Simply throughout the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Arlington is brimming with historical past, tradition, and indoor and out of doors actions. The town is walkable and simply accessible due to its handy Metro throughout the area. There are additionally many out-of-the-box issues to do, given all of the county’s charming neighborhoods, stunning parks, tasty eating places, and breathtaking historic landmarks within the metropolis and close by. Whether or not you’re a well-weathered native, customer, or fascinated about shopping for a home in Arlington, VA, listed below are 15 distinctive issues to do in and across the Arlington space.
-
Go to Quincy Park
Go to Arlington’s four-acre Quincy park is a sensory-rich setting for everybody. This park options six tennis courts, a basketball court docket, and a sand volleyball court docket. There’s loads of house to play, whether or not you’re trying to get your train in, take a pleasant stroll along with your canine, or picnic at a reservable shelter.
“My household’s favourite factor to do is play on the fields at Quincy Park. We’ll throw a frisbee, hit tennis balls, and kick soccer balls. We love that we are able to deliver a bag filled with sports activities gear to entertain the entire household,” says Steven Inge, Arlington resident and founding father of Wedmatch.
-
Stroll throughout the Key Bridge
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, generally known as the Key Bridge to locals, spans over the Potomac River, connecting DC and Virginia. This stunning arch bridge is a widely known landmark in the neighborhood and has a whole bunch of locals crossing every day. The bridge was coined as a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1996. Either side of the bridge permit pedestrians to additionally cross from areas in Georgetown and Rosslyn, with wonderful views.
Effective artwork and portrait photographer, Jessica Monte, says she likes to “exit for an early run throughout the Key Bridge, all the way down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Alongside the way in which, I can absorb views of the Potomac River, Georgetown College, the Kennedy Middle, and the Washington Monument.
-
Discover Theodore Roosevelt Island
“Since I like the outside, I additionally take pleasure in climbing and kayaking at Theodore Roosevelt Island Park,” recommends Jessica Monte. The island was beforehand generally known as Mason’s Island within the Thirties. The once-neglected farmland is now generally known as Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial park devoted to America’s twenty sixth president. Miles of trails, dry-wooded uplands, and swampy, moist bottomlands honor the good outdoorsman.
At this time, guests can get the within scoop on the island by means of ranger-led applications. Guests can schedule safaris with Rangers and Park Volunteers to discover the historic options and nature of the island. Wildlife viewing, strolling, operating, and kayaking or canoeing the Potomac River beside the island are among the many different actions to take part in.
-
Get a fast chunk at District Taco
Jessica Monte swears which you could’t go incorrect with District Taco. Swing by District Taco’s unique meals cart situated in Rosslyn (a neighborhood in Arlington), since 2009 for some scrumptious, do-it-yourself, Yucatan-inspired meals by Osiris Hoil, founding father of District Taco.
-
-
Go to the Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial
-
“When you occur to be by the Arlington Cemetery,” says Matt Sutton, Model Coordinator of USA Guided Excursions from DC, “you must undoubtedly take a look at the ignored Service provider Marine Memorial, on Mount Vernon Path, with nice views of Washington, DC.”
The Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial commemorates World Conflict I sailors of america Navy and america Service provider Marines. The memorial additionally honors those that have skilled devastating points in maritime disasters whereas serving their nation. The memorial will be seen beside the Mount Vernon Path in Woman Chicken Johnson Park. Locals love to go to this park to see flowers, journey bikes, and take a day stroll beside the Potomac River.
-
Catch some views on the Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Near the Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial, Matt Sutton additionally recommends visiting “the opposite facet of Mount Vernon’s riverfront path, the place the Potomac Overlook Regional Park affords wonderful scenic views and a nature heart.”
This park has practically 70 acres of land, offering entry to breathtaking views of the Potomac river and native wildlife, akin to numerous species of birds. Hike as many miles of trails as doable whereas following interpretive shows to find out about Virginia’s natural world.
-
Go ice-skating on the Medstar Capitols Iceplex
Within the up-and-coming Ballston neighborhood, Matt recommends skating at “the Medstar Capitals Icepex, the official coaching heart for Washington Capital’s NHL workforce. Right here, you’ll be able to hire a pair of skates, take classes, and be a part of pick-up video games year-round.” So drop in on the ice to select up some new hockey strikes, go in for a enjoyable public skate session, or watch a Capitals follow free and open to the general public.
