recently search
Originally published March 2025. Updated April 2026 with the latest visitor information and tips.
By Terry Cordaro, Washington DC Tour Guide, in collaboration with the USA Guided Tours Blogging Team
Arlington, Virginia — just across the Potomac River from Washington DC — is one of the most rewarding destinations in the capital region. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Arlington is packed with iconic memorials, beautiful parks, a thriving food and craft beer scene, and a depth of history that surprises most first-time visitors.
Whether you’re visiting Arlington VA for its world-famous landmarks, looking for fun activities in Arlington VA on a day trip from DC, or planning a longer stay, this guide has you covered. We’ve curated 16 unique things to do in Arlington, VA, that go beyond the typical tourist checklist — from hallowed ground to hidden parks to local breweries.
Planning your first trip to the DC area? Don’t miss our 14 tips for first-time visitors to Washington DC before you go.
Officially known as the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial is one of the most powerful Arlington VA attractions you’ll encounter. This towering bronze sculpture depicts six Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during World War II. More importantly, it honors every Marine who has given their life in service since 1775.
Visitor Tips: The memorial is open 24 hours a day and free to visit. Sunset is the best time to go — the golden light behind the Washington Monument makes for unforgettable photos. During summer months (June through August), the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performs free Sunset Parades here on Tuesday evenings. The closest Metro station is Rosslyn (Blue/Orange/Silver lines), about a 10-minute walk. There’s free street parking nearby, but it fills up fast during events.
No visit to Arlington is complete without experiencing the solemn beauty and profound history of Arlington National Cemetery. In fact, this hallowed ground spans over 600 acres and serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 American service members, veterans, and their families.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most moving experiences in the entire DC area. Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”) maintain a 24/7 vigil, with guard changes occurring every 30 minutes in summer and every hour in winter. Other notable sites include the gravesites of President John F. Kennedy and his eternal flame, the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, and Arlington House — the former home of Robert E. Lee that overlooks the cemetery grounds.
Visitor Tips: The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (extended to 7:00 PM April through September). Arrive early to beat the crowds — the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier gets especially busy by mid-morning. Wear comfortable shoes; the grounds are hilly and expansive. There is no café inside the cemetery, so eat before you arrive. A guided tour is the best way to understand the full significance of the site.
Experience Washington DC and Arlington, Virginia on our full-day DC Highlights and Arlington Cemetery Bus Tour!
The Pentagon — headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense — is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and free tours are available to the public. Walking through the corridors of this massive five-sided structure and learning about its vital role in American national security is a truly unique Arlington experience.
Outside, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is a deeply moving tribute to the 184 people who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, attack. The 184 illuminated memorial benches — each engraved with a victim’s name and arranged by age — create a powerful, contemplative space. The memorial is open 24 hours a day.
Visitor Tips: Pentagon tours must be booked at least 14 days in advance through the official website. U.S. citizens need a valid government-issued photo ID; non-U.S. citizens need a passport. Tours run Monday through Thursday (excluding federal holidays) and last approximately 60 minutes. The Pentagon Metro station (Blue/Yellow lines) is directly adjacent. No cameras, bags, or food are allowed inside.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, connecting Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood to Georgetown in Washington DC, is one of the most scenic walks in the capital region. Completed in 1923, it’s the oldest surviving bridge across the Potomac in the DC area.
The bridge offers spectacular views of the Potomac River, the Georgetown waterfront, the DC skyline, and Roosevelt Island below. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or during cherry blossom season when the riverbanks are in bloom.
Visitor Tips: The bridge has wide sidewalks on both sides, making it great for walking or biking. It connects directly to the Georgetown waterfront on the DC side and the Mount Vernon Trail on the Arlington side — perfect for a longer bike ride or run along the river. The Rosslyn Metro station is a short walk from the Arlington end.
Looking for an outdoor escape right in the middle of the Potomac River? Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre wilderness preserve and one of Arlington’s best-kept secrets. Dedicated to the 26th president and his passion for conservation, the island features 2.5 miles of walking trails through forests, swamps, and marshland, along with an impressive memorial plaza featuring a 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt.
This is one of the best things to do in Arlington VA if you want to escape the city without actually leaving it. Birders love the island for its resident herons, woodpeckers, and migrating warblers.
