Quick Details
Adult
$ 38
Child
5-12 years old
$ 25
Private Tour
$ 250
Tour Overview
Arlington National Cemetery is the nation’s most sacred resting place, where more than 400,000 servicemen and women are buried among rolling hills and sweeping views of Washington, DC. Every American war is represented here—from the Revolution to the present day. Two U.S. Presidents, thirteen Supreme Court justices, and countless others whose lives shaped the nation are buried in these hallowed grounds.
Arlington is not only a collection of graves; it is a carefully composed memorial landscape. Its tree-lined avenues, symmetrical rows of headstones, and monumental memorials embody evolving ideas about honor, sacrifice, and national identity. On this guided walk, we’ll explore how history and design converge to make Arlington a living memorial.
What We’ll See
We begin outside the Visitor Center with the origin story of Arlington: once the estate of George Washington Parke Custis, grandson of Martha Washington, and later the home of Robert E. Lee. During the Civil War, the Union seized the plantation, and by 1864 Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs transformed it into a cemetery. Meigs envisioned Arlington as a national stage for remembrance and a pointed message to the Lee family. He embedded symbolism into its geography: Union soldiers at Lee’s doorstep, broad vistas oriented toward the Capitol, and a layout conveying discipline, unity, and permanence.
As we walk the grounds, we’ll see how design reinforces meaning at every turn. Arlington House, perched atop the hill, serves as the cemetery’s architectural and visual anchor. The nearby grave of Pierre L’Enfant, planner of Washington, DC, commands a sweeping vista across the city he envisioned, though this was not his original resting place. At the foot of the hill, the Kennedy family gravesites, with its iconic eternal flame, introduces a modern memorial language of light and renewal. Section One features some of the oldest and most intriguing graves, including that of Meigs himself.
Our walk culminates at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where austere white marble and the solemn ritual of the Changing of the Guard create one of America’s most powerful symbolic spaces.
Tour Highlights
- Arlington Mansion
- President William Howard Taft Monument
- Tomb of Robert Todd Lincoln
- Kennedy Grave-sights
- Pentagon (from a distance)
- USS Maine Mast Memorial
- Space Shuttle Memorials
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Private & Group Tours
Private tours are available any day and time, and for groups of all sizes, from solo travelers and families to a full bus load! Check our private bookings calendar to reserve a walking tour for groups of up to twelve people. For times not listed online, groups larger than twelve or custom itineraries, get in touch , and we’ll help plan the perfect tour. Please let us know if you have any personal connections to the cemetery, and we would be honored to help locate a specific grave or memorial.
Where to Meet
Meet your guide outside the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center on the West side, near the granite benches. Please proceed right after going through the security check and head out the double doors to find our meeting spot.
GPS Address: 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211
Your tour will end back at the Visitors Center, unless you decide to explore more of the cemetery on your own after the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Please note that all visitors must go through a security check upon arrival.
Map of the Tour Route
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this tour be booked privately?
Yes! Private versions of this tour are available at flexible times. Check our private bookings calendar or contact us directly to reserve outside the listed times or for groups of 13 or more. Please let us know if you have any personal connections to the cemetery, and we would be honored to help locate a specific grave or memorial.
Can I visit a specific grave?
We would be honored to help locate specific graves and escort you to the location on a private tour. If possible, please let us know in advance so we can plan our route to incorporate a stop there.
How strenuous is the route?
The tour covers about 2.5 miles at a modest pace on paved paths. There are a few hills to climb, but the route accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes! Guests of all ages will appreciate the history, design, and moving symbolism of this hallowed ground.
Do we go inside any buildings?
The tour is mostly outdoors, focusing on the cemetery’s landscape, layout, and memorial design. Depending on the schedule, we may go inside Arlington House.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bottled water.
Are there bathroom stops on this tour?
There are public restrooms at the Visitors Center and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and concludes at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center, with the option to continue self-guided exploration after the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
How do I get to the starting location?
By Metro: Arlington Cemetery Station (Blue line) is a short walk from the Visitors Center.
By Car: Paid parking is available at the cemetery, near the Visitor Center.
Is tipping expected?
Thanks for asking! Gratuities are never required but are always appreciated. Our guides work hard to provide an engaging and memorable experience!
What if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. In the case of severe weather (such as thunderstorms or extreme heat), we’ll notify you by email and text at least 2 hours before your tour with any changes or cancellations.
How can I contact my guide on the day of the tour?
Your guide will email you the day before with their cell phone number for day-of coordination.
