tree
1 / 10

Reston Town Center

4.4
·7k reviews·Reston, United States

A European-style outdoor hub with shops, diverse dining, entertainment, and a lively town square.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Loading map...
tree

Reston Town Center

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A European-style outdoor hub with shops, diverse dining, entertainment, and a lively town square.

4.4
(7k reviews)

"Clean, safe, walkable, with a metro stop and always something going on in the square."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Welcoming

RTC is designed for walking. Explore shops, restaurants, and parks easily on foot. Great for families!

⛸️ Seasonal Ice Rink Fun

Don't miss the outdoor ice skating rink, a popular spot for all ages during cooler months.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pavilion

The Pavilion

Central Plaza

A vibrant hub for seasonal events, live music, and community gatherings. Always something happening!

Ice Skating Rink

Ice Skating Rink

Central Plaza

Enjoy a classic outdoor ice skating experience, perfect for families and couples. A winter wonderland!

Diverse Dining Scene

Diverse Dining Scene

Throughout the Town Center

From quick bites to upscale dining, RTC offers a culinary adventure for every palate. Explore new flavors!

Shopping Galore

Shopping Galore

Main Street and surrounding areas

Discover a curated selection of boutiques, national retailers, and specialty shops. Find unique treasures!

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Reston Town Center (RTC) can get busy, especially on weekends and during events. Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon for a more relaxed experience. If you're planning to dine, making reservations is a good idea, as popular spots fill up quickly.

Parking Perks

Navigating parking at RTC is straightforward. The first hour in the garages is free, and parking is free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. For seamless payment, download the ParkRTC app.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, events
Crowd
High
When
During seasonal events
Why
Festive spirit, unique experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Running through a river of light on Suwanee Town Center on Main 🌉 #dronephotography #droneshots #dronephotography #dronevideo #atlanta #suwanee #suwaneetowncenter #atlthingstodo #gwinnett @DJI Official
@afzzfly
25.2K likes • 418.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Welcoming

RTC is designed for walking. Explore shops, restaurants, and parks easily on foot. Great for families! Reddit

⛸️ Seasonal Ice Rink Fun

Don't miss the outdoor ice skating rink, a popular spot for all ages during cooler months. Instagram

Welcome to Reston Town Center — where community, culture, and connection come alive every day✨ 🛍️ Shop iconic retail 🏢 Thrive in premier workplaces 🏡 Live at the heart of it all — where everything you love is just steps away 🎉 Experience a nonstop calendar of can’t-miss events Where Reston gathers, all in one place. Learn more at the link in our bio and follow us @restontowncenter for more upda...
restontowncenter
138 likes • 3.4K views
Ever wonder what goes on at the @restontowncenter after closing? . So much fun getting to take a spin around the @restoniceskating with amazingly talented skating bestie @sofiabezkorovainaya ! . . . . . #rtc #restontowncenter #freestyleiceskating #odr #odrheaven
ice_skating_sisters
732 likes • 118.7K views

🅿️ Smart Parking Strategy

First hour free in garages, free after 5 PM weekdays & all day weekends. Use ParkRTC app! Reddit

🍽️ Culinary Delights

From quick coffee breaks to fine dining, RTC has a restaurant for every craving. Reservations recommended! Instagram

RTC Next update for my Reston neighbors 🗺️✨ The next phase of Reston Town Center is taking shape just east of the current complex—between the W&OD Trail and Sunset Hills Road, right across from the Reston Town Center Metro. Two new office towers, two residential buildings, street-level retail, and a dedicated site for a 60,000 sq ft performing arts center are all in the plan. The arts site shifts ...
greaterrestonliving
454 likes • 38.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Welcoming

RTC is designed for walking. Explore shops, restaurants, and parks easily on foot. Great for families! Reddit

⛸️ Seasonal Ice Rink Fun

Don't miss the outdoor ice skating rink, a popular spot for all ages during cooler months. Instagram

🅿️ Smart Parking Strategy

First hour free in garages, free after 5 PM weekdays & all day weekends. Use ParkRTC app! Reddit

🍽️ Culinary Delights

From quick coffee breaks to fine dining, RTC has a restaurant for every craving. Reservations recommended! Instagram

🎉 Event Calendar Check

Check the RTC website for events like Rocktoberfest or live music at the Pavilion. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Reston Town Center for its clean, walkable, and vibrant atmosphere, highlighting its excellent mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The convenience of the Metro and ample free parking are frequently mentioned positives, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors looking for a lively urban experience.

"Reston Town Center, described as a European-style outdoor mall, is a fun place to visit with friends and family!

Shop: Find a range of retailers, including fashion boutiques, specialty stores like Apple and Sephora, and more.

