DC: Arlington Cemetery Tour + Changing of Guard & JFK Flame

Highlights

• Secure the best vantage point to watch the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Stand beside JFK’s Eternal Flame; hear the story of America’s famous funeral
• Walk through 400,000 stories of sacrifice in America’s most sacred cemetery
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Washington DC from Arlington House
• Learn stories of astronauts, Supreme Court justices, teachers, & soldiers

Description

Join one of Washington DC’s top-rated Arlington Cemetery walking tours (4.9★ from 130+ guests) and discover the stories most visitors miss. This tour is timed to give guests the best opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Unlike large bus tours, this experience is designed specifically for walking through Arlington Cemetery at a respectful pace, allowing you to understand the history, symbolism, and personal stories behind the graves. Our tour is timed to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Restroom stop available at visitor center.

Spots are limited to keep the tour personal. Led by top-rated Washington DC historians, this tour brings Arlington’s powerful stories to life.

Located just minutes from Washington DC landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, Arlington National Cemetery is an essential stop on any DC visit.

This 2.5 hour walking tour includes stops at President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknowns, where you will witness the time-honored tradition of the Changing of the Guard, Arlington House, and much more, with an optional extended self-guided audio at Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial.

We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. You'll hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here, too. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones.

Pay respects to the only two presidents buried in Arlington Cemetery, John F. Kennedy and William H. Taft.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we'll learn about what it takes to be a sentinel and how the tomb is guarded 24/7 in any weather.

We'll experience Arlington House, visiting the "Slave Quarters" and Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery.

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

While we end the tour inside Arlington National Cemetery, we provide a free self-guided audio tour for anyone who wants to complete the 15-minute walk to visit the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery with instructions on how to get back or how to continue to the nearest Metro.

Why should you take our tour?
• Small group experience for better storytelling
• Expert local historians — not scripted audio tours
• Strategically timed to see the Changing of the Guard
• Includes insider stories you won’t hear on bus tours
• Designed for first-time visitors who want context and meaning

Arlington National Cemetery is more than a landmark — it is the resting place of over 400,000 Americans who served their country. Join us to experience the stories, traditions, and quiet moments that make this one of the most moving places in the United States.