Experience Arlington, Virginia - Your Gateway to Washington, D.C.

White House Lincoln Memorial Veterans Memorial World War II Convention Center National Cemetery Institution Museums

Arlington is Virginia’s gateway to Washington, DC! Located in the heart of the Washington, DC metro area, Arlington, VA is a vibrant urban village directly across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital. Experience Arlington’s world-class shopping and restaurants, fashionable neighborhoods with easy airport and Metro access, and scores of famous attractions, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and Iwo Jima Memorial. A short drive over the Potomac and you’ll discover the nation’s most exhilarating sights, national monuments, memorials, and museums, including the White House, US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution Museums. With legendary attractions, performing arts, shopping and festivals, Arlington and Washington, D.C. offer unforgettable experiences to travelers from around the globe!

Arlington/Washington, DC Top Attractions

White House. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the White House is the official home and workplace of the President of the United States of America and the president’s administration. Part of the National Park Service’s President's Park, the White House is the seat of our country’s leadership and an inspiring Washington, DC landmark. A tour of the White House reveals the architectural beauty and significant history of America’s most exhaulted icon of freedom and democracy. Visit www.whitehouse.gov.

US Capitol. Founded in 1793, the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, is a treasured icon of American democracy. Located on Capitol Hill at the east end of the National Mall, the US Capitol is one of the most architecturally impressive and symbolically significant buildings in the world. The US Capitol building has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for almost two centuries. It is not only a monument to its builders but to the American people and our government. The powerful pulse of Washington is derived from Congressional activities under its majestic dome.  [Top]

Lincoln Memorial. Built as a shrine for President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Memorial is one of the most profound symbols of American democracy and freedom. Part of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this National Historic Landmark stands in the form of a Greek Doric temple with a massive seated sculpture of Lincoln beneath inscriptions of two of his immortal speeches. Millions visit to be inspired by the spirit of President Lincoln's compassion and vision to unite the nation. The memorial was the site of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Visit www.nps.gov/linc.

Washington Monument. Commemorating our nation’s first President, the Washington Monument celebrates the distinguished life and leadership of President George Washington. The 555 feet of white marble and granite captures the imagination and ideals of people from around the world. The commemorative stones in the monument’s stairwell come from every state in the Union. Open: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm daily. Free tickets are available through the National Park Service at 800-967-2283. Visit www.nps.gov/archive/wamo/home.htm.  [Top]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Setting aside the controversies of the war, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who served their nation during the Vietnam Conflict. Designed by Maya Lin, who believed that “the politics had eclipsed the veterans, their service and their lives,” the elegant Memorial encourages people of all beliefs to remember and respond. For those affected by this divisive war, it is also a place of healing and hope. Currently, there are 58,249 names on the wall. Visit www.nps.gov/vive.

United State Holocaust Memorial Museum. A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires people and leaders to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity, and strengthen democracy. Located on the National Mall, the Museum is a powerful message of the fragility of freedom, the parable of progress, and the importance of preserving democratic ethics. Since its dedication in 1993, the Museum’s authentic exhibits and inspiring tributes have taught millions about the dangers of prejudice and the need to avert genocide. For information, visit www.ushmm.org.  [Top]

World War II Memorial. Opened in 2004, the World War II Memorial commemorates and honors the 16 million who served in the US armed forces, the 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the 20th Century’s most defining world event, the memorial is a monument to the spirit and sacrifice of the American people during the Second World War. Located on 17th Street, the memorial is flanked by the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information, visit www.nps.gov/nwwm or call the National Park Service at (202) 619-7222.

US Supreme Court. Home of the Supreme Court of the United States, the Supreme Court building is an enduring symbol of faith, the cornerstone of American democracy and our judicial branch of government. Completed in 1935, the dignified building was designed in classical Corinthian architectural style to harmonize with nearby congressional buildings. As a coequal, independent branch of the US Government, it is an icon of the national ideal of justice. The Supreme Court presents changing exhibits, educational programs, and a theater that shows a film on the Supreme Court. Open Mon. - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.supremecourtus.gov/.  [Top]

Washington Convention Center. Steps from DC’s exciting attractions, historic museums, and wonderful restaurants, the monumental, 2.3 million sq. ft. Washington Convention Center is a vital meeting and event facility with 703,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space topped by an elegant, 52,000 sq. ft. ballroom for 3,000 people and views of the D.C. skyline. The only building to receive both the Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence and the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Architecture, the Washington Convention Center offers powerful technology and telecommunications, restaurants, and is home to the largest art collection of any convention center in the nation. Call (202) 249-3400 or visit www.dcconvention.com.

Iwo Jima Memorial. The Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA is a powerful symbol of the country’s respect for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps who have fallen in combat. Based on the Pulitzer-winning photograph and sculpted by Felix de Weldon, the stunning, detailed sculpture depicts the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima in 1945. While the statue illustrates one of the most celebrated victories of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who gave their lives in the defense of this country since 1775 - listing the Marine’s major battles since the Revolution. The memorial grounds, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, afford spectacular vistas of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol dome. Visit www.nps.gov/archive/gwmp/usmc.htm.  [Top]

Arlington National Cemetery. Our country’s most treasured burial ground, Arlington National Cemetery is sacred resting place to over 300, 000 honored dead and a chronicle of American history. Among thousands of white headstones of our nation’s war heroes are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, President William Taft, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis, and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Visit www.arlingtoncemetery.org.

Pentagon. Headquarters of the Department of Defense and nerve center for command and control, the Pentagon is an international symbol of military might, and one of the largest, most extraordinary office structures in the world - with 17.5 miles of corridors in its five rings and 23,000 employees. Explore this American icon on the 90-minute, 1.5 mile Pentagon Tour, which features displays highlighting significant moments in US military history and fascinating commentary about the Pentagon and the mission of the DOD. A highlight of this tour is the Hall of Heroes, honoring those who have won the Congressional Medal of Honor. Guided tours are conducted Monday through Friday by reservation. Visit http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/index.cfm.  [Top]

Smithsonian Institution Museums. The world's largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution is comprised 19 museums and art galleries, 9 research centers and beyond 143.5 million artworks, objects, artifacts and specimens. Smithsonian Institution Museums display treasured icons of our past, the vibrant art of today, and the scientific insights of tomorrow. Discover the culture, history and humanity of our world at acclaimed museums, including: the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Portrait Gallery, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, National Zoological Park, and National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian's 19th museum. Visit www.si.edu.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Grand home of the National Symphony Orchestra, the John F. Kennedy Center is the nation’s top performing arts venue, presenting 3,000 performances and events each year. Overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents a diversity of theater, dance, ballet, musical shows, and music - opera, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk - as well as annual festivals and multi-media performances. Millions are inspired by performances by the greatest artists in the world. Enjoy free concerts on the Millennium Stage, Open House Arts Festival, and Holidays at the Kennedy Center. Visit www.kennedy-center.org.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. Located in the fashionable Pentagon City neighborhood of Arlington, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City offers trendy shopping, dining and attractions. Minutes from the nation's capital, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City offers a diverse shopping experience - from fashion to furniture. A scenic glass elevator ride reveals 170 popular stores and boutiques, including Macy's, Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Apple, Banana Republic, BCBG, Coach, Cole Haan, Guess, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole, Movado, Sephora, Starbucks, Sony Style, Steve Madden, Swarovski Crystal Gallery, Tourneau, Talbots and Victoria's Secret. The sky-lit Food Court offers a cornucopia of restaurants with delicious world cuisine.  [Top]