Arlington

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North America > United States of America > South (United States of America) > Virginia > Northern Virginia > Arlington (Virginia)

Arlington



Arlington County, more commonly known simply as Arlington, is an urban county in Northern Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.. With a population of 210,000, yet a land area of only about 26 square miles, Arlington is one of America's mostly densely populated jurisdictions. Despite its density, Arlington mixes the best of both big city and suburban environments.

Arlington is frequently grouped together with the adjacent but politically independent cities of Falls Church to the west and Alexandria to the south, forming the northern Virginia side of the metropolitan core "inside the Beltway" (i.e. in the area encircled by Interstate 495). These areas, like the greater Washington area as a whole, have seen considerable economic and population growth as the size of the federal government and its contractors continues to grow, even during nationwide economic downturns.

Districts

Arlington is broadly divided into North Arlington and South Arlington, separated by Arlington Boulevard (US-50). You can often tell what section a location is in by its address. Locations in North and South Arlington will often have, respectively, a "North" or "South" (or "N" or "S") before the street name (e.g. 1234 S Example St, Arlington, VA). Within each the visitor can find several commercial districts of interest.

Parkland lines the Potomac along almost Arlington's entire riverfront, though there are few amenities or facilities for visitors. The parks and overlooks are accessible by driving along the George Washington Memorial Parkway or walking along the Potomac Heritage Trail and Mount Vernon Trail in their respective sections.

North Arlington

The dense Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is a series of five "urban villages" following Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards west from Rosslyn, just across the Potomac from Georgetown. This area has seen massive redevelopment since the 1980s. While Rosslyn is largely offices and hotels, and depopulated at night, the pricey high-rises and group houses to the west are home to the largest concentration of restaurants, bars, and entertainment in Arlington— and to the young professionals who patronize them. The corridor is literally a textbook case of transit-oriented development, with the thriving neighborhoods of Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square, and Ballston clustered around their eponymous Orange/Silver Line Metrorail stations. At the center is the shopping and restaurant district of Clarendon, which was Arlington's "downtown" until the 1960s.

Accessed mainly via I-395 (the Shirley Highway), Shirlington is a mixed use development with a variety of restaurants as well as art and event space, and of course shopping.

The small western neighborhood of Westover has a selection of neighborhood restaurants along Washington Boulevard between North Mckinley and Longfellow Streets. It is noted for Westover Market's Beer Garden, offering food and live entertainment during the summer.

South Arlington

Crystal City is the principal commercial area in South Arlington, consisting of highrise buildings centered on U.S. Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway). The Crystal City Metro station is on 18th St South between Route 1 and Crystal Drive. Located adjacent to the airport— indeed, one can walk from Reagan Washington National Airport directly into Crystal City via the Mount Vernon Trail— this neighborhood has perhaps the largest concentration of hotels in Arlington. Arlington has been redeveloping 1960s-era Crystal City, with a new restaurant district along Crystal Drive joining the established one on 23rd St S. Underlying it all, literally, is the Crystal City Underground, a subterranean network of interconnected shops and restaurants— and a handy alternative to walking in bad weather, provided you don't get disoriented.

Adjacent to Crystal City to the north is the Pentagon City shopping district, served by the Pentagon City Metro station, and just across I-395 from the Pentagon. The neighborhood is dominated by three shopping centers: the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, with higher-end shops, and connected to the Ritz-Carlton hotel; the discount-oriented Pentagon Centre to its east; and Pentagon Row to its west, home to some specialty stores and a wintertime skating rink. Proximity to the freeway as well as the numerous eating and shopping options make Pentagon City a regular stop for bus tours.

The Columbia Pike corridor, centered on Columbia Pike east of Glebe Road, is an up-and-coming district, with a number of new high-rise developments, restaurants, and bars recently joining the landmark Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. The Pike is served by frequent Metrobuses connecting it to the Pentagon Metro.

Understand

Rosslyn's skyline, viewed from D.C.

Arlington and "Old Town" Alexandria form part of the original "ten miles square" which the U.S. Constitution dedicated as the District of Columbia, the nation's capital. It was one of the District's original two counties; Arlington County (named Alexandra County till 1920) was the part on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, and Washington County (present day Washington, D.C.) was the part on the Maryland side. The law creating the District prohibited building government buildings in Arlington County, leaving it to be used for gambling and other vices. In the 1840s, as a result of issues relating to congressional representation, slavery, and the economy, the U.S. Congress returned Arlington County to Virginia.

