Top 6 Reasons Arlington is an Ideal Destination for Student Groups

The capital region is an ideal place for an educational trip for student groups. There are hundreds of historic sites, cultural attractions, and enriching experiences in the area to keep children busy and learning.

When planning a trip to Washington, D.C., student groups often seek a convenient, affordable, and safe place to stay while being close to the nation's capital. Booking your student group’s stay across the Potomac River in Arlington offers just that, with many benefits, including:

Pictured | Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

1. Educational Attractions

For attractions that "wow" but can also be tied to your latest history lesson, Arlington is the place! Make sure to add these stops to your itinerary for an A+ trip:

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 Military Women's Memorial, the Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can even arrange in advance for your group to lay a wreath at the Tomb and witness the Changing of the Guard. Students can also discover the diverse history of the United States through the cemetery's unique lens by participating in its educational program.

Pro Tip: Hop on a tram if the walking becomes too much for your group. Tours depart every twenty minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Marine Corps War 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. Score an Instagram-worthy photo of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol from this elevated site. While you’re there, check out the Netherlands Carillion bell tower, a gift expressing the gratitude of the Dutch people for American aid received during and after World War II.

Fun Fact: Iwo Jima is the largest bronze sculpture in the world!

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.

9/11 Pentagon Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon stands as a solemn tribute to the lives lost at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed 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. Audio tours are available for visitors and docents may be available for guided tours as well upon contacting the memorial.

Reagan National Airport Tours

From learning how the airport provides safety for passengers to an inside look at airport operations, students walk away with a wealth of new career knowledge after touring Reagan National Airport. They can tour the airport fire station and see a demonstration from the K-9 explosives team, as well as talk with employees about aviation technology and what it’s like to work at an airport.

DEA Museum

The DEA Museum & Visitors Center offers an engaging and educational experience for student groups interested in learning about the history and impact of drug enforcement in the United States. The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of the nation’s drug policy, the science of addiction, and the efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking.

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MOCA Arlington) is the perfect destination for student groups seeking to engage with cutting-edge art in an inspiring, thought-provoking environment. With rotating exhibitions that showcase a diverse range of artists and mediums and their new innovation studio in National Landing, MOCA Arlington provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of art history, culture, and creative expression.

Arlington National Cemetery

2. Opportunities to Get Outside

Whether you're looking for a spot to eat your packed/boxed lunches or just need some recommendations for where your students can get some of their energy out, these outdoor havens provide the ample space you're looking for:

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Work out some energy between museums and memorials at this wooded island and nature sanctuary on the Potomac River connected to Arlington by a pedestrian bridge. Arrange for a National Park Service ranger-led tour of the island trails, a tribute to outdoorsman and naturalist Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president.

Gravelly Point Park

Pack a picnic and head to Gravelly Point Park. Located near Reagan National Airport, this wide-open space is a favorite spot for students of all ages to watch the planes take off and land. You can also rent bikes at the Capital Bikeshare kiosk to ride along the Mount Vernon Trail. Everyone always enjoys watching the boats pass by and seeing views of the Washington Monument.

Pro Tip: There is ample motorcoach parking available at this site!

Long Bridge Park

This spacious park located in Crystal City has two playgrounds along with an interactive fog area. Take your students for a walk along the esplanade overlooking the Potomac River to watch the airplanes and trains that pass by.

Fort C.F. Smith

Take a self-guided walking tour of this Civil War-era fort. Interpretive signage explains how Union soldiers used this strategic location to defend Washington, DC between 1861 and 1865. See cannons and the earthwork fortifications used for protection from cannon fire. Hike the half-mile trail or enjoy a green spot for a picnic near the Ornamental Peace Garden with a large group.

Gravelly Point Park

3. After Hours Fun

Need to kill time after all of the popular capital region museums and attractions are closed for the day? Get your bowl on at Bowlero in Crystal City or enjoy more fun and games by trying out the bowling lanes or arcade games at Punch Bowl Social in Ballston. Also located in Ballston Quarter are Immersive Gamebox and 5 Wits, two different escape room/gaming themed attractions that will be sure to keep your students entertained and engaged for hours.

Punch Bowl Social

4. An Abundance of Budget-Friendly Group Dining Options

Feed students effortlessly with the myriad of food options at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City where pre-paid vouchers are available for student groups of 10 or more. The Dining Dollars Program avoids the hassle of using cash, serves large groups quickly and efficiently.

Food hall, UPSIDE on Moore, is located above the Rosslyn Metro Station, just steps from several Arlington hotels. Several cuisines are represented here, including items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order using your mobile device, and the food is delivered to the table. Assembly can accommodate large groups on its outdoor terrace and private event space. Similarly, the food hall located on the bottom floor of Ballston Quarter also provides students with many dining options in a food court atmosphere.

Other student group favorites include local restaurants like Chevys Fresh Mex, California Pizza Kitchen, Lost Dog Cafe, and more here.

Ballston Quarter Market Food Court

5. Student-Friendly Hotels

Arlington has a wide array of hotels, including a handful of properties that are extremely well-suited for student groups. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, comfortable rooms with two double beds, and a price tag that agrees with your budget at select hotels in many of our neighborhoods. Check out our lodging accommodations here.

6. Diverse Transportation Options

The D.C. Metro area can be congested, and it’s sometimes difficult to find parking. That is why we recommend taking public transportation. Secure SmartTrip cards for your group in advance so you can easily and efficiently use the Metro or bus system. You can purchase them online or at kiosks in each station.

If you are traveling by motorcoach, see Arlington County’s complete details on tour bus parking locations, hours and fees, plus printable maps highlighting spots in each neighborhood.

Metro Station

Let Us Help You

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 welcome your school trip to Arlington!