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You are here: Home / TRAVEL / Mid Atlantic / Arlington, Virginia – 5 Things To Do Beyond The National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia – 5 Things To Do Beyond The National Cemetery

12/6/21

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From green spaces and public art to national monuments and airplanes, Arlington, located in northern Virginia, is going to make you want to stay for a while.

Arlington may be widely known for being the home of Arlington National Cemetery but did you know that many DC area visitors, don’t explore beyond the hallowed grounds? 

Don’t miss these other fun things to do in Arlington!

Note: My visit to Arlington, Virginia was hosted by Northern Virginia. The opinions and observations offered are my own.

5 Things To Do in Arlington (beyond the National Cemetery)

1. Explore Public Art

Stroll around Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood and discover a variety of public art within one square mile.

There are 14 art installations in this area, but overall Arlington has 60 works of art in their permanent collection.

Even if you don’t have time to find all the art make sure you enjoy a least a few of them.

Note, check with Visit Arlington as guided walking tours are sometimes offered.

These are some of my favorites:

Liquid Pixels Art Installation Arlington VA

Liquid Pixels (1801 N Lynn St.)

Located on the side of a building there are six panels covered with 630,000 one-inch disks that move freely in the wind. It really looks like water cascading down the side of the building.

Anna and David Public Art Arlington VA

Anna and David (1525 Wilson Blvd)

Brightly painted 3-story high sculptures are a fun addition to Wilson Blvd.

Cupids Garden, Arlington VA Public Art

Cupid’s Garden (Wilson Blvd & Clarendon Blvd. between Oak St. & Nash St.)

This one was my absolute favorite. Located at a busy intersection the arrows seem to be directing the never ending traffic.

Sculpture at Arlington Fire DepartmentArlington County Fire Department

Located on Wilson Blvd is this incredible torch sculpture. I didn’t find any information on the Arlington Public Art Walking Tour about it, but feel it’s worth a stop to see.

Mural Not Everyones Cup of Tea, Public Art, Arlington VA

Someone’s Shot of Whiskey

I spotted this on the walk back to my car. If memory serves me right it was on N. Lynn St. between Wilson and 19th St. Absolutely adore it, mostly because that is one of my favorite quotes.

Open Road_1
Open Road Restaurant Arlington VA
Open Road Happy Hour

2. Grab lunch at Open Road

After you finish exploring the public art scene grab a table at Open Road. It’s a great place for lunch and/or cocktails.

I’m always on the hunt for a good salad and Open Road did not disappoint. It was exactly the energy I needed for the next adventure.

The outdoor seating was perfect as we were able to watch planes fly overhead on their approach to the airport.

Capital Share Bike Rental Roslyn Arlington VA

3. Take A Bike Ride Along the Mount Vernon Trail

After your delicious lunch, grab a bike at Capital Share Bike Rental, located in the same outdoor area as Open Road.  

Mural, Public Art, Arlington, VA, entrance to Mount Vernon Trail

Simply download the app, enter your credit card information, follow the instructions, and you’ll be off.

Try to find a bike with a basket to toss your purse, water bottle and/or backpack into.

Bike Riding Along the Mount Vernon Trail
Mount Vernon Trail_1
Mount Vernon Trail_3

The entrance to the Mount Vernon trail is just a couple of blocks away and downhill. 

Views of Washington DC from the Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington VA

Once you are on the trail you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride along the Potomac River.

Mount Vernon Trail_4

You’ll pass by sculptures, green spaces, picnic areas, across wooden bridges and enjoy views of our nation’s capital and its iconic landmarks.

You can bike as much or as little of the trail as you’d like. The bike rental is charged by the hour. 

Airplanes landing at Reagan Airport_6

We rode our bikes back to the parking lot for the Mount Vernon trail where there is another Capital Bikeshare location. 

Our walk back to the car was uphill so returning our bikes at a different location made the most sense for us.

I think our total for this outing was around $10 per person, so totally worth it.

Air Force Memorial Arlington VA

Visit the brand new Air Force Memorial

We arrived just as it started to rain and it wasn’t long before the skies really opened up. 

The three stainless steel spires reach a height of 402 feet above sea-level and it’s impressive to see up close.

We weren’t able to visit for long, but I’m so glad we went. 

Airplanes landing at Reagan Airport

Watch planes land at Ronald Reagan National Airport from Gravelly Point Park

Once you stand under a massive passenger plane as it is coming in for a landing it gives you a whole new appreciation for pilots.

Airplanes landing at Reagan Airport_6
Airplanes landing at Reagan Airport_3
Airplanes landing at Reagan Airport_4

Honestly, I didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as I did. I could have spent hours watching the planes land.

Airplanes landing at Reagan Airport_5

You stand pretty much at the end of the landing strip. The planes are so close to the ground when they go overhead.

It’s amazing and one of the best things to do when you’re in Arlington!

This is a popular spot, but there is plenty of parking at Gravelly Point Park or you can ride your bike along the Mt Vernon trail to the park.

Note–if driving over you’ll use the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

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arlington virginia

About Me


Deb is a travel writer/influencer from Michigan whose work takes her across the country in search of unique (think haunted & strange) and interesting attractions, landmarks, cities and towns.

She’s an avid road-tripper that loves staying in haunted locations, but enjoys everything from glamping to luxury accommodations.

She suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust, is a self-proclaimed wimp when it comes to extreme adventures, but is the first in line for ghost hunts.
Email her at [email protected]

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