While no longer part of the capital proper, Arlington's proximity to it has made it home to various national monuments and federal installations. Most travelers to Arlington will visit both Washington, D.C. and Arlington, and the two cities are seamlessly linked together by the Metro system— Arlington has more Metrorail stops than any other jurisdiction outside of Washington.

Arlington has maintained a healthy balance of urban and suburban life through its self-proclaimed "Arlington Way" of policy making. A large percentage of residents are involved in grassroots political and urban planning processes. Whatever your purpose in coming to Arlington, you'll find the area a friendly and convenient place to visit and explore.

When to visit

Most tourists come to the D.C. area during spring and summer weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting between November and March. Likewise, summer weekdays, as opposed to weekends, have fewer visitors and thus lower hotel rates. One of the busiest times to visit the Washington area is during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in early April. The springtime blossoms are a must-see, but hotel rooms fill up quickly.

Get in

Overview map

By plane

  • Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA  IATA) is in South Arlington, and served by most major domestic airlines. Lying just across the river from Washington on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and served by its own Metro station on the Blue and Yellow Lines, DCA is by far the most convenient airport for visiting the area. As the most common landing path follows the Potomac River, flying right past the National Mall, it is also the most scenic. Due to restrictions, however, the majority of flights are under 1,500 miles long.
  • Dulles International Airport (IAD IATA) is in Dulles, Loudoun County. It is approximately 15 miles (a 45 minute drive during rush hour) outside of Arlington and accessible via Metrobus, shuttle bus, shared van, and taxi. Metrobus 5A, operates between the airport and Rosslyn Metro Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Metro Lines) in Arlington. It generally departs from the airport every 40 minutes on weekdays and hourly (though not on the hour) on weekends, taking 40–50 minutes to the Rosslyn Metro Station. The fare is $6 one-way (no change given). The bus stops near Curb 2E outside of the terminal. An alternative to the 5A is the Silver Line Express bus connects Dulles with the Wiehle-Reston stop on the Silver Line, which operates every 15-20 minutes and costs $5 each way.

By bus

see also: bus travel in the USA

  • Greyhound, MegaBus, and several other companies serve Union Station in Washington, D.C. Several bus companies operate from Washington's Chinatown to Philadelphia and New York City. First popular among the Chinese community, these bus companies have been used by students and others seeking an ultra-cheap ride to New York or elsewhere. Vamoose Bus and Tripper Bus operate direct service between New York City and Arlington. Pickup/drop-off points are located near the Rosslyn Metro Station.

By train

  • The closest intercity train station is Union Station in Washington, DC, located 10–15 minutes away by taxi or about 30 minutes by Metro. One of the busiest passenger rail terminals in the U.S., Union Station sees frequent service by Amtrak, VRE, and MARC. For southbound trips, Amtrak and VRE serve the smaller Alexandria Station, located three miles south near the King Street Metro station on the western edge Old Town Alexandria.
  • Both VRE lines serve Crystal City, a surface station on Crystal Drive about one block from the Crystal City Metro station at the north end of Crystal City Water Park. No services are available.
  • The Washington Metro has 11 stations in Arlington. The Orange and Silver Line stops are East Falls Church, Ballston-MU, Virginia Square-GMU, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn. The Yellow Line serves Pentagon, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Reagan National Airport. All Yellow Line stations in Arlington are also served by the Blue Line, which continues from Pentagon to Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn into Washington.

By car

  • Highways entering Arlington include I-395 from the Southwest, I-66 and US-50 from the West, George Washington Memorial Parkway from the Northwest and South, and US-1 from the South. All connect to the Washington beltway (I-495). In addition, there are five bridges that cross the Potomac River to DC: Chain, Key, Roosevelt, Memorial, and 14th Street.

Note: Arlington County does not allow gasoline sales in residential neighborhoods between midnight and 6AM.

Get around

Clarendon-Rosslyn Corridor

If you plan to stick to the urban areas, park your car and only travel on foot and public transport. Arlington has an excellent public transportation system, which includes four Metrorail lines, a public bikeshare program, and two bus systems. Driving an automobile can bring more troubles than it is worth, as many of Arlington's attractions suffer from a dearth of parking spaces, and the area is notorious for expensive parking tickets.

Many people visiting Washington, D.C. choose to stay in Arlington. Arlington hotels located along the Metro lines are just as convenient— indeed, sometimes more convenient— than hotels in Washington proper, and often more reasonable in price. If you are staying in Arlington primarily to see Washington sights such as the Smithsonian, it would be more convenient to leave your car parked at your hotel and ride the Metro to Washington.

