5 Free Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Arlington offers plenty of budget-friendly options for every type of traveler. Immerse yourself in history, culture and outdoor activities - all without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll take you through Arlington’s best no-cost attractions and hidden gems, so you can explore the capital region affordably!

Pictured | Exploring Theodore Roosevelt Island

1. Take a Self-Guided Tour

Who says you need a tour guide to adventure around Arlington? Arlington's Public Art Walking Tour map is a completely free resource that will provide you with hours of sightseeing around our various neighborhoods. Take in our public art collection by foot, on a bicycle or behind the wheel.

If history is more of an interest to you, check out Arlington's African American Heritage Map, another free guide to sights that are must-sees. We invite you to explore and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black culture and life that have made Arlington the diverse and vibrant county that it is today.

2. Journey Through Art, History and Innovation

You don't have to venture across the river for world-class museums and exhibits. Discover these popular, free collections right here in Arlington:

  • The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington - With nine gallery spaces and a large lawn suitable for public art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is one of the largest non-federal venues for contemporary art in the Washington, D.C. area. Through its rotating exhibitions and dynamic related programming, the Museum connects the community with artists from around the world, launches the careers of emerging artists, provides established artists with opportunities to experiment, and showcases Arlington’s position within a global contemporary art sector to the public.
  • The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington - Visit the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington to learn more about the African American journey of slavery to freedom in Arlington County and how African Americans played a vital role in the formation and development of our shared history.
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum - The DEA Museum collects, preserves, and shares the stories of America’s connection to drugs, including public policy, federal drug law enforcement, and the work of DEA employees around the world. To accomplish this mission, the Museum collects artifacts and documents and acts as the steward of the DEA’s collections, archives, and historical materials.
  • Arlington Historical Museum - The Arlington Historical Museum features exhibits on county history and a permanent exhibit on the Civil War with period memorabilia and artifacts. Built in 1891 as the Hume School, this historic structure is the oldest school building in Arlington County. Following extensive renovation in the early 1960s, the building reopened as the Arlington Historical Museum.

3. Experience Must-See Monuments and Memorials

Arlington brims with historic sites and memorials that pay homage to our nation’s past, and the sacrifices made for our country. Some of the most iconic monuments and memorials are free and open to the public, including:

  • Arlington National Cemetery* - Visit and honor the gravesites of U.S. presidents and other famous Americans, discover Arlington's rich history, take in scenic grounds and ponder the stories of 400,000 servicemembers remembered here. Don’t miss stops like the Eternal Flame at the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, the Arlington House and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Military Women's Memorial - Located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the Military Women's Memorial is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history. Visitors are immediately impressed by beautiful views and the building’s Court of Valor with its reflecting pool and fountain.
  • Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima) - Look in awe at the 32-foot-high figures in this bronze monument modeled after the famous photo of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima during World War II. This elevated spot is also the perfect place to snap some photos of Washington, D.C.'s most famous landmarks. While you’re there, check out the Netherlands Carillon bell tower, a gift expressing the gratitude of the Dutch people for American aid received during and after World War II.
  • Air Force Memorial - Located on a beautiful hillside vista, the Air Force Memorial honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. airmen with three stainless steel spires evoking an image of jet and space vehicle flight. From here, enjoy a panoramic vista of the Washington, D.C., skyline.
  • National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial - The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the lives lost at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, when hijackers deliberately crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building. This powerful memorial honors both the military and civilian victims, including those on the plane, and serves as a place for reflection, remembrance, and healing.

*Arlington National Cemetery tram tickets are NOT free but are reasonably priced and a great option for those who do not wish to explore the cemetery entirely on foot.

4. Snap Picture-Perfect Shots

Taking photos for the 'gram has never been easier. Between Arlington's vast collection of public art, murals, gorgeous architecture, iconic landmarks and more, there are so many different backdrops to choose from for your next free photoshoot. Check out Arlington's most popular Instagrammable spots here.

5. Venture Outdoors

Ranked as having the #5 Best Park System in America in 2023, Arlington has no shortage of free, outdoor oases to explore. Some of the most frequented spots include:

  • Theodore Roosevelt Island - This wooded island and nature sanctuary on the Potomac River is connected to Arlington by a pedestrian bridge with an accompanying parking lot. Make sure to check out Teddy's prominent monument and take in the gorgeous natural landscape while you're there.
  • Gravelly Point Park - Pack a picnic and watch the planes fly by at Gravelly Point Park, located near Reagan National Airport. Visitors always manage to take the coolest photos of planes overhead while they're here!
  • Bon Air Rose Garden - Arlington's own Bon Air Park features a beautiful Memorial Rose Garden, blooming azaleas, shade, sun and ornamental tree gardens, in addition to playgrounds, sports courts and picnic areas.

Affordable Accommodations

Many of Arlington's hotels offer continental breakfast, free airport shuttles and intuitive parking options at rates lower than similar properties across the Potomac River in downtown Washington, D.C. Explore our full list of accommodations to discover which is the right fit for you and your wallet.

Cost-Effective Conveyance

Between riding the Metro, catching a bus or utilizing our bike share system, there are so many low-cost options for getting around Arlington. With many walkable neighborhoods, you may not even need anything but your own two legs! Learn more about our multi-modal transportation system here.

Traveling with a Group?

Reach out to ACVS Director of Sales, Portia Conerly, at 703-228-0873, or Destination Sales Manager, Roxana Rivera, at 703-228-5108 for assistance with every aspect of your group visit. Get brochures, itinerary suggestions, site visits, hotel RFPs, vendor suggestions and more. We look forward to working with you to plan a reasonably priced trip for your group!

Author

Jackie Evans

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