Arlington Local Guide

Attractions

Arlington National Cementary

Arlington Cemetery

The most well known cemetery in the United States, Arlington Cemetery covers 612 acres. 240,000 veterans and their dependents are buried at Arlington. The home of Robert E. Lee is a centerpiece of the cemetery and the grounds of the Confederate general’s estate provide the burial ground for veterans from the Civil War to the Iraq War. Visitors are welcomed year round and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns is conducted every half-hour during summer, every hour during the winter. The US Army guards the Tomb twenty-four hours a day. The John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy gravesites are in Arlington Cemetery along with the Iwo Jima war memorial. There is no admittance charge but visitors may want to take the guided tour, which is offered, for a small fee.

Mount Vernon

George Washington's home is a monument not only to the President himself, but also to historic preservation. Mount Vernon is the US’s oldest preservation project and has been painstakingly restored to it’s original splendor. It is a collection of buildings and gardens beyond just the main house including slave quarters, outdoor kitchen, greenhouse and stables. Events include demonstrations of 18th century life in Virginia and schools are welcomed with specific history lessons set in the amazing classroom of our first Presidents home. Mount Vernon has been open to the public since 1860 and more than eighty million people have visited. Dining and shopping are available onsite and admission is $11.for adults, $5. for children. (www.mountvernon.org)

Great Falls Virginia

The Pentagon

The most well known building in Arlington is the headquarters of US defense, the Pentagon. This amazing building is a city in itself with over 23,000 employees working in 705,793 square feet. The Pentagon has shops, restaurants, and 200 acres of lawns. Group tours are available to select groups by appointment. One way to see the Pentagon is by river tour aboard the Potomac River Ferry ride. (www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pentagon)

The LBJ Memorial Grove

A peaceful and beautiful memorial to a beloved President, the grove is a quiet place of reflection on Ladybird Island in the Potomac River. Operated by the National Parks System the park is open to the public, free of charge, during daylight hours, year round. A marina is adjacent to the grove, which is a setting of dogwood and white pine trees and azalea plantings around a monolith. With grassy meadows and tables with views of the Washington monuments, the grove is a popular picnic place for Arlington residents.