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Arlington sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., an urban county that blends national landmarks, residential neighborhoods, and a thriving business corridor into one of the country’s most visited destinations. Originally part of the District of Columbia, Arlington was returned to Virginia in 1846 and later transformed by the federal government’s expansion during the 20th century. Today the county draws millions of visitors each year to its memorials, historic sites, and dynamic dining scene.
Arlington’s roots reach back to the colonial era, when the land was part of a 10,000-acre tract granted to early Virginia settlers. The area remained largely rural farmland through the 18th century, with estates and plantations lining the Virginia side of the Potomac. One such estate, Arlington House, would eventually give the county its name and become its most famous landmark.
The county was included within the boundaries of the newly created District of Columbia in 1791, serving as part of Alexandria County. This arrangement lasted until 1846, when Congress authorized retrocession of the lands south of the Potomac back to Virginia. The area remained primarily agricultural until the Civil War fundamentally altered its trajectory.
The Civil War transformed Arlington from farmland into fortified military territory. Union forces seized the heights overlooking Washington, constructing a ring of defensive works that included Fort Myer and Fort Whipple. The Arlington House estate was occupied by Union troops in 1861, and its grounds were eventually designated as a military cemetery by Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs.
The 20th century brought explosive growth as the federal government expanded. The construction of the Pentagon during World War II established Arlington as a hub of national defense, and the arrival of the Metro in the 1970s spurred dense development along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. Immigration and urban renewal reshaped Arlington into the diverse, cosmopolitan community it is today.
Arlington National Cemetery stands as the county’s most solemn and significant attraction. Spanning more than 600 acres, the cemetery contains the graves of veterans from every American conflict, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, and the gravesite of General John J. Pershing. The ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs hourly and draws silent crowds throughout the year.
The Pentagon offers limited public tours that provide a rare look inside the world’s largest office building. Tours cover the building’s construction history, its role during World War II and the Cold War, and the daily operations of the Department of Defense. The Pentagon Memorial, located on the building’s southwest side, honors the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001, attack with individual memorial benches.
The Air Force Memorial consists of three stainless-steel spires that soar skyward, evoking the contrails of Air Force Thunderbirds in a bomb burst maneuver. The memorial honors the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations, from the early days of flight through the space age.
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, depicts the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi during World War II. The bronze statue is based on Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph and stands as one of the most recognizable monuments in the Washington area.
Walk the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile paved path that runs along the Potomac River and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The trail passes through Theodore Roosevelt Island, a forested memorial preserve, and offers views of the Washington skyline, Gravelly Point Park, and the historic Rosslyn waterfront.
Explore the neighborhoods of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, a dense urban spine of high-rises, restaurants, and retail stretching from the Potomac to the Beltway. Clarendon anchors the corridor with a concentration of bars and music venues, while Ballston offers a more residential feel with its farmers market and public plaza.
Visit Shirlington Village, a walkable arts and dining district in south Arlington. The neighborhood hosts the Signature Theatre, which produces original musicals and contemporary plays, alongside independent bookstores, international restaurants, and a popular year-round dog park on Four Mile Run.
Take in a performance at the Arlington Arts Center or browse resident artists at studios across the county. The county’s arts scene includes public art installations, community theater, and seasonal festivals that draw visitors from throughout the region.
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial crowns a hill overlooking the cemetery that bears its name. The Greek Revival mansion was built by George Washington Parke Custis, step-grandson of George Washington, and later served as the home of Robert E. Lee before the Civil War. The house offers panoramic views of the National Mall and provides context for the complicated history of the estate and its enslaved residents.
The Netherlands Carillon stands between Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial, a gift from the Dutch people in gratitude for American assistance during and after World War II. The 50-bell carillon plays automated concerts throughout the day, and the bell tower’s observation area provides a striking vantage point.
The DEA Museum and Visitors Center documents the history of drug enforcement in the United States. Exhibits cover the evolution of drug policy, the science of addiction, and the agency’s international operations. Interactive displays and historical artifacts offer an educational experience near Pentagon City.
Gravelly Point Park lies adjacent to the northern end of Reagan National Airport, placing visitors directly beneath the flight path of arriving aircraft. Planes pass as low as 100 feet overhead, making the park a favorite spot for aviation enthusiasts and families seeking a unique outdoor experience.
Spring brings Arlington to life with cherry blossoms blooming along the Potomac and in local parks. Temperatures range from the 50s to 70s, ideal for walking the Mount Vernon Trail or exploring outdoor memorials. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in nearby Washington draws visitors throughout March and April.
Summer offers long days with warm temperatures reaching the 80s and 90s. The Iwo Jima Memorial and Air Force Memorial are popular evening destinations, when cooler air and dramatic sunsets create a memorable atmosphere. Outdoor dining peaks along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.
Fall delivers crisp air and colorful foliage across Arlington’s neighborhoods and parklands. Crowds thin after Labor Day, and comfortable temperatures make this an excellent season for extended walks along the Potomac and through Arlington National Cemetery.
Winter brings a quieter pace with reduced wait times at attractions. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues regardless of weather, and holiday events at the Pentagon Memorial and around the county provide seasonal draws. Indoor attractions like the Signature Theatre offer refuge from the cold.
Here are some of our recommended things to do near Arlington. Take your pick!
Arlington National Cemetery is the nation’s most hallowed burial ground , a sweeping 639-acre landscape on the Virginia bluffs overlooking Washington, D.C., where more than 400,000 veterans and their eligible family members are laid to rest among ro…