Do You Have A Couple Of Hours To Spend In Washington, DC?
Arlington National Cemetery is an easy to get to, free, and a wonderful place to explore for a few hours for kids and adults alike.
If you have a few hours to kill on a layover at Reagan National Airport, a trip to Arlington National Cemetery is a fantastic option to get out of the airport for a bit. Or check in a few hours early for your flight (therefore ditching the luggage) and hop on the metro over to the cemetery. That’s we do on our visits sometimes.
Arlington National Cemetery is one of my favorite places to go see in Washington, DC. The history, the beautiful and expansive grounds, and the opportunity to pay respects to our servicemen and women are all good reasons to make Arlington a stop on your next DC trip.
Its proximity to Reagan National Airport (just 8 minutes by metro) means it is easy to add the cemetery to your itinerary, whether you are on a multi-day trip or a just have a long layover on your way somewhere else.
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Why You Should Go To Arlington National Cemetery With The Family
The 624 acres that comprise Arlington National Cemetery are a beautiful place to walk around, a fitting honor to the 400,000 veterans and their families that are buried there. You might think that the number of graves would be disturbing to the kids but while they notice that this is the “biggest number of dead people they have ever seen” (direct quote from my nephew), the peaceful nature of the grounds make it not so scary.
The interesting monuments plus the famous people buried here (presidents, generals, explorers, astronauts, etc) give kids something to direct their attention to as well as an opportunity to learn a little American history.
Watching one of the approximately 30 funerals each weekday and 7 on Saturday also gives them a chance to learn about the deep traditions of our military and the respect those soldiers have earned.
How We Traveled To Arlington On Our Last Trip
We checked in at 915am for a 1pm flight out of Reagan National Airport and my twin 10 year old nephews and I headed over to Arlington to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedy’s grave, and the exhibits at the Welcome Center.
Our visit to Arlington took just over 2 hours and we were back at the airport, through security, and heading to our gate at 12pm.
Total cost- $12 for 3 people to ride the Metro from Reagan to Arlington and back again. (It would have been $18 if we had to purchase 3 SmarTrip cards for the Metro but we already had them- more on that below.)
Getting To Arlington National Cemetery From Reagan National Airport
The Metro Is Our Usual Method
From Reagan National Airport, hop on the metro that stops right by the terminal. There is a skybridge connecting the station to the airport terminal and it is well marked.
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From the airport, you want the Blue Line heading to Largo Town Center. Do not get on the Yellow Line as it veers off to go towards the National Mall before Arlington.
The metro ride between Reagan and Arlington takes 8 minutes, with stops in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and the Pentagon before reaching Arlington. See the map on the WMATA website.
Partial map of Washington, DC Metro system courtesy of the wmata website. The blue metro line goes between the airport and Arlington National Cemetery.
The Arlington Metro Station is small, with only one exit. When you come up above ground, you are on the main entrance road to Arlington, called Memorial Avenue. The entrance to the cemetery is one way and you can see Lincoln Memorial way in the distance if you look the opposite way on Memorial Avenue.
Walk 5 minutes (0.2 miles) towards the cemetery and the entrance is on your left at the Arlington Welcome Center. This is the only open gate for pedestrians near the Metro and you will need to pass through security.
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Tickets For The Metro- aka SmarTrip Cards
You must purchase a SmarTrip card to use the metro system as the WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) does not sell single journey tickets. The plastic, chip- enabled SmarTrip cards cost $2 and can be reloaded multiple times.
Purchase SmarTrip cards from the automatic vending machines in the station and load them with the appropriate fare. Fares are based on distance and each machine has a handy chart above the computer screen which lists the various destinations and how much they cost. Use these to figure out how much to load to your card.
Everyone must have their own SmarTrip card as you are not allowed to pass them back and tap again. It is very annoying I know if you are only riding the Metro a couple of times and don’t want to invest in a $2 card.
As of 2022, direct wireless payment through your phone or credit card hasn’t happened yet although you can digitally buy a SmarTrip card and add it to your wallet in Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Get the details on the WMATA website under “Mobile Pay.” The only benefit to doing this is it allows you to skip the vending machine in the station but could be a pain with multiple people all still needing to use their own phones to tap.
Cost For Metro To Arlington
SmarTrip Cards used on the Metro in the Washington DC area
It costs about $2 to go from the airport to the metro station at Arlington Cemetery if traveling off peak on weekdays. It costs $2.25 if you are traveling during the peak hours of 5am-930am and 3pm-7pm on weekdays. Trips on weekends are $2 anywhere.
For just going to Arlington and back to the airport, the total will be somewhere around $4 or $4.50 plus the $2 cost of the SmarTrip card if you do not already have one.
