Arlington, Virginia Travel Guide
City City in Virginia, part of Washington D.C. area
Across the Potomac from downtown D.C., Arlington draws visitors to Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima memorial, busy Clarendon and Columbia Pike dining spots, and riverfront trails favored by cyclists and commuters.
Why Visit Arlington, Virginia? #
Close to Washington, D.C., Arlington attracts travelers who want history, waterfront parks and a lively neighborhood scene. The solemn Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps War Memorial provide powerful historical context, while Clarendon and Columbia Pike offer craft breweries, diverse restaurants and nightlife. Easy Metro links make it a practical base for museums, theater and seasonal festivals. Families appreciate river views along the Potomac and walkable streets for easy exploring.
Who's Arlington, Virginia For?
Arlington is excellent for business - close to Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon and conference hotels in Crystal City and Rosslyn. Coworking spaces in Clarendon and easy Metro links to downtown DC make it practical for remote workers who need reliable transit and fast internet.
Strong broadband, plentiful coffee shops and coworking spaces in Clarendon, Rosslyn and Crystal City make Arlington friendly to remote workers. Short Metro rides connect to D.C. networking events, though housing costs are high compared with many U.S. suburbs.
Family life benefits from excellent schools, playgrounds and family services in neighborhoods like Lyon Village and Ballston. The Potomac riverfront trails and multiple community centres provide outdoor play and swimming options that appeal to children and parents.
Arlington offers riverfront greenways, bike paths and quick access to Theodore Roosevelt Island and Great Falls National Park a short drive away. Urban parks such as Gravelly Point are handy for birdwatching and picnics close to the city.
Riverside walks, rooftop bars in Rosslyn and intimate restaurants in Clarendon make Arlington a solid choice for date nights. Short trips into Georgetown and downtown D.C. expand romantic options without long drives.
Clarendon, Ballston and nearby neighborhoods host a mix of casual American fare, ethnic restaurants and weekend markets that attract food-minded locals. For fine dining and international choices, downtown D.C. is a short trip away.
Top Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia
All Attractions ›
- Arlington National Cemetery - Nation's military cemetery with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and daily changing of guard.
- United States Marine Corps War Memorial - Bronze depiction of the Iwo Jima flag-raising, offering panoramic views of Washington.
- The Pentagon Memorial - Memorial honoring 184 victims of the 9/11 attack, a quiet place for reflection.
- United States Air Force Memorial - Three stainless-steel spires arching skyward, commemorating airmen and offering skyline views.
- Gravelly Point Park - Ideal spot for close-up plane watching and picnics beneath the airport flight path.
- Netherlands Carillon - Tower of bells gifted by the Netherlands, ringing with views across the Potomac.
- Arlington Arts Center - Contemporary gallery hosting rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and community programs.
- Lubber Run Park & Amphitheater - Small wooded park with intimate summer performances and winding walking trails.
- Synetic Theater (Crystal City) - Physical theater company known for wordless Shakespeare adaptations and dynamic movement pieces.
- Old Town Alexandria - Cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, colonial architecture, and waterfront restaurants.
- Mount Vernon - George Washington's plantation home with restored rooms, gardens, and riverfront views.
- Annapolis, Maryland - Historic state capital featuring the U.S. Naval Academy and charming waterfront dining.
- Great Falls Park (VA) - Dramatic Potomac cascades and cliffside overlooks, popular for hiking and photography.
- Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive - Drive Skyline Drive for mountain overlooks, short hikes, and seasonal foliage changes.
Where to Go in Arlington, Virginia #
Rosslyn
Right across the river from DC, Rosslyn is where people come for skyline views, quick river walks and short Metro rides into the city. It’s a good base for sightseeing without staying inside the District. Suited to photographers, families with limited time, and anyone who likes riverfront strolls and easy transit.
Top Spots
- Netherlands Carillon (Irena) - a great place for sweeping Capitol and Potomac views and quick sunset photos.
- Iwo Jima / Marine Corps War Memorial - iconic monument and grassy area for a picnic with the skyline behind you.
- Gravelly Point Park - plane-spotting right under Reagan National’s flight path; bring a blanket and snacks.
Clarendon
Clarendon is where locals go for weekend brunches, after-work drinks and a handful of reliable restaurants. It has a young-professional energy and walkable streets full of cafés and bars. Great for visitors who want lively evenings and easy Metro access to museums and monuments.
Top Spots
- Wilson Boulevard - the main drag lined with brunch spots, pubs, and fast-casual restaurants.
