Tysons Corner, VA Road Trips

The original Tyson's Corner was the intersection of Leesburg Pike (VA-7) and Chain Bridge Road (VA-123), named for 19th-century landowner William Tyson. Since the completion of the Tysons Corner Center shopping mall in 1968, it has developed rapidly into a central business district in its own right, home to many consulting and technology companies, a variety of restaurants, and the largest concentration of retailers in the area outside of Washington, D.C. This growth has manifested largely as suburban office parks and sprawling shopping centers, however. After a long wait, Phase 1 of the Metrorail Silver Line was opened in 2014, which has stations in Tysons.

1 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 1960 Chain Bridge Rd, ☏ +1 703 442-8384. M-Th 5PM-10PM, Sa 5PM-10:30PM, Su 5PM-9PM. Just next to the mall is one a great steakhouse (there is a Ruth's Chris up the street too, which is another chain to be reckoned with). Beyond the steak, the wine list received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator three years running. $25-55. 2 Seasons 52, 7863L Tysons Corner Center, ☏ +1 703 288-3852. Su-Th 11AM-9PM; F-Sa 11AM-11PM. Fresh grill and wine bar offering a seasonally inspired menu and international wine list. $30 or less. 3 Coastal Flats, 7860 Tysons Corner Center, ☏ +1 703 356-1440. Su-M 11AM-10PM, Tu-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-11:30PM. Specializes in fresh fish and seafood options, but also happy to serve you a burger and beer. $30 or less.

Many of the hotels that include "Tysons Corner" in their names are actually located in McLean and Vienna, as well as one in Falls Church. 1 Courtyard Tysons Corner, 1960-A Chain Bridge Rd, ☏ +1 703 790-0207. A big Marriott with conference facilities. $95-285. 2 Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Rd, ☏ +1 703 847-5000. A notable, if not that huge, step up from the Courtyard. $105-320. 3 Ritz Carlton, 1700 Tysons Blvd, ☏ +1 703 506-4300. The one four-diamond hotel anywhere in the area. It's the Ritz; it's nice. $230-550.

WMATA, which operates the DC Metrorail, operates several stations in Tysons. For more information on riding the Metrorail, see Washington, DC#By public transportation. There is plenty of free parking. Tysons is conveniently located right by the intersection of I-495 (the Capital Beltway), I-66, and VA-295.

Tysons is small enough to get around on foot, although it is quite auto-friendly. Capital Bikeshare operates in Tysons.