Virginia’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

You've probably been to, or at least heard of, Virginia's top places to travel. These include the bustling, historic streets of Richmond, the wineries in Charlottesville, the art and music scene in Roanoke, and the breathtaking beauty of Shenandoah National Park. While we admit that these tourism magnets are fantastic, we've come across a city that's been under the radar and is totally worth visiting. McLean, Virginia, is an underrated, hidden gem, and we think you'd love to spend a few days there.

McLean is located in northern Virginia and is home to about 50,000 people. The city was established in 1910 and named after John Roll McLean, who once owned The Washington Post. It is home to several large companies' headquarters, including Capital One and Hilton. The city is only about 25 minutes from Washington, D.C., giving residents and tourists access to all the nation's capital has to offer.

However, there is much to do and see without leaving McLean. The city has incredible outdoor attractions, like Great Falls Park, an 800-acre park featuring incredible rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River.

Scott's Run Nature Preserve harbors rare plants, ancient hemlock trees, and a geologic fault zone. The nature preserve is a great place to hike and also regularly hosts instructional nature programs like wildflower walks in the spring and informative sessions about the area's geology. Clemyjontri Park has an awesome playground built for children of all abilities. It has a Liberty Swing, which allows children who use wheelchairs to swing without leaving their wheelchairs.

For those who enjoy the arts, McLean is a wonderful destination. The McLean Project for the Arts, in partnership with the McLean Community Center, operates art galleries that are free and open to visitors. The exhibitions continually change and feature contemporary artists from the Mid-Atlantic. Capital One Hall regularly hosts ballets, concerts, and comedians at its main theater and smaller venue, The Vault, which seats up to 300 people.

Tyson's Corner Center, just minutes from McLean, is one of the best shopping malls in America. With department stores, specialty shops, a movie theater, and more than 40 restaurants, travelers could easily spend an afternoon browsing there.

McLean also has incredible restaurants, such as Peter Chang, an award-winning Chinese restaurant. Its chef, for whom the restaurant is named, won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic in 2016. The restaurant serves delicious entrees, including Peter Chang's Signature Peking Duck and Sweet Sour Crispy Branzino. Other popular restaurants include Kazan Restaurant, which serves Turkish and Mediterranean food, and Seasons 52, which serves American food.

If you'd like to plan a getaway to McLean, Virginia, consider staying in this beautiful two-bedroom apartment Airbnb within walking distance of restaurants and hiking trails.