Most destinations in suburban Arlington are accessible by bus, but a car is viable option.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is the regional transit operator. Its contactless smart card, the SmarTrip, costs only $2, making even a single round trip worth a purchase. The SmarTrip is rechargeable and, if registered, has its value protected if lost or stolen and can be refilled online. The SmarTrip and its Baltimore-area counterpart, the Maryland Transit Administration's CharmCard, are accepted on Metrorail and all regional bus operators.

By train

  • Washington DC Metro. The Metro system is considered one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. The Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow lines serve the major commercial districts in Arlington as well as most major attractions in Washington, D.C. Fares start at $1.75 and are based on distance and time of day.

SmarTrip cards can be purchased at any Metro station, and can load up to $300 of value or various passes, including one-day ($14) or seven-day ($35) passes for unlimited rail trips. Paper farecards are also available, but Metro is phasing them out— and imposes a steep $1 surcharge per trip for their use. Handle your farecard gently; it's thinner than a business card, and the magnetic strip can't take a lot of abuse.

By bus

All the public bus systems serving Arlington accept WMATA's SmarTrip card, which allows free bus-to-bus transfers (excepting certain express commuter routes) and a $0.50 rail-to-bus and bus-to-rail discount.

  • Metrobus. Metrobus operates throughout the Washington area, and for longer hours than the rail system it complements. You must have exact change for the fare of $1.75, or use a SmarTrip card. Buses can also accommodate up to two bicycles, at no additional charge.

An easy Metro bus for tourists and locals alike is the 38B aka "Orange Line with a View" begins at Farragut Square in downtown Washington and takes you through Georgetown, Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square and Ballston. Other buses of potential interest include the Pike Ride routes along Columbia Pike (mainly Metrobus 16), the 9S, a weekday shuttle looping through Crystal City, and the 23A/B/T, connecting Crystal City and Shirlington.

  • Arlington Transit Buses (ART). The County of Arlington operates its own independent bus system, filling in some gaps in Metrobus coverage. Arlington uses natural gas powered buses painted distinctive green. Like Metrobus, the fare is $1.75 and buses can also carry bicycles. Children under 5 ride free.
  • DC Circulator operates distinctive red and yellow buses every 15 minutes or so between the Rosslyn and Dupont Circle Metro Stations via Georgetown. The fare is $1.

By car

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue)

By taxi

Seven taxi companies are licensed to operate in Arlington. Arlington taxis are available at taxi stands around the county, by phoning the taxi company directly, and by mobile app. It is possible to hail cabs on the street in certain areas at certain times of the day; for example, on weekend evenings in Clarendon. All taxis are metered; fares start at $2.75 and are based on mileage. A $1 surcharge is charged for each additional passenger age 12 and over. Complaints about taxi service can be directed to the Arlington Police Department.

By Zipcar

If you need a car for only a few hours, Zipcar is your best alternative. These cars are located in designated parking spaces near Metro stations and can be rented by anyone registered with the car share company. Begin your membership a few weeks before you head to Arlington.

Driving your own car

For information on parking, see Parking In Arlington County. If you decide to drive your own car in Arlington, first check with your hotel about parking arrangements. Some hotels offer free parking and others charge per day.

Arlington County provides a list of public parking garages. Many parking garages operate 24 hours and offer discounted rates on weekends and evenings. On-street metered parking is possible in business districts; rates and restrictions vary. Many meters accept credit cards.

Parking in residential districts is restricted to residents during weekday working hours. Arlington's parking regulations are strictly enforced and improperly parked cars will be ticketed.

By foot

Arlington's wide sidewalks, well-labeled intersections, and modern transportation system make it ideal for walking. Arlington's transportation systems and sidewalks are also fully accessible to the disabled. You can easily walk over the Key Bridge into Georgetown from Rosslyn— but watch for aggressive drivers, even in marked crosswalks.

By bicycle

Capital Bikeshare racks

For more information, see Bike Arlington. A network of dedicated bicycle/pedestrian paths crisscross the county, and many major roads feature dedicated bike lanes. The paths are well-signed and patrolled regularly for safety. They also offer beautiful scenery and the chance to ride your bike or walk without interruption form motorized vehicles. You can cross any of the bridges into Washington using your bike, but be aware that the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge has a very narrow path with barely any protection from the interstate right next to you. Note that children are required to wear helmets, and it's probably a good idea for adults as well.

