Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC

Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, is a military cemetery with graves of service members dating back to the Civil War. The cemetery, the nearby Arlington House, and the Arlington Memorial Bridge are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cemetery spans over 600 acres with 70 sections, each dedicated to specific wars or conflicts. Almost 4 million people visit the cemetery each year, both to visit the graves and see the changing of the military guard. While you won’t be able to see the whole cemetery in 1 day, you can plan an itinerary to see the highlights you want.

Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC - one of the highlights of 10 Best Historic Things to Do in Washington DC and 10 Best Tours in Washington DC (Read all about Washington here)

What are the highlights of Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC?

Arlington National Cemetery has an array of themed burial sections, including a section dedicated to military nurses with a Nurses Memorial. There’s also Chaplains Hill, which has monuments to Protestant, Jewish, and Roman Catholic military chaplains.

The Tomb of the Unknowns is a must-visit in the cemetery. Part of the Arlington Memorial Amphitheatre, the Tomb of the Unknowns holds the remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate soldiers. The area also holds the remains of unknown service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Other memorials include the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial and a memorial to the victims of Pan Am Flight 103.

What else is good to know about Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC?

Arlington National Cemetery offers tram tours with live narration and multiple stops throughout the cemetery, including a stop at John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the Memorial Amphitheatre. If you want to experience the highlights of the cemetery, this tour is an excellent option.

As a sacred place, the cemetery has etiquette rules to ensure respect. The cemetery expects guests to speak quietly, respect funeral services, leave pets at home, and show deference to the flag. Please don’t run, bicycle, hike, or climb around the cemetery or gravestones, and be careful not to damage historic artefacts or monuments.

Location: Arlington, VA, USA

Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm

Phone: +1 877-907-8585

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