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Arlington National Cemetery
Categories: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Local Services Funeral Services & Cemeteries Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Funeral Services & Cemeteries [Edit]
Memorial DrArlington, VA 22211
(877) 907-8585
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
134 reviews for Arlington National Cemetery
Review Highlights
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"The tomb of the unknown soldier was cool." In 27 reviews -
"The eternal flame & JFK's grave site was very cool." In 23 reviews -
"A must see while visiting our nations capital." In 16 reviews
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134 reviews in English
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Review from RE C.
Franklin, OH
5/20/2012
Just an outstanding piece of history that everyone must see. The vastness and size of this cemetery is just unreal. So many historical things in here to see. The Changing of the Guard is something to see.. and the eternal flame at JFK tomb is humbling.
If you visit, take your time, wear comfy shoes and see it all, not just a little bit of it. -
Review from Nina U.
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wear your walking shoes. There's a metro stop right at the visitor's center that's really convenient and you can stop for a break at the visitor's center where they have large bathrooms and a gift shop.
If you are attending a funeral service, it's best to carpool and use a gov't vehicle if you have access to one. That will guarantee you access to drive inside the cemetery and park close. Be sure you have a map and know where you're going ahead of time because it is almost as large as the parks in China felt. You can get lost without a map. There were some people who drove their own cars and were allowed to drive in since they were attending a service.
The cemetery is well kept and the tombstones are amazing when you look at them at an angle. People have left little keepsakes for their loved ones too like shells and little rocks. We were ready to stand there rain or shine and it rained. The 21 gun salute made me twitch even though I expected it. And the fly over was impressive. Not sure how they coordinated air space to make that happen but our Airman that we lost in a plane crash over Djibouti deserved it. -
Review from Kyle F.
Bellefonte, PA
3/21/2012
This is, in my opinion, the most hallowed grounds in the United States of America. This cemetery is located just south of Washington, D.C. in Arlington (you can take the blue-line using the Metro to get there).
Besides the obvious tourist sites to see: Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the JFK gravesite (Eternal Flame).
Tourists should make their way to Section 60 to see the location where most of the dead from Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan and Philippines) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq and Kuwait) are buried.
A must to everyone who visits the Washington, D.C. area. -
Review from Laura P.
Maryville, TN
4/8/2012
There are no words to truly describe. Maybe amazing, beautiful, and wow. An absolute must see.
I must admit that we were at the Marine Memorial and wandered in the side gate on that side. From afar we witnessed a bit of a funeral ceremony. We left after a few minutes because we felt we were intruding. But the horses, uniforms, and bagpipes were so impressive. -
Review from Jake J.
3/12/2012
This is a must-see for any visitors to the city and even for locals. If you live here, you have even less of an excuse....
The view from the Kennedy gravesite was my favourite spot. -
Review from Jeremy O.
2/27/2012
During my time spent in D.C., I can say without a doubt that nothing was more moving than Arlington National Cemetery. Being someone who watches a lot of History Channel, and having seen documentaries on the cemetery before, I knew I was in for a real treat when visiting this historic place. However, nothing you have seen on TV will ever do this place justice.
First of all, and just to get this out of the way, yes, there is a lot of walking and a lot of hills. However, I highly suggest sucking it up for a day and just be grateful you are able to do so. That being said, some of my favorite locations within the cemetery were the Eternal Flame, the views of the National Mall below, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you can catch the changing of the guard ceremony, you are in for a real treat.
If you are in Washington D.C., you absolutely have to spend an afternoon here. It really does give you a lot of perspective on our nation's history and the sacrifices that have been made to ensure its continuity. -
Review from Spencer R.
Woodbridge, VA
4/21/2012
Very important place to visit. Sobering and beautiful.
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Review from Kevin C.
Ironton, OH
3/4/2012
It was truly an honor to visit Arlington National Cemetery and a definite must see must do if you're in the DC area.
The grounds are beautiful, humbling, and massive! Do yourself a favor and experience the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and allow yourself a quiet reflective walk. -
Review from Joe Y.
Mountain View, CA
4/5/2012
What more can be said. This is indeed hallowed ground.
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Review from Samantha E.
Alexandria, VA
12/17/2011
A great stop if you are riding or running the Mt. Vernon trail. A beautiful cemetery that is absolutely captivating. Once you are inside, it seems as though it will never end. It truly makes you appreciate the sacrifices of the women and men in our military.
Just be aware, the metro closes here in the early evening. -
Review from Danny F.
