Arlington National Cemetery — Attraction in Arlington

I’ve been to the D.C. area several times but never found the time to make it out to Arlington National Cemetery. Well, on this trip, I finally went after a friend suggested it (and thanks to you for suggesting it).

There is so much to see here, it’s not just all the meticulously lined up rows of tombstones like you see in the movies and pictures, but it’s also the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Find time to get to this and watch the changing of The Old Guard. It seems to take place every 20 minutes or so, since I saw it twice while I was there. Very impressive and very moving. After you witness this, head inside the building right next to the tomb and read about the history of the unknown soldier(s) as well as the men who guard it 24/7 365 days a year, regardless of weather (blizzards, hurricanes, etc.). I learned so much here.

There are many other memorials to see (including JFK’s) and some older, more elaborate gravestones from years gone by. You can read about all this online, so I won’t go on and on about it.

Here are some quick tips though:

You can walk around the entire cemetery for free if you like, but it’s quite large and will take a LOT of walking to see all the memorials.

Or you can choose to spring $13.50 per person for the guided tour. They drive you around on a tram, drop you off at points of interest so you can take your time and explore. When you are done you return to the pickup point where another tram will pick you up and take you to the next point of interest. They also provide some history on the tram and point out other interesting things as you ride along.

The D.C. Met drops you off at a station just a couple of hundred yards away from the main gates – this is the way to go IMHO.

The cemetery still averages up to 25 funerals a day during weekdays, so you might come across certain areas that are closed off for the funeral.

My final thoughts: Keep in mind that this cemetery wasn’t intended to be a tourist spot. I’m so thankful that they allow us to visit it, but keep in mind that it is a cemetery for our fallen heroes. Please show some respect on your tour. Especially since funerals still take place here. Even when you are on the tram, please don’t get all loud and crazy. That’s just disrespectful. On my tram ride, there were 5 or 6 teenage girls carrying on, gabbing, gossiping, giggling, etc. Basically, acting like teenage girls do – and I understand they are kids. Just don’t do it on these hallowed grounds. Parents, please keep this in mind and keep your kids in check. This is a...

Arlington National Cemetery - See it, to believe it.

It is impossible to capture the gravity, depth, importance and significance of this place. There are endless adjectives one could use, really. I have been to the cemetery twice; once in spring, and once in winter. Each time I have been, there was something else to see, something else to learn. Given the temperature of my last visit, I elected to do the hop-on, hop-off tour they offer, and I was pleased. The tour guides offer extensive knowledge about the history, locations of graves, and information about the brave men and women who are buried there. At a total of 6 stops, you can more easily cover the vast grounds - it is some 640 acres I believe. Even with the tour, I spent close to 3 hours there, which included seeing the changing of the guard and touring the Custis House. However, I will always recommend walking if you're able. This experience offers one to truly absorb the essence of the cemetery. The entire are is maintained to an extreme. Every blade of grass is in order - all who work here take ownership of their role and respect the soil they stand on.

These are hallowed grounds.

The views, stories, meanings behind everything are sobering. All Americans should be required to visit this place so we can understand the shoulders we stand on.

I remember as a young man thinking the changing of the guard seemed silly, or like an invaluable use of time, but those opinions dissolve once you see it. The "Old Guard" never miss a beat. They are specially chosen and honored servicemen who are a part of the oldest active regiment in the Army. Regardless of weather, the Tomb is guarded 24/7/365 - even when there are no onlookers to observe and take pictures. It's what makes the mission of these men remarkable.

You will leave this place with a...

We spent basically a whole day here (around 5 hours) so I have a lot of thoughts and advice!!

First of all, you need around 2 hours to do it justice. The tram tour (the hop on, hop off bus) is around 35 minutes, but if you want to get off to do the stops you'll need 2 hours at least.

Second of all, the park has soooo many water stations! It's amazing! Take your reusable water bottle, you won't regret it. The place is huge and it's a hot city, so you'll be glad you have a bottle with you. However, no food options, so pack a snack.

Third, the tour costs around $20 (around $10 if you're with the military) and it's completely worth it. We went around 4 (yes, four) times. Not all tour guides are equally good though, so if you find yourself having trouble hearing someone, hop off, and hop back on the next tram. Some of them are really, really excellent (we really enjoyed the tours from Lisa and Russell, they were great interpreters).

Fourth, you'll want to be aware of the rules. A lot of the staff at the park is lovely, but it's obvious that human and visitor management is a challenge. There was plenty of scolding of tourists (for running, for eating snacks on the tram, for standing in the whole place while waiting for the bus, etc etc). While they are clear about the rules, you can tell they're very fed up with guests and it led to some tense feelings. However, if you just follow the rules (which they're very clear about) you should be fine.

Finally, if you're looking to see the changing of the guard (at the tomb of the unknown soldier) it happens once every half hour, and lasts...