Herndon
· US

Herndon

Herndon, Virginia, United States

Herndon, Virginia is a charming town located in the United States, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community. Situated in Fairfax County, Herndon offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and …

#Herndon#Virginia#United States#Suburban#Tech Hub
1/4
Stay & flyThings to doVideosPracticalGuide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Herndon.

Top Hotels in Herndon

Top Flights to Herndon

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Herndon.

Tours

Frying Pan Farm Park

A scenic park that features a working farm, equestrian facilities, and recreational spaces.

ArtSpace Herndon

A community art gallery offering exhibitions and classes in various art forms.

Herndon Fortnightly Library

Rich in history, this library offers a cozy environment with a diverse collection of books.

Shopping

Herndon Farmers' Market

An outdoor farmers' market offering fresh produce, flowers, and homemade goods.

Reston Town Center

A vibrant shopping and dining destination with a variety of retail stores and eateries.

Outdoor

Herndon Centennial Golf Course

An 18-hole, par 71, 6,445-yard course providing an engaging and challenging golfing experience.

Runnymede Park

A natural oasis with wooded trails, streams, and diverse ecosystems for outdoor exploration.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Herndon.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
24,000
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Herndon
Jan
cold
5°-4°
Feb
cold
7°-3°
Mar
cloud
12°1°
Apr
rain
18°6°
May
sun
24°12°
Jun
sun
29°17°
Jul
hot
31°20°
Aug
hot
30°19°
Sep
sun
26°15°
Oct
clear
19°8°
Nov
cloud
13°3°
Dec
cold
8°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Herndon.

What people love

Herndon, Virginia offers several pros for travelers:

  1. Proximity to Washington, D.C.: Herndon is located just a short drive away from the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. This makes it a convenient base for exploring all the famous landmarks, museums, and cultural sites in the area.

  2. Historic charm: Herndon has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Visitors can explore the town's historic downtown area, which is full of quaint shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

  3. Outdoor activities: Herndon is surrounded by beautiful parks and natural areas, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. The W&OD Trail, a popular multi-use trail, runs through Herndon and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

  4. Cultural events: Herndon hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, food, and more. The town's diverse community ensures there is always something interesting happening.

  5. Family-friendly attractions: Herndon is a great destination for families, with attractions such as the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, the Herndon Community Center, and the Frying Pan Farm Park offering fun activities for all ages.

Overall, Herndon, Virginia is a charming town with a lot to offer visitors, from its historic charm to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and outdoor recreational opportunities.

What to know

Herndon, Virginia is a lovely town with many attractions and amenities, but like any destination, it also has its drawbacks. Some cons of traveling to Herndon may include:

  1. Traffic Congestion: Herndon is located near major highways and commuter routes, so traffic congestion can be an issue during peak travel times. This may lead to delays and frustration for travelers.

  2. High Cost of Living: Virginia, in general, has a higher cost of living compared to other parts of the United States. Travelers may find that accommodations, dining, and other expenses in Herndon are more expensive than they anticipated.

  3. Limited Public Transportation: While Herndon does have some public transportation options, such as buses and the Washington Metro Silver Line, the coverage may not be as extensive as in larger cities. Renting a car may be necessary for getting around.

  4. Weather Variability: Virginia experiences four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Travelers should be prepared for weather variations and pack accordingly.

  5. Limited Nightlife: While Herndon has a charming downtown area with restaurants and shops, it may not offer as vibrant a nightlife scene as larger cities. Travelers seeking a lively nightlife may need to explore neighboring towns.

  6. Limited Cultural Attractions: While Herndon has historical sites and cultural events, travelers looking for a wide range of museums, theaters, and galleries may need to travel to nearby cities like Washington, D.C.

Overall, Herndon is a welcoming destination with much to offer, but travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks when planning their trip.

Herndon, Virginia, located in Fairfax County, is a town rich in history and has evolved over the years from a rural settlement to a bustling suburb of Washington, D.C. Here's a detailed history of Herndon:

Early History and Founding:

  • The area that is now Herndon was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Algonquian-speaking tribes.
  • European settlers began to move into the area in the early 18th century. It remained largely rural and agricultural for many decades.

Railroad Era:

  • The arrival of the railroad was a significant event in Herndon's history. In 1857, the Alexandria, Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad (later the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad) reached the area.
  • Herndon was incorporated in 1879, named after William Lewis Herndon, a naval explorer and author noted for his explorations of the Amazon River.

Post-Civil War Development:

  • After the Civil War, Herndon grew as a dairy farming community. The railroad facilitated the transport of dairy products to Washington, D.C., helping the town's economy.
  • The Herndon Depot, built in 1857, became a central hub for commerce and transportation.

20th Century Growth:

  • Throughout the early 20th century, Herndon remained a small town but began to grow significantly post-World War II, as suburban development expanded.
  • The expansion of Dulles Airport in the 1960s, located nearby, also contributed to Herndon's growth and development.

Significant Events and Figures:

  • The Herndon Historical Society, founded in 1971, has played a crucial role in preserving the town's history and heritage.
  • In 2005, Herndon gained national attention due to debates over immigration laws and a controversial day-laborer site, reflecting the broader national conversation on immigration.

Important Landmarks:

  • Herndon Depot Museum: A historic train station built in 1857, it now serves as a museum operated by the Herndon Historical Society.
  • The Elden Street Players' Industrial Strength Theatre: A prominent local theater that has contributed to the cultural life of the town.
  • Frying Pan Farm Park: Located nearby, this park preserves and interprets farm life of the early 20th century.
  • The Herndon Historic District: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district preserves many of the town's historical structures, reflecting its 19th- and early 20th-century heritage.

Herndon continues to balance its historic roots with modern development, serving as a vibrant community within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.