Things to do & places to visit in Arlington, Virginia, United States

Known for walkable urban villages like Crystal City, Rosslyn and Ballston, Arlington was part of the "10 miles square" surveyed in 1791 to be the United States capital. Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial. With 11 Metro stops, Arlington is car-optional and offers visitors everything from eclectic theater to Bohemian cafes.

Arlington city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 11:11.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

5.0 Arlington National Cemetery (9.567 reviews)
- Great and humbling experience
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Cemeteries

Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame. See more..
5.0 The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (4.107 reviews)
- Moving
Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas

Guarded around the clock by the Army's 3rd infantry, this memorial in Arlington National Cemetery honors unidentified American soldiers from the two World Wars and the Korean War. See more..
5.0 Bon Air Park (22 reviews)
- Beautiful rose garden and sitting area
Parks

Any time I come here there is a peaceful joy about this place. Come during certain times of year to see all the roses in bloom. See more..
5.0 Conte's Bike Shop (10 reviews)
- Great bike shop
Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails
I swear by Conte’s in general. But the management and employees here really give a darn about you and your bike. See more..
5.0 Glencarlyn Park (6 reviews)
- Nice park to take the kids
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

This park is near out house. I have taken the grand kids many times. They really enjoy it. It's a nice, safe neighborhood. See more..
4.5 U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (2.438 reviews)
- Beautiful site and marks one of the outstanding events of WW2
Monuments & Statues

Commonly called the "Iwo Jima Memorial," the statue is a depiction of the famous raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima and is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives defending that flag. See more..
4.5 Pentagon Memorial (1.560 reviews)
- A Corner of Quiet Reflection
Monuments & Statues

Though Open 24 hours - the early daytime or sunset is the best time to visit. Tucked away very discreetly in the far end of the north parking lot, a visitor doesn't have to enter the closed Pentagon perimeter to visit the site. Stay in the far left lane that allows the visitor to remain in the parking lot perimeter, See more..
4.5 John F. Kennedy Grave Site (1.470 reviews)
- An Honor and a Privilege
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited on Christmas Day and the weather was pretty nice. We paid our respects as we visited the grave site and the Eternal Flame at Arlington National Cemetery. It is quiet solemn as he is entombed next to Jaqueline Kennedy and two of their infant children who passed. See more..
4.5 Arlington House - The Robert E. Lee Memorial (881 reviews)
- House Filled with History!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites

The pre-Civil War residence of legendary Confederate general Robert E. Lee, this Greek revival mansion was taken over by Union troops, and the estate was used to bury the war dead. Overlooking the Potomac and the grounds of what is now Arlington National Cemetery, the home has been restored as a memorial to Lee. See more..
4.5 Air Force Memorial (606 reviews)
- Into the Sky
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The AF Memorial was dedicated on October 14, 2006 to honor the men and women of the AF and its heritage organizations. It is located in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Since its opening, it has been a place of honor and remembrance. It offers a place for the community to learn and appreciate the rich history of the AF through displays, AF Band performances, Memorial/Veterans Day commemorations and veteran-related events. See more..
4.5 Military Women's Memorial (347 reviews)
- Honor the women who serve(d)
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites • History Museums

Dedicated in 1997, the Women's Memorial is the only major American memorial to honor women who have served in the United States military since the American Revolution. Tucked behind the memorial is the Military Women's Memorial Education Center and museum, housing exhibits and archives telling the stories of female servicemembers throughout American history. Female veterans can register their service at the memorial to ensure their contributions are preserved for decades to come. Military Women's Memorial hosts events open to the public. Check out the MWM website (www.womensmemorial.org) for more information on current exhibits and upcoming events! The Memorial marks the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. See more..
4.5 Gravelly Point Park (274 reviews)
- a hidden gem that is perfect for kids and adults
Parks

We visited here with our two kids and just LOVED it. It was so fun to be able to see so many planes take off and land. We easily spent an hour or so here. My husband knows a lot about planes, so he would talk to the kids about what each plane was doing (wheels going up, wing flaps adjusting, etc...). We will definitely be back! See more..
4.5 Mount Vernon Trail (251 reviews)
- Great trail, perfect for a variety of distances, populated but not crowded
Biking Trails

As an avid runner, this is one of my most favourite trails in the US. I've traveled from NYC to San Francisco and run many rail trails in between, but the Mount Vernon Trail holds a special piece of my heart. It's beauty and ease of use can't be beat. It's a popular trail, so there are usually other runners on it, but not so many that it feels crowded; just enough to make this solo female runner feel safe. It has a varied terrain which is nice, but if you start up at Mount Vernon the trail is mostly downhill, which makes for a fun out and back run. Alternatively, you can start at Mount Vernon and run to King Street which would be great for a long run (it's about 9ish miles). Overall, it's a great trail and perfect for any type of runner or walker and the view along to Potomac is incredible. See more..
4.5 Signature Theatre (145 reviews)
- Intimate theatre that is perfect for plays
Theaters

While staying in Washington, I decided to visit Signature Theatre as they were showing a play that looked really good. I am glad that I made the trip to Arlington as the show was not only great, but I also got the chance to discover this wonderful space to see live shows. Planning to come back here to see another play before leaving Washington. If you like seeing plays, I would recommend that you consider this venue. See more..
4.5 Fort Myer (102 reviews)
- Picturesque
Military Bases & Facilities

An important post of the Army's Signal Corps since the Civil War, Fort Myer is home to the Army Chief of Staff and the Army's oldest active infantry regiment and was the site of the first military test flight. See more..
4.5 Village at Shirlington (98 reviews)
- Library, shopping, coffee, toys, yogurt, best buns, multiple parking areas, and restaurants
Shopping Malls

