Arlington National Cemetery

This is truly hallowed ground...didn't appreciate it until I had a relative buried here...it's well maintained and has fantastic history associated with it. Make sure you visit the two president that are buried here (yes there are two!), visit Lee House and an absolute must is the Tomb of the Unknowns (try and catch it at the changing of the guard). Please show respect and reverence...those who rest here have earned it.

It was very nice and quiet when I went, the staff were pretty nice and overall very beautiful. The changing of the guard was very exceptionally done and quite cool. It was quite hot though.

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 around 8 minutes.

Very cool to see the honor of the guards. They put your school or stuff on it if you order it like 2 years in advance. It is very cool. I didn’t know there were two sides of the cemetery until after I went in it. The place is great easily a 5 star. It is not sad at all and the whole entire place is absolutely massive. If your in the Distrcit of Colombia, this is a must see. Awesome place. If you have enough time, I recrommend you explore most of it. Except don’t be loud because sometimes there are funerals that are going on. Five out of five.

Independent of what you think of the US army and history, you should visit this place.

It is an place of inspiration and dignity.

The area is covered by almost religious silence and when there, skip the tour and walk on your feet to enjoy the silence soo many brave soldiers that died for defending somebody else freedom.

There is a lot to see here. We did not have much time. We saw JFK's graveside. There are lots of graves. I am thankful for all who gave so much. We are blessed as a country.

Arlington National Cemetery is a beautiful place to honor fallen soldiers. You can do the whole thing for free, but the walk up the hill would be quite the adventure in the summer heat. The tour bus makes the trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier easier, and provided more information about the grounds.

The changing of the guards at the tomb is a powerful experience...one that everyone who visits should see.