You can pay for your purchase with a major credit card, debit card, or cash up to $20 bills.
You can purchase multiple SmarTrip cards in one transaction as the machine will ask you how many you want to buy. The WMATA website has a video guide on buying and using SmarTrip cards.
If you are really lost trying to figure out how to work the card machines, look around for an attendant or Transit cop. The Reagan Airport station is used to visitors unfamiliar with the system and usually has a few station attendants around ready to answer questions. They helped me out on my last trip as I wasn’t sure what kind of card a 10 year old would need. The attendant basically punched all the numbers into the machine for me and I had my 3 SmarTrip cards loaded with their correct amounts in about 2 minutes.
Two children under 5 can ride for free with a paying adult but all other kids need a regular SmarTrip card and must pay the regular fare price (so no discount for my two 10 year old companions). Seniors over 65 are able to purchase senior cards that can be loaded with half- price fares but you must purchase them at special commuter stores in the DC area so not really an option for this scenario.
Uber/ Lyft/ Taxi
You can always do a car share or taxi to the cemetery as well although it is generally more expensive- $20-$30 because of the associated fees for airport access. It is a quick trip though, usually on 5 min or so, even with DC’s famed traffic.
We usually take the Metro when we visit because of price and convenience but if I had someone with mobility issues in the group, we might do an Uber because it is a little bit of a walk from the Metro Station to the entrance to the cemetery- 0.2 miles.
Map below courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery.
The Welcome Center At Arlington National Cemetery
The Welcome Center is the closest entrance gate to the Arlington Metro Station (0.2 miles away). You will have to go thru security gates to enter the cemetery and it involves passing thru metal detectors and bag checks. There can be a line so be prepared to wait 10-15 minutes to get in. Once inside, the grounds are so vast, it will not feel crowded.
All people 18 and over will need ID to enter which was fine for us since we were coming from the airport. 16 and 17 year olds either need an adult with ID or their own.
You can take a purse or backpack into the cemetery, you just have to open it up so that security can check inside. They do not have a specific “no luggage” policy on the website but from looking at the security, my guess is that a large duffel bag would the most they would allow. I doubt they would be okay with large rolling suitcases and supersized, travel-Europe-for-the-summer backpacks. We have had no problems taking school-sized backpacks thru though and a large tote.
You are not allowed to bring in food and drink other than water to Arlington, it’s not really a picnic kind of place.
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The Welcome Center has a few exhibits that tell the history of the cemetery, from its time as a plantation owned by George Washington Parke Custis (grandson of Martha Washington) to its first use a cemetery by the Union Army and onto its present day form.
Take advantage of the nice bathrooms at the Welcome Center since facilities are few and far between on the grounds. And I strongly urge you to refill your bottles here as water fountains are not as common as you might wish on hot summer days.
* Pro Tip- Pick up a map/ brochure at the Welcome Center. The cemetery is large and has lots of meandering paths so it is easy to get turned around. Each section is marked with numbers on the map that are easy to match up with the numbered signs that you will see as you walk.
What To See If You Have 1-2 Hours At Arlington National Cemetery
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Kennedy Family Graves
From the Welcome Center to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the Kennedy Gravesite and back to the Welcome Center is about a 1.5 mile walk and if you are trying add in the Changing of the Guard, this will easily take you an hour or more to do.
Map courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery with my own annotations.
The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
If you are on a short layover or trying to squeeze in a visit before a flight, then head straight to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Welcome Center. It is about a 15 minute walk at a decently fast pace (more like 20-30 minutes if you have small kids that are less speedy and apt to stop and look at squirrels). It is also a little uphill.
One of the most poignant sites in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has a large sarcophagus containing the remains of an unknown soldier from WWI and smaller crypts in front of the sarcophagus that contain remains from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
*The remains from the Vietnam War were exhumed in 1998 and identified through DNA analysis. The soldier was then returned to his family and it was decided to leave the crypt empty with an inscription honoring all missing serviceman from 1958- 1975.
Do take a few minutes to walk through the small museum in the building opposite the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The exhibits tell the history of the Tomb since its inception in 1921. The kids will like the photographs of the Tomb during thunderstorms and blizzards and how the soldiers are always there, even during these inclement conditions. Also, look for the interesting and detailed exhibit on the complicated uniform of the soldiers on guard and the meaning behind each component.
Adjacent to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the Memorial Amphitheater, a large open amphitheater surrounded by a colonnade of white marble pillars. The amphitheater holds 3 major services each year- Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Easter. It is a beautiful spot to sit down for a minute and rest.
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The Changing Of The Guard Of The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
Every hour on the hour (and every half hour from April 1- September 30), the Tomb Guard changes personnel in an intricately choreographed ritual that takes about 10 minutes. This is a very popular event and makes an impression on kids and grownups alike with its solemnity, perfect execution, and clear emphasis on honoring all of the unknown soldiers represented by the crypts here.
