Arlington is an urban county in Virginia that has strong ties to Washington, D.C. It’s home to many memorials and serves as a place of remembrance, but also has a vibrant, modern spirit as shown through its performance and dining scenes.
Things to do in Arlington
Interested in America’s patriotic side? Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of military members and veterans. It’s also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which honours America’s missing service members, and John F. Kennedy’s grave.
As you explore Arlington, admire the various memorials. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, with its statue modelled after Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima,” is particularly noteworthy. Be sure to visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial located within the cemetery.
Don’t miss the Pentagon, a distinctive five-sided building housing the Department of Defense. While the entire building isn’t open to the public, tours of certain parts take place most weekdays. Check out the Pentagon Memorial outside, dedicated to 9/11 victims.
To see Arlington’s lighter side, head to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City for a relaxed shopping experience. If you have time, catch one of the contemporary and classical musicals and plays put on by the Signature Theatre.
Getting around Arlington
Arlington is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The region’s yellow and blue metro lines both run from Washington, D.C. to Arlington’s major destinations, including Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon.