Guidebook for Arlington
Sightseeing
Tours for some sights can be arranged in advance through the office of your congressman or one of your senators. Contact them as soon as possible, as space is limited. Available tours include:
- Staff-led tours of the Capitol building
- Supreme Court
- Library of Congress
- the White House
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing (where they print paper currency)
Even if the congressman or senator are unable to arrange these tours for you, each of the listed sights can still be seen on your own (with the exception of the White House).
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NWThomas Jefferson Memorial Bookstore
16 E Basin Dr SWTo have the chance to go inside for a tour you must contact the office of your congressman or one of your two senators. Space is very limited and fills up quickly. Contact your congressman or senator's office as soon as possible about these tours. They will require that you provide personal information for a background check to be done by the White House, including your name, address, social security number, birthday, etc.
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The White House South Lawn
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NWTo have the chance to go inside for a tour you must contact the office of your congressman or one of your two senators. Space is very limited and fills up quickly. Contact your congressman or senator's office as soon as possible about these tours. They will require that you provide personal information for a background check to be done by the White House, including your name, address, social security number, birthday, etc.
Staff-led tours can usually be arranged by contacting your congressman or senator's office. The advantage of a staff-led tour as opposed to one booked directly through the Capitol Visitor's Center is tour group size - you get a small group (no more than 15) and will likely see a few things not on the CVC tours!
If no staff-led tours are available, it is still worth getting a tour through the Visitors Center! The Capitol building is an absolute must!! You can book tickets for free online (preferred) or, as a last resort, same day walk-up tickets are available. http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol
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United States Capitol
First Street SoutheastStaff-led tours can usually be arranged by contacting your congressman or senator's office. The advantage of a staff-led tour as opposed to one booked directly through the Capitol Visitor's Center is tour group size - you get a small group (no more than 15) and will likely see a few things not on the CVC tours!
If no staff-led tours are available, it is still worth getting a tour through the Visitors Center! The Capitol building is an absolute must!! You can book tickets for free online (preferred) or, as a last resort, same day walk-up tickets are available. http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
The National Arboretum has all kinds of plants. A beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Great for photographs. Also home to the original columns from the Capitol building.
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Arboretum
The National Arboretum has all kinds of plants. A beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Great for photographs. Also home to the original columns from the Capitol building.
Old Town Alexandria is a famous historic area that is great for shopping, photos, or just walking around. It has beautiful homes, a waterfront, and many locally owned shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of high-end stores you've heard of (e.g., Williams Sonoma, Paper Source, Anthro, Banana Republic). A great area to spend an afternoon. Note that many shops close earlier than you might expect, so don't get there too late in the day.
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Old Town
Old Town Alexandria is a famous historic area that is great for shopping, photos, or just walking around. It has beautiful homes, a waterfront, and many locally owned shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of high-end stores you've heard of (e.g., Williams Sonoma, Paper Source, Anthro, Banana Republic). A great area to spend an afternoon. Note that many shops close earlier than you might expect, so don't get there too late in the day.
Tours of the Supreme Court can be arranged by contacting your congressman or senator's office. There are only a couple of tours each day, so space is limited. If tours are not available, the public can still access the Court most days and see exhibits and peak into the courtroom. https://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/whatcaniseeanddo.aspx
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Supreme Court of the United States
1 First St NETours of the Supreme Court can be arranged by contacting your congressman or senator's office. There are only a couple of tours each day, so space is limited. If tours are not available, the public can still access the Court most days and see exhibits and peak into the courtroom. https://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/whatcaniseeanddo.aspx
George Washington's estate. You might even meet someone from Washington's era, such as his wife, Martha!
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George Washington's Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial HwyGeorge Washington's estate. You might even meet someone from Washington's era, such as his wife, Martha!
Walk along M street in famous Georgetown. Mostly shopping, with some restaurants mixed in.
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Georgetown
Walk along M street in famous Georgetown. Mostly shopping, with some restaurants mixed in.
National Zoo. Free admission. In December they decorate the zoo with lights.
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Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NWNational Zoo. Free admission. In December they decorate the zoo with lights.
DC's Chinatown is not as impressive as New York's, Chicago's, or many Californian cities, but it has a decent number of Asian restaurants to choose from. There's also a Chinatown arch, which is a popular place for visitors to take pictures.
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Chinatown
604 H St NWDC's Chinatown is not as impressive as New York's, Chicago's, or many Californian cities, but it has a decent number of Asian restaurants to choose from. There's also a Chinatown arch, which is a popular place for visitors to take pictures.
The inside of the Library of Congress is beautiful! It's worth stopping in for a look! Tours are also available on weekdays - contact your congressman or senator's office for help arranging a tour. There are additional public tours offered each day (https://www.loc.gov/visit/tours/guided-tours/thomas-jefferson-building/).
Insider tip: Pre-register online for a reader ID card (up to 2 weeks before your arrival) and then finish the registration process in person when you arrive. With this card you will be able to go into the stunning reading rooms, accessible only to those with reader ID cards. Otherwise, there is a window from the Great Hall).
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Library Of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building
10 Independence Ave SEThe inside of the Library of Congress is beautiful! It's worth stopping in for a look! Tours are also available on weekdays - contact your congressman or senator's office for help arranging a tour. There are additional public tours offered each day (https://www.loc.gov/visit/tours/guided-tours/thomas-jefferson-building/).
Insider tip: Pre-register online for a reader ID card (up to 2 weeks before your arrival) and then finish the registration process in person when you arrive. With this card you will be able to go into the stunning reading rooms, accessible only to those with reader ID cards. Otherwise, there is a window from the Great Hall).
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a fun place to visit, especially for kids. Here you can see paper money being printed if your timing is right and hear about the process. It's fascinating! Tours can be arranged through your congressman or senator's office. Space is limited especially during the spring and summer months. Tickets can also be obtained by getting up extra early and waiting in line.
*Note that tickets are required March - August
https://www.moneyfactory.gov/washingtondctours.html
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Bureau of Engraving and Printing
301 14th St SWThe Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a fun place to visit, especially for kids. Here you can see paper money being printed if your timing is right and hear about the process. It's fascinating! Tours can be arranged through your congressman or senator's office. Space is limited especially during the spring and summer months. Tickets can also be obtained by getting up extra early and waiting in line.
*Note that tickets are required March - August
https://www.moneyfactory.gov/washingtondctours.html
Getting Around
Clarendon Station
3100 Wilson BlvdVirginia Square-GMU Station
Smithsonian Station
Foggy Bottom-GWU station
2301 I St NWMcPherson Square station
I Street NorthwestTysons Corner station
Chain Bridge RoadDCA airport. Metro accessible via the Ronald Reagan Airport stop on the yellow/blue lines.
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
2401 Smith BlvdDCA airport. Metro accessible via the Ronald Reagan Airport stop on the yellow/blue lines.
BWI airport. Accessible via the MARC train from Union Station in downtown DC. Make sure to check the MARC schedule, since MARC trains don't run all night long.
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
7050 Friendship RoadBWI airport. Accessible via the MARC train from Union Station in downtown DC. Make sure to check the MARC schedule, since MARC trains don't run all night long.
IAD airport. You can ride a bus to the end of the metro silver line, or a different bus (the 5A) to the metro at Rosslyn.
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Dulles International Airport
1 Saarinen CirIAD airport. You can ride a bus to the end of the metro silver line, or a different bus (the 5A) to the metro at Rosslyn.
Pentagon City Station
1250 S Hayes StShopping
Currently under renovation -- only a few shops are open.
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Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Blvd Currently under renovation -- only a few shops are open.
Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner CenterFashion Centre at Pentagon City
1100 S Hayes StThe closest Costco. They have a parking lot with validation after Costco purchases. Alternatively, it's Metro accessible via the Pentagon City stop. Since it's Costco, metroing back might be difficult. Consider getting a car2go or Zipcar.
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Costco Wholesale
1200 S Fern StThe closest Costco. They have a parking lot with validation after Costco purchases. Alternatively, it's Metro accessible via the Pentagon City stop. Since it's Costco, metroing back might be difficult. Consider getting a car2go or Zipcar.
