Travel guide for planning a trip to Arlington, Virginia, including top tourist attractions and things to do.
Visit the U.S. Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn for a great view of Washington, DC and the monuments. Although the statue depicts a famous World War II battle, the monument is dedicated to all Marines who have lost their lives in service to the United States.
After leaving the Iwo Jima Memorial, visit the Netherlands Carillon, a tower housing bells that play on the hour every day between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Concerts are presented on Saturdays and national holidays between May and September, and visitors may climb the stairs for a terrific view of Washington, DC, when open for concerts. The Netherlands presented the carillon to the United States as a gift in appreciation for its help during and after World War II.
Walk, jog, or ride a bike along the Mount Vernon Trail for great views of the Potomac River and the monuments. The trail is accessible in Arlington at Theodore Roosevelt Island or at the Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove, along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Great locations for picnics along the trail offer waterfront views of Washington, DC.
Stroll through the shops in Clarendon. National clothing, house wares, and book stores are represented, as well as unique, independent boutiques. After working up an appetite while shopping, dine at one of the many restaurants lining Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards, where you can satisfy an appetite for any number of foods, from Spanish tapas to American diner classics.
Hear world-class musicians perform everything from folk rock to country music at the Birchmere while having dinner in a low-key, casual environment. This evening's performer just may be the next big thing.
Take your kids or your sweetheart ice skating at the seasonal outdoor rink at the Shops at Pentagon Row. Then warm up and refuel in any of the neighboring restaurants and coffee shops before browsing the stores in Pentagon Row or the adjacent Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
Visit the Drug Enforcement Agency museum on Army Navy Drive near Pentagon City. The museum highlights law enforcement efforts on the drug war and educates visitors about the negative impacts of drug use. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Friday.
Pack a picnic and head to Gravelly Point on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. From here, get a worm's eye view as planes take off and land from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Gravelly Point also provides an ideal location for watching the Fourth of July fireworks while avoiding the crowds usually gathered on the National Mall.
Explore Arlington's nightlife along the Orange Line corridor, on Wilson, Clarendon, and Fairfax Boulevards. Arlington has something for everyone, whether it's playing pool, dancing to live music, or lounging with a martini.