12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you can see in person what Arlington is all about... You will be affected. Every American is related to these grounds. Whether it's personal ties or not.
As an outsider, you can remain in awe of the sheer amount of tombstones on the green lawns. If you can imagine men and women instead, standing there on the lawn, there's little you can replace in person without seeing some action movie. Many of those graves, soldiers who have men serve under them. So you can imagine a dozen, hundred, maybe even thousand more under their command.
Visiting here, you will notice how much care and attention is taken into the grounds keeping. Symbolic for the way this country treats its fallen soldiers. Proof of this is also shown in the post of the Tomb of the Unknowns. Always on post, 24/7 and 365 since 1937. You will be warned if you approach too near by Tomb Guards. A sign of respect, for the everyother fallen soldier. The ones who remain unable to speak for themselves. They are protected with extreme commitment.
If you have the time, walk along the lengths of the Cemetery. And don't complain about your tired feet. -
Review from Lady R.
Austin, TX
2/4/2012
Beautiful! Every during the winter time!
Truly impressed with the landscaping, our heroes, all the gifts that have been given to the fallen heroes, all the structures, and even the people.
Be prepared to walk a lot, but I don't feel like you need to bust out the hiking gear. I was actually perfectly fine in my boots.
The only downside of this trip was the parking... (they charged us an extra hour because we went 2 minutes over our hour....) parking is $1.75 per hour. -
Review from Mico C.
Santa Clara, CA
3/18/2012
Here lay the bodies of men pinned with purple hearts, silver stars, and navy crosses. Here lay the Brothers Kennedy, beside the eternal flame. And the tomb of the unknown soldier built with Colorado Yule marble. Behold, we shall bear any burden to assure the survival of liberty. Let us go forth to lead the land we love- asking His blessing and his His help- but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
Listed in: US visits
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Review from Claire C.
Marion, AL
2/26/2012
I visited here 3 years ago with my kids' sixth grade class. I was deeply touched by the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The inscription "Here lies in honored glory an American soldier known but to God" on the tomb (when read while witnessing the changing of the guards) tears at one's heart. This is a must-see for ANYONE visiting the Arlington/Washington area. A truly impactful, thought provoking tour.
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Review from Anna S.
10/27/2011
Go at sunset, in autumn, and stand about halfway down the hill looking over the sweep of graves and the city beyond. (Robert Lincoln's grave is a good place for this - a little out of the way; no tourists.) The cemetery plays taps every day at dusk. Something about hearing that play over the graves as another day and season go to rest is just unbelievably profound.
Another fun way to remember the people buried here: walk around the hill with all the ranking officers, using your smartphone to Wikipedia them. Most of them are on there and did really quite swashbuckling things. You'll find some awesome stories you wouldn't otherwise know, and sharing those stories is a great way to thank these people for their sacrifice.Listed in: DC Cemeteries!
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Review from Jeffrey K.
Rockville Centre, NY
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a lot needs to be said about these hallowed ground. It is full of heroes and we need to thank each an everyone of them for what we have and cherish in our daily lives here in the USA.
With that being said, the ground are beautiful and peaceful. You could walk through / around here for hours in awe. When in DC this is a place that should not be missed. And above all, when you are here, do not even think of missing a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers -- just to be there to see the Old Guard guarding the tomb and the ceremony which goes along with the changing of the guard . . . every hour, just can blow you away.
NOTE: although the cemetery closes at night, the guard is there night and day, through all kinds of weather, standing guard and "walking the mat" to honor our unknowns. Amazing to see! -
Review from Dana Z.
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just a beautiful, peaceful place to be in Northern Virginia. Every time you go, the rows and rows of graves are a sight to be seen.
If you can go during the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that is something interesting to watch. It's so exact and precise and just amazing to watch.
I've taken a veteran friend here visiting from California and he really appreciated experiencing it. I'd like to take the bus tour sometime because I feel like there is a lot to see and learn here that you might not get from walking around -
Review from Alejandra A.
Miami, FL
10/15/2011
Simply amazing! This is a must see if you are ever visiting the area. I recommend the tour because it gives you highlights about who is buried there and where to find certain graves and memorials. You get to get off and take some time to walk around if you would like.
We got to see the changing of the guard ceremony, and an extra ceremony with some kids from a high school.
I cannot begin to explain what it feels to walk through those graves...It is something that you have to experience on your own. You can find the unknown soldier area, the astronauts, and even the nurses that served which was very close to my heart since I am a nurse.