- Market Common Clarendon - an open-air cluster of restaurants and shops for casual dining.
- Clarendon Metro - the transit hub that drops you a few stops from downtown DC and anchors the neighborhood.
Ballston
Ballston mixes office towers with family-friendly amenities and a compact retail strip. It’s practical - lots of hotels, a major shopping complex and frequent transit - so people passing through or on business often stay here. The vibe is efficient and friendly, not flashy, and it’s easy to get downtown from the Metro.
Top Spots
- Ballston Quarter - the renovated mall with shops, restaurants and events year-round.
- MedStar Capitals Iceplex - home of local hockey practice and community skating sessions.
- Ballston Metro Plaza - a convenient starting point for short walks and food trucks in warmer months.
Crystal City / Pentagon City
This area sits between the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport and is very convenient for travelers. Expect lots of hotels, chain restaurants and easy airport or Pentagon access. It suits people who want straightforward logistics and decent transit links to the Mall and Arlington’s parks.
Top Spots
- Fashion Centre at Pentagon City - large shopping mall with national brands and food options.
- Crystal City Shops & Restaurants (The Underground) - an indoor network of eateries and small stores.
- Long Bridge Park access & Riverwalk - green space with views and river access for jogs and bike rides.
Plan Your Visit to Arlington, Virginia #
Best Time to Visit Arlington, Virginia #
Visit Arlington in spring or fall when temperatures are mild and outdoor sites-memorials, parks, and bike paths-are most pleasant. Summers are hot and humid and winters can be chilly with occasional snow, so time your trip accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Arlington, Virginia #
Arlington, Virginia's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1053 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Arlington, Virginia
Arlington sits immediately across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., so most long-distance arrivals use Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD) or Washington's rail hub at Union Station. DCA has the quickest public-transit access to Arlington via Metrorail; Dulles and BWI require longer transfers (bus/rail or rideshare).
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): DCA is the closest airport to Arlington and has an on-site Metrorail station (Blue and Yellow lines). Take the Metro one or two stops into Arlington (e.g., to Crystal City/Pentagon City or to Pentagon/Rosslyn depending on your destination); typical rail travel times into central Arlington are about 5-15 minutes and SmarTrip fares for short Metrorail trips are commonly in the $2-$4 range. Taxis or rideshares from DCA to most Arlington neighborhoods are usually around $10-$25 and take 10-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Dulles is farther west but well connected. Options include the Washington Flyer Silver Line Express bus or the Silver Line Metrorail extension (check current stop names/operations) to connect to Metrorail; total travel time into Arlington is generally 35-60 minutes. Expect rideshare or taxi fares into Arlington to be roughly $45-$75; the Washington Flyer bus to the Metro is typically around $5 one-way (prices subject to change).
Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): BWI is the farthest major airport. Typical options are the Amtrak or MARC train into Washington Union Station (30-60 minutes on the airport shuttle + train) then Metrorail to Arlington (another 20-30 minutes). Combined travel time to Arlington is often 90-150 minutes; Amtrak/MARC fares vary by service (MARC is generally the cheaper commuter option).
Train: Amtrak serves Washington via Union Station (Washington, D.C.); from Union Station you can take Metrorail (Red Line to Metro Center then transfer to Blue/Yellow/Orange as needed) or a short taxi/rideshare to reach Arlington. Typical rail+Metro transit time from Union Station to central Arlington is about 20-40 minutes. Regional commuter rail (VRE) serves Northern Virginia corridors - check VRE schedules and stations for trips that put you closer to Alexandria or southern Arlington.
Bus: WMATA Metrobus runs many routes through Arlington (key corridors include Columbia Pike and Route 50) and Arlington Transit (ART) operates local neighborhood routes. Metrobus fares are typically $2.00 for a one-way ride; ART fares are lower for short local hops (check the ART website for current fares and maps). Buses are useful for short cross-town trips or where Metrorail stations are sparse, but frequencies can vary by route and time of day.
How to Get Around Arlington, Virginia
Arlington is best navigated with a combination of Metrorail for longer hops and walking or Capital Bikeshare for short trips and last-mile connections. Use Metro for speed and buses or ART to reach neighborhoods between stations; rideshares fill gaps late at night or for heavy luggage.
- Metrorail (WMATA) ($2-$6) - The Metro (Blue, Yellow, Orange and Red lines serve different parts of Arlington) is the fastest way to cover longer distances and to reach downtown D.C. Stations of note in Arlington include Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Court House, Virginia Square, Ballston, Pentagon and Crystal/Pentagon City. Trains run frequently during peak hours; buy a SmarTrip card for the cheapest fares and quicker boarding. Expect crowded trains during weekday rush hours but fast, direct trips across the river.
