NoVA traffic is a frequent and well-documented complaint from local residents, making it a hassle to get almost anywhere in the area at certain times of the day. Sometimes it’s a whole lot quicker just to head over to your nearest Metro station and take the train to wherever you need to be (and—knock on wood—hopefully even easier following the beleaguered SafeTrack repairs).
There are a variety of attractions in Northern Virginia that are located right next to Metro stations, making them easy to explore. Take a look at these four locations within walking distance of Metro stations and leave the bumper-to-bumper nightmares behind.
Arlington National Cemetery Station: Arlington National Cemetery
This one will come as no surprise—it’s in the name, after all. Right off of the Arlington National Cemetery Metro station stop on the Blue Line is the titular cemetery. A whole day can be spent exploring this somber epicenter of American history, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the graves of presidents William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy.
King Street Station: Old Town Alexandria
King Street station—on the Blue and Yellow lines—opens out on to the namesake main drag of Old Town Alexandria. Take a walk through the King Street Gardens Park or visit one of the museums in the town like Gadsby’s Tavern or the Lyceum. Or you can choose to take in the art exhibits at Torpedo Factory or visit any of the countless boutiques (like Bishop, The Hour and the Shoe Hive) and restaurants (like 50 Best Restaurants winners Hank’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant Eve). Regardless of how you decide to spend your day, the King Street station will drop you off right in the middle of it all, and the King Street trolley can get you to and from the station at no cost.
Tysons Corner Station: Tysons Corner Center
One of the most-visited shopping centers in the area, Tysons Corner Center is home to nearly 300 stores, more than 50 restaurants and a 16-screen movie theater with IMAX, making a dinner-and-a-movie date night a one-stop outing. With the Silver Line now extending out to the shopping center, it’s easy to make the trip out to Tysons.
Virginia Square-GMU Station: Arlington Arts Center
For exhibitions of some of the best art in the region, look no further than the Arlington Arts Center. Located just two blocks away from the Virginia Square-GMU station on the Orange and Silver lines, you might come for the art, but many return again and again for the classes on drawing, painting and more; summer camps; and opportunities to work in a real studio.
Wiehle-Reston East Station: SkateQuest
It’s tough to find many places to go ice skating in a state as far south as Virginia, but SkateQuest offers the chance to skate at an indoor rink just around the corner from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station on the tail end of the Silver Line. Hockey, ice skating and parties are all welcome at the rink, and private lessons, camps and clinics are offered for both hockey and figure skating. There’s also an on-site Pro Shop and cafe.