Capital Bikeshare has dozens of stations in Arlington, mostly within a few blocks of Metro stations.

See

Many people come to Arlington as part of a trip to Washington, D.C. Still, Arlington itself is home to several destinations including the following:

  • 1 Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Dr (Metro: Arlington Cemetery), ☏ +1 703 607-8000. 1 April–30 September 8AM-7PM daily, 1 October–30 March 8AM-5PM daily. Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Pentagon, this national military cemetery includes John F. Kennedy's tomb and the house of General Robert E. Lee (whose property this was, before it was seized during the civil war). Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier October–March every hour, April–September every half hour. If you want to explore the entire cemetery, which is enormous and hilly, in a short amount of time, there is an interpretative tour that departs continuously from the Welcome Center between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., April through September, and between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., October through March. Cost is $12. There is also a large parking garage that is a good place to dump your car and then catch the subway into D.C. Free. Arlington National Cemetery (Q216344) on Wikidata Arlington National Cemetery on Wikipedia 
Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
  • 2 Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), Meade St & Arlington Blvd (about a 15 minute walk from either the Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery Metro stations). Compelling memorial that commemorates the amphibious landing and eventually victorious battle for the Pacific island of Iwo Jima during WWII. If you walk around the memorial counter clockwise, you'll notice the optical illusion of the marines planting the flag. On July 4th, this spot also provides an excellent view of the fireworks. Marine Corps War Memorial (Q1403946) on Wikidata Marine Corps War Memorial on Wikipedia 
  • 3 [dead link] Pentagon (Just across the Potomac River from downtown DC. Metro: Pentagon), ☏ +1 703-697-1776 (group tours), +1 301-740-3388 (memorial). While lingering is not recommended for security reasons, you should know it is the largest office building in the world, and covers 4 zip codes. (Army, Navy, Air Force and Department of Defense.) Group tours are still available, but only by advance arrangement. The Pentagon Memorial is open 24 hours to visitors on the Washington Blvd side, where Flight 77 hit. Photography is allowed at the memorial, but is not permitted anywhere else on the Pentagon grounds— take photos anywhere else on site, and you may face a lengthy interrogation by the Pentagon Police and will probably be asked to delete the images. On a lighter note, the interior courtyard is irreverently referred to by employees as "Ground Zero," as it was the target of a number of Soviet missiles during the Cold War. There is no public parking at the Pentagon but it is about a 5-minute walk from the Pentagon City Mall through a tunnel. The Pentagon (Q11208) on Wikidata The Pentagon on Wikipedia 
  • 4 DEA Museum and Visitors Center, 700 Army-Navy Drive (Metro: Pentagon City), ☏ +202 307-3463. Tu-F 10AM to 4PM. Learn about the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the flow of illicit drugs worldwide. Free. (updated Apr 2017)
  • 5 Arlington Historical Museum, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road (About a 20-minute walk from the Pentagon City Metro). Sa and Su 1PM-4PM except in February, when the Museum is closed. Operated by the Arlington Historical Society, the museum is housed in the historic Hume School, the oldest school building in the county. Arlington Historical Museum (Q17512884) on Wikidata Arlington Historical Museum on Wikipedia 
  • 6 Theodore Roosevelt Island, George Washington Memorial Parkway N. A lovely nature walk though this small national park gives one glimpses of both the area's natural woods and the Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) waterfront. Also includes a surprising monument to President Roosevelt himself. Technically a part of Washington, D.C., the island is only accessible by a footbridge from Arlington. Theodore Roosevelt Island (Q2002770) on Wikidata Theodore Roosevelt Island on Wikipedia 
  • 7 United States Air Force Memorial (a 15 to 20 minute walk from either the Pentagon or Pentagon City metro stops, or you can ride any of the route 16 Metrobuses from the Pentagon to the memorial.). A monument dedicated in Fall 2006 to the U.S. Air Force. The monument is comprised of three soaring spires signifying the Thunderbird's bomb-burst formation. Also on the site are a few statues and information about various airborne campaigns the U.S. Air Force has participated in. The monument is on a hilltop with an excellent view of Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon, and Washington DC. Limited parking is available in the lot across the street from the memorial. United States Air Force Memorial (Q7889224) on Wikidata United States Air Force Memorial on Wikipedia 
  • 8 Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA (Metro: Arlington Cemetery), ☏ +1 703 533-1155, toll-free: +1-800-222-2294, . 8AM to 5PM. The memorial honors the contribution of women to America's military. In 1932, McKim, Mead and White designed a gateway to Arlington Cemetery, and in 1997 a mostly underground museum opened behind that historic structure. It features informational displays and historic artifacts and uniforms. Free. Military Women's Memorial (Q8031470) on Wikidata Women in Military Service for America Memorial on Wikipedia 

