Plan the Perfect Bleisure Trip to Arlington

As business travel returns, more and more travelers are extending their trip past the conference agenda to explore and get a taste of the local scene. Arlington's global cuisine, historic attractions, and great outdoor green spaces make it the perfect destination for a "bleisure" trip.

Whether you've decided to stay for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or are exploring solo, here are some of the spots you need to check out while visiting Arlington for a meeting and staying for the fun!

As business travel returns, more and more travelers are extending their trip past the conference agenda to explore and get a taste of the local scene. Arlington's global cuisine, historic attractions, and great outdoor green spaces make it the perfect destination for a "bleisure" trip. Whether you've decided to stay for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or are exploring solo, here are some of the spots you need to check out while visiting Arlington for a meeting and staying for the fun!

Explore the Country's History

History comes to life in the capital region. While Washington D.C. is home to some of the nation's most recognized must-see sites, you can't miss visiting Arlington's stunning monuments and memorials on your next visit.

Arlington National Cemetery

Perhaps one of Arlington's best-known historical sites, Arlington National Cemetery is the tranquil resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. Visitors can see the time-honored ceremonies, take in the scenic landscapes and wander through the monuments and headstones. A trip to this unique historic site is unlike anything you'll ever experience.

The Military Women's Memorial is also located on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Be sure to stop by for a visit and learn more about this stunning memorial honoring all women who have served courageously, selflessly and with dedication.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial honors the 184 people whose lives were lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001. Each memorial unit commemorates the life of one of the victims and is organized by the year the victim was born. Visitors can explore the two-acre memorial, listen to an audio tour that details the events of 9/11, and take in the serene beauty of this stunning memorial.

Military Memorials

There’s no better place to honor the service and legacy of veterans than the historic U.S. capital region. Arlington is home to several breathtaking military monuments and memorials. Stop by the Air Force Memorial to admire the inspiring "spires" and a breathtaking view of the area. Make your way to the Marine Corps War Memorial to view one of Arlington's most photographed memorials and the largest cast bronze sculptures in the world. Take a look at this full itinerary of military sights in Arlington for more ideas.

Black Heritage Museum of Arlington

Established in 1995, The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington is an institution dedicated to the exposition of African American experiences, leading to, and proceeding from the abolition of slavery in the United States. This museum shines the spotlight on the stories of local African American figures who were integral to the success of Arlington County and the United States.

Eat Your Way Around the World

No matter what cuisine you're in the mood for, we have you covered. Arlington's dining scene has something for every appetite or cuisine preference.

In Ballston, you can take your pick from a varied selection at Ballston Quarter Market, hit up El Rey for tacos and margaritas, or share some tapas at SER.

The lively neighborhood of Clarendon offers plenty of options too with everything from delicious Indian cuisine at Spice Kraft to classic French dare at Lyon Hall and elevated BBQ at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue.

Columbia Pike is well-known for being home to Arlington's largest selection of ethnic restaurants. Dig into flavorful Thai dishes at Bangkok 54, enjoy a tasty Mediterranean meal at Atilla's Restaurant, or savor authentic Mexican flavors at Los Chamacos a charming family-owned restaurant.

For more details on Arlington's incredibly diverse dining scene, check out our Eat Drink Love series and plan the ultimate foodie getaway.

Practice Some Self Care

Sometimes all you need at the end of a business trip is some quiet rest and relaxation. Book a massage or skin care treatment, drop into a yoga class and enjoy a blissful time while visiting Arlington.

Origins Thai Spa

Located in Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood Origins Thai Spa offers a variety of services perfect for anyone looking to take some time for self-care. Their goal is to provide the highest quality service, using techniques and influences handed down for thousands of years throughout Southeast Asia, China, and India. Take your pick from various types of massages including Thai-Euro, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, freshen up your skin with a facial, and much more.

Azure Dream Day Spa

This cozy spa located in Ballston offers a wide variety of services in a luxurious and calming atmosphere. Azure Dream Day Spa offers the latest, state-of-the-art equipment to achieve the best results possible. Their friendly staff provides great service and a variety of certified treatments. Book everything from a facial to a manicure, massage, haircut and more.

Sukha Center

Sukha Center in Clarendon is a welcoming space perfect for those looking to find their "good place" (Sukha means “good space” in Sanskrit.) Using Ashtanga as their foundation, Sukha's classes encompass all styles, levels, and journeys. Get a good sweat and downward dog your way to tranquility by dropping into one of their classes while visiting Arlington. Check out their schedule here.

Mind Body Oasis

Located in the heart of Crystal City, Mind Your Body Oasis (MYBO) aims to be a “safe getaway where you can step away from the noise, recharge and center yourself, and prepare for the world outside.” Drop into a hot yoga or pilates class or book a spa treatment at this one-stop shop for relaxation. Check our more details on their class schedule and spa services.

Have an Outdoor Adventure

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a tribute to outdoors man and naturalist Theodore Roosevelt, the USA's 26th president. This 91-acre wooded island sanctuary features a memorial plaza as well as a few trails for exploring wooded uplands, swampy bottomlands, and Potomac River views. The park can be accessed by foot or bike via the Mount Vernon Trail and is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station.

Arlington Parks

As the Fourth Best Park System in the Nation, Arlington boasts a whopping 157 parks and nature centers to explore. Explore sports facilities, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and lovely green spaces to breathe deeply and enjoy nature. Check out the Arlington County Parks & Recreation Department's calendar for free programs to attend during your visit!

Trails

Ride, run, hike or stroll through forests, over streams and past scenic vistas on Arlington's 17 trails. Create your own sightseeing tour along miles of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, mixed-use paths and quiet residential streets using ideas from BikeArlington and WalkArlington.

Explore the Local Arts Scene

Arlington's Performing Arts

Make a night at the theater part of your vacation. Arlington is well-known for showcasing top talent in award-winning shows. Classic and contemporary plays take center stage at a host of small theaters including Avant Bard Theatre, focused on classic works at the Gunston Arts Center; Tony-award winning Signature Theatre, known for Broadway-caliber contemporary musicals; Synetic Theater, which incorporates dance, drama and acrobatics and more. Check out more information about Arlington's performing arts scene here.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Arlington

Museum of Contemporary Arlington is a non-profit contemporary visual arts center dedicated to showing new work by regional artists in the Mid-Atlantic states. Explore nine exhibition galleries, view work from a variety of artists and visit the stunning Tiffany Gallery to view their breathtaking stained-glass windows created by the Tiffany Studios, a company begun in the late 19th century by the renowned artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Public Art

In Arlington, art is everywhere. Arlington is home to more than 70 permanent public artworks which reflect the community's values, diverse traditions and civic pride. In Rosslyn alone, you can take a guided walking tour and see incredible pieces such as Nancy Holt's Dark Star Park, one of the first major examples of “integrated public art” that is inseparable from its setting and creates a total environment to be experienced. For more information on Arlignton's public art collection click here.

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Paola Fernandez

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