Arlington travel guide
Arlington Tourism | Arlington Guide
You're Going to Love Arlington
Arlington is well known for its proximity to the United States capital of Washington D.C., and has many national monuments honoring leaders from the United States along the historic Potomac River.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Arlington
1. Lincoln Memorial
This statue and reflecting pool commemorates the service of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States.
2. Arlington National Cemetery
Visit the 624 national acres of military cemetery honoring fallen American soldiers.
3. The Pentagon
Take a guided tour of the five-pointed headquarters of the US Department of Defense.
4. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
This community space in the Watergate complex offers many theater, music, art, and dance performances.
5. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
This Pantheon-inspired memorial pays tribute to one of America's founding fathers Thomas Jefferson, who helped create the Declaration of Independence and served as the third US President.
What to do in Arlington
1. Arlington National Cemetery: Tribute to America's Fallen
Set on 624 acres, the Arlington National Cemetery honors American fallen soldiers. Dating back to the Civil War, the cemetery was built on the estate of Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's family home. The landmark includes the Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, which contains the Hemicycle, Memorial Drive, and the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The area also includes the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, which hosts Veterans Day and Memorial Day services, as well as funeral and memorial services. The most frequently visited sites at the cemetery include the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Also buried at Arlington are the astronauts killed in the 1967 Apollo 1 Command Module fire flash Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee, as well as Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth.
2. Iwo Jima Memorial: Homage to the Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, was founded in 1954. The site is dedicated U.S. Marine Corps who have died in the line of duty since 1775. The design of the memorial is based on the 1945 photograph shot by AP war photographer Joe Rosenthal, who captured six Marines as they raised the flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. The memorial was created by sculptor Felix de Weldon and architect Horace W. Peaslee, who received funding for the landmark in 1947. The landmark, which features inscriptions commemorating all major Marine Corps battles, is cast in bronze and sits atop a black granite base from a quarry in Lönsboda, Sweden. In 1961, President Kennedy declared that the American flag would fly over the memorial in perpetuity.
3. National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial: Gone But Not Forgotten
Designed by Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is an outdoor landmark that honors the 184 people who died in the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Inaugurated on September 11, 2008, the memorial features benches placed over reflecting pools that face the Pentagon's southern façade and bear the names of the victims, as well as a wall along the edge of the landmark that grows from three inches and to seventy-one inches, the ages of the youngest and oldest victims of the terrorist attack.
4. National Air Force Memorial: Observing Integrity and Service
Dedicated in 2006, the National Air Force Memorial is a tribute to Air Force members that served in the United States military. Designed by architect James Ingo Freed, the memorial features three soaring spires that range from 201 feet to 270 feet. The landmark also includes two jet mist and black granite inscription walls that bear the names of Medal of Honor recipients, as well as inspirational quotes that represent the core values of the the Air Force.
5. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Honoring the Unnamed
Dedicated to unidentified fallen soldiers, this tomb contains the remains of an unknown World War I combatant that was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other international service awards, as well as other unknowns that have been awarded the Medal of Honor. The white marble sarcophagus is flat-faced with relief at the corners and neoclassical columns at the sides. Three Greek figures, which represent peace, victory, and valor, are etched into the eastern panel. Six wreaths, three on each side, symbolize the six major battles of World War I.
6. National Mall: Welcome to the United States
The National Mall is host to America's greatest museums, monuments, and memorials. The Washington Monument is the centerpiece, flanked by the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building, home to U.S. Congress. This cultural stretch can satisfy all interests, and popular highlights include the stunning Vietnam War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Art, which carries a world-renowned collection.
7. White House: Presidential Grounds
Home to every American President for the past two centuries, the White House is one of the most famous buildings in the country. The house is viewed by countless tourists from the lush surrounding gardens every day. With secret service agents casually surrounding the property, a visit to this house is like walking into a dramatic film set.
8. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time
Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.
1. Arlington National Cemetery: Tribute to America's Fallen
Set on 624 acres, the Arlington National Cemetery honors American fallen soldiers. Dating back to the Civil War, the cemetery was built on the estate of Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's family home. The landmark includes the Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, which contains the Hemicycle, Memorial Drive, and the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The area also includes the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, which hosts Veterans Day and Memorial Day services, as well as funeral and memorial services. The most frequently visited sites at the cemetery include the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Also buried at Arlington are the astronauts killed in the 1967 Apollo 1 Command Module fire flash Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee, as well as Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth.
2. Iwo Jima Memorial: Homage to the Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, was founded in 1954. The site is dedicated U.S. Marine Corps who have died in the line of duty since 1775. The design of the memorial is based on the 1945 photograph shot by AP war photographer Joe Rosenthal, who captured six Marines as they raised the flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. The memorial was created by sculptor Felix de Weldon and architect Horace W. Peaslee, who received funding for the landmark in 1947. The landmark, which features inscriptions commemorating all major Marine Corps battles, is cast in bronze and sits atop a black granite base from a quarry in Lönsboda, Sweden. In 1961, President Kennedy declared that the American flag would fly over the memorial in perpetuity.
