Rediscover Columbia Pike: More Than a Detour
Columbia Pike has always been one of Arlington’s most diverse, vibrant, and community-driven corridors. While construction may have reshaped a few routes as of late, the heart of the neighborhood beats stronger than ever.
Here's our insider’s guide to navigating the Pike during construction and visiting the small businesses and attractions that power its personality. Columbia Pike isn’t just a place to pass-through begrudgingly; it’s a place to explore and fall in love with all over again!
Explore Neighborhood Attractions
From iconic military sights and captivating museums to after-hours fun, Columbia Pike has no shortage of things to do and see:
Air Force Memorial
Located on a beautiful hillside vista off the Pike, the Air Force Memorial honors the service and heritage of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations. Three stainless steel spires soar into the sky from the promontory reaching a height of 402 feet above sea-level. The Air Force Memorial is open to the public, and admission and parking are free. The site features handicap accessible bathrooms that are open during visitor hours.
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse is a full restaurant located inside an historic 1930s art deco theater. Enjoy a full restaurant/bar menu and table-side service while sitting in oversized comfortable chairs. Every seat has access to a table or counter inside the theater. Comedians and local entertainers often perform at this location, and the theater also shows select movies.
Arlington County Parks
Celebrate the great outdoors at a dozen parks — from the 100-acre Glencarlyn Park to the tiny 0.2-acre Cleveland Park — which attract one and all to their playgrounds, recreation facilities, trails, dog parks and lovely spots for a family picnic. See the full list of Columbia Pike parks here.
Black Heritage Museum of Arlington
The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington honors African American history in the county from slavery to freedom with exhibits, monthly events, and an oral history program. This free museum is open on Thursdays, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Street parking is available in front of the building.
ParCiti Golf
Practice your golf swing at ParCiti Golf, home to the premier, best-in-class golf simulators in Arlington. Take lessons, join their loyalty program to practice frequently, get your clubs repaired, join an indoor golf league, or hold your next corporate event here.
Indulge in Local Cuisine and Shop Local
The world in a zip code, this 3.5-mile-long corridor represents 150 nationalities and Arlington’s largest selection of ethnic restaurants. Try something new at any one of these delicious local eateries or patronize one of these local businesses:
Asian-American and Pacific Islander-Owned Businesses
Latin American-Owned Businesses
To find more businesses located along Columbia Pike, check out the BizLaunch Small Business Directory and filter by neighborhood here.
Engage in Community Programming
There's always something happening on the Pike thanks to the Columbia Pike Partnership, the convening body representing the interests of all those who live, work and visit Columbia Pike. Here is just a sample of the events that take place along the Pike each year:
Columbia Pike Farmers Market
The Columbia Pike Farmers Market is a year-round market held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pike Park. Each week, you can enjoy delicious goods from local vendors. See the full list of vendors here.
Lunch Club
On the Pike, you’ll find the most eclectic food scene in Arlington, home to dozens of international, locally owned restaurants. Columbia Pike’s Monthly Lunch Club will introduce you to these beloved eateries. Join the Columbia Pike Partnership team on the last Wednesday of each month at noon to find your new favorite go-to spot!
Happy Hour
Looking to meet new people, make meaningful connections, and chat about all things the Pike? The Columbia Pike Partnership holds a Monthly Happy Hour, held on the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m., at rotating establishments along the Pike. Whether you live, work, or just love Columbia Pike, this is a great way to unwind, connect with neighbors, and stay in the loop on what’s happening in this vibrant community!
Movie Nights
Each summer, outdoor movie nights are held at Arlington Mill and at Penrose Square. The movies start at sunset and are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Keep your eyes peeled next summer for the next round of films to be shown in the neighborhood.
Blues Festival
Each summer, the Columbia Pike Blues Festival is a high-energy summer celebration that brings music, community, and culture to the heart of Arlington’s most vibrant corridor. Presented by the Columbia Pike Partnership in collaboration with Arlington Arts, the festival showcases the best of the DMV’s musical talent while honoring the rich diversity and spirit of Columbia Pike. Stay tuned for next year's lineup...
Stay on the Pike
Like what you see? Stay close to the action by booking your hotel room right on Columbia Pike. Arlington has two hotel properties located within the bounds of this neighborhood:
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is a 419-room, pet friendly, high-rise hotel with onsite American Bistro dining options and a full bar. The Sheraton even has courtesy shuttles that are available to and from National Airport (DCA) and the Metro stops at Pentagon City and Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall.
Days Inn by Wyndham Arlington Pentagon
The Days Inn by Wyndham Arlington Pentagon is a 74-room, economy hotel with an onsite Thai restaurant, Rincome Thai, and a full bar. The Days Inn also offers free light breakfast daily.
Construction Project Information
Improvements are happening on Columbia Pike to make travel safer and more accessible for everyone. See the most recent construction project updates from Arlington County here.
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3045B Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204