Totally worth going out there.Listed in: Culture Vultures-Get your…
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Review from Brian A.
Malibu, CA
1/18/2012
This is a must if one wants to honor the people who have served valiantly
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Review from Cris F.
Englewood, CO
10/20/2011
5 Stars for everything Including:
1.) Our military.
2.) This Cemetery.
3.) The unknown soldiers ceremony.
4.) The grounds - so peaceful.
5.) USA.
Enough said. Go pay your respects. A must. -
Review from Kyle S.
Fullerton, CA
1/17/2012
The tomb of the unkowns is a must visit while you are here. To remember that not all people who fought for our freedoms are remembered or identified. This is a great symbol of the prices that are paid for the freedoms we have today and just a short tribute to show the appreciation for these people.
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Review from Amy O.
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know how to say this...besides absolutely breath taking. The history, the families that have memories of their lives here forever, the beautiful services.
We watched (from afar) a service for a retired highly decorated military serviceman. The full service of a band, horses leading the casket in, rifles shot, and planes overhead...just touched our hearts.
Then we walked up to the JFK memorial. The everlasting flame, the wall with quotes from his famous speech...I cannot say what it meant to us.
And to say that our visit to Arlington National Cemetary was the piece of the trip (Washington DC and NYC) that was the most amazing is truly remarkable. -
Review from Rachel F.
Santa Clarita, CA
9/28/2011
Five stars for a cemetery seems a little strange bit there is just so much history here. The guided tour is great. There was something so powerful about standing where JFK, Jackie O and RFK are laid to rest - especially after having stood in the kitchen of the Ambassador where RFK was shot and having since been to Grassy Knoll in Dallas.
The changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must. Again - a very powerful experience.
The grounds are beautiful, well taken care of and a peaceful place to be. Do not miss if you are a reasonable distance from Arlington, VA - the Metro will take you right there. -
Review from Paige M.
6/27/2011
Out of all the things to see in D.C., Arlington was at the bottom of my list. I'm more interested in museums than war memorials. After arriving, my opinion changed.
Arlington National Cemetery is something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. It is more than just a war memorial; it is an architectural wonder that displays what has been lost in order for America to thrive.
Movies and pictures cannot do justice to seeing the graves in person. For as far as the eye can see, identical headstones are lined in perfectly straight rows. The grounds are segmented off by war. There are even plots for modern day soldiers and unknown civilians.
Notables in the cemetery include the Kennedy grave site, which has a stone wall with the President's "Ask not what your country can do for you" speech. The Kennedy graves are marked with an eternal flame.
Be sure to visit Arlington House, located on the top of the hill just beyond the Kennedy Memorial. The small museum tells the rich history of the property, originating as a structure for George Washington. It was later inherited by his descendent, Robert E. Lee. The Lee family abandoned the house once the Civil War began, and it was later seized by the government. Arlington Cemetery was created on the property to prevent Lee from ever returning home.
Arlington Cemetery is a beautiful D.C. landmark which will humble and inspire guests of all ages.
- Plan to spend 3 - 4 hours touring the Cemetery. The trail is 3 miles roundtrip.
- FREE. Located on the Metro line.
- Recommended as a Sunday morning activity for visitors, as it opens early.
- Look out for the TourMobile. It may run you over. Don't bother riding it though. The walk is leisurely and you get the best experience on foot.
- Bring water, a small snack, and your camera.
- As with most D.C. activities, expect there to be crowds if you visit at the end of May / beginning of June. This is when high school trips are at their peak, and you'll encounter many apathetic teenagers on tour. -
Review from Patty W.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit, just go! You won't be sorry. The thought of cemeteries is not appealing to me. Something strikes you when you are here. Whether it's the perfectly lined up tombstones or the respect you give for the ones that have given their lives up for you, it makes you think twice. Be prepared to walk a lot if you don't opt for the bus tour. Of course, the tomb of the unknown soldiers is worth seeing. There is a guard there around the clock rain or shine proudly performing his duty there. The changing of the guards is fascinating. It's one of the highest honors in the military.
Surreal. -
Review from Kristen P.
Alexandria, VA
7/30/2011
Walking through the cemetery gets me every.time. It really is a humbling experience when you see how many tombstones actually line the cemetery and how many were placed recently. It's so heartbreaking, and yet everyone should visit. Not to see JFK's tomb, but to see all the young soldiers that have lost their lives while ensuring our freedom.
Go.
