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Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
SightseeingIconicMovingFree entry

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.

  • Tours
    Historic

    Arlington National Cemetery Tours

    Under $25

    Narrated hop-on hop-off tram loop inside Arlington National Cemetery, stopping at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy gravesite and Arlington House.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Marine Corps War Memorial

    Free

    See the 32-foot bronze figures raising the flag on Iwo Jima, a memorial to all Marines who have died since 1775.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • 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

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

    Free

    Walk among 184 illuminated benches, each set over a pool of water, honoring those killed at the Pentagon on 9/11.

    1.0 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

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Tidal Basin

    Free

    Walk the path around a 107-acre basin lined with cherry trees, past the Jefferson, FDR and Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor