Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.84 (133 reviews) 92% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/11

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Stories of sacrifice at Arlington Cemetery with Kennedy graves and the silent guard

You’ll walk through Arlington National Cemetery with a local guide who brings stories to life—from Kennedy memorials to the silent ritual of the Changing of the Guard. Expect moments of reflection at Arlington House and time among old trees and quiet paths. You’ll come away moved by small details—a flickering flame or distant flag—and maybe see DC differently after.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Arlington Cemetery Memorials and Ceremony

Tour Arlington National Cemetery sites
Visit Kennedy family memorials
Discuss Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy
Honor Space Shuttle and USS Maine memorials
Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
Visit Arlington House and Slave Quarters
View Air Force Memorial from Arlington House
Discuss Section 60 and cemetery legacy
End at Military Women's Memorial and museum
Receive self-guided tour for Iwo Jima Memorial

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the hush—like someone had pressed pause on the world. Even the wind seemed to slow as we walked under those old trees at Arlington National Cemetery. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of talking that made you look up from your phone and actually listen. He pointed out a robin hopping along a headstone and said something about how even birds seem to know this place is different. I’d never thought about cemeteries having their own sounds before—just boots on gravel, a distant flag snapping in the air.

We stopped by President Kennedy’s grave first. The eternal flame flickered against gray stone, and I caught myself holding my breath for no reason at all. There were fresh flowers for Jackie too. Someone whispered, “It’s always like this,” but I didn’t ask what they meant. Marcus told us stories about Medal of Honor recipients—Audie Murphy’s grave wasn’t far—and honestly, hearing about what people had done here made me feel small in a good way. At one point, he mentioned how Nellie Taft was behind those famous cherry blossoms in DC; I’d never connected her to all that spring color before.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was… well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. The silence is almost heavy while you watch those sentinels move—every step measured, every click deliberate. A little girl near us asked why they do it even when no one’s watching, and our guide just nodded toward the tomb like that was answer enough. I still think about that moment sometimes.

Later we climbed up to Arlington House—the view over Washington surprised me (and yeah, my legs were feeling it). Inside, there’s this quiet ache in the old rooms and slave quarters; you can almost feel history pressing in from all sides. We ended near the Military Women’s Memorial where sunlight hit the stone just right for a second—one of those details you don’t expect to stick with you but does anyway.

What’s included

Your day includes entry into Arlington National Cemetery, a guided walk led by a licensed professional who shares stories behind each site—including Kennedy memorials—and time for photos or quiet reflection at major stops like Arlington House and Military Women’s Memorial. You’ll also receive a self-guided audio tour for visiting Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial afterward if you choose.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by DC by Foot