3 Local Secrets at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum Every Reston Resident Should Know

If you’ve lived around Reston or Herndon for a while, you’ve likely heard about—or even visited—the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Chantilly. Officially known as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, this outpost of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is a treasure trove of aviation and space artifacts. Most folks know the museum for its massive display hangars packed with famous aircraft, like the Space Shuttle Discovery and the SR-71 Blackbird. But there’s more to this place than meets the eye. Below, I’ll share three local secrets that even longtime Northern Virginia residents may not know about. And if you’re new to the area or considering a move here, I’ll sprinkle in some insights about what makes living near Reston and Herndon so special—especially if you love exploring the best museums around.

Why the Udvar-Hazy Center Matters to Northern Virginia Residents

Living in Northern Virginia is all about variety. We get a dash of the big-city bustle from Washington, D.C., combined with suburban comforts in places like Reston and Herndon. Meanwhile, we’re never too far from world-class cultural attractions—especially the Smithsonian museums. The Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, is a prime example. It’s only about a 15-minute drive from Reston, depending on traffic. If you’re curious about the rest of the Northern Virginia real estate landscape, I’m here to help—I’m a local realtor who loves to explore hidden gems with my clients. But first, let’s dive into what makes Udvar-Hazy so special.

Secret #1: Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar

Most visitors stroll through the main exhibit floor, awestruck by the planes hanging from the rafters. But did you know there’s a full restoration hangar on the property? The Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar is where museum specialists work on aircraft that aren’t ready for the main display—or are too fragile for the average visitor to see up close.

Occasionally, the museum offers behind-the-scenes tours of this hangar. You’ll get a glimpse into the painstaking process of restoring historical aircraft and spacecraft. It’s like stepping into a time machine, watching as experts revive old parts, fix worn-out components, and preserve aviation history for future generations. These tours aren’t usually listed front-and-center on the museum’s main web page, so your best bet is to keep an eye on their official events calendar or sign up for email alerts from the Smithsonian.

Local Tip: If you see a notice that the museum is hosting a Restoration Hangar Open House, mark your calendar immediately—these events fill up fast. And, if you’re looking for the best Reston agent to give you the local scoop on more than just real estate, I’m always happy to chat about living near unique places like Udvar-Hazy.

Secret #2: Stargazing Night on April 4th

While most people think of planes and rockets when they think of Udvar-Hazy, the museum also celebrates astronomy in a big way. One of the coolest recurring events is Stargazing Night, when the museum partners with local astronomy clubs to set up telescopes outside. The next scheduled Stargazing Night is on April 4th, and you can find more details on the museum’s official events page.

At these events, you’ll get the chance to see celestial objects like the Moon, planets, and sometimes star clusters—depending on weather conditions. If you’ve got kids, it’s the perfect combination of fun and educational. And if you’re a photography buff, bring a good camera or smartphone with a night mode for some truly memorable shots.

Local Tip: Dress warmly even if it’s spring—Northern Virginia nights can still be chilly in early April. Also, arrive early to find parking and get a good spot in line for the telescopes. While admission to the museum is free, there is a parking fee during certain hours, so double-check the museum’s parking info before heading over.

Secret #3: Exclusive After-Hours Events for a Relaxing Visit

I’ll be honest: the Udvar-Hazy Center can get crowded, especially on weekends when folks from across the region stop by. But here’s something even many locals don’t realize: the museum occasionally hosts after-hours events, often in collaboration with educational groups or sponsors. These events let you wander the exhibits with fewer crowds and a completely different vibe. Sometimes these events are catered toward adults, making for a fun date night or a casual outing with friends.

Picture yourself standing under the towering SR-71 Blackbird or gazing up at the Space Shuttle Discovery without the usual hustle of daytime crowds. It’s a more intimate way to explore the museum, and it gives you the freedom to take your time at each exhibit. These after-hours programs might include live music, lectures, or special guest speakers. Check the museum’s official schedule to see what’s coming up.

Local Tip: Keep an eye on any ticket requirements. Though general admission to Smithsonian museums is free, these special events sometimes have limited availability or require pre-registration.

Why Locals Should Keep Visiting

You might wonder why anyone would go to the same museum multiple times. Well, if you live in the Reston or Herndon area, you’ll learn that Udvar-Hazy’s rotating displays, restoration activities, and special events mean there’s nearly always something new to see. Each visit can be unique, especially if you catch an open house, a stargazing session, or an after-hours gathering.

Another perk: The Udvar-Hazy Center is part of the community. Many local schools take field trips here, and it often participates in outreach programs. If you’ve got kids (or even if you don’t!), the museum can spark a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For those looking to put down roots in the area—or maybe upgrade to a new home—knowing you’ve got easy access to this Smithsonian gem is one more reason to love living in Northern Virginia.

Getting There and Making a Day of It

• Location: The museum is located in Chantilly, just off Route 28 near Washington Dulles International Airport.

• Driving from Reston/Herndon: The drive is typically 15-20 minutes, making it a breeze if you’re based in one of the nearby neighborhoods.

• Parking: Before 4:00 p.m., there is a fee to park, but it’s free if you arrive after 4:00 p.m. (Just confirm the current fee structure on the museum’s website).

• Food Options: There’s a McDonald’s inside the museum (yes, really!), plus other restaurants nearby. Consider grabbing a bite in Reston Town Center or the Historic Herndon area on your way home for a more local vibe.

Living Near the Action: Reston and Herndon Highlights

If you’re thinking about living close to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum—or simply want to enjoy the perks of Northern Virginia real estate—both Reston and Herndon are fantastic choices. They offer a mix of suburban comfort, with plenty of green spaces and community amenities, alongside easy access to major highways and Metro stations. Reston in particular is known for its trails, lakes, and village centers, which foster a neighborly feel.

Fun Fact: Reston was one of the first planned communities in the United States, designed with the idea that residents should be able to live, work, and play within the same general area. Herndon, on the other hand, has a charming downtown district with a strong sense of history. Whichever community you choose, you’ll be a stone’s throw from world-class museums like Udvar-Hazy.

Why a Local Realtor Makes All the Difference

As someone who’s proud to call this area home, I’m passionate about more than just helping you buy or sell property. Yes, I’m here to guide you through the Reston real estate or Herndon real estate process, but I’m also eager to show you the gems of our community—like the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, Lake Fairfax Park, the W&OD Trail, or Reston Town Center. If you have questions about the best Reston agent or the best Herndon agent, I’m happy to help you make sense of the local market and all it has to offer.

Wrap-Up: A Local’s Invitation

If you haven’t been to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in a while (or ever!), consider this your nudge. Whether you’re a full-blown aviation enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do on a weekend, you’ll find something to love—especially if you catch one of the behind-the-scenes restoration tours, head out for the April 4th stargazing event, or snag tickets to an after-hours program.

Living in Northern Virginia means you have the Smithsonian’s only aviation and space annex right in your backyard. The museum’s sprawling exhibits, exclusive events, and rotating displays make it a place you can visit over and over without getting bored. And if you’re looking to move closer to the action—or simply find a place that feels like home—feel free to reach out to me for local real estate guidance, insider tips, and a warm welcome to our Reston/Herndon community.

Ready to Explore?

Check out the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum official website for event details and updates. I’d love to hear about your favorite exhibit—mine is the Space Shuttle Discovery, but I’m a sucker for anything that tells a good story. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep this local conversation going!