3. National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial: Gone But Not Forgotten
Designed by Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is an outdoor landmark that honors the 184 people who died in the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Inaugurated on September 11, 2008, the memorial features benches placed over reflecting pools that face the Pentagon's southern façade and bear the names of the victims, as well as a wall along the edge of the landmark that grows from three inches and to seventy-one inches, the ages of the youngest and oldest victims of the terrorist attack.
4. National Air Force Memorial: Observing Integrity and Service
Dedicated in 2006, the National Air Force Memorial is a tribute to Air Force members that served in the United States military. Designed by architect James Ingo Freed, the memorial features three soaring spires that range from 201 feet to 270 feet. The landmark also includes two jet mist and black granite inscription walls that bear the names of Medal of Honor recipients, as well as inspirational quotes that represent the core values of the the Air Force.
5. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Honoring the Unnamed
Dedicated to unidentified fallen soldiers, this tomb contains the remains of an unknown World War I combatant that was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other international service awards, as well as other unknowns that have been awarded the Medal of Honor. The white marble sarcophagus is flat-faced with relief at the corners and neoclassical columns at the sides. Three Greek figures, which represent peace, victory, and valor, are etched into the eastern panel. Six wreaths, three on each side, symbolize the six major battles of World War I.
6. National Mall: Welcome to the United States
The National Mall is host to America's greatest museums, monuments, and memorials. The Washington Monument is the centerpiece, flanked by the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building, home to U.S. Congress. This cultural stretch can satisfy all interests, and popular highlights include the stunning Vietnam War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Art, which carries a world-renowned collection.
7. White House: Presidential Grounds
Home to every American President for the past two centuries, the White House is one of the most famous buildings in the country. The house is viewed by countless tourists from the lush surrounding gardens every day. With secret service agents casually surrounding the property, a visit to this house is like walking into a dramatic film set.
8. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time
Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.
1. Arlington National Cemetery: Tribute to America's Fallen
Set on 624 acres, the Arlington National Cemetery honors American fallen soldiers. Dating back to the Civil War, the cemetery was built on the estate of Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's family home. The landmark includes the Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, which contains the Hemicycle, Memorial Drive, and the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The area also includes the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, which hosts Veterans Day and Memorial Day services, as well as funeral and memorial services. The most frequently visited sites at the cemetery include the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Also buried at Arlington are the astronauts killed in the 1967 Apollo 1 Command Module fire flash Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee, as well as Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth.
Where to Eat in Arlington
Ted's Montana Grill is a classic American restaurant serving homemade steaks and burgers. A typical meal costs $20 per person including drinks.
When to visit Arlington
The best time to visit is in the fall between September and December, when the city's changing seasons provide moderate temperatures and many cultural celebrations.
How to Get to Arlington
Plane
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is locatedthree miles south of Arlington. From there, you can ride the Washington D.C. metro into the city center, or transfer by rental vehicle.
Train
The closest train stop is at Union Station in nearby Washington D.C., a 15-minute drive away from Arlington. The journey takes five hours and costs $30.
Car
Take the I-95 N and NJ Turnpike from New York City to reach Arlington in four hours driving time.
Bus
Greyhound, Tripper Bus, BoltBus, and Vamoose Bus all offer routes from New York City to Arlington/Washington D.C. The journey takes 4.5 hours and costs around $15.
Airports near Arlington
Airlines serving Arlington
Where to stay in Arlington
Washington D.C. - the US capital, home to the White House and many historical museums, is a stone's throw away.
Popular Neighborhoods in Arlington
Georgetown - this neighborhood is mainly populated by students and is centered around the prestigious Georgetown University.
Theodore Roosevelt Island - this area is only accessible by footbridge, but offers beautiful wooded area walks and views of the Potomac River.
Where to stay in popular areas of Arlington
Most booked hotels in Arlington
How to Get Around Arlington
Public Transportation
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and Arlington Transit buses can take you between neighborhoods and sites in Arlington. A single-ride fare starts at $1.75; pre-paid transportation cards are offered in most stations and kiosks.
Taxi
Taxi tariffs are metered and start at $2, with a typical ride in the center costing $10 - $15.
Car
Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz offer daily car rentals in Arlington starting at $20 a day.
The Cost of Living in Arlington
Shopping Streets
Ballston Common is one of the biggest shopping malls and features movie theaters, skating rinks, and internationally recognized brand stores. Clarendon and Wilson Blvds are the most popular shopping districts with boutique stores selling everything from toys and jewelry to housewares and clothes.
Groceries and Other
Safeway and Food Star Supermarket are the two main food stores. A dozen eggs costs $3.20.