Arlington, Virginia, is a vibrant and diverse urban community located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. It offers a wide range of attractions and places to visit, catering to various interests and preferences.
Arlington’s dynamic blend of history, culture, outdoor activities, and modern amenities makes it an appealing destination for tourists and a vibrant place to live for its residents. Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying a diverse culinary scene, Arlington has something to offer. Here are 10 best places to visit in Arlington….
1. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most iconic and hallowed burial grounds in the United States. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., it serves as the final resting place for many American heroes and notable figures.
Arlington National Cemetery is one of two cemeteries in the United States National Cemetery System that are maintained by the United States Army. Nearly 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres in Arlington, Virginia.
More than three million people visit Arlington National Cemetery each year. Many come to pay respects at graveside services, or to visit a loved one’s final resting place.
Address: Arlington, VA 22211
Notable Burials: Arlington National Cemetery is the burial site for many notable individuals, including President John F. Kennedy and his family, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justices, astronauts, and high-ranking military officers.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The cemetery is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a highly symbolic and revered monument dedicated to the unidentified American soldiers who died in various wars. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the “Old Guard.”
Arlington National Cemetery Website: https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/
Arlington National Cemetery Map
2. The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
Location: The Pentagon is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Architectural Design: The Pentagon is renowned for its distinctive five-sided, pentagonal design. It has five concentric rings of office space, and a large courtyard in the center. The building was designed by architect George Bergstrom and has a total of 17.5 miles of corridors. The Pentagon is one of the largest office buildings in the world by floor area, covering approximately 29 acres.
Security: Due to its importance and sensitive nature, The Pentagon has stringent security measures in place. Access is restricted, and visitors are required to go through security screening. Public tours are available, but they must be requested well in advance.
9/11 Attack: On September 11, 2001, The Pentagon was targeted by terrorists who crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building, causing extensive damage and the loss of 125 lives inside the building and 59 passengers on the plane.
Symbol of U.S. Military Power: The Pentagon is not only a functional government building but also a symbol of the strength and capabilities of the U.S. military.
The Pentagon photos: Click Here
The Pentagon Reserve Tour: https://pfpa.experience.crmforce.mil/PortalTour/
Can regular people enter the Pentagon?
Pentagon Visitor Entrance hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors who require an escort prior to 6 a.m. or after 4 p.m. and are not pre-registered will be unable to access the Pentagon.
Is it worth seeing the Pentagon?
It’s a huge and impressive building to see, you can perfect combine a visit to the Pentagon with a visit to the 9/11 memorial that is next to it.
3. Arlington Museum of Art
Arlington Museum of Art is nonprofit contemporary visual arts center, was established in 1974 and has been housed since 1976 in a historic school building. Their facility includes nine exhibition galleries, working studios for twelve artists, and three classrooms.
Address: 201 W. Main Street, Arlington, Texas 76010, USA
Mission: To enrich community life by connecting the public with contemporary art and artists through exhibitions, educational programs, and artist residencies.
Vision: To be a leading center for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic region, and a champion of the power of art to enhance public life.
Exhibitions: The museum hosts a diverse range of exhibitions, featuring works of art from various genres, styles, and time periods. These exhibitions often showcase local, regional, and national artists.
Parking: We have limited on-site parking, but street parking is available, as well as residential parking on the west and south sides of the grounds.
Arlington Museum of Art Website: https://mocaarlington.org/
4. Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre island and national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, it was used as a training camp for the United States Colored Troops.
n the 1930s, landscape architects transformed Mason’s Island from neglected, overgrown farmland into Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial to America’s 26th president. They conceived a “real forest” designed to mimic the natural forest that once covered the island.
Features and Attractions: Memorial Plaza, Walking Trails, Boardwalks and Bridges, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association, Peaceful Retreat, Education and Interpretation.
Theodore Roosevelt Island: Map
Theodore Roosevelt Island Activities:
- Hiking, bird-watching, and photography are popular activities on the island.
- Visitors can explore the various trails, take in scenic views of the Potomac River, and immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.
Theodore Roosevelt Island: Photo Gallery
Theodore Roosevelt Island Website: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
Is Theodore Roosevelt Island open at night?
The island is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Please remember that the island is in an urban setting and use caution if visiting after dark.
Will I be able to park my car?
There are about 90 parking spots in the parking lot. They can fill quickly on weekends, but there is usually enough turnover that you will not have to wait more than 15 minutes to park. You may only park in marked spots. You can be ticketed for parking anywhere else.
Can I ride my bike on the island?
Bicycles are not allowed on the island
Can I go swimming?
Swimming is not allowed in the Potomac River near Theodore Roosevelt Island. You can be ticketed for entering the river from park land.
5. The View of DC
If you’re looking for panoramic views of Washington, D.C., there are several iconic locations and landmarks that offer breathtaking vistas of the city’s skyline and its many monuments and landmarks.
- The Washington Monument: You can take an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument, which offers an excellent 360-degree view of the National Mall, the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the surrounding city.
- The Lincoln Memorial: The steps of the Lincoln Memorial provide a classic view of the Reflecting Pool, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
- The Thomas Jefferson Memorial: This memorial is situated at the Tidal Basin and provides a picturesque view of the U.S. Capitol and the cherry blossoms in the spring.
- Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial: Situated on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, this location offers a view of the city from across the Potomac River.
- The CEB Tower Observation Deck: Located in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, this observation deck provides a modern and elevated view of D.C., including Georgetown and the National Mall.
Address: The View of DC,1201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
6. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Pentagon City Mall, officially known as Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, is a large shopping mall located in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon and Crystal City. It’s one of the major shopping destinations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. A scenic glass elevator ride to the third level reveals more than 140 fascinating stores and restaurants including Macy’s, Nordstrom, The Ritz-Carlton, Bonobos, Apple, Coach, Savage x Fenty and Tourneau. The skylit Dining Pavilion features international specialties from the familiar to the exotic.
Address: 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202
Dining Options:
- Pentagon City Mall has an array of dining options, including full-service restaurants, fast food, and food court vendors. You can enjoy a meal or a quick snack during your shopping excursion.
The mall offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, and a customer service desk for assistance and information.
Parking: There is ample parking available in the mall’s parking garage, which is convenient for shoppers. It’s advisable to check the mall’s website for parking rates and any validation options.
Pentagon City Mall Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/fashion-centre-at-pentagon-city
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Map
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Job: Click Here
7. Iwo Jima Memorial
The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, is a famous and iconic monument located in Arlington, Virginia.
The centerpiece of the memorial is a 32-foot-tall bronze sculpture of the six Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This moment was captured in the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal.
Address: Arlington, VA 22209
Significance:
- The memorial is dedicated to the U.S. Marine Corps and honors all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since the founding of the Corps.
- It specifically commemorates the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, one of the most significant battles in Marine Corps history.
Iwo Jima Memorial Website: https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/usmcwarmemorial.htm
The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the U.S. Marine Corps. It’s not only a historical site but also a symbol of the Marine Corps’ commitment to the nation’s defense.
8. Shirlington Village
Shirlington Village is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia. It’s known for its mix of residential and commercial spaces, offering a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Address: 2700 S Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22206
Shirlington Village Features:
- The Village at Shirlington: This is the heart of the neighborhood, featuring a pedestrian-friendly town center with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The Village is designed for strolling and enjoying the outdoors.
- Shopping: You can explore a variety of shops, boutiques, and specialty stores in the Village, offering clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more.
- Outdoor Activities: Shirlington Village is close to the Four Mile Run Trail, which is great for jogging, biking, and walking. Additionally, there are parks and green spaces for picnics and relaxation.
- Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Shirlington Village hosts various events and festivals, such as art exhibitions, concerts, and farmers’ markets.
- Entertainment: The area boasts an award-winning live theater, Signature Theatre, which offers a diverse range of performances. There’s also a cinema and several live music venues for entertainment.
- Dog-Friendly: The neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly environment, with many outdoor spaces and amenities for dogs. There’s even a dog park, the Shirlington Dog Park.
Shirlington Village Website: http://www.villageatshirlington.com/
9. The Crystal City Water Park
The Crystal City Water Park, also known as the Crystal City Water Park at 1750, is a lovely urban park located in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia.
The park is a beautiful, interactive water fountain that is a focal point and a popular attraction, especially during the warmer months. The fountain is designed for both children and adults to enjoy.
In addition to the water feature, the park offers green spaces, benches, and shaded areas. It’s a pleasant spot for relaxation and picnics.
Crystal City Water Park is a welcome oasis in an urban setting, offering a place to relax, play, and enjoy art and entertainment.
Hours: Everyday 7 AM to 10 PM
Address: 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Parking: Ample parking is available across the street from Water Park at 1550 Crystal Drive.
The Crystal City Water Park Website: https://www.nlwaterpark.com/
10. Dark Star Park
Dark Star Park is a unique and artful public park located in Rosslyn, a neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia. It is known for its intriguing and distinctive art installation.
The park’s main attraction is the art installation, which consists of several large, spherical concrete structures and metal poles that cast interesting shadows on specific dates.
The design of the installation is meant to create a unique shadow pattern on the ground, which aligns with nearby iron poles. The alignment occurs annually on August 1, commemorating the day when the area was dedicated as a park in 1984.
Address: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209
Shadow Alignment Event:
- The best time to visit Dark Star Park is on August 1st when the shadows of the spheres and poles align with the patterns on the ground, creating a visually striking and ephemeral art display.
- The alignment event occurs in the morning, so it’s recommended to arrive early to witness this unique phenomenon.
Dark Star Park is a one-of-a-kind artistic landmark, and its annual shadow alignment event is a particularly special experience for art enthusiasts and those interested in unique public art installations.
Dark Star Park Website: Click Here
Arlington has much more to offer, including local restaurants, parks, and cultural events. Be sure to explore the city and discover the hidden gems that make it unique.
10 best places to visit in Arlington, I like Pentagon City Mall very much….
These are just the tip’s of 10 of The Best Places to Visit in Arlington, 2023. What other places would you add to the list, and which have you been to? Tell us about your experiences in the comments….
Arlington, VA – Climate Chart
