Things to do in Arlington

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a park and landscape views
Arlington showing landscape views and a cemetery
Theodore Roosevelt National Park showing landscape views and a city
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park showing a garden
Arlington National Cemetery which includes a memorial and a cemetery

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Most popular activities in Arlington

Tours & day trips

See all 438 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 636 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,178 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 166 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,521 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 40 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,521 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 33 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Price is ￥11,689 per adult
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch CruiseOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 9 activities
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,100 per adult
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.Opens in new tab

What to do in Arlington

Discover the most popular places to visit in Arlington

National Mall which includes heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a city

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
White House which includes a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

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
Arlington National Cemetery featuring a memorial, a square or plaza and a 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
National Air and Space Museum

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
United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

United States Capitol

4.5/5(4,868 reviews)

Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

United States Capitol
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 lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
Another shot from the Potomac river. Cool night shots #URBANJUNGLE

Washington Navy Yard

4.5/5(116 reviews)

Washington Navy Yard is just one of the places to see in Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

4.5/5(2,511 reviews)

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and shops.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

5/5(82 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at National Museum of African American History and Culture, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Washington. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

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)

Discover an urban neighborhood with an underground city, high-rise apartments, and numerous shops and restaurants. Easily accessible via the Washington Metro and Virginia Railway Express, it's within walking distance to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Crystal City
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
Arlington featuring military items

Rosslyn

4/5(812 area reviews)

Heavily urbanized with numerous skyscrapers, this Northern Virginia area houses the Art Institute of Washington and offers views of Washington landmarks from Freedom Park. Enjoy easy access to transportation hubs, including the Rosslyn Metro station.

Rosslyn
Snowy night in Montreal 🇨🇦

Ballston

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

Major transportation hub with a mix of high-rise apartments, bars, and restaurants, Ballston offers the MedStar Capitals Iceplex for skating enthusiasts and Ballston Quarter for shopping and entertainment. Easily accessible via the Washington Metro.

Ballston
See where the Internet was created! This relatively nondescript building in Rosslyn is where a team in the Department of Defense built the foundation of the Internet from 1970-1975. This plaque was only recently constructed in 2008.

Radnor - Fort Myer Heights

4/5(35 area reviews)

While visiting Radnor - Fort Myer Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Canadian Cross of Sacrifice and Dark Star Park.

Radnor - Fort Myer Heights
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!

Aurora Highlands

5/5(1 area review)

While you're in Aurora Highlands, take in top sights like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and jump on the metro at Pentagon City Station to see more of the city.

Aurora Highlands

Popular day trips from Arlington

United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

Washington

Alexandria showing street scenes, cafe scenes and a small town or village

Alexandria

Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

McLean

McLean

Bethesda, MD featuring a house and a park

Bethesda

Frequently asked questions

Is Arlington worth visiting?
Offering a blend of nightlife and shopping, there are plenty of things to do in Arlington. While you're here, check out National Mall, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Arlington?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then, check out other parts of Arlington for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Arlington?
The top tourist attraction in Arlington is National Mall, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Arlington?
You can easily visit leading attractions like National Mall, Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture with a three-day break in Arlington. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Washington.
Is Arlington a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Arlington is a good destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Then take a stroll through Downtown Washington D.C, located 3 kilometers from the center, and Crystal City, which is roughly 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Arlington with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Arlington with kids.

What to do in Arlington for adults?
K Street and Sixth and I Historic Synagogue are just a few of the things to do in Arlington. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Arlington?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Arlington. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. National Mall is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.