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.

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.

Pictured | DEA Museum in Pentagon City

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Things to Do in Arlington

Shopping Find the perfect vacation purchase at one of Arlington’s many name-brand stores, specialty shops and neighborhood… Learn More
Outdoors With parks, trails, nature centers and more, outdoor experiences abound in Arlington. Find the type of… Learn More
Memorials & Museums From military memorials and presidential sites to an array of eclectic museums, Arlington brings history vividly… Learn More
History Where history and fun intersect, Arlington boasts museums, memorials, historic houses and cemeteries that help tell… Learn More
Arts & Culture Whether you prefer classical theater, musical comedy, modern dance or contemporary art, you will find it… Learn More
Family Fun Calling all families! Arlington has enough fun activities and experiences to keep even the fussiest kids… Learn More
Health & Fitness Get revitalized during your time in Arlington, and go home feeling your absolute best. Learn More
Tours Sign up for an organized tour of Arlington and Washington, DC, and leave the driving —… Learn More