Spend a Day Exploring Arlington, VA’s Military Sights
Arlington has an unmistakable connection to the U.S. military. Not only is it home to Arlington National Cemetery and many military monuments and memorials, the county is also where the Pentagon, the helm of the U.S. Department of Defense, is located.
Arlington also hosts Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, home to several regiments of the Armed Forces including the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
The Old Guard is the Army’s oldest active duty unit, honoring fallen comrades in arms and conducting ceremonies. In fact, many active duty military and veterans live in Arlington, and quite a few have started businesses of their own. Explore Arlington’s military sights and visit veteran-owned businesses with this one-day itinerary.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Compass-Coffee-latte-by-deoranjebean-Instagram_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=1bfeec7ac545b8c949e793017a64a6fc 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Compass-Coffee-latte-by-deoranjebean-Instagram_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e1a8071436e2fc8a20ed4f683928ee5d 450w)
Breakfast and Coffee
Start your day with a latte and fresh pastries at Compass Coffee in Rosslyn. This local coffee chain was started by two former Marines and is dedicated to making great coffee at its Arlington roastery.
Travel Time in Minutes
CAR | TRAIN | BIKE | FOOT |
3 | 7 | 4 | 12 |
Marvel at the Marine Corps War Memorial
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/eprifold-Instagram-Marine-Corps-War-Memorial_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7518fc06eeb97bc33dbbd3fdf9b5a15f 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/eprifold-Instagram-Marine-Corps-War-Memorial_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=239d3b8eceb82d6e34c03f110dc705ac 450w)
After you’re caffeinated, take a walk to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The moving memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. Walk around the monument to experience the magnificent work of art and the stunning views of the nation’s capital.
Travel Time in Minutes
CAR | BIKE | FOOT |
5 | 3 | 12 |
Honor the Fallen at Arlington National Cemetery
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20181001_JakeMcGuire_ANC_241_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e77f28af96c5e573e238c0597e4aa53a 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20181001_JakeMcGuire_ANC_241_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=80a9fdc8ca415c45d60f599f8c17315e 450w)
Make your way to Arlington National Cemetery, the tranquil resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. Stop by the Welcome Center to buy tickets for a tram tour or explore the cemetery on your own. Make time to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, performed by the U.S. Honor Guard.
Celebrate the Contribution of Women in the Military
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/iStock-181849582-Women-in-Military-Service-for-America-Memorial_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=82e397b608d10b9e920ac9d4730e9926 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/iStock-181849582-Women-in-Military-Service-for-America-Memorial_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8910c16f949919629fc87eb901a95f9b 450w)
Adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, the Military Women's Memorial recognizes women’s contribution to the armed forces. The beautiful building is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history.
Be sure to check out their newest monument, “The Pledge, " a bronze sculpture honoring all women in military service and combat-trained dogs. The monument stands just inside the Women’s Memorial, located at the ceremonial entrance of Arlington National Cemetery.
Travel Time in Minutes
CAR | TRAIN | BIKE | FOOT |
4 | 10 | 6 | 19 |
Air Force Memorial
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/robertriegerphotography-Instagram_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b43b9d9892517ed4cd4019dfa951d933 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/robertriegerphotography-Instagram_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=09288fc08f9c4a38faa123a717c6f05f 450w)
After a delicious lunch, snag a cab to visit the Air Force Memorial, honoring the service and heritage of the men and women in the United States Air Force. The towering memorial affords nice views of Arlington and Washington, D.C., which are reflected off its gleaming three-pronged formation—inspired by the contrails of the Air Force Thunderbirds.
Travel Time in Minutes
CAR | TRAIN | BIKE | FOOT |
4 | 11 | 5 | 22 |
The Pentagon
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Pentagon-via-@deborahgibsondesign_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2f08aa201a25d4089483c3b9b9b9178f 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Pentagon-via-@deborahgibsondesign_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a61c47ec386254b5a8192e06622fe7c0 450w)
After spending the day honoring the military’s legacy, learn about current operations on a tour at the Pentagon. The headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon offers 60-minute tours to visitors Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Reservations must be booked from 14 to 90 days in advance.
Travel Time in Minutes
CAR | TRAIN | BIKE | FOOT |
12 | 28 | 27 | 90 |
Dinner
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/gocodough-Instagram_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d01625ac8291cb8a96f459d304d1d3da 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/gocodough-Instagram_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=30b1582871c7fa4d7ed356880debc2bb 450w)
Ready for dinner? Head to Good Company Doughnuts & Café, a veteran and family-owned café specializing in hand-cut doughnuts baked fresh every day. The Ballston neighborhood spot has plenty of dinner options as well, ranging from soups and salads to sandwiches and small plates.
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