Members of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, the oldest active duty infantry unit in the US Army, volunteer for the Tomb Guard and it is an honour to be chosen. Volunteers have to pass a rigorous test of knowledge about Arlington National Cemetery as well as perform the complicated guard change. Plus, they have a very detailed uniform preparation to follow.
As soon as one guard change is over, people start grabbing good spots for the next one. The best place to be is on the right side of the steps (as you are looking at the big sarcophagus) and as close to the railing as you can get. This is where most of the inspection happens but really any spot near the railing is fine. We were on the left side last time I was there and we could still see everything.
* Pro Tip- There are lots of signs around Arlington asking for quiet and emphasizing respect so do your part. Videos and photographs are allowed but please be unobtrusive. Remember that selfies and videos are not the important thing here- honoring the people who served is.
For more information about the Tomb and the Honor Guard, check out Arlington’s official website and on the Society of the Honor Guard FAQ page. Both pages make for interesting reading and will add a lot to your visit.
John F. Kennedy Gravesite
President Taft and President Kennedy are the only two presidents buried in Arlington National Cemetery but Kennedy’s grave is considerably larger and well worth a stop, especially as it is nearish to the Welcome Center, just a 10 minute stroll away.
The Eternal Flame holds vigil over the plaque marking Kennedy’s actual grave as well as that of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two of their children, Patrick Kennedy (who died shortly after being born in August 1963, 2 months before Kennedy’s assassination), and an unnamed daughter.
The kids particularly liked reading Kennedy’s most famous quotes that are inscribed in the plaza adjacent to the gravesite. The Washington Monument can be seen in the background, making a lovely backdrop to his words.
Next to JFK, you will find his brother Robert Kennedy’s gravesite and memorial plaza, which is also worth a walk through. His grave is marked by a simple white cross and plaque. The adjacent plaza contains some of his most famous quotes, similar to his brother’s memorial.
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What To See At Arlington If You Have 3-4 Hours
US Marine Corps War Memorial/ Iwo Jima
After doing the things mentioned above (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard, and the Kennedy Family Graves), my next favorite thing in Arlington isn’t technically in Arlington.
Just outside the Ord- Weitzel Gate of Arlington National Cemetery is the US Marine Corps War Memorial that is more commonly called the Iwo Jima Memorial. It is about 0.8 miles from JFK’s grave.
Find A Theme That Interests Your Family
The official website has a list of the most popular memorials, graves, and monuments, so take a look and see what else looks interesting to you.
If you have kids into certain parts of American history - ie Revolutionary War (there are 11 graves of Revolutionary War veterans) or space (John Glenn is buried here), you can visit those graves. The website has these themes and others under its Notable Graves tab that you can click on to see who is buried where in the cemetery. It is really pretty helpful.
Find A Family Member’s Grave
If you want to find a family member’s grave, then use the app ANC Explorer to locate it. It is a free download from the Apple or Google store.
The Details You Need To Know For Visiting Arlington National Cemetery
Hours: The cemetery is open everyday, including holidays, from 8am-5pm from October thru March and from 8am-7pm from April thru September.
Entrance fee: There is no admission price for Arlington .
Tours: There is a hop on/ hop off shuttle tour that has 4 stops during the week (7 on weekends) on a continuous loop around the cemetery. Tickets are $17.95 adults, $9.95 kids, $13.95 seniors over 65. Military in uniform are free and veterans are reduced price.
The shuttle is useful if you want to see as much of the cemetery as you can in a short time, otherwise I would just walk. The shuttles are run by Arlington Tours and you can buy tickets on their website or at the Welcome Center.
*The shuttle changes their stops and schedule based on construction or events in the cemetery. Be sure to check their schedule to see what stops they have before buying your ticket.
Shuttles lined up outside the Welcome Center
General Tips
Early is better in the summer as it gets hot.
Bring a water bottle and refill it at the water fountains scattered around the grounds. Also bring granola bars or other snacks with you as there is not a cafe or anything on site and nothing nearby. You aren’t supposed to eat in Arlington so I wouldn’t bring anything that you can’t eat on the fly.
Be respectful. No running, games of tag, picnics, playing music, or shouting. Photographs and videos of funerals (of which there are multiple per day in the cemetery) are not permitted.
The cemetery does not have stroller or wheelchair rentals but you can bring your own. Most of the paths are paved so it is relatively easy to push a stroller around (except for the hills).
Where To Stay In DC
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My Two Cents On Where To Stay
DC has a reputation for being unsafe and although I do not find it much different than any big city in the US, there are certain areas that are more tourist friendly than others. Generally speaking with 0.5-1 mile of the National Mall is a good rule of thumb.
