Things To Do

From shopping and dining to arts and culture to history and the great outdoors, Arlington boasts a bonanza for every member of the family.

Memorials and museums. History and heritage. Arts and culture. Shopping and outdoors. Health and fitness. And loads of family fun. Arlington has it all. Plus, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for your Washington, DC-area explorations.

We’re proud to have some of our nation's most impressive memorials. Here, you can discover American treasures including the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), the Military Women’s Memorial and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

Uncover the county’s fascinating past — including its African American and Civil War history — in eclectic museums, landmarks, historic houses and heritage sites.

In addition to our many historical attractions, Arlington offers visitors first-class shopping and diverse dining.

Pick up a cherished item at a funky boutique or high-end store. Stop for something to eat at one of Arlington’s charming restaurants, lively cafes and neighborhood gastropubs.

When the sun goes down, Arlington springs to life with an eclectic local arts and entertainment scene.

Experience nationally renowned theater and intimate live music venues. Tap your toes to jazz, laugh out loud at a comedy act, sing along to karaoke and try your hand at trivia. Why, there’s even a mahjong parlor and a hookah bar.

Pictured | Sparrow Room at Pentagon Row (West Post)

Packed with parks, trails, nature centers and more, outdoor experiences abound. Whether it’s adrenaline-pumping mountain biking or a leisurely walk in the woods, you can find the type of adventure you’re looking for here.

Explore Arlington's 10 walkable, Metro-centered neighborhoods, each with its own energy, local hangouts and unique personality. Brush shoulders with locals at countless lively street parties, festivals, farmers’ markets and neighborhood events.

Families love Arlington’s innovative kid-friendly play areas, educational experiences and welcoming green spaces. Will the kiddos be bored? Never. They can go plane spotting, watch real raptors being fed and loll in a lazy river pool. Play mind games in several escape rooms or scale indoor climbing walls. They can even become DEA junior special agents at the DEA Museum. It’s all waiting for you just minutes by Metro, car or bike to the National Mall and other attractions in the nation’s capital across the Potomac River.