Do

The Artisphere
  • Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike (Columbia Pike at Walter Reed Drive), ☏ +1 703 486-2345. A unique combination of a full restaurant located inside a movie theater. Also offers live comedy shows and large-screen viewings of major sports events. Over 22 years old, the “Drafthouse” replaced the Arlington Theater or “Old Arlington” as it was affectionately known in 1985. The building itself is over 65 years old. 
  • Ice Skating @ Kettler Capitals Iceplex (Level 8 above the Ballston Common Mall (take the main parking garage elevators). Metro: Ballston). Year-round ice skating rink built for the Washington Capitals professional hockey team. Public skating is offered every day; check the web site for schedules. Children's and youth lessons are also available. Adult admission: $7; Skate rental: $3. 
  • Synetic Theater at Crystal City, 1800 South Bell Street (Metro: Crystal City). Well-regarded physical theater company based at the Crystal City Theatre. Shows many Shakespeare plays. 
  • The Comedy Spot, 4238 Wilson Blvd (In Ballston Common Mall. Metro: Ballston), ☏ +1 703 294-LAFF (5233). Stand up acts and local variety shows. One good show is "competitive improv" -- two teams doing improv games with audience suggestions to help direct them. The early shows are Family Friendly and the late shows are adult only. Early shows generally have more people competing and that lets the performers rotate a bit and be fresh and ready to go when it's their turn. 

Work

Arlington is a rapidly growing county with a dynamic economy. The prospects for employment here are excellent. The bedrock of Arlington's economy remains the Federal government, the military, and companies that directly do business with the government. The process to start a career with the government is considerably longer than the typical entry process in the private sector. Those seeking Federal government employment in Washington, D.C. or elsewhere can generally apply from their current location, anywhere in the U.S.

The Pentagon, and its mighty parking lots.

During summertime the Washington, D.C. area fills with ambitious young people completing internships with the government, NGOs, PACs, think tanks, and related organizations. Such persons would do best to arrange their housing in advance. While the Arlington rental market is not as tight as, say, New York City, good apartments can be pricey and hard to find on short notice. The most sought-after neighborhoods in Arlington are those directly along the Metro lines, particularly the Rosslyn to Ballston corridor of the Orange line.

Buy

Arlington's main shopping districts are found along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and in the Pentagon City-Crystal City area. Arlington has just about every type of shop an upscale urban area would have.

  • 1 [dead link] Arlington Farmers Market (Courthouse Farmers Market), N. Courthouse Road and N. 14th St. (Adjacent to the Arlington County Courthouse parking lot. Metro: Court House), ☏ +1 703 228-7872, fax: +1 703 228-7874. Sa 8AM–noon (Apr–Dec); Sa 9AM–12noon (Jan–Mar). Arlington's largest farmers market, with about three dozen vendors, and the only one that operates year-round. 
  • 2 The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (Pentagon City Mall), 1100 S Hayes St (Directly connected to the Pentagon City Metro Station; Pentagon City exit from I-395 or SR-110.), ☏ +1 703 415-2401. Mo–Sa 10AM-9:30PM; Su 11AM-6PM. Opened in 1989, the Fashion Centre is Arlington's largest indoor shopping mall. It caters to two groups: Arlington's professional class, browsing the upper middle class stores anchored by the Macy's and Nordstrom department stores; and tour bus groups, who mill about the food court and T-shirt kiosks in the basement. 
  • 3 Market Common Clarendon, 2800 Clarendon Blvd. (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 703 807-2922. This outdoor shopping plaza includes an Apple Store, Barnes & Noble, and Crate & Barrel among others, and is just down the block from a variety of specialty retailers and neighborhood restaurants. 
  • 4 The Village at Shirlington, 4280 Campbell Ave. (I-395 to Shirlington/S. Arlington Mill Drive exit.). A mixed-use town center with a selection of specialty retailers and restaurants, as well as the Signature Theatre and an art-house cinema. 
  • 5 Pentagon Row, 1201 S. Joyce St. (Directly west of the Fashion Centre), ☏ +1 301-998-8155. This mixed-use development features local restaurants and chain retailers running along South Joyce Street. In the wintertime, the central courtyard is home to a popular outdoor ice skating rink. 
  • The Crystal City Shops, 1750 Crystal Dr., 2150 Crystal Dr. (Metro: Crystal City), ☏ +1 703 807-2922. A maze of underground corridors extending from 12th to 23rd Streets South, Crystal City's underground is not the place for destination shopping, but if you're staying in one of the many nearby hotels, it can't be beat for climate-controlled convenience to all your basics from haircuts to cafés to touristy gift shops. 
  • 6 Ballston Common, 4238 Wilson Blvd (Connected via skyway to the Ballston Metro). Better known for its two indoor skating rinks, cheap parking, and multiplex cinema than its mediocre shops, Ballston Common is slated to undergo a major redevelopment as the neighborhood around it continues to boom. 

