Rosslyn's Hidden Gems

Dark Star Park is one of Rosslyn’s most unique and thought-provoking spots. Created by artist Nancy Holt in 1984, it was Arlington’s first major public art installation and features massive concrete spheres designed to resemble fallen stars. Every year on Aug. 1 at 9:32 a.m., their shadows align perfectly with permanent outlines on the ground, symbolizing the day Arlington was founded. It’s part sculpture, part celestial clock, and entirely worth a visit.

Set above Rosslyn’s streets, Freedom Park has a unique history. Originally constructed as a highway overpass, it transformed into an elevated urban park, offering a peaceful retreat with benches, gardens, and panoramic views of the city skyline. Its elevated design and serene atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind and reflect amidst the urban landscape.

Sitting on the Potomac River and accessible from the Mount Vernon Trail, Theodore Roosevelt Island provides a serene escape into nature and history. Transformed in the 1930s into a living memorial to the 26th president, the island features a 17-foot statue of Roosevelt, miles of wooded trails, and glimpses of local wildlife—all just steps from Rosslyn.

Rosslyn offers easy access to multiple trails stretching miles through the DMV region. The Mount Vernon Trail winds along the Potomac River with stunning views of D.C.’s skyline, while the Custis Trail provides a leafy, hilly ride perfect for cyclists and runners. For a bit of history and nature, the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail connects to centuries-old routes once traveled by George Washington himself.

Located on the 4th floor of Le Méridien Arlington, Amuse offers a 4,800-square-foot rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge, and Georgetown. Accessible via a street-level elevator, Amuse serves up elegant Italian-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails in a stylish setting. Live music on select evenings adds to the ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a scenic meal or happy hour retreat.

Once an underutilized lot located on a prominent street corner, Continental Beer Garden offers a vibrant outdoor escape in the heart of Rosslyn. With picnic tables, bocce courts, and a colorful mural, it’s a casual hangout serving local and German beers, punch cocktails, and shareable snacks. Family- and dog-friendly, this lively spot is a quick walk from the Rosslyn Metro, making it a perfect post-work destination. (Open seasonally)

Nested above the Rosslyn Metro Station, Upside on Moore is a 30,000-square-foot food hall that brings together a vibrant mix of local culinary talent. From Ghostburger’s presidentially approved smash burgers to Kam & 46’s Hawaiian-Filipino fusion, the hall offers a diverse array of flavors. With a self-service ordering system, guests can relax at their tables while enjoying food delivered directly to them, all within a space adorned with murals celebrating Rosslyn's history.

Tucked beneath sister restaurant Open Road, Salt is Rosslyn’s sleek, speakeasy-style cocktail bar—an intimate hideaway with ruby red booths, moody lighting, and a granite bar that sets the tone for a refined night out. The menu features inventive small plates like tuna tartare nachos and soy glazed pork belly, alongside standout entrées such as a Wagyu burger with white truffle aioli. Salt’s cocktail program is equally bold, offering rotating seasonal creations, as well as “I’m the Captain Now”–the bartender’s flavor of the week (only for the adventurous tipplers).

​Rosslyn is home to the most public art in Arlington County, transforming its urban landscape into an art gallery. Highlights include Nancy Holt’s Dark Star Park (mentioned above), arrow-inspired Cupid's Garden (pictured), and the vibrant, larger-than-life Anna and David. Other notable installations are Cliff Garten’s Gravity and Grace, a dynamic LED mural that responds to real-time environmental data, and Christian Moeller’s Quill, a shimmering façade of nearly 20,000 reflective discs inspired by eagle feathers. For a deeper dive, explore the full list and embark on a self-guided walking tour!

Located between Rosslyn and Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon is a peaceful monument with one of the best panoramic views of the D.C. skyline. Gifted by the Dutch after World War II, the tower holds 53 bells and plays automated concerts daily, with live performances on summer weekends. Don’t miss the tulip bloom in spring—a nod to the Netherlands and a colorful bonus to this hidden gem.

Rosslyn holds a pivotal place in internet history as the site where ARPANET—the precursor to the modern internet—was developed from 1970 to 1975. At 1400 Wilson Boulevard, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency spearheaded this groundbreaking project, initially intended for military communications but soon adapted for civilian use, laying the foundation for email, e-commerce, and the World Wide Web. Today, a commemorative plaque at the site honors this legacy. (Photo Courtesy of the Washington Business Journal)

The unassuming parking garage at 1401 Wilson Blvd., now nicknamed "Deep Throat Garage" played a pivotal role in American history as the clandestine meeting spot for Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward and his secret source, FBI Associate Director Mark Felt–better known as "Deep Throat." Between 1972 and 1973, they met several times in parking spot 32D, sharing information that ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation. Although the garage is closed, a historical marker commemorates its significance, ensuring that this spot remains a testament to the power of investigative journalism.