New Resident Guide to McLean

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

(Updated on 1/8/19) Even to newcomers, McLean is best known for the businesses that are based in town. However, there are many hidden gems and things to do around town as well.

If you’re new to McLean, consider this your guide. As always, drop a comment below if I missed anything!

Technically, Tysons Corner itself falls within McLean’s two zip codes, 22101 and 22102. Most of McLean is made up of single family homes and townhomes, but there are some condo and apartments buildings as well. The town is rather small and most retail can be found in “Downtown McLean” or the Tysons Corner area.

Events and Classes

Stay up to date with special events, educational classes or performances by signing up for the Community Center newsletter or searching the online portal for offerings. You can also check out the Old Firehouse, which is now the “Teen Center” of McLean.

Sign up for the Partakes Online emails from the Park Authority of Fairfax County. They’ll notify you of events (Celebrate Fairfax, 4th of July Parade, etc.) along with camps and class sign ups.

There are also local businesses that offer camps, classes, events and other things depending on your interests.

Be sure to add these annual McLean events to your calendar — McLean Day, McLean 5K, McLean Winterfest, McLean Farmers Market and more.

Kids and Parenting

If your kids are into sports, you can check out the McLean Youth Sports Programs (basketball, fencing, field hockey, flag football, football, lacrosse, rugby, squash, track & field, volleyball and wrestling). There’s also McLean Little League for baseball and softball. The McLean Youth Soccer program is also another option!

If you’re looking for a swim team, you’ll have to check out one of the local McLean Pools such as McLean Swim & Tennis, Tuckahoe Rec Club, Chesterbrook Swim & Tennis, Highlands Swim & Tennis, Langley Swim & Tennis or Kent Gardens Rec Club. Some homes are located within an HOA that has a pool (like Hamlet Swim & Tennis Club).

You can also find a gym and pool at McLean Health and Racquet or McLean Sport & Health. Another option is to check out the Spring Hill Rec Center.

McLean has a Project for the Arts (MPA) to help showcase local artists. There is a performance center called 1st Stage with ongoing performances and special events.

You can also join the McLean Moms Club which organizes playgroups, outings and events.

My favorite playgrounds in McLean are the McLean Central Park (located next to the library), and Clemyjontri Park which even has a carousel! There’s also an awesome hiking option at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.

Also, don’t miss Child’s Play for your toy and gift needs.

You can sign up for OurKids.com, which is a weekly email roundup to find out about local events

Food

If you’re looking for something new, you can check out the Northern Virginia Magazine top restaurants or Washingtonian top restaurants.

My favorite local coffee spots are the Star Nut Gourmet, Greenberry’s and Republik Coffee Bar.

Local restaurants to check out in Downtown McLean include Rocco’s Italian, J. Gilbert’s, Greek Taverna, Kazan, Madison Deli, McLean Family Restaurant, Assaggi Osteria, Dal Grano, Tachibana Sushi, and Tama Sushi while you can indulge in dessert at Sweetbites, Fluffy Thoughts Cakes or Danielle’s Desserts.

There are many good options at Tyson’s Corner I and II for dining options. I’d try Eddie V’s, Earl’s, Lebanese Taverna or Café Deluxe.

Pets

There is no specific off leash dog park in McLean, but you’ll find other places where your canine pals are welcome. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is often full of happy dogs.

Don’t forget to register your dog through Fairfax County.