9 Things You Should Pack on a Capital Trip

Don't think of coming to the capital without these items! No. 8 is a must.

1) Comfortable shoes. You could spend months, even years here, and not see everything from memorials to museums. You will cover lots of territory, so choose comfort over style.

2) Arlington Visitors Guide & Map. Request or download the guide here.

3) Camera. Use #stayarlington when you post pictures on social media, and we may use them on StayArlington.com and our channels!

4) Bring a cinch sack to corral your belt, wallet, cellphone, keys and camera before you reach the front of security lines for museums and other attractions. Make sure it’s less than 18 inches wide by 14 inches high by 8.5 inches deep.

5) SmarTrip card. Buy one online or at any Metro station once you arrive & zip around on Metro and city buses without a thought.

6) A bike helmet. Bike-friendly Arlington has 100-plus miles of trails and designated bike routes. Check out Capital Bikeshare bicycles at more than 400 stations near Metro stations and in neighborhoods throughout the region.

7) Contact info for your Member of Congress. You can watch Congress in session at the U.S. Capitol by obtaining gallery passes from the office of your senator or representative. Contact them in advance to arrange a White House tour which includes a visit to the family movie theater.

8) A big appetite! With more than 500 restaurants, Arlington’s diverse dining scene means you should arrive hungry.

9) It’s the capital of politics, so bring your views, and we’ll give you ours: Arlington has the most amazing vistas of the Washington, D.C. skyline. You can’t see the view from atop the Washington Monument while renovations are occurring, but the capital region’s skyline can be fully enjoyed from Arlington’s tall buildings and monuments and The View of D.C.