- Metrobus & ART (local buses) ($2.00) - WMATA Metrobus covers major corridors through Arlington and connects neighborhoods to Metro stations; service is extensive but route frequency varies. Arlington Transit (ART) runs local circulators that fill in gaps left by Metrorail and Metrobus, good for short hops and connections to business districts. Buses are often slower than the Metro but essential for reaching areas between stations-check real-time apps for schedules and transfers.
- Commuter Rail (VRE) & Amtrak (VRE $3-$15; Amtrak varies) - Virginia Railway Express (VRE) serves commuters into Northern Virginia from the south and west; it's useful for regional travel into the suburbs and can connect you closer to some parts of Arlington. Amtrak brings intercity travelers to Union Station in D.C.; from there use Metrorail, bus or a short taxi to reach Arlington. Commuter trains are best for weekday inbound/outbound trips and have limited weekend schedules.
- Capital Bikeshare & cycling ($3-$15) - Capital Bikeshare has many stations throughout Arlington and across the Potomac, making bike-sharing a fast, flexible option for short trips and last-mile connections. Arlington is fairly bike-friendly with protected lanes on several corridors (e.g., trails along the Mount Vernon Trail); avoid busy peak-traffic streets if you're not comfortable riding in dense traffic. Consider a helmet and be aware of one-way bike parking at some stations.
- Rideshare & Taxi (Uber/Lyft/taxi) ($10-$60) - Uber, Lyft and local taxis are widely available and useful late at night or for door-to-door trips where transit is indirect. Prices are convenient for short hops across Arlington ($10-$30 typical) but can spike during rush hour, special events or airport trips. Taxis are regulated; rideshare apps usually give the most predictable ETA and fare estimate.
- Walking - Arlington is compact and very walkable in its main commercial centers (Clarendon, Courthouse, Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City/Pentagon City). Walking is often the fastest way to move short distances between shops, restaurants and Metro stations-wear comfortable shoes and use pedestrian crossings; sidewalks are generally good but can be busy during peak times.
Where to Stay in Arlington, Virginia #
Where to Eat in Arlington, Virginia #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Arlington, Virginia's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Arlington, Virginia #
Arlington’s nightlife is lively, polished, and compact - think Clarendon and Crystal City for bars, live music in Ballston and Shirlington, and quick access to DC’s larger scene. Bars and pubs stay open late (most until 2 AM), restaurants are plentiful, and you’ll find both rowdy sports bars and quieter cocktail lounges. Dress is casual but neat; ride‑shares and the Metro make late exits straightforward and relatively safe.
Best Bets
- Whitlow's on Wilson - Longstanding live-music bar with an energetic local crowd.
- Clarendon (neighborhood) - Packed with bars, pubs, and late-night restaurants; central nightlife hub.
- Crystal City (neighborhood) - Hotel bars and lounges, plus newer rooftop spots and brewpubs.
- Shirlington (neighborhood) - Village-style stretch with restaurants, craft beer, and live shows.
- Ballston Quarter area - Modern spots, gastropubs, and venues with occasional live music.
- Clarendon nightlife crawl - Easy bar-to-bar walking area - perfect for a single-night tour.
Shopping in Arlington, Virginia #
Arlington’s shopping scene mixes big, familiar malls with lively neighborhood retail strips. If you want mainstream brands and one-stop convenience, head to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City; for independent boutiques, cafes and nightlife-adjacent shopping wander Clarendon and Ballston. Shirlington and Crystal City are both good for independent stores and specialty food vendors.
Prices are fixed at most US stores - only try to negotiate at occasional weekend flea markets or with individual artisans. Focus on neighborhoods (Pentagon City, Ballston, Clarendon, Shirlington, Crystal City) rather than a single “market” for the best local finds.
Best Bets
- Fashion Centre at Pentagon City - Large mall with international brands and easy Metro access.
- Ballston Quarter - Refurbished mall with shops, food hall and frequent pop-ups.
- Pentagon Row - Walkable outdoor strip with boutiques, fitness studios and restaurants.
- The Village at Shirlington - Quaint neighborhood center with local shops and independent eateries.
- Arlington Farmers Market (Courthouse) - Seasonal market for produce, baked goods and local crafts.
- Crystal City Shops - Compact cluster of specialty shops and service stores near transit.
- Clarendon shopping corridor (Wilson Blvd) - Street-level boutiques, shoe stores and evening dining options.
