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Arlington is a compact county of about 235,000 people directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and many of the capital region's most moving memorials stand on its hills. Once part of the original District of Columbia, it was returned to Virginia in 1846, and today Metro trains link its lively urban villages to downtown Washington in minutes.
Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's most famous military cemetery, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the changing of the guard and the Kennedy graves overlooking the city. Nearby stand the Marine Corps War Memorial, based on the Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, the soaring Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon Memorial honoring the victims of September 11.
The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, including Clarendon and Ballston, is packed with restaurants, bars and rooftop patios, and Mosaic Park adds green space in Ballston. Along the river, the Mount Vernon Trail runs past Gravelly Point, where planes roar low over the park on their way into Reagan National Airport, and Theodore Roosevelt Island is a quiet wooded memorial reached by footbridge.
The nation's most famous military cemetery, with more than 400,000 graves, including those of President John F. Kennedy and his eternal flame. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must-see. Wear comfortable shoes and consider the tram tour to cover its hills.
The Robert E. Lee Memorial, a Greek Revival mansion on a hill inside Arlington National Cemetery, built by George Washington Parke Custis. It tells the stories of the Custis and Lee families and the people enslaved there. The front porch has one of the best views of Washington, DC.
An outdoor memorial next to the Pentagon honoring the 184 people killed when a plane struck the building on September 11, 2001. Each victim is honored by a bench over a small reflecting pool, arranged by age. It is open 24 hours and free; visit at dusk when the benches are softly lit.
The iconic bronze statue of six Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima, based on the famous 1945 photograph and honoring all Marines who have died for the US. It sits on a hill near Rosslyn with views of Washington. Summer evening Sunset Parades are held here by the Marines.
Three soaring stainless steel spires on a hill above the Pentagon, representing the contrails of jets in a bomb burst formation and honoring US Air Force personnel. There are inscriptions and a glass contemplation wall. It offers views of Washington and is free and open daily.
A tall open-steel carillon tower with dozens of bells, a gift from the people of the Netherlands in thanks for US aid after World War II. It stands next to the Marine Corps War Memorial, and tulips bloom around it in spring. Free carillon concerts are held on some summer days.
Two lively neighborhoods along the Orange and Silver Metro lines, with many restaurants, bars, shops and apartment buildings. Clarendon is known for its nightlife and live music venues, while Ballston has a revitalized shopping center. Take the Metro to avoid parking challenges.
A small elevated park in Rosslyn built on an old highway ramp, with landscaped paths, seating and views of the Potomac River area. It has plantings, benches and public art, and makes a quiet break from the busy streets near the Rosslyn Metro station.
A riverside park just north of Reagan National Airport, where planes roar directly overhead as they land and take off, making it a favorite with aviation fans and families. It also has views of the Washington skyline. Bring a picnic and watch the planes; parking fills on weekends.
A modern park in Crystal City with sports fields, a playground, an esplanade with views of the DC skyline and the Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Center. It offers views of the airport and passing trains. It is a good spot for families, and the esplanade is nice at sunset.
A wooded island in the Potomac River managed by the National Park Service as a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt, with trails through forests and marshes and a large statue plaza. Access is from a footbridge off the George Washington Parkway. It is great for a quiet walk and birding.
A large indoor mall in Pentagon City with department stores, more than 150 shops, a food court and restaurants, connected directly to the Pentagon City Metro station. It is a convenient stop between sightseeing at the memorials. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
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