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Arlington Cemetery: History, Heroes & Changing of the Guard

57 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 57 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA

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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

A complete tour with a small group that allows time to visit the main sites at a leisurely pace, pay respects, take photos, and watch the full Changing of the Guard Ceremony. We don't just show you the sites on our walking tour; we tell you the stories.

-Presidents Kennedy & Taft Memorials - the only two presidents buried here.

-Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Changing of the Guard - learn what it takes to be a sentinel & witness the tradition of guarding the tomb.

-Arlington House - visit the Slave Quarters & Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery.

-Military Women's Memorial - learn how women have contributed to the American military.

Hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones.

At the end, we provide a free self-guided audio tour to the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery.

What's Included

  • Entrance into Arlington National Cemetery
  • Self Guided Audio Tour of Iwo Jima USMC Memorial
  • Licensed, Professional Tour Guide
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Memorial Avenue
Fort Myer, VA 2221, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Memorial Avenue
Arlington, VA 22202, USA

The tour ends outside the Military Women's Memorial, where there are restrooms, and you can explore women's history in the military. This is an easy short walk back to the parking lot and the Arlington Cemetery Metro station.

Options & Pricing

Start Time • Daily 9:45 AM

What To Expect

Arlington National Cemetery

We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. Come along on this family-friendly tour of one of this nation's most sacred grounds.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

John F. Kennedy Grave Site

Pay respect to the Kennedy's: President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Audie L. Murphy Grave Site (Pass By)

Here the story of a real "Captain America," Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy and discuss the nearby USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and Iran Rescue Mission Memorials.
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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We will explain the history of the Changing of the Guards, what it takes to be a sentinel and make sure you get one of the best views of this time-honored tradition.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial

Honor those lost on the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, and Iran Rescue Mission. "Remember the Maine," and learn where this rallying cry came from while looking at the original ship's mast.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arlington House - The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of Washington, DC. We will have time to visit the "Slave Houses" and the Museum briefly to understand how Robert E. Lee's home became Arlington National Cemetery
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Air Force Memorial (Pass By)

See the Air Force Memorial from a distance from the grounds of Arlington House and learn how Arlington Cemetery is expanding to surround this memorial.
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Arlington National Cemetery Section 60 (Pass By)

We do not walk past Section 60 which often has families and loved ones visiting graves of those killed in action in recent years, but we talk about the enduring legacy of Arlington Cemetery today.
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U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Pass By)

We provided a self guided audio tour and map for anyone who would like to take the additional 15 minute walk to visit Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial outside the cemetery. The guide will not join you for this stop. At Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, you can either continue 10 minutes to Rosslyn Metro or walk back 15 minutes to Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center.
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Military Women's Memorial

We end the tour outside the Military Women's Memorial and museum, where you can learn how women have contributed to the military might of America through the years.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

President William Howard Taft Monument

The first President to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, President (and Supreme Court Chief Justice) Taft lies here with his wife, Nellie Taft. It is thanks to her efforts we have the famous Cherry Blossom trees.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a walking tour. There are stairs and a few hills; taken at a leisurely pace.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Arlington Cemetery: History, Heroes & Changing of the Guard?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-41376P24

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
57 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 57 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
55
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1

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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Entrance into Arlington National Cemetery
  • Self Guided Audio Tour of Iwo Jima USMC Memorial
  • Licensed, Professional Tour Guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a walking tour. There are stairs and a few hills; taken at a leisurely pace.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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