Eat

You won't go hungry in Arlington. Arlington has over a thousand restaurants to fit every budget and taste. Arlington's diverse, well educated population has led to a plethora of ethnic restaurants. The Clarendon neighborhood probably has the largest concentration of restaurants. Within a few blocks of the metro station you can find all types of restaurants—from hole in the wall establishments to pubs to casual dining restaurants. For a slightly less crowded area, try the Shirlington neighborhood, which has about two dozen restaurants ranging from Thai to contemporary American. Note that Shirlington is not served by a Metro rail line. Crystal City has many fine restaurants for every budget. Some choices include Hamburger Hamlet, Bailey's, and Tapas. Make sure to venture west of Jefferson Davis Avenue on 23rd street to get a few smaller but equally as good choices. Some shopping malls, such as The Underground, also have full-service restaurants, as well as food courts.

Tulips on the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial
  • Ben's Chili Bowl, 1725 Wilson Blvd, Arlington (Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 703 649-5255. Daily 11AM to 11PM. The Washington DC landmark that opened in DC in 1958 and well known for its hot dogs and half smokes that has been visited by numerous presidents and celebrities now has a location open in Arlington. 
  • Cafe Caturra, 2931 South Glebe Road (In a shopping center in South Arlington not far from Reagan Washington National Airport. Metro: Pentagon City), ☏ +1 202 525-5317. Mo-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM; Su 11:30AM-3PM. Chic cafe and Wine Bar with small plates and a lot of variety. The wines are well-chosen and the whole experience is casual but trendy $5-14. 
  • China Garden, 1100 Wilson Blvd (In a North Arlington office building, just across the Key Bridge from Georgetown. Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 703 535-5480. Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM. The Chinese have fled the District, mostly to Virginia, and there are honestly no good dim sum places in the city itself. But this restaurant serves a perfectly fine dim sum. $8-20. 
  • Delhi Club, 1135 N Highland St (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 202 527-5666. Su-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa 11:30AM-10:30PM. In North Arlington. Stylish, modern Indian plates with a specialty in lamb and egglplant. If you would like something different, try the Indian take on the Chesapeake crabcake. $15-27. 
  • Guajillo Grill, 1727 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 703 807-0840. In North Arlington. Mexican food, including some great mole. The food is always fresh and wonderful. The place is difficult to spot and parking can be a problem. 
  • Me Jana, 2300 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Court House), ☏ +1 703 465-4440. Lunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM daily; dinner: Su-Th 4:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10:30PM. Upscale Lebanese cuisine (mostly mezzes) in a trendy, casual dining room, and accompanied with a fine selection of Lebanese wines. $18-40. 
  • Piola Pizzeria, 1550 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Rosslyn.), ☏ +1 703 528-1502. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-1AM, Sa noon-1AM, Su noon-11PM. Based in Treviso, Italy, this small but international chain serves great, vaguely Neopolitan style pizzas. Later at night it morphs into an attractive lounge playing house and trance. Happy hour (M-F 4:30PM-8PM) sees free bar snacks and $4 sangria. $10-16. 
  • Pho 75, 1721 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 703 525-7355. 9AM-8PM daily. For a really good bowl of Vietnamese pho, you need to head out to the suburbs where the Vietnamese actually live. Happily, one of the closest pho joints to the city is also one of the best—several local food critics have declared the best. $5-10. 
  • Quarterdeck, 1200 Fort Meyer Dr, ☏ +1 703 528-2722. 11:30AM-9PM daily. For a great Maryland-style crab feast by D.C. you should go to... Virginia! Paper on the tables, buckets full of crabs, pitchers of beer, and an elbow-deep mess of Old Bay seasoning. $6-25; crab feast: $35/person. 
  • Rays the Steaks, 2300 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Court House), ☏ +1 703 841-7297. One of the DC area's best steak houses, this no-frills steak house offers some of the best steaks at a reasonable price in the DC area. The restaurant has moved from its original location and now takes reservations. Parking can be a problem at times. 
The Teddy Roosevelt Memorial on his eponymous island in the Potomac
  • Taste of Morocco, 3211 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 703 527-7468. Lunch: Tu-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM. A great Moroccan restaurant with lovely ambiance (precisely the sort you'd want of a Moroccan restaurant), great service, and one mean Chicken Bastilla, a sweet pastry filled with savory, spiced chicken. $14-30. 
  • Teds Montana Grill, 4300 Wilson Blvd (At Wilson and Glebe behind the Ballston Commons Mall. Metro: Ballston), ☏ +1 703 741-0661. 11AM-10PM. Teds is a classic American restaurant serving authentic American cuisine in the style of a 1890s eatery. Featuring bison and beef steaks and especially burgers it offers a made from scratch experience unmatched in Arlington. $$. 
  • Willow, 4301 North Fairfax Dr (Metro: Ballston), ☏ +1 703 465-8800. Weekdays 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM; Sa 5PM-5:30PM, 6PM-10:30PM. American food. Great experience, great food, great atmosphere 

