Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards

About this activity

Witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony from a prime viewing spot on this guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Learn the full history of the Tomb of the Unknowns and the soldiers that guard it day and night.

Explore the cemetery’s history from its beginnings in the Civil War to today and visit key memorials including the JFK Eternal Flame, the USS Maine Memorial, and the grave of WWII hero Audie Murphy. Hear the hidden stories of sacrifice and history that define this sacred American landmark.

Itinerary

1. Arlington National Cemetery · 15 min

   Meet your guide at the Welcome Center of Arlington National Cemetery 15 minutes before tour departure time.

2. Arlington National Cemetery · 90 min

   Discover the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the stories of the 400,000-plus service members and their families resting on its hallowed grounds. You will explore the historic Civil War sections and learn about the legacies of key American figures as you visit their gravesites and memorials.

3. Audie L. Murphy Gravesite · 5 min

   Visit the memorial gravesite of famed Audie Murphy and learn the story of one of America's most decorated veterans from World War II.

4. Stop 4 · pass by

   Explore one of the most striking monuments in Arlington National Cemetery at the USS Maine Memorial. Featuring the original main mast of the ill-fated battleship, this unique memorial stands guard over the graves of the crewmen who died in the 1898 explosion in Havana Harbor, offering a powerful reminder of the tragedy that ignited the Spanish-American War.

5. Stop 5 · pass by

   Pause to honor the pioneers of space flight at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial. You will stand before the poignant marble tribute dedicated to the seven astronauts we lost in 1986, discovering the unique stories behind their mission and the profound impact of their sacrifice on the nation.

6. Stop 6 · pass by

   "Step inside the awe-inspiring Memorial Amphitheater, the architectural crown jewel of Arlington National Cemetery. You will walk through its sweeping marble arches and learn the history of the hallowed venue where the nation gathers to honor its heroes. Exploring this beautiful monument provides a stunning prelude to your visit to the adjacent Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

7. Stop 7 · pass by

   Step back in time at the James Tanner Amphitheater, a serene and picturesque gem originally known as the Old Amphitheater. Built in 1868, this beautiful, vine-covered colonnade hosted the nation’s earliest Decoration Day—now Memorial Day—ceremonies. You will explore the tranquil grounds of this historic gathering place and learn the inspiring story of James R. Tanner, the wounded Civil War veteran and tireless advocate for whom the amphitheater is now named.

8. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial · pass by

   See the home of George Washington Parke Custis and discover the origins of Arlington as a 19th century plantation and its connection to president George Washington.

9. Stop 9 · pass by

   ay your respects at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial, dedicated to the seven courageous crew members who lost their lives when their spacecraft disintegrated in 2003. Here, you will view the beautifully crafted marker and reflect on the profound dedication and sacrifice of these heroes in the pursuit of space exploration.

10. President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

    Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy.

11. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier · 20 min

    Experience one of the most powerful moments on your tour as you visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and learn the full story of the soldiers who guard the tomb. Your guide will ensure you have the best viewing location for the breathtaking precision of the Changing of the Guard ritual and learn the history behind the majestic white marble sarcophagus, a permanent tribute dedicated to the unidentified American heroes who laid down their lives for our freedom.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: Meet your guide just outside the visitor’s center on the cemetery side after you pass through security. Your guide will be wearing a blue name tag.

Good to know

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This is a walking tour, there will be approximately 2 miles of walking and inclines and stairs. Please plan accordingly.
• Tour runs rain or shine.
• Meeting Address: 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USA Please meet your guide just outside the Welcome Center on the Arlington Cemetery side after you pass through security, next to the benches on the West side.
• Your reserved time is the tour start/departure time. All tours depart promptly on time and are unable to wait for late arrivals. Guests should arrive 20 minutes before tour time to pass through security and check in.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

• 5 star2,723
• 4 star72
• 3 star26
• 2 star8
• 1 star39

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