Where to stay

Rosslyn is the obvious choice to stay to visit attractions such as the Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. Book accommodations here to watch the Twilight Tattoo military pageant. The hotels in this area are varied to suit all tastes and budgets, from upscale to more modest. To see artifacts from the Civil War and learn more about the history of the county, consider a room near the Arlington Historical Museum. Visitors staying in Shirlington are closer to the Fort Ward Museum, the site of the most intact system of forts created during the American Civil War, with a museum that takes a detailed look at this period of history.

Shopping is a top attraction for visitors to Arlington. For plenty of retail sites consider accommodations in Pentagon City. You won't have far to carry your bags back from Fashion Centre, a huge neighborhood mall with hundreds of modern brands. Those staying in Shirlington can hang out at the Village, a cool shopping center with quirky independent brands, coffee shops, and restaurants, as well as a program of live events. Consider accommodations in Crystal City for another great shopping area. The area features Crystal City Shops, an eclectic set of stores, contemporary restaurants, and cafés.

Although Arlington is very developed both commercially and residentially, it has a surprising number of parks and green spaces for opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Stay in McLean, northwest of the city center, to walk and bike the trails of George Washington Memorial Parkway. You can even get on the Potomac River for some kayaking. To stay right in the heart of the action, consider booking a room in Rosslyn and get a nature fix at Theodore Roosevelt Island, a haven in the middle of the river with plenty of running and walking trails. Hikers and those looking for a wilder experience can head north to Great Falls, about a 30-minute drive from Arlington city center. The park has lookout points with beautiful river views, along with challenging trails for the more adventurous.