Should You Visit Arlington?

Is Arlington worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to four days because of the many great activities. We first visited Arlington in as kids and later lived there for about five years. During our time here, we fell in love with its diverse population and global atmosphere. Arlington is a county in Northern Virginia that is closely connected to Washington D.C. It is a city that is filled with memorials and national landmarks. It also has a thriving young adult population that move to the area for the professional and educational opportunities.

Arlington, Virginia

Reasons to Visit Arlington

Museums
Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Food
It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Nightlife
The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Shopping
Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Arlington worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Arlington, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (88°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums and dance the night away.

Is Arlington worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Arlington. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums.

Is Arlington worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Arlington can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (35°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Arlington is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Is Arlington worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Arlington. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (56°F).

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy an evening out.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Arlington

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Arlington might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Arlington here or see if Arlington is expensive here.

Related

What is Arlington most famous for?

Arlington is most famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, and nightlife. Also, it's known for shopping. It is often described as international, historical, and educational.

What is the most famous sight in Arlington?

The most popular sight in Arlington is Arlington National Cemetery. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Arlington on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Arlington National Cemetery and other attractions here.

How touristy is Arlington? Is it a popular city to visit?

Arlington is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in Arlington?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Arlington is two to four days. Since Arlington has activities such as museums, dining, and nightlife, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Arlington? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arlington?.