-
Watch a efficiency at Synetic Theater
Matt additional recommends visiting Crystal Metropolis’s neighborhood to see the distinctive “Synetic Theater, which affords revolutionary theater performances that highlight dancers and acrobats.” The theater is beloved by locals for its capability to mix revolutionary strategies of stage lighting, choreography, costume designs, and music right into a single story that captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life.
-
Stroll by means of Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
Established Could thirteenth, 1864, Arlington Nationwide Cemetery is one in every of two nationwide cemeteries that’s run by america Military. Nearly 400,000 individuals are buried right here on practically 640 acres. There are quite a few historic websites to see on the cemetery, in response to Daniel Minchew, founder and personal tour information of DC with Daniel:
“I completely love taking guests by means of the hallowed grounds of Arlington Nationwide Cemetery. Witnessing the Altering of the Guard on the Tomb of the Unknown Troopers, visiting President Kennedy’s Grave, and strolling amongst over 400,000 burials of well-known and common ladies and men, which instills a deeper appreciation for his or her service. Each December, volunteers conduct Wreaths Throughout America, a wreath-laying ceremony over each grave website.”
-
Guide a free tour contained in the Pentagon
Positioned simply exterior of DC, the Pentagon Memorial, generally known as america Division of Protection, is open to all guests. Enjoyable truth: the 5 wedge-shaped sections of the Pentagon characterize the 5 branches of the US Armed Forces. Daniel gives one other useful tip saying, “With prior association, e-book a free 45-minute tour contained in the Pentagon utilizing this hyperlink.” You may request tickets 14 to 90 days prematurely. Tour guides are pleasant and educated army members in full-dress uniforms. In response to many locals, there are some nice photograph alternatives and souvenirs.
-
Arlington County Truthful
In response to Matt Richard, Arlington County Truthful Chair, Arlington’s honest occurs to be “One of many largest free city gala’s on the east coast.” Held in Thomas Jefferson Group Middle, the honest has been offering high-quality leisure to the Arlington group and surrounding neighborhoods for over 40 years. Over 84,000 folks go to the county honest annually. “Whether or not it’s our variety of meals distributors, the aggressive displays entered by members of our group, or the rides and video games for youths of all ages, it really brings out the very best of Arlington,” says Matt.
-
Tour the oldest secret of Arlington County: The Ball-Sellers Home
Cathy Hix, President of Arlington Historic Society, describes visiting the John Ball Home as one in every of her favourite issues to do, “While you come to Arlington, drive previous the skyscrapers and journey again in time, by visiting the Ball Sellers Home, one of many best-known secrets and techniques and oldest current homes within the county, you may be transported to 1750 when The Ball Household lived on this tiny construction.” The historic house is situated at 5620 Third Avenue, South, within the Glencarlyn neighborhood. The residence has housed three generations of members of the family. At this time, the farmhouse has been restored to its colonial look. Inside excursions of the oldest home in Arlington county are free on Saturdays, from April by means of October.
-
Return in time by visiting the Arlington Historic Museum
When visiting the historic museum, you’ll see all of Arlington’s historical past in a self-guided tour housed contained in the oldest current schoolhouse within the nation. In-built 1891, there are 12 separate displays, together with a brand new Public Well being and Medication in Arlington exhibit. Cathy says she all the time makes it some extent to go to the museum as a result of, “It jogs my memory of all of the historical past on this tiny county, that our previous helps us do higher sooner or later.”
-
Run by a brewery
Brewery Working Sequence holds nationwide 5k-ish occasions across the nation for runners, joggers, and walkers, together with canine house owners, operating strollers, spectators, and extra. All individuals full a pleasant and untimed competitors round an area brewery. In Arlington, Virginia, Tanner Mason, VA Occasions Director of Brewery Working Sequence, explains that the race “begins and ends on the Board Room VA, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a refreshing pint after your race. All individuals can get a swag merchandise.”
-
Climb at Mosaic Park
Mosaic park is stuffed with thrilling options, together with a multipurpose court docket, rain gardens, a garden space, a play gear part, and a colourful climbing wall. The park’s entryway additionally greets you with an interactive water characteristic. Photographer and Arlington native, Marie Elizabeth, recommends “the climbing wall; it’s an effective way to set free vitality. As a bonus tip, seize a espresso at Compass Espresso close by.”