Arlington Cemetery and …?

Question

We would like to visit Arlington National Cemetery one day of our trip. I understand we should budget about 3 hours. What could we pair with it for the remainder of that day?

We already have plans to view the monuments and Smithsonian Museums on the Mall other days.

Answer

Visiting Arlington National Cemetery typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours if you plan to see highlights like the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, the Arlington House, and the various memorials. Since you already have other days reserved for the Mall and Smithsonian museums, pairing Arlington with a nearby activity or neighborhood can make for a full, satisfying day.

Here are some options for things to do after Arlington:

Visit the nearby Pentagon Memorial: Just a short drive or Metro ride away, this memorial honors the victims of 9/11 and is a reflective, accessible outdoor site. It’s a smaller visit, so it won’t feel rushed after Arlington.
Walk along the Potomac River & Crystal City / National Landing: Head to the waterfront trail or the newly developed National Landing area for a stroll. There are several casual restaurants, cafes, and outdoor seating with views of the river and DC skyline.
Gravelly Point Park: If you enjoy planes and a bit of casual outdoor activity, this park is just north of Reagan National Airport, offering close-up views of airplanes landing and taking off over the Potomac. It’s relaxing and kid-friendly if needed.
Old Town Alexandria: Only about 10–15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by Metro, this charming historic town offers cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and a variety of casual to mid-range restaurants. Perfect for a late lunch or early dinner after your cemetery visit.

Additional notes:

Timing your Arlington visit in the morning or early afternoon will give you flexibility for lunch or a late-afternoon activity nearby.
If using Metro, Arlington Cemetery is served by the Blue Line, which connects easily to Crystal City, Reagan Airport, and Old Town Alexandria (via bus or short taxi/Uber from Metro).
If you prefer staying outdoors, the riverfront walks or Gravelly Point Park provide a scenic, relaxing contrast to the more solemn Arlington experience.

In summary, pairing Arlington National Cemetery with either Old Town Alexandria for dining and sightseeing or a nearby outdoor riverfront spot like Gravelly Point or Crystal City makes for a well-rounded day without overlapping your other planned visits on the Mall.