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

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 {490 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

See all 447 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 621 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $54 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 169 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 $65 per adult
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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 $65 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 $90 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 9 activities
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $150 per adult
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DCOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Arlington

Number of things to do
490
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5
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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Arlington

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

National Mall

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

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

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

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed art scene and notable monuments.

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

United States Capitol

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

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

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

Washington Navy Yard

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 fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

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)

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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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?
Renowned for its nightlife and shopping, discovering fun things to do in Arlington is a cinch. Make sure to add National Mall to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Arlington?
Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian's National Zoo are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Arlington while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Arlington?
You can't leave without checking out National Mall, ranked the top tourist attraction in Arlington.
Is three days enough to stay in Arlington?
Three days in Arlington is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. National Mall, Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian's National Zoo are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Washington.
Is Arlington a walkable city?
Some top sights in Arlington, like Smithsonian's National Zoo and National Museum of African American History and Culture, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 miles from central Arlington is Downtown Washington D.C. and Crystal City is 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Arlington with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Arlington with kids.

What to do in Arlington for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Arlington, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to K Street or Sixth and I Historic Synagogue.
Are there free things to do in Arlington?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Arlington. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. National Mall is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.