Major city · United States
McLeanMcLean, Virginia
Base here only if you want Tysons shopping plus a quiet, leafy bed near DC: 1 night, or 2 if you add Great Falls and the Potomac trails.
McLean is a residential Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC, best known for its share of Tysons Corner's malls and for the CIA headquarters at Langley. There is almost no sightseeing in the town itself: you come for shopping, for the Scott's Run trails above the Potomac, or for a cheaper, calmer bed with a Silver Line metro stop into DC. One night covers it; two if you walk the river.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late Nov–Feb (cold, short days)
- Airports
- DCA · IAD
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for McLean911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police703-691-2131
- Poison control (US)1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about McLean, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyOne of the safer suburbs in the DC area; the real risks are traffic on I-495 and the parkways, unlit trail sections at dusk…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 703-691-2131 Fairfax County non-emergency police · 1-800-222-1222 Poison control (US)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (Closest; about 20–30 min by car via the George Washington Parkway, longer in rush hour.
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights, malls and the river are spread along the Beltway and the George Washington Parkway.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range restaurantBefore tax and an 18–22% tip.$30–60
- BeerBeer or glass of wine$8–16
- Metro or bus rideMetro ride into DCcheck; varies by distance and time$2–6
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry in DCSmithsonian museums; some special exhibitions charge.Free
- Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$190
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (Closest; about 20–30 min by car via the George Washington Parkway, longer in rush hour. Metro requires a change.) · IAD Washington Dulles International (About 25–35 min by car via the Dulles Toll Road; Silver Line metro connects toward Tysons.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
Avoid*
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
McLean: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights, malls and the river are spread along the Beltway and the George Washington Parkway. The WMATA Silver Line has stops at McLean, Tysons Corner and Greensboro, useful for reaching Washington, DC without driving. Buses fill the gaps; walking works only inside Tysons or a single neighbourhood.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Washington, DC (Smithsonian and the Mall)
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Silver Line metro from McLean or Tysons Corner to L'Enfant Plaza or Metro Center
Park at a Silver Line garage and ride in; driving and parking in the centre costs far more time.
Great Falls Park, Virginia
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Car via Georgetown Pike, about 15–20 min
River overlooks and falls; go early at weekends, the lot fills.
Door to door: About 25–40 min
Car via I-66 or the GW Parkway; metro with a change
Cemetery, Rosslyn and Clarendon food.
Door to door: About 20 min
Car via Route 7 or I-66, about 15–20 min
Small downtown with restaurants; easy half-day.
Door to door: About 40–50 min
Car via the George Washington Parkway south, about 30–40 min
Estate and grounds; a half-day with the drive.
Door to door: About 20 min
Car via Route 123, about 15 min
Mostly a small town centre and a metro stop; combine with Tysons.
Door to door: About 25 min
Car via the Dulles Toll Road, about 20 min
Town-centre lake and trails; better as a stop en route to Dulles.
Door to door: About 25 min
Car via Route 123 or I-66, about 20 min
University and old town; nothing you cannot see closer in.
Door to door: About 30 min
Car via the Dulles Toll Road, about 25 min
Suburban and far; only if you are already heading to Dulles.
Door to door: About 50 min
Car via I-495 and I-95 south, about 35–45 min
Workhouse Arts Center and Occoquan; a long half-day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Tysons Corner
Malls, chain hotels and the Silver Line; walkable to shops, not to the river.
McLean centre (Old Dominion Drive)
Quieter, low-rise, a few hotels and restaurants; you need a car or a bus.
Near the George Washington Parkway
Green and close to the trails; few beds and no metro within walking distance.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$190 | US$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$160 | US$320 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × US$65 · check; parking and tolls extra | US$65 |
| Silver Line metro, peak one-way into DC2 × US$6 · check | US$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$63 |
| Trip total≈ US$345 per person per day, bed included | US$690 |
2026 estimate in US dollars, before sales tax; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Lunch, casual | $15–25 |
| Dinner, mid-range restaurantBefore tax and an 18–22% tip. | $30–60 |
| Beer or glass of wine | $8–16 |
| Metro ride into DCcheck; varies by distance and time | $2–6 |
| Rideshare, McLean to Tysonscheck | $12–20 |
| Museum entry in DCSmithsonian museums; some special exhibitions charge. | Free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not drive toward the CIA entrance at Langley: the road is closed to the public and turning in attracts police attention.
- Rush hour on I-495 and the Dulles Toll Road is heavy; add 20–30 min to any drive between 07:00–09:30 and 15:30–18:30.Rush hour on I-495 and the Dulles Toll Road is heavy; add 20–30 min to any drive between 7:00 AM–9:30 AM and 3:30 PM–6:30 PM.
- Hotel rates swing with business and convention demand; weekends are usually cheaper.
- Tysons malls are car-oriented: crossings are long and parking garages are the norm.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police
- 703-691-2131
- Poison control (US)
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
McLeanMcLean, Virginia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police703-691-2131
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in McLean; most are in Washington, DC, about 20–40 min by car or metro.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Silver Line, McLean → Metro Center: about $2–6 peak, 45–60 min (check)
- Rideshare, McLean → Tysons Corner Center: $12–20 (check)
- Rental car, one day: from about $65 plus parking and tolls (check)
Say or show
- Where is the metro station? — Where is the metro station?
- Is this the way to the Beltway? — Is this the way to the Beltway?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- The check, please — The check, please
- Is there parking here? — Is there parking here?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for McLean. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late Nov–Feb (cold, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 10 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for DCA and IAD: last Silver Line departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Tysons Corner Center, Tysons Galleria, McLean centre on Old Dominion Drive.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Scott's Run, Great Falls Park, Tysons malls) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rush-hour and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about McLean
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