Capitol Hill is my favorite (the area east of the Capitol building going about 10 blocks east and about 10 blocks north/south). Foggy Bottom around George Washington University is another good area with a lot going on and is pretty safe. Georgetown is good as well although it can be pricey.
The H street corridor just east of Union Station is a revamped area with good restaurants and a handy free streetcar running up and down. It is a little cheaper than many areas of DC. The Wharf near Jefferson Memorial is a new redevelopment spurring a lot of growth in that area. Good restaurants, lots of shops, and a couple of hotels there with a nice waterfront view.
You can also look across the Potomac River to Virginia for cheaper accommodations in Rosslyn, Crystal City and Arlington. It is an easy Metro ride to the main tourist sites (5 stops to the National Mall from Rosslyn, 3 from Crystal City) and these suburbs are often about half the price of hotels in the district. Plus, since the hotels here tend to serve mostly business travelers, weekend rates are even better.
Hotels
In Downtown
Staying near the Capitol is an expensive option, although it does keep you closer to the action. Good luck finding a room for a family of 4 under $400 a night in a name-brand hotel.
If you are up for a splurge though, there are several gorgeous historic hotels, such as the Intercontinental Willard, that are worth the money if you have it. (The lobby makes you ogle and also makes you wish you were a fancy enough person that didn’t do such uncouth things as ogle.) This 200 year old hotel is conveniently located near the White House and lives up to its 5 star billing. If you are in DC near Christmas time, stop in to check out its beautiful holiday decorations.
In Virginia
Try the Hampton Inn and Suites Arlington Crystal City DCA for good sized rooms, free breakfast, and free airport shuttle to Reagan which is so close, you could almost walk to it. The hotel is also in close proximity to “Restaurant Row” on 23rd Street south and there are even more choices around the corner from the row on Crystal Drive.
Vacation Rentals
If you want more room, try an apartment rental. Walking around all day looking at museums or even just exploring the Mall can be super tiring and it is really nice to be able to come back somewhere with a little more space than your typical hotel room. Plus, the ability to make dinner or breakfast at a vacation rental can save you some big bucks.
Many of the picturesque row houses found in DC have garden apartments or “English basements” (no idea where the name came from). These are partially below ground apartments on the ground floor of these row houses with their own entrances and are frequently rented out to Capitol Hill interns and as short- term rentals. They are often 1 BD/ 1 Ba but depending on how much money the homeowner has put into them, they can be quite nice. These places are often the best deals going for lodging if you don’t need a massive amount of room.
Fantastic historic English Basement Apt- Prime Capitol Hill Location! is a 2 BR/ 1 Ba basement apt in a row house with a separate, gated entrance, a washer/ dryer, and even a little garden in the back. Location is A+ as it is 3 blocks away from the Capitol. Great reviews and averages $220 a night.
Beautiful 2 Bedroom Unit is a gorgeous recently renovated 2 BR/ 2.5 BA row house in the Capitol Hill area with lots of space if you are looking for a home away from home while in DC. A little more expensive but looks like you are getting a lot of bang for the buck and the location is great. *Must have prior positive reviews on VRBO. Averages $375 a night and has glowing reviews.
Modern & Central to GWU, Natl Mall, Georgetown, Free Pvt Parking & EV Charging is a wonderful 3 BR/ 3 BA recently renovated townhome in Foggy Bottom with plenty of room for the whole family. Free parking is a definite perk in the city, let alone with a free charger, awesome if you have a Tesla (I am officially jealous). 5 star reviews and averages $478 a night.
Spacious Artistic Home Steps To Georgetown And The White House is a super cute 4 BR/ 4 BA rowhouse where every bedroom has a different theme. Also located in Foggy Bottom, this house has a parking spot and is very close to the metro. Fantastic reviews and averages $366 a night.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery is one of my favorite places to go see in Washington, DC. The history, the importance, the expansive grounds, and the opportunity to pay respects to our servicemen and women are all fantastic reasons to make Arlington a stop on your next DC . Its proximity to Reagan National Airport means it is easy to add the cemetery to your itinerary, whether you are on a multi-day trip or a just have a long layover on your way somewhere else.
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Looking for 360 views from the shortest hikes ever? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. We loved our day and half here, hiking and rock scrambling and exploring the awesome and appropriately named Skyline Drive. It is easy to get to Shenandoah from Interstate 81, has lots of hikes for all ages, 5 campgrounds or 2 historic lodges to choose from, and some of the best sunset views I have ever seen. Don’t drive past the signs for Shenandoah on I-81. Stop for half a day (or several days) and get to know this fabulous national park.