Visitor Tips: Access the island via a pedestrian footbridge from the George Washington Memorial Parkway parking lot (accessible from the northbound lanes only). There’s no vehicle access from DC. The trails are flat and easy, making this a good option for families. The island is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Bring bug spray in summer — the marshy areas attract mosquitoes.
Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood is the beating heart of the county’s food and nightlife scene, and The Crossing Clarendon is at the center of it all. This bustling urban village is home to a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from Vietnamese pho and Ethiopian injera to wood-fired pizza and farm-to-table American fare.
If you’re wondering what to do in Arlington VA beyond the memorials and parks, spending an evening exploring Clarendon’s restaurant row is the answer. The neighborhood hosts a popular Saturday farmers market (year-round at the Courthouse parking lot) and regular street festivals.
Visitor Tips: Clarendon is walkable and Metro-accessible via the Clarendon station (Orange/Silver lines). For a great food crawl, walk along Wilson Boulevard between the Clarendon and Courthouse stations — you’ll pass dozens of restaurants within a half-mile stretch. Reservations are recommended for dinner on weekends.
For a break from sightseeing, Quincy Park is a beloved local spot for outdoor recreation. This well-maintained park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, open green spaces perfect for picnics, and a community center with a swimming pool.
Visitor Tips: Quincy Park is located in the Ballston-Virginia Square neighborhood, a short walk from the Virginia Square–GMU Metro station (Orange/Silver lines). It’s a great spot to take a midday break if you’re exploring the area on foot.
A short drive west from Arlington, Loudoun County — known as “DC’s Wine Country” — is home to more than 40 wineries and vineyards. The rolling hills, stunning vineyard views, and award-winning wines make this one of the most popular day trips from the Arlington-DC area.
For a deeper dive into Virginia’s wine scene, check out our guide to the best wineries in Virginia.
Join us for an exhilarating 5.5-hour Virginia Winery Tour, where you’ll explore two intimate, family-owned wineries nestled amidst the lush vineyards of Northern Virginia — with transportation, tastings, and a gourmet lunch included.
The Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial is a striking and often-overlooked Arlington landmark. This aluminum sculpture depicts a group of sailors battling the waves in a small boat, serving as a powerful tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine who gave their lives at sea.
Located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Lady Bird Johnson Park, the memorial is especially dramatic when viewed against the Potomac and the DC skyline. It’s a quiet spot that most tourists miss — making it one of the more unique places to visit in Arlington.
Visitor Tips: The memorial is accessible by car from the GW Parkway or on foot/bike via the Mount Vernon Trail. There’s a small parking area nearby. Combine it with a visit to Lady Bird Johnson Park, especially beautiful during the spring when thousands of daffodils are in bloom.
For some of the best panoramic views of the Potomac River and the Washington DC skyline, head to Potomac Overlook Regional Park. This 70-acre park in north Arlington offers hiking trails through mature hardwood forest, an organic community garden, a nature center, and seasonal environmental education programs.
Visitor Tips: The park is best reached by car — it’s tucked into a residential area of north Arlington without direct Metro access. The Donaldson Run Trail connects the park to the Potomac Heritage Trail system if you want a longer hike. The nature center is open on weekends and is a hit with kids.
Looking for fun indoor activities in Arlington VA? The MedStar Capitals Iceplex — the official practice facility of the Washington Capitals — offers public skating sessions year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or lacing up for the first time, it’s a fun way to stay active, especially during the hot summer months or on rainy days.
Visitor Tips: Public skating sessions run on a schedule that changes seasonally — check the website before you go. Skate rentals are available on-site. The facility is located in Ballston, easily accessible via the Ballston–MU Metro station (Orange/Silver lines).
Synetic Theater is one of Arlington’s cultural gems and one of the most unique performing arts companies in the country. Known for its distinctive style of movement-based, wordless storytelling — blending acrobatics, dance, mime, and dramatic visual effects — Synetic creates theatrical experiences unlike anything you’ll find on a traditional stage.
Visitor Tips: Synetic’s home venue is in Crystal City (National Landing). Check their season schedule for current productions. Tickets are affordable compared to DC theater, and the intimate venue means every seat has a great view.
