Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour: Kennedy Graves & Tomb of Unknown Soldier

The Changing of the Guard stops you cold, then the stories begin

You walk 2.5 hours through Arlington National Cemetery with an expert guide, making 40+ stops at Kennedy graves, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Space Shuttle memorials, and Arlington House. The tour includes rain ponchos, cooling towels on hot days, and a detailed fact sheet about the cemetery. You'll cover roughly 5,000 steps on paved paths with some moderate hills, and finish with time to explore Arlington House at your own pace before the cemetery closes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arlington National Cemetery highlights

• View Changing of the Guard
• Visit Kennedy graves
• See USS Maine mast
• Stop at space shuttle memorials
• See Audie Murphy grave
• Learn Arlington burial qualifications
• Discover Arlington history and transition
• View Robert E. Lee's former home
• Explore Arlington House museum independently
• Pass by Military Women's Memorial

The experience

The rifle crack echoes across the marble plaza at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and that's where the tour really lands. You're standing with a small group, not a bus full of people, watching one of the most precise military ceremonies in the country, and your guide is right there explaining what you're seeing instead of shouting over a microphone from fifty yards back. This Arlington National Cemetery walking tour makes nearly 40 stops across the cemetery's 639 acres, which means you're not rolling past graves in a vehicle. You're standing in front of them, reading the names, hearing the stories that connect those names to American history.

The 2.5-hour route takes you to the Kennedy graves, the Space Shuttle memorials, the grave of Audie Murphy (the most decorated soldier of World War II), and Arlington House, the antebellum mansion that once belonged to Robert E. Lee. Your guide walks you through how Arlington transformed from a forest to a plantation to the country's largest military cemetery, and explains the qualifications to be buried there, which is harder than most people think. You'll see the mast of the USS Maine. You'll learn how the cemetery is planning for the future. The entire walk stays on paved roads and sidewalks, though there are some moderate hills, so comfortable shoes matter.

The cemetery operates rain or shine, only severe weather shuts it down, and the tour comes prepared. You get a complimentary rain poncho if the weather turns, and on days forecast above 90 degrees, a cooling towel. Each guest also receives a detailed fact sheet about Arlington and a list of 120 things to do and places to eat around DC, plus a map of the National Mall. If you've got young children, strollers work fine on the paved paths. Service animals are welcome. The guide's knowledge is what separates this from walking the cemetery alone. The small-group format is what lets you actually hear it.

What’s included

• Expert guide leading nearly 40 stops at significant graves and memorials.
• viewing of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• visits to Kennedy graves, Arlington House, and Space Shuttle memorials.
• complimentary rain poncho for inclement weather.
• complimentary cooling towel on days forecast above 90 degrees.
• detailed fact sheet about Arlington National Cemetery.
• list of 120 DC restaurants and attractions plus National Mall map.
• time to explore Arlington House museum at your own pace after the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to ThursdayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our tours begin INSIDE the Welcome Center after clearing security. We meet INSIDE the Welcome Center at a mannequin of an Army bugler in full dress uniform. I will be wearing a lanyard identifying myself as your guide.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Monumental Walks

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want the depth of Arlington's history without arranging your own route or missing the stories behind the graves: the small-group format and 40+ stops are what make that depth possible in 2.5 hours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the Arlington National Cemetery walking tour?

The tour is 2.5 hours. You'll walk approximately 5,000 steps on paved roads and sidewalks with some moderate hills.

What are the main stops on this tour?

The tour makes nearly 40 stops, including the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedy graves, Arlington House, Space Shuttle memorials, the USS Maine mast, and the grave of Audie Murphy.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The entire tour is on paved roads and sidewalks, but there are some moderate hills. Strollers and prams work on the paths. For specific accessibility questions, contact the tour operator directly.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes the guided experience, a complimentary rain poncho, a cooling towel on days forecast above 90 degrees, a detailed fact sheet about Arlington, and a list of 120 DC attractions and restaurants plus a National Mall map.

Does the tour go inside Arlington House?

The tour does not enter Arlington House, but you'll have time to explore it at your own pace after the tour ends. The mansion is a free museum managed by the National Park Service, open the same hours as the cemetery.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are welcome on the tour.

How many people are in a typical group?

This is a small-group tour, which allows for more personalized attention and detailed historical narratives compared to large bus groups.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. The tour operates in all conditions, and you'll cover roughly 5,000 steps with some moderate hills on paved roads.