). Directions
WMATA, which operates the DC Metrorail, serves Reston with stations 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
- Typical meal: about $25 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Reston Zoo, Baron Cameron Park
- Lunch Big Bowl - Asian Fusion
- Afternoon Reston National Golf Course, Greater Reston Arts Center
- Dinner Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café
- Evening American Tap Room
Day 2
- Morning Lake Fairfax Park & The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, Ice Skating at Reston Town Center Pavilion
- Lunch Ariake Japanese Restaurant
- Afternoon Reston Community Players
- Dinner PassionFish Seafood
- Evening Jackson's Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Many chain restaurants have locations in Reston. While Reston has some unique dining options, the more ethnic and budget restaurants can be found in neighboring Herndon.
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
Founded in 1964 by Robert E. Simon (RESton), Reston was the first modern planned community in the United States. Simon purchased a 6,750 acre tract using the proceeds from the sale of Carnegie Hall, which was owned by his family. Reston includes several planned urban developments, including Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Town Center, and Reston Station. The city is home to offices of many high tech companies, such as AOL, Microsoft, Accenture, and the US Geological Survey.
Get in
By Metrorail
WMATA, which operates the DC Metrorail, serves Reston with stations on the Silver Line. For more information on riding the Metrorail, see Washington, DC#By public transportation.
By plane
Reston is a 10-minute drive from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). A taxi from the airport costs roughly $18 and most hotels in Reston offer free shuttle service to the airport. Dulles also has a Silver Line Metrorail Station.
By car
Reston is accessible from the Fairfax County Parkway, the Reston Parkway (West Ox Road in Fairfax County), the Leesburg Pike (Rte 7), and the Dulles Toll Road (Rte 267).
Get around
By bike or foot
Reston Paths is an extensive bike/walking path system. Capital Bikeshare has rental bikes throughout Reston.
By bus
Fairfax Connector operates bus service around Reston and the surrounding areas.
By car
Roads in Reston tend to be very winding and may require the use of a GPS.
See
Parks
See Baron Cameron Park
Do
Do Ice Skating at Reston Town Center Pavilion
- Fishing is very popular in Reston.
Theater
Do Reston Community Players
Four major productions per season. This all-volunteer production company began in 1972 and has performed a variety of shows throughout the years. The shows are staged at the Reston Community Center
Festivals and events
- Summer Concerts at Reston Town Center on the weekends at the pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or sit at a nearby restaurant, such as Clyde's.
Buy
Shopping malls
Farmers' Markets
Eat
Many chain restaurants have locations in Reston. While Reston has some unique dining options, the more ethnic and budget restaurants can be found in neighboring Herndon.
Eat Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café
Eat Ariake Japanese Restaurant
Drink
Bars
Drink Jackson's Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge
American food with a happening bar scene.
Drink Barcelona Wine Bar
Spanish small plates & wine presented in rustic yet elegant digs with an outdoor patio.
Coffee Shops
Drink Lake Anne Coffee House
Sleep
Several hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport, including:
Stay Comfort Inn
Go next
- Washington, D.C. is 20 miles away.
Nearby
Herndon
City / town · 21 listings · 3 mi away
Great Falls
City / town · 8 listings · 4 mi away
Sterling
City / town · 21 listings · 6 mi away
Vienna
City / town · 10 listings · 6 mi away
Chantilly
City / town · 19 listings · 6 mi away
Tysons
City / town · 8 listings · 7 mi away
Fairfax
City / town · 28 listings · 8 mi away
Potomac
City / town · 5 listings · 8 mi away
My experience
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