The Best Things To See & Do In Arlington, Virginia

This 624-acre military cemetery houses America’s veterans from the Civil War onwards. Its most notable features include The Tomb of The Unknown Solider and JFK’s eternal flame; the former holds bodies of the unidentified dead from America’s wars and is guarded 24/7 to guarantee their lives are always remembered, while the latter memorializes JFK at his grave site with a flame that is supposed to never go out. The flame has died a few times since its installation due to careless guests; one incident involved a child spilling holy water on the flame, extinguishing it.

Theodore Roosevelt Island is technically part of D.C. but is only accessible by car through the Virginia side. The nature preserve floats in the middle of the Potomac River, with D.C. on one bank and Arlington on the other. Offering three miles of hiking trails and a colossal memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, visitors will pass through varied environments: swamplands, forests and uplands.

This park’s proximity to Reagan National Airport makes it the perfect spot for aviation enthusiasts to gather. Watch planes ascend and descend overhead — so close that it can be a little unsettling! Located right on the Potomac River, Gravelly Point is a scenic spot for an adventurous picnic. The crisp, fresh air and sunlight create an ideal warm summer day.

Shop until you drop here — quite literally! This colossal, upscale mall includes four floors and hosts 170 retailers. From large department stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, to small, independent boutiques, Fashion Center has something for everyone.