No visit here is complete without a stop at Arlington National Cemetery. America's second largest national cemetery, it is the site of more than 250,000 graves of American servicemen and women. Notable graves include those of President John F. Kennedy, the Challenger astronauts and Audie Murphy. But perhaps the most popular is the Tomb of the Unknowns, where rows of white headstones stand to honor the nation's war heroes. Constructed to commemorate those who served at Iwo Jima, the National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument has become one of the most famous statues in America. The statue depicts the dramatic moment when six US Marines raised the American flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II—an image that has become one of the most recognizable in popular culture today.
Be sure you book your tour of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and the nerve center for command and control. The Pentagon houses approximately 23,000 military and civilian employees, as well as two banks, several restaurants, snack bars, a post office, an Amtrak ticket office, a beauty salon and a dry cleaner. History buffs will also want to visit Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial. Take an educational tour of the mansion and grounds that was home to Robert E. Lee and his family for 30 years. If you are a sports enthusiast, make sure you catch a game at the Verizon Center, a beautiful state-of-the-art facility located in downtown Washington, D.C. Not only is this place for professional basketball and hockey, but also some of the hottest concerts and performances in the country! For a unique local experience, cheer on the hometown Washington Redskins as they hit the gridiron at FedEx Field. Tailgate and mingle with some of the most passionate fans in the country and submerge yourself in a sea of burgundy and gold as their beloved football team takes the field.
With so much to do, one weekend in Arlington, VA might not be enough. From historic attractions to sporting events, Arlington is one of the best places for non-stop fun and excitement in all of Virginia. Stay with Choice Hotels and you will enjoy the warmth of a clean, cozy room once you are ready to retire from a full day’s worth of adventure in Arlington.