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Arlington (Virginia)

Arlington is an urban county in Virginia. Arlington is located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. With a land area of only about 26 square miles and a population of close to 200,000, Arlington is one of America's mostly densely populated jurisdictions.[1] Despite its density, Arlington mixes the best of both big city and suburban environments. No incorporated towns or cities lie within Arlington County borders; all local government is at the county level.

Arlington has seen continual growth as the DC area has continued to grow, even during nation-wide economic downturns. This is mostly thanks to the large number of Federal workers and private companies competing for government contracts.

Culture and History

Arlington is part of the original "ten miles square" which the US Constitution dedicated as Washington DC, the nation's capital. In the 1840's, the US Congress returned the part of Washington south of the Potomac river to Virginia; the majority of this land today forms Arlington County. The vast majority of travelers to Arlington will visit both Washington and Arlington, and the two cities are seamlessly linked together by the Metro system.

Arlington has maintained a healthy balance of urban and suburban life through its self-proclaimed "Arlington Way"[2] of policy making. The county boasts a large percentage of residents 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 Washington DC area during summer weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visitng between November and March. Likewise, summencghnn r weekdays, as opposed to weekends, have fewer visitors and thus lower hotel rates. The busiest time to visit the Washington area is during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The springtime blossoms are a must see, but try to book a room substantially in advance.

Some interesting things to see - such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - are located in government offices and thus are only viewable on workdays Monday through Friday.

If you are visiting during the summer peak season, go to popular museums such as the Smithsonian early (the Smithsonian open at 10:00am). Consider walking to monuments and memorials in the evenings when temperatures are cooler.

Travel to Arlington (Virginia) & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Arlington (Virginia)

  • Reagan National Airport (IATA: DCA), [3] is in Arlington itself, and is used by several major regional airlines. This airport is directly linked to the metro system and thus very convenient.
  • Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD), [4] is approximately 15 miles (a 45 minute drive during rush hour) outside of Arlington and accessible via shuttle bus and taxi. A long term plan may extend metro service to IAD by the year 2016.

Buses to Arlington (Virginia)

  • Greyhound has a station in Washington DC, several blocks from Union Station.
  • Several "Chinatown" bus companies take passengers between Chinatowns in Washington, D.C. and New York. First popular amongst 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 [5] has service between Rosslyn in north Arlington and New York.

By train

  • The closest train staion is Union Station in Washington, DC. It is about 10-15 min. by taxi from Arlington, or 30 minutes by metro.
  • Union Station in Alexandria, VA is also close to Arlington. The ride to Arlington is about 30 minutes by metro.
  • Arlington is served by Orange Line Metro stops Ballston-MU, Virginia Square-GMU, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn. The Blue and Yellow Line stops include Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Reagan National Airport.

By car

  • Highways entering Arlington include I-395 from the Southwest, I-66 and US Route 50 from the West, George Washington Parkway from the Northwest, and US Route 1 from the South. All connect to the Washington beltway (I-495). In addition, there are several bridges (Key, Lincoln, Memorial, and 14th Street) cross over the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to the East.
  • Arlington County does not allow gasoline sales between midnight and 6am.

Tours & Getting around Arlington (Virginia)

If you stick to the urban areas, park your car and leave it parked. Arlington has an excellent public transportation system, and using an automobile can bring more troubles than it is worth, as many of Arlington's attractions suffer from a dearth of parking spaces. Fortunately, Arlington's public transportation system includes three metro lines that form part of the Washington DC metro system as well two bus systems.

If you want to explore the suburban areas of Arlington, the area offers many bus options, but a car is also a viable option.

  • Washington DC Metro [6] The metro system is considered one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. The Orange, Blue, and Yellow lines cover Arlington. The metro uses are farecard system; cards are available for purchase at vending machines in all stations. Handle your Farecard gently; it's thin (like a business card) and the magnetic strip can't take a lot of abuse. Fares start at $1.35 and are based on distance and time of day. The county of Arlington has grown around the its metro lines so many of the attractions you can see are located in the Rosslyn-Ballston metro corridor or along the Blue/Yellow Lines. Accessing Washington DC attractions from Arlington hotels along the metro line can be as convenient than staying in Washington DC itself.
  • Metro Bus [7] The Washington area is also served by traditional bus service.
  • Arlington Transit Buses (ART) [8] The County of Arlington operates its own independent bus system. Arlington uses smaller, natural gas powered busses painted distinctive green. These busses can also carry bicycles at no additional charge. Arlington's bus service is designed to compliment the metro.
  • Taxi Arlington taxis are available at taxi stands around the county, by phoning the taxi company directly, or occasionally by street hail. All taxis are metered; fares start at $2.00 and are based on mileage. A $1 fee is charged for each additional adult passenger. Complaints about taxi service can be directed to the Arlington Police Department.
  • Walking Arlington's wide sidewalks, well labeled intersections, and modern transportation system make Arlington an ideal location for walking. Arlington's transportation systems and sidewalks are also fully accessible to the disabled.
  • Bicycle [9] Arlington features a unique network of dedicated bike paths that criscross the county as well as dedicated bike lanes on many major roades. The paths are well labeled and patrolled regularly for safety. They also offer beautiful scenery and the chance to ride your bike or walk without interruption form motorized vehicles.
  • Car Share [10] [11] If you need a car for only a few hours, car share is your best alternative. Arlington has two car share companies, Zipcar and Flexcar. These cars are located in desginated parking spaces near metro stations and can be used by anyone registered with the car share company.
  • Driving your own car [12] If you decide to drive your own car to Arlington, first check with your hotel about parking arragements. Some hotels offer free parking and others charge per day. Most, but not all, parking garages operate 24 hours and offer discounted rates on weekends and evenings. Arlington County owns a very large pay parking facility attached to the Ballston Common Mall. On-street metered parking is possible in business districts. 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.

