Arlington National Cemetery is one of the nation’s most hallowed and revered locations. Being a part of the Army National Military Cemeteries, it features approximately 30 funeral services a day for armed service members. While visiting a cemetery may not be the first idea to come to mind, you will find beautiful green hills with impressive landscapes at the Arlington National Cemetery. With the ancient trees that are hundreds of years in age and the beauty of the horizon, this cemetery provides a sense of peace for those wishing to visit and provide their respect to our armed forces. Here are some reasons to visit the Arlington National Cemetery on your next Washington D.C. trip.
Arlington National Cemetery Tours, Inc.
The Arlington National Cemetery allows visitors to explore the profound history of our nation with interpretative tours of this Washington DC sites provided by Arlington National Cemetery Tours, Inc. This bus service provides stops at several of the cemetery’s important monuments, such as the President John F. Kennedy gravesite, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Arlington House are also stops on this popular tour. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance, with reservations accepted for up to a year in advance. Vehicle access is generally not permitted on the cemetery grounds, so this is a great way to see the sprawling fields without having to traverse on foot.
Explore the Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery encourages visitors to explore the rich history surrounding them with the traditional ceremonies, scenic landscapes, and the chance to ponder on each of the stories that our fallen soldiers have told. Visitors are able to wander through the cemetery examining headstones and monuments of our fallen soldiers and reflect on the names of soldiers who have served.
Memorial Arboretum
The rolling green hills of the cemetery provide a diverse collection of majestic trees and ornamental plants that backdrop this national shrine. Over 8,600 exotic and native trees are spread across the cemetery’s 624 acres of beautifully crafted landscape. The Memorial Arboretum was established in 2014 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Arlington National Cemetery. This living memorial service preserves the living beauty and history of the Cemetery.
Visit the Arlington National Cemetery
The cemetery is open 365 days a year for visitors to explore this Washington DC sites monument to our nation’s armed forces. Visitation hours range from 8 am to 5 pm for the October through March months, with hours increased to 8 am to 7 pm for the remainder of the year. Explore the Arlington National Cemetery today!