Also, there is an amazing view of DC from the Arlington House. Incredible. Armed forces members can enter the cemetery through Fort Myer. -
Review from Julie A.
5/18/2011 19 photos
One of the more memorable parts of our trip to DC. You really gain a deeper understanding about sacrifice and a deeper respect for those who risked their lives to fight for our country. It's a huge place, so come early in the morning when it's not that hot.
Lucky for us, we came during the early afternoon hours with the sun almost directly above. Oh, did I mention DC was going through a nasty heat wave the week we went? Haha.
We did find some relief from the heat at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier since the sun had moved somewhat behind the building by the time we headed over there. It's a 30 min wait in-between sessions, but it was well worth it.
Count it, 21 steps. Then, 21 second pause. 21 more steps. 21 more seconds. Such discipline. Such contemplation. Such patience. And for the cause -- such Honor.
Another landmark to see and reflect upon is the gravesite of John F. Kennedy.
By the way, it's a FREE visit and you can get your National Parks passport stamped here.Listed in: Highlights of the Capital, National Parks Passport
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Review from Megan H.
Arlington, VA
Updated - 9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've visited Arlington many times since my first review, and always seem to find something new during my visit.
I mentioned in my first review that the whole area is walkable, which it is, but I opted to take the trolley a few times as well after that, and the trolley driver is a wealth of little tidbits and interesting history. And I've also noticed that they do not always take the same route to the destinations or tell the same information. So riding more than once, you'll still get to learn different things. The only down side is that you have to wait in line with the rest of the people in your trolley to see something and you won't happen to wander around walking to places to stumble on interesting gravestones or monuments.
You can also get the best views of DC from the Arlington House and above the Women's War Memorial.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/27/2010
Walking into the cemetery and seeing the rows upon rows of tombstones, it really left an impression… Read more »
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Review from Dea J.
7/20/2011 1 photo
We came here on our tour and the anticipation was killing me. We had a bit of a walk though since they were doing road construction and couldn't drop us off at the front...in the middle of winter. But anyways, this experience has stayed with me years after.
First off, it's free. Second, the bathrooms were very clean and plentiful; didn't have to wait very long. There were also a lot of people, which is to be expected, but what I didn't expect was how desolate it was when we actually went out into the cemetery. It's kinda like, where did everyone go?
I agree with fellow yelpers that everyone should experience this in person. Pictures and videos do not serve it justice. You could just feel something in the air. In every single direction as far as the eye could see were headstones. I about wanted to cry when you started doing the math and realizing how young some of those were when they died, especially when I have a brother in the military. One in our group did shed some tears. Yes, it is that powerful.
We saw the Kennedy eternal flame and all around the elliptical plaza were inscribed quotes that just made you stand, think and appreciate life. The view is indescribable as well.
We proceeded to walk up to the Tomb of the Unknown soldier to watch the changing of the guards. Once again, it was an experience I won't soon forget. So precise, patient and diligent. You could just tell that they were honored to be a part of the ceremony, every hour, on the hour. It was so silent that you could hear the heels click of the soldiers. I'm talking, stone cold silence where you're almost afraid to speak. -
Review from Miguel R.
4/15/2011 2 photos
No words can describe the feeling you get when you take a step back and actually SEE what you are looking at.
This is the price of our freedom. -
Review from Sean Y.
Updated - 12/14/2010
Peace be with you. Pfc Rusk, and Cpl. Derek Wyatt (USMC) died Dec 6 while serving in Afghanistan. He leaves behind a wife and a newborn son named in his honor, who was born approx 24 hours after news of his death.
It is because of men and women who show blatant willingness to fight and a selfless attitude that I, like you, am able to enjoy this sacred freedom. I will not forget that freedom is not free. Peace be with you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/9/2010
Like:
- Changing of the guards
- Sense of the sacrifice that freedom takes
- Sense of honor, integrity,… Read more »
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Review from Meagan M.
Savannah, TX
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Take the trolley tour. We would have never been able to see so much on the day we visited. I was moved to tears during the changing of the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. This was my first visit and it really puts in perspective all of those who have sacrificed their life for out freedom.
Make sure you have enough water. -
Review from Phil W.
Carlsbad, CA
4/29/2011
It seems weird to say "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" about a cemetery. But if you haven't been, you must go.
Do avoid the touristy tours, though. Just walk around and take in the sense of the place.
And if you take a pack of teenagers with you, maybe use the opportunity to teach them something about civility and respect? No one else seems to be doing it anymore. Oy. -
Review from Ari S.
