The Top Five Things To Do in Crystal City
Arlington’s Crystal City is abuzz with the news of Amazon’s decision to locate one-half of its East Coast headquarters there. You may be wondering what there is in Crystal City besides Reagan National Airport and lots of office buildings. Well, we’ve rounded up the top five things to do in Crystal City for you!
1) Visit Long Bridge Park
475 Long Bridge Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
Open from sunrise to 11 p.m., this 30-acre park with both recreation and open space offers something for everyone. It boasts two playgrounds, an interactive fog area, three full-size, lit fields for a variety of sports, various walkways, an overlook at the area with monument views, and Wave Arbor — a public art installation by renowned artist Doug Hollis. Long Bridge Park is an excellent spot to watch planes take off and land at nearby Reagan National Airport. The park also features a raised walkway overlooking the playing fields, the Potomac River, and Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary.
2) Take in a Show at Synetic Theater
1800 South Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202
The mission of Synetic Theater is to “redefine theater by blending innovative techniques and movement, investing in artists’ growth, and creating unforgettable visceral experiences for every audience.” Synetic Theater produces four to five award-winning productions and two to three family series productions each year. It also operates an educational studio for both kids and adults and community outreach programs. Military and senior ticket discounts are offered.
3) Shop at The Fashion Center at Pentagon City
1100 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Walk over to this hot shopping destination offers 70 stores including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Apple, Coach, Banana Republic, Sephora, J. Jill, Michael Kors, and Tourneau. Dining options abound! They include sitdown restaurants like Harry’s Smokehouse, Honeygrow, Shake Shake, and Cafe Nordstrom, plus a generously-sized food court. The Fashion Center at Pentagon City is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
4) Tour the DEA Museum
700 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
This museum, in adjacent Pentagon City, is devoted to educating the American public on the history of the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as on the impact of drug addiction through the years. Current exhibits include “Good Medicine, Bad Behavior: Drug Diversion in America” and “Illegal Drugs in America: A Modern History.” The DEA Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is closed on Federal holidays. Admission is free!
5) Crystal City Water Park
1601 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
Take in the soothing sounds of the Crystal City Water Park’s fountain, enjoy the outdoor cafe, feed the birds, and train-watch at this urban oasis. Be sure to check out “Fridays at the Fountain” during the summer months, which includes live music from local musicians and a pop-up beer garden. Also look for “Wine in the Waterpark” and even pop-up yoga classes here!
There are also plenty of fabulous places to eat in Crystal City. Be sure to check out our post on the best restaurants in Crystal City!
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