Food Scene
Goody's has great pizza at an affordable price. Their lunch special is a particularly good deal - $5.99 for two large slices and a drink. The owners are often there, and are very friendly and fun to talk to.
Goody's Pizza
3125 Wilson BlvdGoody's has great pizza at an affordable price. Their lunch special is a particularly good deal - $5.99 for two large slices and a drink. The owners are often there, and are very friendly and fun to talk to.
El Pollo Rico has great Peruvian chicken for a very affordable price. Their menu is very basic -- you just choose how much chicken you want (a quarter, a half, etc.), and whichever side(s) you like (fries, coleslaw, or white rice). It's not the fanciest place, but we love the chicken, so we keep going back.
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El Pollo Rico
932 N Kenmore StEl Pollo Rico has great Peruvian chicken for a very affordable price. Their menu is very basic -- you just choose how much chicken you want (a quarter, a half, etc.), and whichever side(s) you like (fries, coleslaw, or white rice). It's not the fanciest place, but we love the chicken, so we keep going back.
The Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson BlvdBudget friendly but still tasty Vietnamese food. Order at the counter and they bring the food to your table. Good for lunch or dinner.
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Four Sisters Grill
3035 Clarendon BlvdBudget friendly but still tasty Vietnamese food. Order at the counter and they bring the food to your table. Good for lunch or dinner.
South Block has *amazing* acai bowls. You won't regret a stop here. Seriously. Go get one. Or ten.
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South Block
3011 11th St NSouth Block has *amazing* acai bowls. You won't regret a stop here. Seriously. Go get one. Or ten.
They make your ice cream fresh to order using liquid nitrogen. They also have amazing hot chocolate.
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Nicecream
2831 Clarendon BlvdThey make your ice cream fresh to order using liquid nitrogen. They also have amazing hot chocolate.
The closest restaurant to our house. Solid BBQ and delicious sides. Portions tend to be a little small, so make sure to order enough.
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Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company
3471 Washington BlvdThe closest restaurant to our house. Solid BBQ and delicious sides. Portions tend to be a little small, so make sure to order enough.
Green Pig Bistro
1025 N Fillmore StReally good Southern comfort food.
Delicious bakery. Perfect for morning pastries or desserts. Be sure to check their hours before going.
LeoNora Gourmet Bakery
1108 N Irving StDelicious bakery. Perfect for morning pastries or desserts. Be sure to check their hours before going.
Tupelo Honey
1616 N Troy StGood Southern comfort food.
Endo Sushi
3000 Washington BlvdSolid sushi restaurant close to the house.
Our favorite sushi restaurant in the DC area. A bit of a drive from the house, but worth it. If you're in Old Town Alexandria, and you like sushi, make a point of going to Momo.
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Momo Sushi & Cafe
212 Queen StOur favorite sushi restaurant in the DC area. A bit of a drive from the house, but worth it. If you're in Old Town Alexandria, and you like sushi, make a point of going to Momo.
Really good donuts. Really good. Follow them on Twitter @SugarShackDMV to find out how to get free donuts.
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Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee
1014 S Glebe RdReally good donuts. Really good. Follow them on Twitter @SugarShackDMV to find out how to get free donuts.
Our favorite pizza place in Arlington. They have a 1000 degree wood-fired oven imported from Italy. It makes seriously good pizza.
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Pupatella
5104 Wilson BlvdOur favorite pizza place in Arlington. They have a 1000 degree wood-fired oven imported from Italy. It makes seriously good pizza.
Burritos, salads, enchiladas, etc. Get the sweet pork. You won't regret it.
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Cafe Rio Mexican Grill
20680 Seneca Meadows PkwyBurritos, salads, enchiladas, etc. Get the sweet pork. You won't regret it.
Try a beignet. Or three. Bayou Bakery is famous for them.
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Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
1515 N Courthouse RdTry a beignet. Or three. Bayou Bakery is famous for them.
Pi Pizzeria
910 F Street NorthwestThe closest thing to Chicago-style pizza in DC. We love coming here.
BLT Steak
1625 I St NWMy favorite steakhouse in DC.
Solid burgers, delicious shakes. They have alcoholic shakes in the evenings.
