What to do in Arlington, VA

Activities, attractions and tours

Arlington National Cemetery showing a cemetery, a memorial and a garden
Arlington
Arlington
Arlington
Arlington

Places to Visit in Arlington

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Arlington, Washington while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Arlington attractions from NZ$9, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Arlington tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 475 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Arlington. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Arlington

Tours & day trips

See all 441 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 633 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$92 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 166 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$110 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 39 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$110 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 33 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Price is NZ$124 per adult
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch CruiseOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 10 activities
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$255 per adult
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DCOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Arlington

Number of things to do
475
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: NZ$9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Arlington

Discover the most popular places to visit in Arlington

National Mall showing an administrative building, heritage architecture and a city

National Mall

The National Mall is where America comes to play, protest and promenade, with some of its best-known icons lined up along this long green strip.

National Mall
White House

White House

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

White House
Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a cemetery and a square or plaza

Arlington National Cemetery

Less a sight to be seen, more a journey to take, through the loss, valour and service of the US armed forces over a century-and-a-half of conflicts.

Arlington National Cemetery
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.

Smithsonian Institution
United States Capitol

United States Capitol

Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

United States Capitol
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, a top university in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard is just one of the places to see in Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

You can study the exhibits at National Museum of African American History and Culture, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Washington. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Explore areas of Arlington

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Crystal City

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Synetic Theater. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
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Pentagon City

If you're spending time in Pentagon City, you might enjoy attractions like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and Pentagon Row. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Pentagon City Station to see more of the city.

Pentagon City
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Rosslyn

4/5(4 area reviews)

The ample dining options and prominent monuments are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Freedom Park or Dark Star Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rosslyn Station to get around town.

Rosslyn
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Ballston

4/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers choose Ballston for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ballston Station or Virginia Square Station and check out top sights like Ballston Quarter.

Ballston
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Aurora Highlands

While you're in Aurora Highlands, take in top sights like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and jump on the metro at Pentagon City Station to see more of the city.

Aurora Highlands
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Radnor - Fort Myer Heights

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Radnor - Fort Myer Heights, Canadian Cross of Sacrifice and Dark Star Park are top sights worth seeing.

Radnor - Fort Myer Heights

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Arlington

Washington

Washington

Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

McLean

McLean

Bethesda, MD which includes a house and a park

Bethesda

Frequently asked questions

Is Arlington worth visiting?
Offering a blend of nightlife and shopping, there are plenty of things to do in Arlington. While you're here, check out National Mall, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Arlington?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then, check out other parts of Arlington for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Arlington?
The top tourist attraction in Arlington is National Mall, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Arlington?
You can easily visit leading attractions like National Mall, Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture with a three-day break in Arlington. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Washington.
Is Arlington a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Arlington is a good destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Then take a stroll through Downtown Washington D.C, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Crystal City, which is roughly 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Arlington with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Arlington with kids.

What to do in Arlington for adults?
K Street and Sixth and I Historic Synagogue are just a few of the things to do in Arlington. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Arlington?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Arlington. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. National Mall is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.