Drink

In Arlington, the drinks can get pricey, but the bars are plentiful. Ballston Mall includes several pubs, while the Clarendon-to-Courthouse corridor has enough watering holes for a bar crawl. The entire area also has a high density of coffee houses.

  • Carpool, 4000 Fairfax Drive (2 blocks from Ballston Metro), ☏ +1 703 532-7665. Popular billiards room, bar, restaurant and meeting point with a gas filling-station theme. 
  • The Continental, 1911 Fort Meyer Dr (Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 703 465-7675. M-F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa-Su 6PM-2AM. A weird little 60s-looking, orange-colored pool hall and bar just across the Key Bridge. If the small bar and pool tables are crowded, they also have shuffleboard, darts, and Nintendo Wii! 
  • Galaxy Hut, 2711 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 703 525-8646. 5PM-2AM daily. Northern Virginia's hipster refuge has a fun jukebox, a fantastic draft beer selection, and perhaps the most laid back atmosphere on the Wilson Blvd corridor (it predates the Clarendon yuppie boom). Live indie rock Su-M. 
  • Guarapo, 1501 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Court House), ☏ +1 703 528-6500. M-Th 5PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5PM-11:30PM; lounge: Th-Sa 9PM-1:30AM. A Latin lounge with salsa dancing, live music Th-Sa, hookahs, and "Latin tapas." 
  • Heavy Seas Alehouse, 2403 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 202 879-4388. Su-Th 11AM-12:00AM, F-Sa 11AM-2:00AM. Arlington branch of the popular Baltimore brewpub, offering house-brewed beers as well as a menu focusing on locally caught seafood. 
  • Iota Club, 2832 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 703 522-8340. 5PM-2AM daily. It's arguably a dive bar, but more importantly one of the best live music venues in the area for roots-rock and country acts. 
  • Jay's Saloon & Grille, 3114 N 10th St (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 703 527-3093. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Sa noon-2AM. This is a true, old-school, neighborhood bar that has not been overrun with the twenty-somethings, with really cheap beer—$2 Buds and Miller Lites any time of the week. 


  • Oby Lee, 3000 N Washington Blvd (Metro: Clarendon), ☏ +1 571 257-5054. Su 9AM-9PM; Mo CLOSED; Tu-Th 8AM-10PM; Fr 8AM-11PM; Sa 9AM-11PM. For your morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening wine, and anytime crepes. 
  • Rock Bottom Brewery, 4238 Wilson Blvd. ste 1256 (in the Ballston Common Mall), ☏ +1 703 516-7688. Wednesday night is dollar pint night for some mighty fine in-house brews...expect crowds. 
  • Whitlows On Wilson, 2854 Wilson Blvd (Metro: Clarendon). Casual neighborhood bar offering great specials during the week and a popular brunch on the weekends. 

