You arrive at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery and the first thing you notice is the scale of the rows: white headstones following the curve of the hills, section after section, with the Washington skyline across the river behind you. It is a place people come to walk slowly, to read names, and to stand still for a few minutes at a time.
This guide suits the traveller who wants a half day or a full day of grounded, unhurried sightseeing rather than a checklist of attractions. Everything below sits inside Arlington National Cemetery, and the day plan strings the strongest stops together in a sensible order.
Top things to do in Arlington
1. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the focal point of the cemetery and the stop most visitors build their day around. It is a memorial, and the changing of the guard is the reason many people time their visit rather than wander past.
Plan to arrive before the ceremony rather than during it, and stay in place afterwards instead of moving on immediately. The surrounding terraces also give you a clear view back over the cemetery, which makes this a good anchor for the middle of your visit.
2. John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame
The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame is a memorial marked by a flame that burns continuously, set among the cemetery's sloping grounds. It is one of the most visited points in Arlington and pairs naturally with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, since the two sit in the same part of the cemetery.
Approach it on foot from the Tomb rather than doubling back to the entrance, and give yourself a few quiet minutes rather than treating it as a photo stop.
3. USS Maine
The USS Maine is an attraction within the cemetery, tied to the ship of the same name. It is a smaller, more contained stop than the Tomb, and it rewards a slower read of the inscriptions around it.
Combine it with the nearby memorials on the same walk so you are not making a separate trip for a single stop.
4. Rough Riders Monument
The Rough Riders Monument is an attraction commemorating the volunteer cavalry regiment. It is one of the cemetery's more distinctive markers and works well as part of a loop rather than a standalone destination.
Visit it in the same stretch as the USS Maine, and keep an eye on the ground underfoot, since the cemetery's terrain rolls rather than sits flat.
5. Nurses Memorial
The Nurses Memorial is an attraction honouring military nurses. It is a quieter stop than the Tomb or the Eternal Flame, and that is part of its value: you can usually take it in without a crowd around you.
Slot it between the larger memorials so your day has a change of pace, and read the inscriptions rather than passing straight through.
6. Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial
The Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial is a memorial within the cemetery, and it is one of the more recent additions to the grounds. It is a place for reflection rather than a long stop.
Pair it with the Nurses Memorial on the same walk, and leave it towards the end of your route when you are ready to slow down.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and time your arrival for the changing of the guard. Stay on the terraces afterwards to take in the view across the cemetery before moving on.
Afternoon: Walk from the Tomb to the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, then continue to the USS Maine and the Rough Riders Monument on the same loop. Break your walk at the Nurses Memorial before carrying on.
Evening: Finish at the Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial, which makes a quiet close to the day. From there, retrace your route to the entrance rather than adding new stops.
Frequently asked questions
Where are these memorials located?
All of the places listed here are within Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.
Which stop should I prioritise if I am short on time?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame. Both sit close together and cover the essentials of a short visit.
Can I see the USS Maine and the Rough Riders Monument on the same walk?
Yes. They are both attractions within the cemetery and are best combined rather than visited separately.
Is the Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial worth adding to a full day?
It is a short, reflective stop and works well as the final point on a route that already includes the Nurses Memorial.
Decide on your morning start at the Tomb, sketch the rest of the walk around it, and you have a day in Arlington that holds together on foot.