Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking

4.8 (135 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

135 reviews

4.8

Learn about the symbolism of the headstones and different sections of the cemetery. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Watch the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns, where your guide makes sure you have the best viewing place and are there on time for the ceremony. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A complete tour with a small group that allows time to visit the main sites to pay respects, take photos, and watch the full Changing of the Guard Ceremony. We don't just show you the sites on our walking tour; we tell you the stories.

-Presidents Kennedy & Taft Memorials - the only two presidents buried here.

-Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Changing of the Guard - learn what it takes to be a sentinel & witness the tradition of guarding the tomb.

-Arlington House - visit the Slave Quarters & Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery.

-Military Women's Memorial - learn how women have contributed to the American military.

Hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones.

At the end, we provide a free self-guided audio tour to the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–14
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: DC by Foot

Ages: Children (0–4 years) · Youth (5–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Licensed, Professional Tour Guide
Included: Timed to include Changing of the Guard ceremony
Included: Entrance into Arlington National Cemetery
Included: Walking Tour of Arlington Cemetery grounds
Included: Self Guided Audio Tour of Iwo Jima USMC Memorial

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Arlington National Cemetery

one hour

We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. Come along on this family-friendly tour of one of this nation's most sacred grounds.
President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

15 min

Pay respect to the Kennedy's: President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
Audie L. Murphy Gravesite

Passing by

Here the story of a real "Captain America," Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy and discuss the nearby USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and Iran Rescue Mission Memorials.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

30 min

We will explain the history of the Changing of the Guards, what it takes to be a sentinel and make sure you get one of the best views of this time-honored tradition.
Stop 5

10 min

Honor those lost on the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, and Iran Rescue Mission. "Remember the Maine," and learn where this rallying cry came from while looking at the original ship's mast.
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

15 min

Head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of Washington, DC. We will have time to visit the "Slave Houses" and the Museum briefly to understand how Robert E. Lee's home became Arlington National Cemetery
Air Force Memorial

Passing by

See the Air Force Memorial from a distance from the grounds of Arlington House and learn how Arlington Cemetery is expanding to surround this memorial.
Stop 8

Passing by

We do not walk past Section 60 which often has families and loved ones visiting graves of those killed in action in recent years, but we talk about the enduring legacy of Arlington Cemetery today.
Marine Corps War Memorial

Passing by

We provided a self guided audio tour and map for anyone who would like to take the additional 15 minute walk to visit Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial outside the cemetery. The guide will not join you for this stop. At Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, you can either continue 10 minutes to Rosslyn Metro or walk back 15 minutes to Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center.
Military Women's Memorial

10 min

We end the tour outside the Military Women's Memorial and museum, where you can learn how women have contributed to the military might of America through the years.
Stop 11

5 min

The first President to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, President (and Supreme Court Chief Justice) Taft lies here with his wife, Nellie Taft. It is thanks to her efforts we have the famous Cherry Blossom trees.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour departs from outside the Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center after security. We are unaffiliated with any desk inside the Visitor Center, so please don't look for us there. Please look for your guide in orange by the benches as you exit the visitor center into the cemetery.

End point

The tour ends outside the Military Women's Memorial, where there are restrooms, and you can explore women's history in the military. This is an easy short walk back to the parking lot and the Arlington Cemetery Metro station.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. There are stairs and a few hills.
This tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please contact for a private tour to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, canes or mobility issues.