Sleep

  • Best Western Rosslyn/Iwo Jima, 1501 Arlington Blvd (Metro: Rosslyn), ☏ +1 703 524-5000. For once, a hotel with an attraction in the name isn't lying to you—it really is just about a block from the Iwo Jima Memorial. That does place it a little out of the way, but it's not a long walk to the Rosslyn station. Newly-renovated, heated indoor pool, free WiFi, meeting rooms. $100-190. 
  • Clarion Collection Arlington Court, 1200 N Courthouse Rd (Metro:Court House), ☏ +1 703 524-4000. A high-end Clarion near the Arlington County courthouse, with free WiFi, free breakfast buffet, and 24 hour fitness center. Offers a free one-mile shuttle; it's a shame that anything interesting is at least two miles away. $130-300. 
  • Comfort Inn Pentagon City, 2480 South Glebe Rd. Bldg. 2, Arlington, VA 22206 (Metro: Pentagon City), ☏ +1 703 682-5500. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, an on-site restaurant, fitness center and outdoor swimming pool, daily shuttle service to the Pentagon, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, etc. $89-$139. 
  • Hilton Arlington (directly atop the Ballston Metro). Mostly oriented towards business travels; it offers substantial discounts over weekends and holidays. 
Shopping central is Pentagon City
  • Hyatt Arlington, 1325 Wilson Boulevard. Arlington, VA 22209 (Metro: Rosslyn). Newly renovated; walking distance to local businesses and Georgetown. 

Long-Stay Hotels and Corporate Apartments

Arlington is home to a sizeable number of government and military employees. Many people detailed on business to the Washington DC area stay in Arlington. If you will be in Arlington for longer than two weeks, but less than six months, a long stay hotel (also called a corporate apartment) is the best place for you.

When choosing a corporate apartment, consider its location carefully. Apartments very close to the Metro are considered highly desirable; some buildings further away operate shuttle services. Other considerations include the frequency of maid service, if pets are allowed, parking facilities, and if the neighborhood has good restaurants, stores and supermarkets in easy walking distance. Do inquire about price, and make sure the pricing structure is compatible your per-diem guidelines.

If your stay in Arlington will be longer than six months, you are probably better off renting a regular apartment from through a broker, the Washington Post classifieds, or an online site such as Craigslist. Most Arlington landlords are familiar with the transient nature of government work and will include a "government escape clause" or "diplomatic escape clause" in your lease if you ask. Such a clause states that the lease can be terminated without penalty upon 30 days notice of receipt of government or military travel orders.

Stay safe

Terminal B-C at DCA

Arlington is a very safe county with considerably less crime than its neighbor, Washington, D.C. While you are unlikely to be the victim of a crime here, you should take normal precautions that you would in any urban area, such as keeping your car and hotel room locked at all times. If you have a problem, dial 911 to contact the Arlington County Police.

Be aware that the Metro closes at midnight from Sunday-Thursday and at 3AM on Friday and Saturday nights. The time of the last train is posted in each station. Metro buses operate longer hours, but on a greatly reduced schedule outside of rush hour. If you anticipate being out very late at night it is a good idea to carry the phone number of a taxi company with you.

Go next

  • Major regional (and national) attractions and fine dining in The National Mall and Georgetown are just across the Potomac via Arlington Memorial Bridge (or the Metro Yellow Line) and the Key Bridge respectively.
  • Alexandria — the former hometown to famous American heroes and rebels that claims some of the richest history in the DC metro area is just south of the Reagan National airport, accessible via the Blue line on the Metro.
  • Fredericksburg and Manassas — sites of key Civil War battles, including the first major battle of the war. Also in the area are the Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania battlefields.
  • Great Falls — home to a rather pleasant national park.
  • Mount Vernon — George Washington's home and gardens.
Routes through Arlington (by car)
Middletown ← Falls Church ←  W  E  → Washington, D.C. → END
END ← Washington, D.C. ←  N  S  → Alexandria → Springfield
Baltimore ← Washington, D.C. ←  N  S  → Alexandria → Richmond
Ellicott City ← Washington, D.C. ←  N  S  → Falls Church → Charlottesville
Winchester ← Falls Church ←  W  E  → Washington, D.C. → Annapolis


Routes through Arlington (by subway)
Springfield ← Alexandria ←  S  E  → West End → East End
Vienna ← Falls Church ←  W  E  → West End → East End
Reston ← Falls Church ←  W  E  → West End → East End
East End ← Waterfront ←  N  S  → Alexandria → Huntington


Routes through Arlington (by commuter rail)
Fredericksburg ← Alexandria ←  SW  NE  → Washington, D.C. → END
Bristow ← Alexandria ←  W  E  → Washington, D.C. → END


This city travel guide to Arlington is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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