Sightseeing

Arlington

📍 Ward 2, Washington, 20024, District of Columbia, United States of America

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3.5/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Washington
Category: Sightseeing
Opening Hours: Cemetery daily 8:00-17:00; other areas 24 hours
Ticket Price: Cemetery free; paid tour bus available
Address: Ward 2, Washington, 20024, District of Columbia, United States of America
Coordinates: 38.8873, -77.0555

Introduction

Arlington, on the west bank of the Potomac across from Washington D.C., is administratively in Virginia but an inseparable part of the greater capital metro area. It is world-famous for Arlington National Cemetery, where rolling green hills hold 400,000 orderly white headstones, America's most solemn patriotic shrine. The Pentagon, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, is located here; struck on 9/11, it now has the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. Arlington also hosts numerous federal agencies, think tanks, and tech firms, and is one of the best-educated counties in America. The Arlington Memorial Bridge leads directly to the Lincoln Memorial, seamlessly linking the political capital with a tranquil suburb.

✨ Highlights

Arlington National Cemetery

400,000 white headstones on rolling hills; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK grave are key sites, the changing of the guard is solemn and stirring.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Guarded 24/7 by the 3rd Infantry Regiment with a changing of the guard precise to the second, one of America's most solemn rituals.

Pentagon and 9/11 Memorial

DoD headquarters site; the 9/11 memorial uses 184 suspended benches, one for each victim.

Marine Corps War Memorial

The famous Iwo Jima flag-raising sculpture, Arlington's iconic bronze, recreates the classic WWII photo.

Memorial Bridge to Lincoln

Arlington Memorial Bridge spans the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial; the view from the bridge is a classic D.C. composition.

Tech Hub

Hosts Amazon HQ2 and other tech firms and think tanks, the modern face of the capital metro.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time：Year-round; spring and fall are comfortable, October has special guard ceremonies

→Transport：Metro Blue Line to Arlington Cemetery station at the entrance

→Duration：Cemetery about 2 to 3 hours; the whole area a half to full day

→Security：Pentagon tours require reservation through a member of Congress weeks in advance

→Opening Hours：Cemetery daily 8:00-17:00; other areas 24 hours

→Ticket Information：Cemetery free; paid tour bus available

💡 Tips

• Held every half hour (hourly in summer); arrive early to get a good spot for the full ceremony.

• The cemetery is large and hilly, about 2 km of walking; wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

• Stay solemn in the cemetery; do not sit on headstones or be loud; stand silent during flag ceremonies.

• The bridge leads to the Lincoln Memorial; combine with the National Mall for a full D.C. day.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Arlington?

Cemetery daily 8:00-17:00; other areas 24 hours

How much is the admission for Arlington?

Cemetery free; paid tour bus available

Any practical tips for visiting Arlington?

Held every half hour (hourly in summer); arrive early to get a good spot for the full ceremony. The cemetery is large and hilly, about 2 km of walking; wear comfortable shoes and bring water.