Things to do in Arlington

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Arlington showing landscape views and a cemetery

Arlington Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Look up all the fun things to see and do in Arlington before you head away so you can pack the most into your break. You'll soon see that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

If you're ready to explore Arlington, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {497 fun activities in Arlington fun activities in Arlington} are also worth browsing through.

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Most popular activities in Arlington

Tours & day trips

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
3.8 out of 5 with 544 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price was $63, price is now $57 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 37 activitiesOpens in new tab
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
3.6 out of 5 with 24 reviews
Price is $86 per adult
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Attractions

See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tab
The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Flex Pass

The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Flex Pass

Activity duration is 30 days
3.2 out of 5 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $64 per adult
The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Flex Pass

Private & custom tours

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Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
4.0 out of 5 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $105 per adult
Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Adventure & outdoor

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Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Recommended things to do in Arlington

Number of things to do
497
Things to do from
$5
Cheapest thing to do
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Arlington

Free Things to Do in Arlington

An escape to Arlington doesn't have to cost a lot. You can leave your wallet behind if you check out:

DEA Museum - Talk to the staff or curator and learn all about the unique collections on exhibit here.

Freedom Park - Stop by this local landmark and admire its distinctive design.

Marine Corps War Memorial - Stroll around this historic site and discover a few secrets from times past.

Lady Bird Johnson Park - Cultivate your green thumb and admire the various plants on display.

Things to Do in Arlington with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you roam in Arlington. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can try together that'll make your escape unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Arlington? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Arlington on a sunny day?
When the weather is putting on a show, these experiences are impossible to resist:


What to do in Arlington on a rainy day?
If it’s pouring with rain during your visit, put your umbrella aside and try a couple of these fun indoor activities:


What is Arlington famous for?
Arlington National Cemetery is an icon of Arlington, so be sure to allow time to visit.
What should I not miss in Arlington?
To fully experience this destination’s vibe, be sure to visit all of these must-do attractions:

  • Pentagon
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Iwo Jima Memorial

Are there cheap things to do in Arlington?
You’ll find plenty of activities and tours here that are just the thing if you’re watching your budget:


What can you do in Arlington for free?
Your vacation in Arlington doesn’t have to cost a fortune with free attractions like these on offer:

  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Iwo Jima Memorial
  • Fashion Center at Pentagon City
  • Arlington House-The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Discover the most popular places to visit in Arlington

Image for White House

White House

4/5(5,961 reviews)

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

White House
Image for National Mall

National Mall

4.5/5(4,017 reviews)

Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

National Mall
Image for National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum

4.5/5(1,503 reviews)

Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

National Air and Space Museum
Image for Smithsonian's National Zoo

Smithsonian's National Zoo

4.5/5(1,096 reviews)

Why not visit the animals who live at Smithsonian's National Zoo and see why this is a favorite attraction in Washington? Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Smithsonian's National Zoo
Image for Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

5/5(128 reviews)

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Smithsonian Institution
Image for University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

4/5(1,180 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, a top university in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and great live music.

University of Maryland, College Park
Image for Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

4.5/5(3,548 reviews)

Pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the best-known military cemetery in America.

Arlington National Cemetery
Image for Union Station Shopping Center

Union Station Shopping Center

4/5(115 reviews)

Fashion outlets, accessory stores, souvenir shops and a food court sit amid the grand arches and majestic columns of Washington’s central railway terminal.

Union Station Shopping Center
Image for National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

5/5(82 reviews)

Walk through time in the footsteps of the nation’s African Americans, from the sobering slavery years to celebrated achievements in arts, politics and sport.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Arlington

This great eatery does the best brunch! A smokehouse doing brunch!?!? Yes! What better way to dip that toe into smoked meat heaven than breakfast on a Sunday. Fresh sauteed veggies smoked, pork, eggs, hollandaise and potatoes. Your mouth and stomach will thank you! #trovember!

Crystal City

4.5/5(2,089 area reviews)

If you're looking to experience the neighborhood, Crystal City is well-known for its popular shops. Explore top sights in the area like Synetic Theater and get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
United States Marine Corps War Memorial showing military items

Rosslyn

4/5(812 area reviews)

The ample dining options and prominent monuments are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Freedom Park or Dark Star Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rosslyn Station to get around town.

Rosslyn
A piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Given to the first responders to the Pentagon, Arlington Fire Department. Never Forget 9/11/2001

Pentagon City

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Pentagon City for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and Pentagon Row. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Pentagon City Station.

Pentagon City
They don't use salt in their food, but it s still usually pretty good. It's inexpensive for the city and everything here from the pie and shakes are old fashion. It's a lovely place to eat when in or around DC and Arlington area. #foodiefinds #food #dc #va #districtofcolumbia #Virginia

Addison Heights

Check out the museums, shopping, and restaurants while spending some time in Addison Heights. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Arlington National Cemetery or Fashion Center at Pentagon City.

Addison Heights
Snowy night in Montreal 🇨🇦

Ballston

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Ballston Quarter while getting to know Ballston, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Ballston Station or Virginia Square Station to see more of the area.

Ballston
This is my fav place

Clarendon

Travelers choose Clarendon for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Clarendon Metrorail Station or Courthouse Station and check out top sights like Arlington City Hall.

Clarendon
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Arlington

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Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

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