Arlington National Cemetery & Changing of the Guard
Arlington's 600 acres are easy to get lost in, and the tram just drops you at stops. Your licensed guide walks you to JFK's gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, timed so you are in place for the Changing of the Guard.
More than 400,000 service members and their families rest here, and every stop on this walk has a story worth knowing. We keep the group to 12 so you can hear it.
Highlights
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, placed where you can see it
- Stand at President Kennedy's gravesite and the Eternal Flame
- Walk up to Arlington House, the estate that became the cemetery, with the view over Washington
- Hear the stories behind the graves of Sir John Dill, Joe Louis and the Kennedys
- See the Memorial Amphitheater
What’s included
- Two hour guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery
- Licensed tour guide
- View of the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Small group, maximum of 12 guests
Itinerary
We meet at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, 1 Memorial Avenue. Go through security, continue out through the double doors toward the cemetery, and your guide is waiting by the long granite benches just outside.
Depending on your guide's route that day, possible stops include the graves of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, William Howard Taft and Robert Todd Lincoln, the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia memorials, and the Iran Rescue Mission Memorial.
The walk ends inside the cemetery at Arlington House. Stay on and explore at your own pace, or walk back to the Welcome Center with your guide.
Know before you go
- The tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
- The route is about two miles with some hills, and your guide paces it with breaks.
- The tour is entirely outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
- Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the grounds.
- Expect a text about two hours before the tour with specific meeting instructions from your guide.
Why a guide, not the tram
The tram loops the cemetery and drops you at stops. Your licensed guide walks you to the JFK gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House, tells you who is buried where and why it matters, and paces the walk so you are standing in the right place when the Changing of the Guard begins. Groups are capped at 12.
How the Changing of the Guard timing works
The ceremony runs on a schedule that changes with the season. We plan each departure around it, so the walk reaches the Tomb before the guard changes. There is no ticket to buy: Arlington National Cemetery is free to enter, and what you are paying for is the guide.
Private tour
Same route, same guide, just your group. Your own date and time.
Groups larger than 12 are welcome as a private booking.
$300 private booking fee, plus $45 per guest
Reviews
Derek did an awesome job of our tour of Arlington! We saw so many important sites and the changing of the guard was the best!
Todd B.
Tripadvisor
Great experience with tour guide Derek providing a wealth of information on the history and people associated with the cemetery and memorial. And he pointed out markers of key people in American history I might have otherwise missed.
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Great history of the cemetery that we would not have known on a self guided tour on our own . Changing of the guards was very moving.
Brandie T.
Viator
Amazing tour of Arlington cemetery! Will, our tour guide, was very nice and knowledgeable. Learned a lot about the cemetery, the veterans who died and significant monuments. We also got to watch the changing of the guard and wreath-laying ceremony. A very memorable time and a must visit! I'd gladly come back for another tour!
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Will was knowledgeable and interesting. He kept our attention and it was a great experience.
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Will is a very knowledgeable guide. He told a lot of stories that put people’s lives into perspective. The only aspect I would have liked was to be guided more about the timing of the changing of the guard and where we were to meet after it occurred because many of the group went to different viewing areas, and it took some time to round up afterward.
Verified guest
GetYourGuide
Jesse gave us a great tour of everything at Arlington! He gave great info, and had a good attitude!
Brandon L.
Definitely do a small group tour with Cornerstone. Our guide Jesse was very knowledgeable on the history.
Bette B.
Viator
Jesse was very knowledgeable and entertaining.. I highly recommend this tour.
Krista B.
Tripadvisor
Will was a wonderful guide! Tour was very informative and enjoyable! Highly recommend!
Nicholas S.
Tripadvisor
We enjoyed our experience and our guide Trevor was awesome and knowledgeable! We received a great tour!
Richard W.
Viator
We had an excellent tour with Trevor today! We booked a small group tour and ended up being the only family so it was essentially a private tour. Trevor was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. My 12 year son loved the stories he told about some of the people buried there, and he was able to answer all of the questions we had. 10/10, would definitely recommend!
Marissa B.
Tripadvisor
Derek was an absolute pleasure to be with. Everyone and anyone will be well served.
Tony N.
Tripadvisor
this was an excellent tour led by Declan. we learned so much and appreciated the depth of knowledge he offered.
Verified guest
GetYourGuide
Will was our tour guide, and what a knowledgeable young man. Really enjoyed all the history and the walk. Would definitely do this tour again with Will. The changing of the guards was amazing to see. We also was able to witness two wreath ceremonies. It’s was rainy and chilly and it was still a perfect tour!! Thank you, Will.
Rustina J.
Viator
Declan was informative and told interesting stories. Exploring Arlington Cemetery without him, we would have missed so much.
Sylvana S.
Viator
My tour guide was Will and he did an excellent job giving us a tour of the Arlington cemetery. I highly recommend this tour.
Kevin M.
Tripadvisor
Jesse was awesome! His professional and excitement during the tour of Arlington made it that much better! I can appreciate the respect he had for history and attention to detail to the facts he gave! Would highly recommend him!!
Brandon J.
Derek was a wonderful tour guide and was sure I saw changing of the guard which was one of the coolest things I have ever witnessed. He had great knowledge of the cemetery which added to the experience. Definitely recommend this!!
Gail W.
Tripadvisor
Declan was such a great tour guide. His knowledge of Arlington was amazing, he was engaging and a fabulous tour guide. On top of the general Arlington info, he knew a lot of side stories about people and history that made the tour. It was prob our favourite thing to do in Washington and I can’t recommend it enough.
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
The afternoon tour of Arlington Cemetery with Declan was awesome. Lots of walking; lots of stories; and fantastic views of the city. Declan was very knowledgeable about the history of the cemetery, had good timing between locations, and it was a very enjoyable experience! Highly recommend.
Jim W.
Viator
Will was a wonderful wealth of knowledge! Thank you for a wonderful, informative tour of Arlington!
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with Trevor! Highly recommend it. Great tour filled with facts and stories.
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Trevor was awesome! He was so knowledgeable about everything we stopped at. He has great stories as well. HIGHLY Recommend!
Amy O.
Viator