Road Trips Near Arlington, VA | Arlington Convention & Visitors Service

Take in Capital Views Along the George Washington Memorial Parkway

Grab your significant other, your four-legged best friend, or no one at all, and drive to Arlington, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Get a lay of the land with a scenic drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Enjoy these fun experiences along the way:

Lay out your picnic blanket at Gravelly Point Park for a close-up view of take-offs and landings next to Reagan National Airport
Stand in the footsteps of a former United States president and enjoy the serenity of the LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac
Explore a 91-acre wooded island sanctuary on Theodore Roosevelt Island

Hike in the Nation’s Fittest City, Home to America's 4th-Ranked Park System

From biking and walking to exploring nature centers and historic sites, Arlington’s outdoor activities are a breath of fresh air in the heart of an urban center. With more than 75 miles of trails and 1,100 acres of park land and open space, you’ll be just steps from nature throughout your stay.

Don't miss these great outdoor adventures:

Bike, run, or walk the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile paved route that stretches from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island
A 16.5-mile scenic trail trail, the Arlington Loop showcases Arlington's woods, streams, neighborhoods and Potomac River sights to pedestrians and bicyclist
Explore 67 acres of wild and cultivated land at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, including miles of trails with interpretive displays on local flora and fauna

Theodore Roosevelt Island/Credit: Jake McGuire

Dine in the Outdoor Plaza at Quarter Market Food Hall in Ballston

Ballston Quarter’s food hall is a next-level dining experience that allows for a fun and adventurous dining experience in the Ballston neighborhood. Set around Ballston Quarter’s Plaza, this indoor/outdoor food hall is the largest in the area with a variety of local restaurants showcasing all that Arlington food has to offer.

Quarter Market at Ballston Quarter/Credit: Cameron Davidson

Discover Arlington's Celebrated Public Art Collection on a Walking Tour in Rosslyn

Arlington, Virginia, is recognized as one of America’s most vibrant, walkable urban centers. What many people don’t know is that Arlington has an internationally renowned permanent collection of more than 60 public art projects, as well as periodic temporary projects.

Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood, conveniently accessible on Metro’s Orange, Blue and Silver Lines, offers rich opportunities for exploring a robust array of public art works within a relatively small area. Check out Arlington Arts’ self-guided walking tour and map.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arlington Arts (@arl_artscene)

Enjoy A Small-Town Vibe in Arlington’s Walkable Neighborhoods

Each of Arlington's neighborhoods has its own unique energy, hangouts, and personality, warmly welcoming visitors to discover the special qualities it has in store.

From gleaming skyscrapers overlooking Washington, D.C., in the Rosslyn neighborhood, to the home of Amazon’s HQ2 in the Crystal City and Pentagon City neighborhoods, and to the incredible array of diverse international restaurants in the Columbia Pike neighborhood, there are hidden gems everywhere you turn.

Don’t miss these other wonderfully walkable neighborhoods:

Westover Neighborhood/Credit: Cameron Davidson

Dine and Drink With the Locals at Westover Beer Garden & Haus in Westover

Often cited by locals as one of Arlington’s best neighborhood bars and best outdoor dining, the Westover Beer Garden & Haus combines the community feel of a local, neighborhood market with the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional beer garden. Focusing on a foundation of quality craft beer, live music, great food, guests will find this spot to be anything but traditional.