Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards

4.9 (2,836 reviews) 2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

2,836 reviews

4.9

Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Unscripted Tours

Ages: Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: View the ceremonial Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns
Included: See notable sites including the graves of Civil War Soldiers
Included: Professional Guide
Included: Visit some of the cemetery's most important memorials, including the USS Maine Mast Memorial
Included: 2-2.5-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour in Washington DC
Included: Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Entry to Arlington House

Itinerary

Arlington National Cemetery

15 min Admission included

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

1 h 30 min Admission included

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.
Audie L. Murphy Gravesite

5 min Admission included

Visit the memorial gravesite of famed Audie Murphy and learn the story of one of America's most decorated veterans from World War II.
Stop 4

Passing 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.
Stop 5

Passing 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.
Stop 6

Passing 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.
Stop 7

Passing 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.
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Passing 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.
Stop 9

Passing 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.
President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

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

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting 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.

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.

Using your ticket

MEETING LOCATION

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.

DAY OF TRAVEL

Tour Guides wear blue name badges that say "Unscripted" and the guide’s name. Guides will arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes prior to the tour start time to check guests in.

Rush hours for DC are considered 6am-9:30am. We ask guests to plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the tour to account for traffic and getting through security.

Our guides will text travelers, often the night before, so that you may have access to their work number on the day of travel. However, mobile service at Arlington can often be spotty. You may use the company phone number to call if there are any issues.

IMPORTANT: Your scheduled time is the tour 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.

PARKING/METRO

Easy metro access as the blue line has a stop (Arlington Cemetery) that is a short walk from the welcome center. A paid parking garage is also onsite.

Kindly note: This is a Walking Tour of Arlington Cemetery, there will be approximately 2 miles of walking and inclines. Please plan accordingly.

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
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.