Arlington Travel Guide

Discover the best cultural attractions, natural sights, food, and accommodation options in Arlington with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip today!


If you’re looking for a great travel destination in the United States, Arlington is worth considering. Located in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, Arlington is a popular destination thanks to its rich history, excellent museums, outdoor activities, and vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, there’s plenty to see and do in Arlington. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll introduce you to the best attractions, food, and places to stay.

Introduction to Arlington

Arlington is a small but vibrant community located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. While many people visit Arlington to see the iconic landmarks of Washington D.C, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial or Washington Monument, there’s also much to explore within Arlington itself. The city is steeped in history and offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, shopping and dining options to keep visitors entertained.

List of Places to Visit in Arlington

To help you plan your Arlington itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Arlington, sorted by attraction type.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Arlington is home to several museums that are worth a visit. From the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, here are the must-visit historical places and museums in Arlington:

  • National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • United States Marine Corps War Memorial
  • The Air Force Memorial
  • The Women’s Memorial
  • The Netherlands Carillon

Natural Attractions of Arlington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Arlington is home to several natural attractions that offer scenic views and outdoor adventures. From the Potomac River to the Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial, here are the must-visit natural attractions in Arlington:

  • Potomac River
  • Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial
  • Long Bridge Park
  • Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arlington

Arlington is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Arlington:

  • Mount Vernon Trail
  • Potomac Heritage Trail
  • WO&D Trail
  • Four Mile Run Trail

Best Things to Do in Arlington: Activities and Tours

From exploring historic neighborhoods to playing golf, there are plenty of things to do in Arlington. Here are some of the best activities and tours to try:

  • Explore historical neighborhoods like Rosslyn and Crystal City
  • Play a round of golf at one of the area’s many courses
  • Take a walking tour of Arlington
  • Attend a show or other event at the Arlington Theatre

Week-Long Itinerary for Arlington

If you plan to spend a week exploring Arlington, here’s a recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arlington National Cemetery
  • Day 2: National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
  • Day 3: United States Marine Corps War Memorial
  • Day 4: Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial
  • Day 5: Mount Vernon Trail
  • Day 6: Explore Rosslyn and Crystal City
  • Day 7: Golfing at Washington Golf & Country Club

Food and Drink Scene of Arlington

No visit to Arlington would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. From Southern comfort food to international cuisine, here are the must-try dishes and local beverages of Arlington:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Southern comfort food like fried chicken, mac and cheese and collard greens
  • Classic American dishes such as burgers and fries
  • Freshly-baked pastries and breads from local bakeries

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer and cider from local breweries
  • Virginia wines and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients

Where to Stay in Arlington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Arlington offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers on all budgets. From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, here are the best places to stay in Arlington:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
  • The Westin Crystal City
  • Hilton Arlington
  • Econo Lodge Metro
  • HI Arlington Hostel

What to Buy in Arlington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From handmade crafts to locally produced food, there are plenty of souvenirs to bring home from Arlington. Here are some of the best products to buy in Arlington:

  • Handmade jewelry and crafts by local artists
  • Virginia peanuts and other locally sourced food products
  • Wines and ciders produced in Virginia

Local Culture and Customs of Arlington

Arlington is a diverse community with a rich history and unique culture. While there are no specific customs or traditions to note, visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and cultural sensitivities.

Best Time to Visit Arlington

Arlington is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you’re interested in outdoor activities and events, consider visiting during the summer months when the weather is warm. On the other hand, if you’re interested in cultural attractions and museums, the winter months may be a better option.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arlington

Do:

  • Visit Arlington National Cemetery and pay your respects to fallen soldiers.
  • Take a walking tour of the city to explore hidden gems.
  • Try the local cuisine at one of Arlington’s many restaurants.

Don’t:

  • Park illegally or in reserved spots.
  • Litter or damage public property.
  • Be disrespectful to local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arlington

Overall, Arlington is a safe city for visitors. However, as with any destination, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Always lock your car and valuables, and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone or at night.

Health in Arlington

Arlington’s healthcare system is excellent, and visitors can easily access medical care if needed. However, visitors should take standard precautions to avoid illness, such as washing hands, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest and exercise.

Getting to Arlington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Arlington is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. Here are some of the transportation options for getting to Arlington:

Airports Near Arlington

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Bus Stations Near Arlington

  • Arlington Transit
  • Greyhound

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train Station

How to Get Around in Arlington

Arlington is a walkable and bike-friendly city, so visitors can easily explore on foot or by bike. There are also several public transportation options, including buses and the metro.

Where to Go Next from Arlington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Arlington is located in close proximity to several other great destinations that are worth visiting. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Washington D.C.
  • Old Town Alexandria
  • Great Falls National Park
  • Mount Vernon

Conclusion

Arlington offers a perfect blend of history, culture, outdoor adventures, food, and accommodation options. Whether you’re in Arlington for a day or a week, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and be prepared to fall in love with the city’s charm and character.

And older photo of the Rosslyn skyline from Washington, D.C. And older photo of the Rosslyn skyline from Washington, D.C. The Artisphere, an arts center that was shut down in 2015 The Artisphere, an arts center that was shut down in 2015 Overview map Overview map Clarendon-Rosslyn Corridor Clarendon-Rosslyn Corridor U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial to the Pacific War (Iwo Jima statue) U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial to the Pacific War (Iwo Jima statue) Capital Bikeshare racks Capital Bikeshare racks The Pentagon, and its mighty parking lots. The Pentagon, and its mighty parking lots. The shops at Pentagon Row The shops at Pentagon Row Tulips on the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial Tulips on the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial The Teddy Roosevelt Memorial on his eponymous island in the Potomac The Teddy Roosevelt Memorial on his eponymous island in the Potomac Terminal B-C at DCA Terminal B-C at DCA


    Crystal City
    Rosslyn–Ballston Corridor