While Arlington is best known for being the host city of the National Cemetery, the east coast city has a lot more to offer than just that singular attraction.
From water parks to nature preserves and museums, Arlington is a city that won’t disappoint. If you’re planning a visit and don’t know where to start, keep watching to see Viewcation’s picks of the top things to do in Arlington, Virginia.
Arlington National Cemetery
Established during the American Civil War on land that was once owned by Robert E. Lee, the Arlington National Cemetery is home to the eternal flame that marks President John F. Kennedy’s grave, the Tomb of the Unknowns, and several other final resting places of some of America’s most famous residents.
Near the entrance of the cemetery is the Robert E. Lee Memorial, also known as the Arlington House. This monument overlooks both the Potomac River and the National Mall. On the site, visitors will see Lee’s former home, several gardens, and a number of outbuildings, including ones that were once used as slave quarters.
The cemetery is additionally the location of 28 major memorials and monuments as well 142 minor ones.
Black Heritage Museum of Arlington
While not a physical museum, this organization remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Black people in Arlington from 1619 to the present day. The organization’s thorough and thought-provoking displays cover the history of enslaved people who lived and worked in the area. The exhibits can be viewed over at the Robert E. Lee memorial at the National Cemetery.
They also sponsor a number of educational events around the country that shed a lot of light on the complex history of Arlington. To know what kind of events are planned during your visit, be sure to consult with the organization’s website before booking your trip.
Before we tell you about all of our other favorite things to do in Arlington, take a second to show Viewcation a little love by giving this video a like and subscribing to the channel.
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
This historic movie theater is one of the most unique places in Arlington to catch a film. Secon-run and classic flicks play on a single screen. While enjoying the show, servers make rounds bringing moviegoers snacks, beer, and movie-themed cocktails.
The space is also frequently used for live performances. Some of the biggest names in comedy have been known to make appearances here.
George Washington Memorial Parkway and Hemicycle
Some of the most well-known memorials and monuments can be found immediately adjacent to the National Cemetery. Right outside of the cemetery’s entrance is the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Hemicycle. While often erroneously considered to be a part of the burial grounds, these two attractions are actually independently managed.
The parkway and Hemicycle host some of the most famous monuments and memorials in Northern Virginia, including the Marine Corps War Memorial, The Netherlands Carillon, and the Women In Military Service for America Memorial.
Arlington Memorial Bridge
The location of this famous bridge stretching over the Potomac symbolically reconnects the north and south. It was built in 1932 and connects the Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. Designed by architects Mckim, White, and Meade, this neoclassical masonry and steel bridge is adorned with statues by the famous sculptor Leo Friedlander depicting sacrifice and valor.
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. You might not know this, but the famous pentagonal-shaped building is actually the largest low-rise office building on the planet. Visitors can take a guided tour that takes about an hour and covers more than one and a half miles of territory inside the building.
As you tour the facility, you’ll learn about the various branches of the military and see the Hall of Heroes, an indoor memorial located near the site of the crashed plane that hit the building on September 11, 2001.
If you want to tour the Pentagon, you’ll want to book your tour at least two weeks in advance. Tours are held Monday through Thursday.
Ocean Dunes Water Park
One of the best things to do when visiting the Arlington area with kids during the summer months is taking a trip out to Ocean Dunes Water Park. This attraction offers guests several ways to cool off during the warmer months. There are numerous slides as well a large swimming pool and several other water features. The recreational facility also includes batting cages and a mini golf course.
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
This national memorial site is located on an 85-acre island in the Potomac River. A footbridge leads visitors there from the Virginia side of the river. In addition to the memorial plaza, which features a 17-foot-tall statue of the nation’s 26th president and a decorative fountain, the park also has a few hiking trails and boardwalks that pass through the island’s natural terrain.
Signature Theater
If you’re feeling up for a live performance, this theater offers guests a local community feel while still bringing in professional-level talent. Signature Theater is a two-level theater that presents several big stage shows and numerous smaller events throughout the year. It’s always worth checking out their schedule online before visiting to see what’s coming up.
The theater is located in Shirlington Village, one of several charming shopping areas in Arlington that are perfect for taking a nice, leisurely Saturday afternoon stroll.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
This park is one of the most pristine areas in the county. It spans more than 70 acres and as it’s name implies, borders the Potomac.
The massive park is home to a nature center that presents several popular educational programs geared toward guests both young and old. When you visit, you can learn all about the reptiles and birds that are being rehabilitated on the grounds, see a summer concert at an outdoor venue, and explore several gorgeous gardens.
For more adventurous visitors, you can wander through the forest and hike the Donaldson Run trail to the shores of the Potomac. Just downstream from the historic river is another popular hiking trail called Windy Run.
Arlington Arts Center
The front lawn of this art studio and gallery features some interesting and unconventional pieces of art. Inside, you’ll find nine gallery spaces that play host to a rotating set of exhibits featuring the work of both local and out-of-town artists – some of whom are world famous. The center regularly hosts lectures and other events related to the various collections on display.
If you’re a creative type, the center allows guests to unleash their creative potential by participating in art classes and workshops. Regardless of your skill level or age, there is sure to be a program right up your alley.
Mount Vernon Trail
This 17-mile trail is part of the much larger Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail. Since it’s paved, it tends to be quite popular with cyclists, but even if you’re on foot, it makes for a great place to get a little fresh air and stretch your legs. The trail runs between Mount Vernon and Rosslyn, parallelling the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Along the route, you’ll make stops at places of interest like Gravely Point and Roosevelt Island. The trail also provides a very scenic view of the Potomac River and the DC Skyline.
The Drug Enforcement Agency Museum
This museum first opened it’s doors in 1999. It features a number of hands-on exhibits and displays that chronicle the history of the DEA, illicit drugs, and their abuse over the last 150 years. The museum’s most popular exhibit, ‘Illegal Drugs in America: A Modern History’, is both informative and entertaining. Other exhibits include “Jimmy’s Joint’, which features a variety of drug paraphernalia, and the Wall of Honor.
Pentagon City and Crystal City
If you’re looking for a great place to go shopping, this upscale mall is home to dozens of popular stores, restaurants, and cafes. Just down the road, Crystal City provides shoppers with a very different kind of retail experience. The center is comprised of several outdoor strips adorned with art installations and green spaces. There is also an indoor set of shops connected by a series of underground tunnels.
With that, we’ll go ahead and wrap this video up.
Now that you’ve heard what we have to say, we’d love to hear from you! What are you most excited to see on your upcoming visit to Arlington, Virginia? If you’ve already been to Arlington before, what are some of your favorite attractions? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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As always, thanks for watching and safe travels!