Dine: Choose from a wide variety of restaurants, including fast-casual options like Chipotle, &pizza, and Starbucks, to restaurants like Makers Union (American), Jackson's Mighty Fine Food (American), PassionFish (Seafood), and more.

Entertainment: Enjoy seasonal ice skating, visit the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, or attend events at the Pavilion. You can also catch live music performances.

Free Parking: The first hour of garage parking is free. Parking is also free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Paid Parking: After the first hour on weekdays, parking in the garages is charged based on duration.

Street Parking: Street parking is available but has different rates and is only free on Sundays and federal holidays.

ParkRTC app: You can use the ParkRTC app for convenient payment and to manage your parking sessions."

Arch S

"Great place to live. Has everything: shopping, dining, grocery, drinks, parks, entertainment, hospital, hair salons, etc. It’s clean, safe, walkable, has a metro stop, and is along the W&OD trail."

Jessica Herdina

"Beautiful and very accesible for families to enjoy. There are good stores but not too many however, it’s a great place to walk outside in a safe environment. Good places to eat specially for a quick coffee break."

Eileen Velez

What People Like

Clean and walkable environment
Diverse dining and shopping
Lively events and atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Reston Town Center is easily accessible by car, with major routes like the Dulles Toll Road nearby. The Reston Town Center Metro station on the Silver Line also provides direct access, making it convenient for public transport users. InstagramReddit

Yes, Reston Town Center is highly walkable, featuring wide sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly plazas, and a central layout that connects shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Reddit

Reston Town Center offers several parking garages. The first hour of parking is free on weekdays, and parking is free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. Street parking is also available with varying rates. Reddit

Absolutely! The Reston Town Center Metro station is a key transit hub, served by the Silver Line. This makes it very convenient to reach RTC from various parts of the DC metropolitan area. Instagram

While there isn't a dedicated shuttle service within the town center itself, its compact and walkable design means most attractions are easily reachable on foot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Reston Town Center is an open public space, and there are no tickets required for general entry. You only need tickets for specific ticketed events held at the Pavilion or other venues. Instagram

Reston Town Center itself is always accessible, but individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late evening. The Pavilion and ice rink have specific seasonal hours. Instagram

The public spaces, parks, and plazas within Reston Town Center are free to access. Enjoy the open areas and fountains without any admission fees. Reddit

You can find a comprehensive calendar of events on the official Reston Town Center website or their social media pages. They frequently post updates about concerts, festivals, and seasonal activities. Instagram

Yes, there is a fee for ice skating at the Reston Town Center rink, which typically includes skate rental. Check their official schedule for pricing and operating times. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Reston Town Center offers a diverse range of shops, from popular national retailers like Apple and Sephora to unique boutiques and specialty stores. You can find fashion, electronics, home goods, and more. Instagram

RTC boasts a wide array of dining options. Popular choices include Makers Union (American), Jackson's Mighty Fine Food (American), PassionFish (Seafood), and new additions like Corsica Wine Bar. Fast-casual spots like Starbucks and &pizza are also available. Instagram+1

Yes, Reston Town Center has grocery options available, making it convenient for residents and visitors to pick up essentials or ingredients. Reddit

For a coffee break, you can visit popular chains like Starbucks or explore local cafes and bakeries such as Tatte Bakery, which offers delicious pastries and specialty drinks. Instagram

Yes, Reston Town Center features Italian dining options, catering to those craving pasta and other Italian specialties. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Vibe

Reston Town Center has a vibrant, European-style outdoor mall atmosphere. It's known for being clean, safe, and very walkable, with a lively town square and a mix of modern architecture and green spaces. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The town center offers numerous picturesque spots, including the central plaza with its fountains, the ice rink (seasonal), and the modern architecture. The Pavilion area is also great for capturing event photos. Instagram+1

Its blend of urban design with open spaces, seasonal decorations, and lively events provides a dynamic backdrop. The architecture and the central gathering areas are particularly photogenic. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in public spaces and commercial areas like Reston Town Center due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local ordinances or contact RTC management before flying a drone. TikTok

