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Arlington National Cemetery

1 Memorial Ave. · Arlington, VA

Why you should go…

More than 400,000 service members and their families rest across these 639 rolling acres facing the capital. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, conducted with unbroken precision every hour, or half hour in summer, is the moment visitors remember. Pay respects at President Kennedy's gravesite with its eternal flame, then climb to Arlington House for the city panorama. Admission is free daily; a narrated hop-on-hop-off tram tour is available for a fee.

  • #tomb of the unknown soldier
  • #changing of the guard
  • #jfk gravesite
  • #memorial
  • #military

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Arlington National Cemetery, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Lincoln Memorial

    Free

    Climb the marble steps where Dr. King spoke and take in the Mall's most moving view, free and open 24 hours.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Key Bridge Boathouse

    Under $25

    A Georgetown boathouse on the Potomac renting kayaks, canoes and paddleboards with guided tours available.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Thomas Jefferson Memorial

    Free

    The domed rotunda on the Tidal Basin, a 19-foot bronze Jefferson, his words carved in marble, and DC's best cherry-blossom backdrop.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
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    Washington Monument

    Free

    Ride 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.

    1.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Powerful

    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

    Free

    A profound, self-guided journey through Holocaust history just off the Mall, free, with timed passes for the Permanent Exhibition.

    1.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    History Buff

    National Museum of African American History and Culture

    Free

    A powerful journey through African American history and culture, from the slave trade galleries to Motown and beyond.

    1.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums