Take a guided tour in Arlington National Cemetery

Take a guided tour in Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred and historic site located in Arlington, Virginia. It is the final resting place for over 400,000 military veterans and their families, including those who have served in every major conflict in U.S. history. Taking a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to learn about the site’s history and pay their respects to those who have served our country.

Here are some things to keep in mind when taking a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery:

Book a Tour in Advance:

The easiest way to ensure that you get the most out of your tour of Arlington National Cemetery is to book in advance. There are several tour options available, including walking tours, bus tours, and tram tours. Book your tour ahead of time to avoid waiting in long lines and ensure that you get the tour that you want.

Arrive Early:

To make the most of your time at Arlington National Cemetery, arrive early in the day. The cemetery opens at 8:00 a.m. and is open every day except for Christmas Day. Arriving early will give you plenty of time to explore the site before it gets crowded.

Visit the Welcome Center:

The Welcome Center is the perfect place to start your tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Here, you can pick up a map of the cemetery, learn about the site’s history, and purchase tickets for guided tours. The Welcome Center also offers a short film about the cemetery that provides visitors with a brief overview of what to expect.

Take a Tram Tour:

If you want to see as much of the cemetery as possible in a short amount of time, a tram tour is the way to go. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes and covers a large portion of the cemetery, including some of the most notable gravesites. The tram tour is a great option for those who have limited mobility or who want to see as much of the cemetery as possible.

Explore on Foot:

If you prefer to explore on foot, there are several walking tours available at Arlington National Cemetery. These tours range from one to two hours and cover different parts of the cemetery. Walking tours are a great option for those who want to take their time and explore the cemetery at their own pace.

Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most iconic sites at Arlington National Cemetery. This tomb honors the unidentified soldiers who have died serving our country. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every hour on the hour from April 1 to September 30 and every two hours from October 1 to March 31. Visitors can witness this ceremony as part of their guided tour of the cemetery.

Pay Your Respects:

Arlington National Cemetery is a place of solemn remembrance. As you explore the site, take the time to pay your respects to those who have served our country. Many of the gravesites are marked with small American flags, and visitors are encouraged to leave flowers or other mementos at the gravesites of their loved ones.

In conclusion, taking a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery is an experience that is not to be missed. Whether you choose a tram tour, walking tour, or explore on your own, Arlington National Cemetery offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of our country and pay their respects to those who have served. Plan ahead, arrive early, and take your time to explore this sacred site.