TranslateOverview
Arlington is an urban county in Northern Virginia that sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. Despite being classified as a county under Virginia law, it functions in every practical sense as a city, with a dense, walkable downtown core, a Metro system, and a population of more than 200,000 residents.
The county is perhaps best known internationally for Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most visited sites in the entire country, and for the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. Beyond those landmarks, Arlington offers visitors a lively and genuinely local experience that contrasts with the more tourist-heavy neighborhoods across the river.
Arlington developed rapidly around its Metro corridors — particularly the Orange and Silver lines — and neighborhoods like Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn reflect that transit-oriented growth. Restaurants, bars, independent retailers, and green spaces cluster around Metro stations, making it easy to move through the county without a car.
For travelers visiting the greater Washington D.C. area, Arlington is worth treating as a destination in its own right rather than just a place to sleep. Its memorials, food scene, running and cycling trails along the Potomac, and calmer street pace give it a distinct identity.
Before You Go
Visas
Arlington is in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance, and consult the U.S. Department of State or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for the rules that apply to your passport.
Weather
Arlington has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently above 32 °C (90 °F). Winters can bring occasional snow and ice, particularly January–February. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking and sightseeing.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — most sights involve significant walking, especially at the cemetery and along the National Mall across the river
- Layers in spring and autumn; a light rain jacket is useful year-round
- Sunscreen and water bottle for summer visits
Health
No special vaccinations are required for travel within the United States. Tap water is safe to drink. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended; U.S. medical costs without coverage can be very high.
Getting There
By Air
Arlington is served primarily by Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which sits within the county boundary along the Potomac River. DCA offers direct Metro access via the Blue and Yellow lines, making it one of the most convenient major airports in the U.S. for reaching a destination by public transit. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Loudoun County and Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) in Maryland are further alternatives with a broader range of international routes; both require a longer ground transfer.
By Train
Amtrak serves Washington D.C.'s Union Station, a short Metro or taxi ride from Arlington. Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail stops at Crystal City station within Arlington, connecting to Washington D.C. and points south and west in Virginia. Verify current schedules and fares on the respective carrier websites.
By Bus
Several intercity bus operators stop in the Arlington/D.C. area. Verify routes and pick-up points locally or on the operator's official site, as these change frequently.
By Car
Arlington is accessible via I-66, I-395, and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Traffic around the D.C. region can be severely congested during peak hours. Parking in the denser urban neighborhoods is limited and metered; using Metro instead of a car within the county is generally more practical.
Getting Around
Washington Metro (WMATA)
The Metro is the backbone of getting around Arlington. The Blue, Orange, Silver, and Yellow lines all stop in the county, with stations at Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Ballston, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and others. A SmarTrip reloadable card reduces fares compared to single-ride tickets and can be topped up at any station. Verify current fares and hours at wmata.com.
Buses
Arlington Transit (ART) and the regional Metrobus network cover routes not directly served by rail. Free or low-cost circulator services operate in some neighborhoods — confirm current routes and schedules at arlingtontransit.com.
Cycling and Walking
The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail and the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac are excellent for cycling and running. Capital Bikeshare docking stations are located throughout the county; check the app for real-time availability. Most of the Rosslyn–Ballston corridor is very walkable.
Taxis and Rideshare
Rideshare apps operate throughout Arlington. Taxis are available but less common than rideshare services in this area.
Where to Stay
Arlington offers a wide range of accommodation from large business hotels near the Metro stations and Reagan National Airport to smaller boutique options. The Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Pentagon City neighborhoods have the highest concentration of hotels, many within a short walk of Metro stations.
Rosslyn is useful for visitors who plan to cross into D.C. frequently — the Rosslyn Metro station is just one stop from Georgetown and two stops from the National Mall area. Crystal City and Pentagon City are convenient for travelers arriving or departing through Reagan National Airport.
Booking through official hotel websites or established platforms is recommended. Always verify cancellation policies, as rates vary significantly by season and events. Major conferences, the National Cherry Blossom Festival period, and summer months tend to see higher demand and prices across the whole D.C. region.
