Top Things to do in Arlington
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The 10 Best Things to do in Arlington, Virginia (VA)
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.
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1. Arlington National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9,443 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Bill8071 - Lakewood Ranch, United States
No one can visit Arlington National Cemetery without realizing you are paying respect to many many fallen heroes. Every where you go you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. There is the tomb of the unknown soldier that is one of the most reverent sites there. The changing of the guard ceremony is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier Don’t visit Arlington without watching the changing of the guard. You will also see memorials to those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for the African Americans. You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s grave site, and the eternal flame, you will look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and you will turn around and see the majestic view of Washington DC and the United States Capital building. The tour guides are excellent. You can do self guided but be ready for some serious hill climbing. We chose the tram and are glad we did. The guides point out many of the grave markers that are historical in our lifetime as well as some from fallen times before us. The tour also includes a visit to the Marine memorial which is a bronze statue of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The memorial is huge and surrounded with pictures and history. One of the most beautiful monuments I have ever seen. When you visit, give yourself plenty of time to just stand at certain sites and reflect on men and events. The changing of the guard ceremony takes at least 30 minutes of your time. The Iwo Jima memorial another 30 minutes, and just walking around all the other sections and reflecting will consume s couple hours. Give a half a day minimum to your visit. With the many funerals they have there every day you will probably see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving thru the cemetery going to or coming from a burial. It’s just a beautiful, perfectly manicured, cemetery.
2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,045 reviews
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.
Reviewed By imakemusic
This is the location of the graves of serviceman whose identities are unknown. It is a place quiet, respect honoring these servicemen. Every 30 minutes there is a changing of the guard ceremony and sometimes it is followed by a wreath laying ceremony by various organizations.
3. Fort Myer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
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.
4. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,412 reviews
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.
Reviewed By roprey - Arlington, United States
Any veteran, soldier, American, or visitor from overseas should have the USMC Memorial on their list. An 8-10 minute easy walk from the Rosslyn Metro, or tour buses stop there too. Car parking is available as well. A giant statue representing the Marines who raised the flag at Iwojima sits on a bluff overlooking all the monuments across the river. At night, its especially stunning. You are adjacent to Arlington Cemetery as well. Also a must-visit. If you happen to be there at 11 PM, you'll here the TAPS bugle from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
5. Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88.5 acre island in the Potomac River. It is maintained as a National Park and has various walking trails
Reviewed By operasuper - Arlington, United States
Wonderful memorial to Theodore Roosevelt in an island in the Potomac River with great walking trails.
6. Gravelly Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By F5397HBchristinel - Grand Rapids, United States
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!
7. Pentagon Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,551 reviews
Reviewed By andy_d_c123 - Southampton, United Kingdom
We all remember the tragic events that happened on that fateful day of 9/11. Having seen coverage of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on TV at home back in the UK, I wanted to come and see the memorial and pay my respects and make it all more real, by being at the very place this terrible event happened. It’s about a 10 / 15 minute walk from the Meteo station and the memorial is by the section of the building, where the plane actually hit. A large USA flag and sign, marks the entrance of the memorial. The memorial is done so well. Benches with flowing water underneath, inscribed with names of the victims, all in line, according to their year of birth, set amongst small trees. It was humbling, to just sit and reflect on what happened here, in such a beautiful memorial. It’s extremely sad what happened, but this is a very fitting tribute to those that died and in their memory. A must visit, when visiting Washington DC. The twin towers in NYC are more well known for the 9/11 attacks, but those that also perished here, shall not be forgotten.
8. Mount Vernon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By F5397HBchristinel - Grand Rapids, United States
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.
9. John F. Kennedy Grave Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,445 reviews
Reviewed By Sudler_Family - Indianapolis, United States
When you arrive at the JFK site you'll see an eternal flame that burns in the honor of JFK. You'll also see where his two brothers are buried along with other Kenedy family members. It's a little higher up the hill, but is deferentially worth the walk.
10. The Observation Deck at CEB Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
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.
Reviewed By onecity62 - Arlington, United States
The view is spectacular, looking out over monuments, Georgetown and the Washington DC waterfront, U.S. Capitol, National Cathedral, Arlington and its National Cemetery, and Reagan National Airport. The observation deck is indoors but has an outdoor viewing area, as well as historical information kiosks. The entrance is not on Wilson Boulevard but on the street across from the Rosslyn Metro station. You must check in and go through security (metal detector) and ride an elevator with glass windows.