3/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is absolutely huge!
It is so amazing realizing how many people have helped our country. Every tourist should take the metro to see this.
Make sure to check out the changing of the guards every hour, its very impressive. Along with JFK's tomb and the Arlington House.
The bathrooms are very big and extremely clean, parking needs to be improved. But then again everyone should be taking the metro, very convenient.
Make sure you wear walking shoes!! -
Review from Kyle F.
12/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is where many of America's war heroes and Presidents have been laid to rest. The amount of history behind the site is staggering and seeing a caisson service is moving.
A Metro stop just a few hundred feet from the front entrance is very convenient and enables anyone to make a visit here on their stay. -
Review from Tim L.
Long Beach, CA
7/8/2011
The most humbling experience ever. Every US Citizen should pay respects and visit this sacred ground. Thank you Lord for all who gave. Never forget.
God Bless our Nation, Amen~ -
Review from Sharon V.
10/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's hard to put into words how powerful Arlington Cemetery is. Row after row, after row, are tombstones of our nations heroes. More than 300,000 and counting as there are on average 28 funerals a day. For my husband and I, we experienced a range of emotions during our visit. It's both uplifting and disheartening to say the least.
The first time I went here, I went with a tour and although helpful for first-timers, I preferred walking through the cemetery silently and taking it all in ourselves. The tour felt rushed and we were not able to go off the beaten path to explore.
You must see President Kennedy's and Jackie Onassis place of rest, the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, Arlington House and the Tomb of the Unknowns. All are necessary to see but I really enjoyed the Arlington House this past visit because I didn't get to see it the first. It's currently undergoing a massive restoration project so all the furnishings were removed. I really didn't mind because but it allows you to use your imagination on how Robert E. Lee and his family once lived and how painful it must've been for the two of them to be forced to abandon the home they built together and loved so much.
During our stroll, we encountered a young man in uniform kneeling at a gravesite. It was a picture perfect shot and I raised my camera to capture it. As I looked through my view finder, something in me held me back and I realized that this was his moment, not mine. He obviously came here to pay respects to a loved one and I should not intrude. I did observe from a distance and then I heard Taps playing in the distance during the Changing of the Guard and I nearly lost it. That picture although not captured digitally, will live in my mind and heart forever. A gentle reminder to tour this cemetery with the utmost respect.
I'd highly recommend visiting this site without a tour and on foot. A few years ago, my husband I went to the Normandy Cemetery in France and this one was just as powerful.Listed in: Places to visit
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Review from Jim C.
Yonkers, NY
4/11/2011
It is debatable if Arlington is a super tourist destination, but after visiting I truly believe that our politicians should make this a regular destination and see the acres and acres of graves. Only then will they truly realize the sacrifice our citizens make based on there decisions and will not be so quick to send our people into battle in the future.
That being said the grounds are best condition I have ever seen. Some of highlights are the Kennedy's graves and the tomb of unknown soldier. The low point was Robert E Lee's house. It is going through renovation but honestly it looks like they waited 50 years to late to start this project. -
Review from Danielle S.
Elk Grove Village, IL
10/6/2011
Definitely worth going to! Like many of the places in D.C., there is so much history here and I definitely recommend getting a guided tour. It is very memorable. It's amazing to see all of the tombstones - makes you realize how many people have fought for and served this country. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is a must see. The ceremony there gave me chills. And of course the JFK Memorial is outstanding as well. It does get hot and it's very open so there's not a lot of shade - just a forewarning!
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Review from Sarah H.
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Step 1: Get here by metro or car
Step 2: take a picture in front of the tombs
Step 3: check out JFK's tomb
Step 4: walk up to the house at the top of the hill. This is NOT where the famous ceremony takes place. When I asked a stranger how far the ceremony is from the house, she said I would never make it there in 10 minutes. Biatch I am not old and fat.. I hauled my ass over to Step 5.
Step 5: walk towards the left path of the cemetery to the tomb of the unknown soldier at the top of every hour.
Step 6: Walk by down and stop by the bathroom at the visitor's center before you get to your car or metro.
Step 6 1/2: There is a women's memorial but it is completely empty. Sexist nation! I just took a picture in front of it.
Step 7: DO NOT go to Iwo Jima by foot.. Feet are still in pain after a week. There is no subway or taxi at Iwo Jima.. so you'll have to walk your butt over back to the cemetery.
Step 8: Better to walk across the bridge towards the Lincoln Memorial for your next stop.Listed in: Good times in DC