The Arlington Historical Museum offers a fascinating look at the county’s evolution — from its early days as part of the original District of Columbia (Arlington was retroceded to Virginia in 1846) to its role in the Civil War and its development into the vibrant community it is today.
Visitor Tips: The museum is housed in the historic Hume School building on South Arlington Ridge Road. Admission is free. Hours are limited (typically weekends only), so check the website before visiting. It’s a quick, rewarding stop that adds depth to your understanding of Arlington’s story.
The Ball-Sellers House is the oldest surviving house in Arlington County, dating back to around 1742. This tiny log-and-frame dwelling offers a window into 18th-century life in Northern Virginia. Managed by the Arlington Historical Society, the house features period furnishings and tells the stories of the families — the Balls and the Sellers — who called it home.
Visitor Tips: The Ball-Sellers House is located on South Arlington Ridge Road, near the Arlington Historical Museum. It’s typically open on Saturday afternoons from April through October. Admission is free, and volunteer docents are happy to share the house’s history.
Arlington’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, and brewery hopping is one of the most fun things to do in Arlington VA for adult visitors. Sample creative local brews at spots like Board Room VA in Clarendon, where you can pair craft beers with board games in a laid-back social setting.
For the active crowd, check out the Brewery Running Series — a national program that hosts 5K-ish fun runs ending at local breweries, open to runners, joggers, walkers, dog owners, and stroller pushers alike.
Visitor Tips: Most Arlington breweries are in or near the Clarendon and Ballston neighborhoods, both well-served by Metro. Many offer outdoor seating and food truck partnerships, especially in warmer months.
Mosaic Park in the Merrifield/Mosaic District area is a vibrant urban park with a unique draw — a climbing wall. The park also features open green spaces, a playground, a community stage for events, and a rain garden designed to manage stormwater sustainably.
Visitor Tips: Mosaic Park is surrounded by the Mosaic District’s shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, making it easy to combine outdoor play with dining and entertainment. It’s best reached by car or bus, as it’s not directly on a Metro line.
Arlington, VA, is far more than a stopover on the way to Washington DC — it’s a destination in its own right. From world-renowned memorials and hidden natural preserves to a buzzing food scene and craft brewery culture, this compact county delivers experiences that stay with you.
Ready to explore? USA Guided Tours offers a variety of award-winning tours that help you experience the best of Arlington and the Washington DC area — with expert local guides, luxury transportation, and itineraries designed to maximize your time.
Looking for more DC-area inspiration? Explore our Ultimate Washington DC Travel Guide or check out the Things to Do in Washington DC.
What are the best things to do in Arlington, VA? The top Arlington VA attractions include Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), the Pentagon and 9/11 Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and the Key Bridge walk to Georgetown. Beyond the landmarks, don’t miss the Clarendon food scene, local breweries, and scenic parks like Potomac Overlook.
How do I get to Arlington from Washington DC? Arlington is directly connected to DC via Metro (Blue, Orange, Silver, and Yellow lines). Key Metro stations include Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon, Rosslyn, Clarendon, and Ballston. You can also walk across the Key Bridge from Georgetown, bike via the Mount Vernon Trail, or drive — the trip from downtown DC takes about 10–15 minutes without traffic.
Is Arlington, VA worth visiting? Absolutely. Arlington is home to some of the most meaningful historical sites in the country, plus a thriving dining, arts, and outdoor recreation scene. It’s also more affordable and less crowded than DC, making it a great base for exploring the entire capital region.
What is there to do in Arlington, VA this weekend? Arlington’s weekend offerings include visiting the memorials and cemetery, exploring Clarendon’s restaurants and farmers market, hiking Theodore Roosevelt Island or Potomac Overlook, catching a show at Synetic Theater, or joining a brewery run. Check local event listings for seasonal festivals and special programming.
Can I take a guided tour of Arlington? Yes! USA Guided Tours offers an award-winning DC Highlights and Arlington Cemetery Bus Tour that covers Arlington’s top landmarks along with the best of Washington DC — all with expert local guides and luxury bus transportation.
Terry Cordaro is a certified Washington DC tour guide and a member of the USA Guided Tours team. With years of experience leading visitors through the history and hidden gems of the DC metro area, Terry brings local expertise and genuine passion to every tour and every blog post. Meet our guides →