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Burger Tap & Shake
2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSolid burgers, delicious shakes. They have alcoholic shakes in the evenings.
If you happen to be in the Gaithersburg area, this is a solid steakhouse.
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GrillMarX Steakhouse & Raw Bar
12011 Snowden Farm PkwyIf you happen to be in the Gaithersburg area, this is a solid steakhouse.
Abraham Lincoln themed restaurant with a regularly changing menu served tapas style at dinner from farm-fresh ingredients.
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Lincoln
1110 Vermont Ave NWAbraham Lincoln themed restaurant with a regularly changing menu served tapas style at dinner from farm-fresh ingredients.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
2201 I St NWTrader Joe's
1109 N Highland StThis is the closest grocery store. Good for quickly picking up breakfast cereal, drinks, etc.
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Giant Food
3450 Washington BlvdThis is the closest grocery store. Good for quickly picking up breakfast cereal, drinks, etc.
The closest Target, but don't expect your typical Target experience. Target Express is a new concept that Target is testing. It's more like a CVS or convenience store. Just the essentials.
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Target
3100 14th St NWThe closest Target, but don't expect your typical Target experience. Target Express is a new concept that Target is testing. It's more like a CVS or convenience store. Just the essentials.
The Custis Trail is a paved running, walking, or biking trail that runs east-west. You can get there easily by going just over a block north on Lincoln St. or Quincy St. to the north side of I-66, where you will see the path to get on the trail.
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Custis Trail
Custis TrailThe Custis Trail is a paved running, walking, or biking trail that runs east-west. You can get there easily by going just over a block north on Lincoln St. or Quincy St. to the north side of I-66, where you will see the path to get on the trail.
Gold's Gym
3910 Wilson BlvdOur preferred hospital, in case of emergency.
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Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington
1701 N George Mason Dr Our preferred hospital, in case of emergency.
Safeway
5101 Wilson BlvdA grocery store within walking distance of our place.
This CVS pharmacy is open 24 hours and very close to our home.
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CVS Pharmacy
3133 Lee HwyThis CVS pharmacy is open 24 hours and very close to our home.
Entertainment & Activities
This movie theater has reclining leather seats, reserved seating, and new movies.
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AMC Courthouse Plaza 8
2150 Clarendon BlvdThis movie theater has reclining leather seats, reserved seating, and new movies.
This movie theater has reclining leather seats, reserved seating, and new movies.
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Regal Ballston Quarter Stadium 12
671 N Glebe RdThis movie theater has reclining leather seats, reserved seating, and new movies.
The Verizon Center is home to the Washington Wizards NBA team and the Washington Capitals NHL team. Also the location for many concerts by famous artists.
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Capital One Arena
601 F St NWThe Verizon Center is home to the Washington Wizards NBA team and the Washington Capitals NHL team. Also the location for many concerts by famous artists.
King's Dominion is a bit of a drive from Arlington, but it's a fun way to spend a day.
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Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park WayKing's Dominion is a bit of a drive from Arlington, but it's a fun way to spend a day.
The closest amusement park to DC. We prefer King's Dominion, but if you don't want to drive that far, Six Flags is another option.
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Six Flags America
13710 Central AveThe closest amusement park to DC. We prefer King's Dominion, but if you don't want to drive that far, Six Flags is another option.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is the best aquarium in the area. If you're looking to spend a day in Baltimore, this is a great option.
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National Aquarium
501 E Pratt StThe National Aquarium in Baltimore is the best aquarium in the area. If you're looking to spend a day in Baltimore, this is a great option.
The MGM is the newest casino in the area. It's extremely popular.
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MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National AveThe MGM is the newest casino in the area. It's extremely popular.
Drinks & Nightlife
Don Tito's is a modern Clarendon hotspot. Dinner options available. Known for their rooftop bar.
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Don Tito
3165 Wilson BlvdDon Tito's is a modern Clarendon hotspot. Dinner options available. Known for their rooftop bar.
Courthaus Social
2300 Clarendon BlvdWednesday night Trivia Night starts at 7:00 PM.
Heritage Brewing Co. Market Common Brewpub & Roastery
1300-1398 N Fillmore St