Simply throughout the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Arlington is brimming with historical past, tradition, and indoor and outside actions. Town is walkable and simply accessible due to its handy Metro throughout the area. There are additionally many out-of-the-box issues to do, given all of the county’s charming neighborhoods, stunning parks, tasty eating places, and breathtaking historic landmarks within the metropolis and close by. Whether or not you’re a well-weathered native, customer, or fascinated with shopping for a home in Arlington, VA, listed below are 15 distinctive issues to do in and across the Arlington space.
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Go to Quincy Park
Go to Arlington’s four-acre Quincy park is a sensory-rich setting for everybody. This park options six tennis courts, a basketball court docket, and a sand volleyball court docket. There may be loads of area to play, whether or not you’re seeking to get your train in, take a pleasant stroll along with your canine, or picnic at a reservable shelter.
“My household’s favourite factor to do is play on the fields at Quincy Park. We’ll throw a frisbee, hit tennis balls, and kick soccer balls. We love that we will carry a bag stuffed with sports activities tools to entertain the entire household,” says Steven Inge, Arlington resident and founding father of Wedmatch.
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Stroll throughout the Key Bridge
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, referred to as the Key Bridge to locals, spans over the Potomac River, connecting DC and Virginia. This stunning arch bridge is a widely known landmark in the neighborhood and has lots of of locals crossing each day. The bridge was coined as a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1996. Each side of the bridge enable pedestrians to additionally cross from areas in Georgetown and Rosslyn, with wonderful views.
High-quality artwork and portrait photographer, Jessica Monte, says she likes to “exit for an early run throughout the Key Bridge, all the way down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Alongside the best way, I can soak up views of the Potomac River, Georgetown College, the Kennedy Middle, and the Washington Monument.
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Discover Theodore Roosevelt Island
“Since I like the outside, I additionally get pleasure from mountain climbing and kayaking at Theodore Roosevelt Island Park,” recommends Jessica Monte. The island was beforehand referred to as Mason’s Island within the Nineteen Thirties. The once-neglected farmland is now referred to as Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial park devoted to America’s twenty sixth president. Miles of trails, dry-wooded uplands, and swampy, moist bottomlands honor the good outdoorsman.
At this time, guests can get the within scoop on the island by way of ranger-led packages. Guests can schedule safaris with Rangers and Park Volunteers to discover the historic options and nature of the island. Wildlife viewing, strolling, operating, and kayaking or canoeing the Potomac River beside the island are among the many different actions to take part in.
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Get a fast chunk at District Taco
Jessica Monte swears that you would be able to’t go incorrect with District Taco. Swing by District Taco’s unique meals cart situated in Rosslyn (a neighborhood in Arlington), since 2009 for some scrumptious, home made, Yucatan-inspired meals by Osiris Hoil, founding father of District Taco.
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Go to the Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial
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“When you occur to be by the Arlington Cemetery,” says Matt Sutton, Model Coordinator of USA Guided Tours from DC, “it is best to undoubtedly try the neglected Service provider Marine Memorial, on Mount Vernon Path, with nice views of Washington, DC.”
The Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial commemorates World Warfare I sailors of america Navy and america Service provider Marines. The memorial additionally honors those that have skilled devastating points in maritime disasters whereas serving their nation. The memorial may be seen beside the Mount Vernon Path in Girl Hen Johnson Park. Locals love to go to this park to see flowers, experience bikes, and take a day stroll beside the Potomac River.
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Catch some views on the Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Near the Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial, Matt Sutton additionally recommends visiting “the opposite facet of Mount Vernon’s riverfront path, the place the Potomac Overlook Regional Park provides wonderful scenic views and a nature heart.”
This park has almost 70 acres of land, offering entry to breathtaking views of the Potomac river and native wildlife, akin to varied species of birds. Hike as many miles of trails as doable whereas following interpretive shows to study Virginia’s wildlife.
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Go ice-skating on the Medstar Capitols Iceplex
Within the up-and-coming Ballston neighborhood, Matt recommends skating at “the Medstar Capitals Icepex, the official coaching heart for Washington Capital’s NHL staff. Right here, you’ll be able to lease a pair of skates, take classes, and be a part of pick-up video games year-round.” So drop in on the ice to choose up some new hockey strikes, go in for a enjoyable public skate session, or watch a Capitals observe free and open to the general public.