Things to See & Do
Arlington National Cemetery
One of the most significant military cemeteries in the world, Arlington National Cemetery is the burial place of more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their family members. Visitors can attend the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit the grave of President John F. Kennedy (marked by an eternal flame), and walk the grounds among the memorial sections. Entry is free; verify current hours and any reservation requirements at arlingtoncemetery.mil before visiting, as access procedures have changed in recent years.
Pentagon Memorial
Located just outside the Pentagon building, this open-air memorial commemorates the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. The memorial consists of 184 illuminated benches arranged by the ages of the victims. It is accessible to the public at no charge; verify current access hours officially.
Iwo Jima Memorial (Marine Corps War Memorial)
The Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly called the Iwo Jima Memorial, depicts the iconic flag-raising photograph from the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. It is located near Rosslyn and offers a view across the Potomac toward the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol. Free to visit.
Netherlands Carillon
Adjacent to the Marine Corps War Memorial, this 50-bell carillon was a gift from the Netherlands to the United States after World War II. Concerts are performed on select days in warmer months — check the National Park Service website for the current schedule.
Outdoor Recreation
The Mount Vernon Trail runs approximately 29 km (18 miles) along the Virginia bank of the Potomac, connecting Arlington to Mount Vernon. Theodore Roosevelt Island, accessible from a parking area off the GW Parkway or by trail, is a quiet wooded park in the middle of the river. The Long Bridge Park and Potomac Overlook Regional Park offer additional green space.
Food & Drink
Arlington has one of the most diverse dining scenes in the Washington metropolitan area, shaped by a large population of federal workers, diplomats, and immigrants from across the world.
Neighborhoods to Explore
- Clarendon and Virginia Square: Concentrated restaurant strips with gastropubs, international restaurants, and brunch spots. The area around Clarendon Boulevard is lively on weekend evenings.
- Ballston: A mix of chain and independent restaurants near the Ballston Quarter development.
- Crystal City and Pentagon City: Cater partly to business travelers, with a range of sit-down and quick-service options.
- Columbia Pike corridor: Known for an authentic and varied selection of Ethiopian, Salvadoran, Vietnamese, and other international cuisines reflecting the neighborhood's demographic mix.
What to Eat
Arlington does not have a single signature dish, but the region broadly is associated with Chesapeake Bay blue crab (seasonal, typically May–October), mid-Atlantic seafood, and a wide variety of international cuisines. Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants in the Columbia Pike and nearby Shirlington areas are well regarded.
Drinking
Arlington has a growing craft beer presence, with several breweries and taprooms operating in the county. Verify current venues and hours locally. Virginia wine from the Shenandoah Valley and other nearby wine regions is commonly available.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Electricity
The U.S. uses 120V/60Hz electricity with Type A and Type B outlets. Travelers from most other regions will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter for their devices.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the United States. A tip of 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is conventional at sit-down restaurants. Tip hotel housekeeping, taxi drivers, and other service workers as customary.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, coffee shops, and some public spaces. U.S. SIM cards and short-term data plans are available at major carriers and airport kiosks. Verify compatibility with your device before travel.
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout Arlington. Major credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally. Contactless payment is common.
Useful Contacts
- Arlington County main information: verify at arlingtonva.us
- WMATA Metro: wmata.com
- Reagan National Airport (DCA): flyreagan.com
Safety
Arlington is generally considered a safe destination. It is a relatively affluent county with a strong public safety presence, particularly around federal facilities and tourist sites.
As with any urban area, standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid leaving belongings unattended in vehicles. The area around Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Rosslyn is busy and well-monitored. The Columbia Pike corridor is more residential and generally safe, though it is always sensible to be aware of your environment at night.
Note that security screening is required to visit the interior of the Pentagon — public tours exist but must be arranged well in advance through a congressional office. Do not attempt to approach secured areas around federal buildings without authorization.
For the most current travel advisories applicable to the United States, check your home country's foreign affairs ministry website.
