The Rosslyn–Ballston Corridor is Arlington’s most iconic stretch: a series of five connected neighborhoods (Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, Courthouse, and Rosslyn) lined up along Wilson Blvd and the Metro. It’s Arlington’s most walkable area, packed with buzzy restaurants, stylish cocktail lounges, boutique shopping, and cultural landmarks. Here’s how to spend 24 hours along Wilson Blvd like a local.
Morning: Brunch in Ballston
Start your day at Ted’s Bulletin (Ballston Quarter) for hearty breakfasts and famous homemade pop tarts, or grab a pastry and latte on the patio at Northside Social (Clarendon). Both are Arlington staples that never disappoint.
Afternoon: Shopping & Coffee
The corridor isn’t just about food, it’s also one of Arlington’s top shopping destinations.
Begin at Ballston Quarter, a reimagined indoor-outdoor mall with a mix of big names and unique finds. Explore Macy’s, Regal Cinemas, Gossip Boutique, and the Quarter Market food hall, which is packed with local stalls serving everything from ramen to lobster rolls.
Next, stroll through The Crossing Clarendon, an open-air retail hub with a curated mix of Arlington’s favorites: Apple, Lululemon, Sephora, Whole Foods, and Pottery Barn, plus stylish pop-ups that keep things fresh. It’s as much a community hangout as it is a shopping center.
Before moving on, recharge at East West Café in Clarendon, one of Arlington’s most Instagrammable coffee shops with colorful matcha and latte art.
Cultural Stop: Iwo Jima Memorial (Rosslyn)
Make your way down Wilson Blvd to Rosslyn and pause at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The sweeping views of DC paired with the history make this a must-see stop along the corridor.
Dinner: Top-Rated Restaurants Locals Rave About
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Ambar Clarendon – Unlimited Balkan small plates with a cult following.
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Salt Line (Ballston) – A DC favorite now in Arlington, known for crudos, lobster rolls, and oysters.
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Mele Bistro (Courthouse) – Cozy, romantic, and consistently rated one of Arlington’s best date-night spots.
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Oasis: The Listening Bar (Clarendon) – The buzziest opening of the year, combining sashimi, Japanese cocktails, and a hi-fi sound system.
Nightlife & Cocktails: Viral-Worthy Spots
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The Brass Rabbit (Clarendon) – A stylish cocktail lounge locals can’t stop talking about, with inventive drinks and an intimate vibe.
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Salt (Rosslyn) – A sleek lounge with elevated cocktails and moody interiors perfect for date night.
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Bronson Bierhall (Ballston) – A high-energy beer hall ideal for groups and game days.
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Oasis (Clarendon) – Stay for the cocktails and vinyl-fueled ambiance that turns dinner into nightlife.
Late Night Bite
End the night at Goody’s Pizza (Clarendon) for a late slice or Don Tito (Clarendon) for tacos with rooftop energy that stretches past midnight.
✅ Key Takeaways
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The Rosslyn–Ballston Corridor is Arlington’s most walkable stretch, covering five neighborhoods along Wilson Blvd.
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Morning: Start in Ballston with brunch at Ted’s Bulletin or Northside Social.
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Afternoon: Shop at Ballston Quarter and The Crossing Clarendon, then grab coffee at East West Café.
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Must-see stop: Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn.
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Dinner: Ambar, Salt Line, Mele Bistro, or Oasis, all viral-worthy favorites.
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Nightlife: Brass Rabbit, Salt, Bronson Bierhall, or Oasis.
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Late night: Goody’s Pizza or Don Tito in Clarendon.
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