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Watch a efficiency at Synetic Theater
Matt additional recommends visiting Crystal Metropolis’s neighborhood to see the distinctive “Synetic Theater, which provides progressive theater performances that highlight dancers and acrobats.” The theater is cherished by locals for its potential to mix progressive methods of stage lighting, choreography, costume designs, and music right into a single story that captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life.
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Stroll by way of Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
Established Could thirteenth, 1864, Arlington National Cemetery is considered one of two nationwide cemeteries that’s run by america Military. Virtually 400,000 individuals are buried right here on almost 640 acres. There are quite a few historic websites to see on the cemetery, in response to Daniel Minchew, founder and personal tour information of DC with Daniel:
“I completely love taking guests by way of the hallowed grounds of Arlington Nationwide Cemetery. Witnessing the Altering of the Guard on the Tomb of the Unknown Troopers, visiting President Kennedy’s Grave, and strolling amongst over 400,000 burials of well-known and common men and women, which instills a deeper appreciation for his or her service. Each December, volunteers conduct Wreaths Throughout America, a wreath-laying ceremony over each grave web site.”
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E book a free tour contained in the Pentagon
Situated simply exterior of DC, the Pentagon Memorial, referred to as america Division of Protection, is open to all guests. Enjoyable reality: the 5 wedge-shaped sections of the Pentagon signify the 5 branches of the US Armed Forces. Daniel offers one other useful tip saying, “With prior association, ebook a free 45-minute tour contained in the Pentagon utilizing this link.” You possibly can request tickets 14 to 90 days prematurely. Tour guides are pleasant and educated navy members in full-dress uniforms. In line with many locals, there are some nice picture alternatives and souvenirs.
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Arlington County Honest
In line with Matt Richard, Arlington County Fair Chair, Arlington’s truthful occurs to be “One of many largest free city festivals on the east coast.” Held in Thomas Jefferson Neighborhood Middle, the truthful has been offering high-quality leisure to the Arlington group and surrounding neighborhoods for over 40 years. Over 84,000 individuals go to the county truthful every year. “Whether or not it’s our range of meals distributors, the aggressive reveals entered by members of our group, or the rides and video games for youths of all ages, it really brings out the perfect of Arlington,” says Matt.
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Tour the oldest secret of Arlington County: The Ball-Sellers Home
Cathy Hix, President of Arlington Historical Society, describes visiting the John Ball Home as considered one of her favourite issues to do, “Once you come to Arlington, drive previous the skyscrapers and journey again in time, by visiting the Ball Sellers Home, one of many best-known secrets and techniques and oldest current homes within the county, you can be transported to 1750 when The Ball Household lived on this tiny construction.” The historic house is situated at 5620 Third Avenue, South, within the Glencarlyn neighborhood. The residence has housed three generations of members of the family. At this time, the farmhouse has been restored to its colonial look. Inside excursions of the oldest home in Arlington county are free on Saturdays, from April by way of October.
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Return in time by visiting the Arlington Historic Museum
When visiting the historic museum, you’ll see all of Arlington’s historical past in a self-guided tour housed contained in the oldest current schoolhouse within the nation. In-built 1891, there are 12 separate reveals, together with a brand new Public Well being and Medication in Arlington exhibit. Cathy says she all the time makes it some extent to go to the museum as a result of, “It jogs my memory of all of the historical past on this tiny county, that our previous helps us do higher sooner or later.”
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Run by a brewery
Brewery Running Series holds nationwide 5k-ish occasions across the nation for runners, joggers, and walkers, together with canine homeowners, operating strollers, spectators, and extra. All contributors full a pleasant and untimed competitors round a neighborhood brewery. In Arlington, Virginia, Tanner Mason, VA Occasions Director of Brewery Working Collection, explains that the race “begins and ends on the Board Room VA, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a refreshing pint after your race. All contributors can get a swag merchandise.”
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Climb at Mosaic Park
Mosaic park is full of thrilling options, together with a multipurpose court docket, rain gardens, a garden space, a play tools part, and a colourful climbing wall. The park’s entryway additionally greets you with an interactive water characteristic. Photographer and Arlington native, Marie Elizabeth, recommends “the climbing wall; it’s a good way to set free power. As a bonus tip, seize a espresso at Compass Coffee close by.”