Arlington, VA

Travel Guide

Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a park and landscape views
Arlington showing landscape views and a cemetery
Theodore Roosevelt National Park showing landscape views and a city
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park showing a garden
Arlington National Cemetery which includes a memorial and a cemetery

See sober memorials and grand monuments, and explore the country’s vast national cemetery in this city, which was originally part of the national capital.

Set just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Arlington straddles the boundary between the urban center and the countryside of Northern Virginia. Visit its somber memorials and monuments, which pay tribute to the victims of tragic events from America’s past.

For many Americans, Arlington is synonymous with the Pentagon, the imposing headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. Book online well in advance to secure a spot on a guided tour of the building's interior. Look for the Pentagon Memorial outside, which honors the victims of the September 11, 2011 attack on the Pentagon. The memorial features 184 illuminated benches, each of which represents a victim.

Arlington’s other headline attraction is the Arlington National Cemetery, where some 400,000 people, including veteran soldiers and famous figures, are buried. Search for President John F. Kennedy’s headstone and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a changing of the guard ceremony takes place at least every hour, and more regularly during summer months.

Among the other famous memorials found here are the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial and the USSMaine Mast Memorial, which includes the main mast from the battleship which was blown up in 1898 while anchored in Havana Harbor. The Iwo Jima Memorial depicts the six soldiers raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Don’t leave the cemetery without seeing Arlington House, the Greek Revival-style mansion that was once home to Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Walkers looking for some gentle trails in the vicinity can follow the paths of Theodore Roosevelt Island wilderness preserve, which lead past swamps, marsh and forested areas. Rent a bike and pedal your way along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. Beginning at Shirlington in Arlington, the trail extends for 45 miles (72 kilometers) into the countryside.

Use Arlington’s excellent public transportation system, which includes some D.C. area metro lines as well as an extensive bus network, to get around. From Arlington, it is just a short journey to all the monuments, museums and memorials of Washington D.C.

Where to stay in Arlington

This great eatery does the best brunch! A smokehouse doing brunch!?!? Yes! What better way to dip that toe into smoked meat heaven than breakfast on a Sunday. Fresh sauteed veggies smoked, pork, eggs, hollandaise and potatoes. Your mouth and stomach will thank you! #trovember!

Crystal City

4.5/5(2,089 area reviews)

Discover an urban neighborhood with an underground city, high-rise apartments, and numerous shops and restaurants. Easily accessible via the Washington Metro and Virginia Railway Express, it's within walking distance to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Crystal City
A piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Given to the first responders to the Pentagon, Arlington Fire Department.  Never Forget 9/11/2001

Pentagon City

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Pentagon City for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and Pentagon Row. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Pentagon City Station.

Pentagon City
Arlington featuring military items

Rosslyn

4/5(812 area reviews)

Heavily urbanized with numerous skyscrapers, this Northern Virginia area houses the Art Institute of Washington and offers views of Washington landmarks from Freedom Park. Enjoy easy access to transportation hubs, including the Rosslyn Metro station.

Rosslyn
Snowy night in Montreal 🇨🇦

Ballston

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

Major transportation hub with a mix of high-rise apartments, bars, and restaurants, Ballston offers the MedStar Capitals Iceplex for skating enthusiasts and Ballston Quarter for shopping and entertainment. Easily accessible via the Washington Metro.

Ballston
See where the Internet was created! This relatively nondescript building in Rosslyn is where a team in the Department of Defense built the foundation of the Internet from 1970-1975. This plaque was only recently constructed in 2008.

Radnor - Fort Myer Heights

4/5(35 area reviews)

While visiting Radnor - Fort Myer Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Canadian Cross of Sacrifice and Dark Star Park.

Radnor - Fort Myer Heights
This great eatery does the best brunch! A smokehouse doing brunch!?!? Yes! What better way to dip that toe into smoked meat heaven than breakfast on a Sunday. Fresh sauteed veggies smoked, pork, eggs, hollandaise and potatoes. Your mouth and stomach will thank you! #trovember!

Aurora Highlands

5/5(1 area review)

While you're in Aurora Highlands, take in top sights like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and jump on the metro at Pentagon City Station to see more of the city.

Aurora Highlands
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
The price is ₩136,148 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
₩136,148
₩155,550 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,356 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National
Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National
3.5 out of 5
2899 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA
The price is ₩155,275 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
₩155,275
₩177,399 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy a free airport shuttle, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,359 reviews)
"Parking should be free we already paying for the room and everything else plus the dinning are was basically closed all day its only open 3 times a day"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National
The National Landing Hotel Crystal City
The National Landing Hotel Crystal City
4 out of 5
1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA
The price is ₩152,460 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
₩152,460
₩174,184 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Overall stay was good. Hotel rooms are very good. Accessibility is good. Enjoyed the stay!!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

The National Landing Hotel Crystal City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Placemakr Marymount Ballston
Placemakr Marymount Ballston
4 out of 5
1008 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (613 reviews)
"Nice space."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Placemakr Marymount Ballston
Restful Stay in DC Apartments
Restful Stay in DC Apartments
4 out of 5
2111 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Arlington National Cemetery and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"The property exactly in the pictures. Very spacious for a family of 7, sheets are nice and clean, bathroom spotless, 5 minutes walk to nearest train station, kitchen well supplied. Thank you Diana for accomodating us. We will visit again!"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Restful Stay in DC Apartments
Work + Rest in DC Apartments
Work + Rest in DC Apartments
3.5 out of 5
401 12th St S, Arlington, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Arlington National Cemetery ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Clean building inside and out. Great reception service. No hassle check-in/out. Good value. Just need more walkable 4-5 star restaurants!"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Work + Rest in DC Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Arlington

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1407
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
1366
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
324
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
21
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
22
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

People were friendly and the hotel staff itself was a friendly as could be under the circumstances. They were trying.....

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We loved Arlington! Definitely coming back!

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Staff needs to be more professional

5/5 - Excellent

Moine

Only draw back is, you have to pay for parking which was l believe $15 a night. We parked in the street nonetheless for free.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Location was amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Arlington is a nice city that has easy metro, vehicle, and (in some places) walking access to D.C. It also has plenty of its own amenities for those who prefer to stay on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

Cities near Arlington