The Village at Shirlington is a place we like to visit often. It is easy to access from 395 and here are multiple free parking garages. There is also a grocery store, a public library, a movie theater with luxurious seating, and there are many options for dining. The tree lined main street is beautiful and you will meet many dogs along the way. Almost every restaurant has water out for our furry friends. See more..
4.5 The View of DC (55 reviews)
- Wow what a view
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers

Soaring nearly 400-feet high, we are the tallest public point inside the beltway. Offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Washington, DC and its surrounding areas, The Observation Deck provides its guests with a unique perspective that includes the HoverDC experience and The View | DC Champagne Bar. You haven’t seen Washington, DC until you’ve seen it like this. See more..
4.5 Long Bridge Park (53 reviews)
- Watched fireworks here!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

This is a great little park! Seems like it is all new. Great fields and all very clean. Easy to get to and visually impressive. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Synetic Theater (39 reviews)
- Unbelievably good theatre!
Theaters

We are regulars at this theatre. I never know how to describe them, are they actors who can dance incredibly well or are they dancers who can act incredibly well? Whatever the case may be (and I think it's a bit of both), this is one of the most unique theater experiences you can get, and they never disappoint! I like their silent Shakespeare best - it's something you just have to experience. It's such an amazing feat to retell a Shakespeare play, with only movement/dance, music and lights, but voila, they do it and with such amazing, and often mezmerizing skill. See more..
4.5 Bluemont Park (31 reviews)
- Easy Access - Great outdoor Esperience
Parks
Bluemont Park is an all season park for all people. Beautiful rose garden, tennis courts, picnic area, trail for walking and biking. We have enjoyed Bluemont as a family as kids have grown and activities have ranged from picnics and baseball games to bike rides to boy scout service activities in the park. East access from Wilson Blvd with ample parking available. See more..
4.5 Custis Trail (18 reviews)
- Great for Running or Bicycling
Hiking Trails

Trail providing excellent running and biking paved with hills and inclines for a great workout. The trail can be accessed from Fairfax Drive or a number of other streets in the area. See more..
4.5 MedStar Capitals Iceplex (13 reviews)
- Capitals Morning Skate & Autographs
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

We went to watch the Washington Capitals morning skate and ended up having an incredible time here. The facilities were easy to find and very well kept. The public is abe to watch the Capitals practice and afterwards the kids were able to get some autographs from a few players who stayed back. This place has a very nice set up for the fans, especially the younger ones. If you want close access to the Washington Capitals, this a good place to start. There was plenty of cheap parking, they sell food and drinks and have a Capitals fan shop as well. See more..
4.0 The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (380 reviews)
- Fashion Centre at Pentagon City i
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, located just moments from the nation's capital, and on the Washington DC Metro system, offers a world-class shopping experience where avenues of fashions and boulevards of style await. A scenic glass elevator ride to the third level reveals more than 170 fascinating stores and restaurants including Macy's, Nordstrom, The Ritz-Carlton, Ann Taylor, Apple, and Armani Exchange. The skylit food court features international specialties from the familiar to the exotic. Love shopping? Visit Fashion Centre at Pentagon City today. See more..
4.0 Netherlands Carillon (207 reviews)
- Stunning monument views and beautiful music
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Netherlands Carillon is an unassuming hidden gem. It’s essentially a bell tower but, with many different bells that can play music. It’s surrounded by gardens and situated on a hillside in Arlington with great views looking down over the National Mall. It’s walking distance from Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps Memorial. I believe the bells ring a song every hour and it’s very beautiful. The gardens are especially stunning in the spring with thousands of tulips. Definitely recommend if you’re already nearby! See more..
4.0 Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (104 reviews)
- Nice to Have This Place
Theaters

I like having a spot to go to where you can enjoy a variety of entertainment. Watch a movie (classics and fairly current - don't forget $2.00 Mondays and Tuesdays) see a comedy show, participate in a murder mystery all while enjoying a meal and drinks. Great for a casual get together, solo trip and dates. See more..
4.0 DEA Museum & Visitors Center (86 reviews)
- DEA Museum - Heart Wrenching
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

An educational and historical trip through the lifecycles and effects of illegal drugs in America. See more..
4.0 Rosslyn Metro Station (70 reviews)
- Get off the metro here for observation deck
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

We used the Metro to get around DC during our visit. We got off the Metro at Rosslyn station, and just steps away from the station exit was the "The View of DC" observation deck. It's free to enter and gives incredible views of the DC area from the 31st floor. Many restaurant choices are also near the metro entrance. Enjoy! See more..
4.0 Potomac Overlook Regional Park (35 reviews)
- Looks like you've left the city
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

Explore the natural world on 67 acres of wild and cultivated land at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, Virginia. Hike miles of trails while following interpretive displays to learn about Northern Virginia’s flora and fauna. Our educational organic vegetable garden hosts school trips and summer nature camps, while other demonstration gardens showcase native plants and insects and live animal displays. Visit the James I. Mayer Center for Environmental Education to learn about the connections between humans and the natural world. Potomac Overlook Regional Park also hosts an outdoor summer concert series and a popular summer camp for kids. See more..
4.0 Pentagon Row (22 reviews)
- Mall on the ground
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

The Pentagon Row is the addition of Pentagon City Mall. Instead of building a mega mall building, it was built as a city Center with the same types of place as in a mega mall but on the ground with streets, hotels, and supermarket so residences of the apartment complex and hotels will feel like they live in a "city center". The area is nicely planned with restaurants, high end and low end shops. Good addition to the area. Come by to eat or to shop or just window shopping. Visitors will feel like they are shopping in a city rather than a mall. Plenty of paid parking both on street and parking garage. See more..

Things to do & places to visit in Arlington, Virginia, United States

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

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