Road Trip from Chantilly to Reston, VA
If you're looking for a fun and educational road trip in Virginia, look no further than the stretch between Chantilly and Reston! There are tons of museums, parks, and landmarks to explore, making it an ideal destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and families with kids.
Interesting fact
Did you know that Chantilly and Reston are only about 12 miles apart? That means you won't have to spend too much time on the road to hit some of Virginia's best attractions.
Halfway point: Sterling, VA
If you want to take a break during your road trip, consider stopping in Sterling. This town features tons of local shops, restaurants, and breweries, making it a great pitstop for foodies and craft beer enthusiasts. If you have time, swing by the Claude Moore Park, which offers plenty of hiking trails and nature exhibits.
Length of the trip
In total, this road trip could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on how long you spend at each location. That being said, you could comfortably hit all of the stops on this list in around 5-6 hours.
Top 5 Places to Visit
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: If you're a fan of all things space and aviation, you can't miss this iconic museum. It has the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, including the Wright Brothers' original plane and the Apollo 11 command module. Don't forget to check out the IMAX theater, which plays awesome space-themed movies.
- Point of interest: The museum's gift shop is a great spot to buy souvenirs and space-related merchandise.
- Frying Pan Farm Park: This park is a great place to learn about traditional Virginia farm life. You can interact with friendly farm animals, like sheep and goats, and explore a variety of historic buildings, like a blacksmith shop and a general store. There are also plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails for a relaxing day outside.
- Point of interest: Check out the on-site dairy, where you can watch cows being milked and learn about the process of making butter and cheese.
- Lake Fairfax Park: If you're looking for a more active outdoor experience, consider stopping at Lake Fairfax Park. This park features a 20-acre lake, perfect for swimming and boating, as well as a variety of sports fields and playgrounds. You can also rent bikes and hit the park's many trails for a scenic adventure.
- Point of interest: Don't miss the fully restored carousel, which was originally built in 1920 and features beautiful hand-carved animals.
- Reston Museum: Once you arrive in Reston, make sure to check out the Reston Museum. This small museum is a great way to learn about the history and development of this unique planned community. You'll get to see old photos and artifacts from Reston's past, including the original architectural plans and models.
- Point of interest: Make sure to ask the friendly museum staff about their upcoming events and programs, which often include walking tours and educational talks.
- Roer's Zoofari: Finally, for all the animal lovers out there, Roer's Zoofari is a must-visit. This small zoo features a variety of exotic animals, like kangaroos, camels, and llamas, as well as some more familiar creatures, like goats and pigs. You can take a guided tour of the zoo, feed the animals, or even ride a camel!
- Point of interest: Keep your eyes peeled for the zoo's famous "safari ride," which takes you on a tractor-pulled wagon through the park to see the animals up close.
Conclusion
All in all, this road trip from Chantilly to Reston offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff or an animal lover, there are plenty of museums, parks, and landmarks to explore and enjoy. So pack up the car and hit the road - you won't be disappointed!