How to Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Visiting Arlington National Cemetery can be a somber and emotional experience. Covering more than 200 acres in Arlington, Virginia, this cemetery became a national military cemetery in 1864. Take time to remember those who served our country by planning a visit to Arlington National Cemetery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Go to Arlington, Virginia. Located just outside Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is just a quick drive or subway ride away. The subway has a National Cemetery Metro stop. If taking a car, be aware that parking costs $1.25 for the first 3 hours and then is $2.00 an hour after that. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first of April through the last of September and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year.
2. Stop by the Visitors Center. Here people can pick up a guidebook and a map of the cemetery. There's also information on where graves are located here. There's a bookstore located in the Visitors Center as well as restrooms.
3. Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located on top of a hill, this monument gives a spectacular view of part of the grounds below. Watch the Tomb Guard Sentinels perform a changing of the guard at the top of every hour.
4. Stop by the memorial and burial site for President John F. Kennedy. An eternal flame marks his grave. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was buried next to her first husband in 1994 and her grave is also marked.
5. Walk around the Old Amphitheater. Although no longer used for ceremonies, it is one of the most striking buildings on the grounds. Wander up the hill to check out the Custis-Lee Mansion, once the home of Robert E. Lee.
6. Look at the other memorials scattered throughout the cemetery. There is a memorial for the Space Shuttle Challenger, the Persian Gulf War Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial and many others. Use a map to find memorials of interest.

Tips & Warnings

• Arlington National Cemetery does not provide strollers or wheelchairs so bring one if needed.