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Evenings can be magical with the town center lit up, especially during events. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Reston Town Center is a fantastic destination for families. Its walkable design and numerous open public spaces make it easy and safe for children to explore. The seasonal ice skating rink is a major hit with kids during the winter months,Instagram and the central plaza fountains provide a fun splash zone in warmer weather. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus, and the variety of shops means there's something to capture everyone's interest. The free parking on weekends and after 5 PM on weekdays also adds to the convenience for family outings. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Reston Town Center offers several ways to enjoy your visit without breaking the bank. Take advantage of the free parking options: the first hour in garages is free, and it's free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.Reddit Many of the public spaces and parks are free to enjoy, offering a pleasant environment for a stroll or a picnic. While dining can range in price, exploring the fast-casual eateries like Starbucks or &pizza can help keep food costs down. Keep an eye out for free community events held at the Pavilion, which often include live music or festivals.Instagram

couples

Reston Town Center offers a charming and vibrant setting for couples. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many high-quality restaurants, perhaps trying a new spot like Corsica Wine Bar Instagram or a classic like PassionFish. Stroll hand-in-hand through the lively town square, especially in the evening when the lights create a magical ambiance. During winter, ice skating together at the outdoor rink is a classic romantic activity.Instagram The town center also hosts various events, from live music to seasonal festivals, providing plenty of opportunities for shared experiences.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

Reston Town Center is an ideal spot for a day trip, offering a concentrated mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Arrive via the Reston Town Center Metro station for easy access.Instagram Spend your morning browsing the shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the diverse restaurants, and perhaps catch an afternoon event at the Pavilion or enjoy a coffee break at Tatte Bakery.Instagram The walkable nature of RTC means you can experience a lot in a few hours without needing a car once you're there. Remember to check the parking rules if you drive, to maximize your free parking time. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of the Community: Events and Entertainment

Reston Town Center truly comes alive with its packed calendar of events. The Pavilion is the central stage for everything from live music concerts, like the Rocktoberfest featuring bands such as Smash Mouth,Instagram to seasonal festivals and community gatherings. During the winter months, the ice skating rink transforms the central plaza into a festive winter wonderland, offering a classic outdoor skating experience that's popular with families and couples alike.Instagram Beyond scheduled events, the town center often features impromptu performances and a lively atmosphere, making it a dynamic place to visit any time of year.

Beyond the Pavilion and ice rink, RTC offers other entertainment options. The Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art provides a dose of culture for art enthusiasts. The walkable nature of the town center also encourages spontaneous exploration, with street performers and a general buzz of activity, especially on weekends. The town center's design fosters a sense of community, with ample public spaces for people to gather, relax, and enjoy the surroundings. Instagram

For those interested in the arts, the upcoming phases of Reston Town Center include plans for a dedicated site for a performing arts venue, further solidifying its role as a cultural hub in Northern Virginia. This expansion signals a commitment to enriching the community's entertainment offerings and providing even more opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with arts and culture. Instagram

A Culinary Journey: Dining at RTC

Reston Town Center is a food lover's paradise, boasting a diverse range of dining establishments to satisfy every craving and occasion. From quick and casual bites to sophisticated fine dining, RTC has it all. Popular fast-casual options include Starbucks, &pizza, and Chipotle, perfect for a quick refuel. For those seeking a more relaxed sit-down experience, Makers Union offers American cuisine, Jackson's Mighty Fine Food provides a similar American fare, and PassionFish is a go-to for seafood lovers.Reddit

Newer additions like Corsica Wine Bar have quickly become favorites, offering a warm atmosphere and delicious small plates, a testament to the quality of dining experiences available.Instagram The town center also caters to specific tastes, with options for Italian cuisine and dedicated poke bowls.Instagram The presence of Tatte Bakery adds another layer of appeal, serving up delightful pastries, specialty drinks, and savory items, making it a perfect spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon treat.Instagram

With such a wide variety of restaurants, it's often hard to choose. Many visitors recommend making reservations, especially for popular spots on weekend evenings, to ensure a table. The concentration of high-quality restaurants makes RTC a destination for foodies looking to explore new flavors and enjoy a vibrant dining scene. Reddit

Living and Working in the Hub

Reston Town Center is more than just a shopping and dining destination; it's a thriving mixed-use community where people live, work, and play. The area features premier workplaces and residential buildings, creating a dynamic urban environment. This integration of living and working spaces contributes to the town center's lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening.Instagram The modern architecture and well-maintained public spaces are a significant draw for those seeking a convenient and engaging lifestyle.

For residents, RTC offers unparalleled convenience with everything they need just steps away, including shopping, dining, grocery stores, parks, and entertainment. Its proximity to the Reston Town Center Metro station on the Silver Line further enhances its appeal, providing easy access to the wider Washington D.C. metropolitan area.InstagramReddit The town center is also situated along the popular W&OD Trail, offering residents and visitors a fantastic amenity for biking, jogging, and enjoying the outdoors.Reddit

The ongoing development in the area, such as the expansion east of the current complex, includes new office towers and residential buildings, signaling continued growth and investment. This expansion aims to further enhance the live-work-play environment, incorporating more retail and a performing arts venue, solidifying RTC's position as a premier destination in Northern Virginia. Instagram+1

You may also like