About Clarendon Station

Clarendon is one of the most lively and walkable Metro stations in all of Northern Virginia, anchoring a dense urban neighborhood that has become the premier dining and nightlife destination on the Virginia side of the Potomac. The station opened on December 1, 1979, and has been the catalyst for decades of transit-oriented development along Wilson Boulevard.

Within a five-minute walk of the Clarendon Metro, riders will find rooftop bars, craft breweries, upscale restaurants, wine bars, and casual dining options along Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard. The neighborhood draws thousands of young professionals from throughout Northern Virginia on weekend evenings.

Clarendon is consistently ranked one of the top nightlife and dining neighborhoods in the entire Washington DC metropolitan area — and everything is within a 5-minute walk of the Metro, making it one of the most car-free-friendly entertainment districts in the region.

Beyond nightlife, Clarendon also has a strong daytime character with farmers markets, specialty retail, fitness studios, and coffee shops. The neighborhood's residential population is dense and young, with most residents commuting by Metro rather than car.

🚇Lines & Service

Orange Line
Vienna/Fairfax-GMU → New Carrollton
Toward Vienna / New Carrollton Every 6–12 min peak
Silver Line
Ashburn/Dulles → Largo Town Center
Toward Dulles / Largo Every 10–20 min

🗺Nearby Destinations

🍺
Lost Dog Cafe
0.2 mi · Wilson Blvd
🌮
Clarendon Restaurant Row
Wilson & Clarendon Blvds
🏋
Life Time Fitness Clarendon
0.3 mi walk
🛒
Clarendon Market Common
0.2 mi walk
🎭
Signature Theatre
0.5 mi · Shirlington
🌳
Clarendon Park
0.1 mi walk

💡Rider Tips

  • 🌙
    On Friday and Saturday nights, Clarendon is extremely active. Trains run until 1:00 AM, but the last trains fill quickly. Plan your departure before midnight to avoid crowded platforms or missed trains.
  • 🍺
    The area along Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard between the Metro and Wilson Blvd/N. Garfield St corridor has the highest concentration of bars and restaurants. Most are within 3–5 minutes of the station exit.
  • 🛒
    The Clarendon Farmers Market runs every Saturday from April through November, just one block from the station entrance. One of the best farmers markets in Northern Virginia.
  • 🎟
    Clarendon is in Fare Zone 1, so the minimum fare ($2.25 peak) applies for all trips originating here — a big advantage for night-trippers returning to DC or other Zone 1 stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarendon known for near the Metro?

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Clarendon is Northern Virginia's premier dining and nightlife district, with dozens of restaurants, rooftop bars, craft breweries, and wine bars within a 5-minute walk of the station. Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard are the main arteries, packed with options for every taste and budget.

How far is Clarendon from downtown DC?

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Clarendon is approximately 15–20 minutes from Metro Center on the Orange or Silver Line. It's in Fare Zone 1, so fares are the same minimum as downtown DC stations. The ride to Rosslyn takes about 8–10 minutes.

Is there parking at Clarendon Metro?

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WMATA has no commuter parking lot at Clarendon. The neighborhood's dense urban character means most visitors arrive by Metro or on foot. Commercial parking garages are available in the adjacent Market Common and along Wilson Boulevard for those who drive.