Arlington
City

Arlington

American heritage meets modern convenience near the capital

Arlington sits right across the Potomac from Washington DC, but it's far more than just a convenient place to crash after touring the monuments. This Virginia city packs serious American history into walkable neighborhoods, offers Metro access to the capital, and serves up everything from Pentagon tours to craft breweries. You'll pay less than staying in downtown DC while getting front-row seats to some of the nation's most important sites. The cherry blossoms bloom here too, minus the tourist chaos of the Tidal Basin.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Arlington. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Rosslyn puts you in the heart of Arlington's business district with direct Metro access to Georgetown and downtown DC. The high-rise hotels here offer killer views of the DC skyline, and you're walking distance to the Iwo Jima Memorial. Expect to pay $120-180 per night. Clarendon-Ballston draws the younger crowd with its mix of apartments, restaurants, and nightlife along Wilson Boulevard. The Orange Line runs right through here, making DC commutes painless. Hotels run $90-140 nightly. Crystal City works best for Pentagon visits or Reagan National Airport flights. It's got that sterile business-district vibe, but prices stay reasonable at $80-120 per night. The underground walkways connect everything when weather turns nasty. Arlington Ridge offers quieter residential streets near Arlington Cemetery. You'll find more bed-and-breakfasts than chain hotels, with rates around $100-150. The neighborhood feels more like suburban Virginia than urban corridor.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Stay in Arlington instead of downtown DC to save $50-100 per night on hotels while keeping easy Metro access
  • 2.Buy a Metro day pass for $8.25 rather than paying per ride if you plan multiple DC trips
  • 3.Pack lunch for Arlington Cemetery visits - the on-site cafe charges $12-15 for basic sandwiches
  • 4.Many Smithsonian museums offer free admission, accessible via 20-minute Metro ride from Arlington
  • 5.Happy hour specials at Wilson Boulevard restaurants run 4-6pm with $5-8 appetizers and drink deals
  • 6.Pentagon tours are completely free but require advance booking through their website
  • 7.Arlington farmers markets on Saturdays offer fresh produce at better prices than grocery stores
  • 8.Free parking exists at some Arlington Metro stations on weekends - check WMATA website for current policies

Travel Tips

  • •Book Pentagon tours at least 2 weeks in advance - they fill up quickly and require security clearance
  • •Arlington Cemetery covers 624 acres - wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water
  • •Metro rush hours run 7-9am and 5-7pm weekdays with higher fares and crowded trains
  • •The changing of the guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier happens every 30 minutes in summer, hourly in winter
  • •Download the WMATA app for real-time Metro delays and service alerts
  • •Many Arlington restaurants close between lunch and dinner service - check hours before walking over
  • •Street parking in Rosslyn and Clarendon requires quarters - bring change or use parking apps
  • •The Mount Vernon Trail connects to DC's bike share system for scenic Potomac rides

Frequently Asked Questions

Two to three days works well for Arlington's main attractions. You can see Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon in one day, spend another day exploring neighborhoods and restaurants, and use Arlington as your base for DC day trips. Many visitors stay longer and commute to Washington DC attractions.

Explore Arlington

Things to Do in ArlingtonWhen to Visit Arlington3 Days in Arlington7 Days in Arlington

Ready to explore Arlington?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.