Many persons visiting Washington DC choose to stay in Arlington. Arlington hotel located along the metro lines are just as convenient or even more convenient than Washington DC hotels, and often more reasonable in price. If you are staying in Arlington primarily to see Washington DC sights such as the Smithsonian, it would be more convenient to leave your car parked at your hotel and ride metro to Washington.

Arlington (Virginia) attractions and sightseeing

Many people come to Arlington to see Washington, D.C.. Still, Arlington itself is home to a number of famous and lesser known destinations including the following.

  • Arlington National Cemetery, [13]. Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Pentagon. Metro: Arlington Cemetery. Closes at dusk. This national military cemetery includes John F. Kennedy's tomb and the house of General Robert E. Lee. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Iwo Jima Statue (Marine Corps War Memorial) Near Arlington Blvd. and Meade St. The closest metro stops are Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn, but it's a 15 minute walk from either stop. A statue depicts the raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima island during World War II, and inscriptions around the base of the platform list all of the military campaigns in which the Marines have fought. This spot also provides an excellent view of the July 4 fireworks.
  • Pentagon. Just across the Potomac River from downtown DC. Metro: Pentagon. 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.)
  • DEA Museum and Visitors Center 700 Army-Navy Drive, near the Pentagon City metro station, [14]. Learn about the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the flow of illicit drugs worldwide. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM. Admission is free.
  • Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, [15]. Interesting museum housed in a historic school building. The Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays except in February, when the Museum is closed. Hours are from 1PM-4PM.
  • Theodore Roosevelt Island. 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.
  • United States Air Force Memorial A new monument dedicated in Fall 2006 to the US 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 US Air Force has participated in. The momument is on a hilltop with an excellent view of Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon, and Washington DC. The monument is 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. Limited parking is available in the lot across the street from the memorial.

Arlington (Virginia) city tours

  • Ice Skating[16] The top floor of the Ballston Common Mall's parking garage is home to a newly constructed year round ice skating rink built for the Washington Capitals team. Public skating is offered every day, check the web site for schedules. Cost is $7 for adult admission and $3 for skate rental. Children's and youth lessons are also available. To get there, take the metro or drive to the Ballston Common Mall, then take the main parking garage elevators to level 8.
  • The Comedy Spot, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ballston Common mall,Phone: 703-294-LAFF, [17]. 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.
  • The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse,2903 Columbia Pike, [18] Recently voted the Best Movie Theater in the Washington DC area by the Washington Post's Best Bet competition and selected the Best Thing to Do on Friday Night by the Washingtonian Magazine, the Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse is one of the most unique and exciting venues in the DC area. The Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse is A unique combination of a full restaurant located inside a movie theater. 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.

Arlington (Virginia) souvenirs & shopping

Arlington's main Shopping Districts parallel the Rosslyn to Ballston metro corridor, and also around the Crystal City areas. Arlington has just about every type of shop an upscale urban area would have, and then some.

  • Ballston Common [19]
  • The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City [20]

Ballston Common, an enclosed mall, is directly connected to the Ballston Metro station via skyways, and the Fashion Centre, also an enclosed mall, is linked directly to the Pentagon City station. Ballston Common includes movie theatres, two indoor skating rinks, and wireless hot spots. This mall also includes one of the county's lowest cost parking facilities.

Arlington (Virginia) Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

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.
  • Crystal City has many fine restaurants for every budget. Some choices include Hamburger Hamlet, Bailey's, and Tapas. For those of you seeking risque entertainment, a trip to Crystal City Restaurant on 23rd Street South, close to Jefferson Davis Highway. However, admittance to this bar is restricted to those at least 21 years of age. Some shopping malls, such as The Underground, also have full-service restaurants, as well as food courts.
  • Guajilo Grill, 1727 Wilson Blvd., +1 703 807-0840 [21]. Mexican food. Best mole east of the Mississippi. The food is always fresh and wonderful. The place is difficult to spot and parking can be a problem.
  • Rays the Steaks, 1725 Wilson Blvd., +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 is fairly small (seats about 50 people), and the wait is usually an hour or longer on the weekend. The restaurant does not take reservations, so either arrive early (they open at 5 PM), or go there and put your name on the list for later in the evening. Parking can be a problem at times.

Arlington (Virginia) nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

There are many bars in Arlington. The drinks can get pricey, but are plentiful. In north Arlington, 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, about 2 blocks from Ballston metro, +1 703 532-7665, [22]. Very popular bar, restaurant and meeting point with a filling-station theme.
  • Rock Bottom, 4238 Wilson Blvd. ste 1256, in Ballston Commons Mall, +1 703 516-7688. Wednesday night is dollar pint night for some mighty fine in-house brews...expect crowds.
  • The gay and lesbian community might want to pay a visit to Freddie's, a gay-themed bar in South Arlington, close to the corner of 23rd and Fern Street (look for the beach-themed purple patio with big rainbow flags out front).
  • Kitty O' Shea's, 2403 Wilson Boulevard ~ Arlington ~ Virginia ~ 22201, ☎ (703) 522-5295, [23]. Irish Sports Bar

    This page was last edited at 20:26, on 23 December 2008 by Wikitravel user LtPowers. Based on work by SONORAMA and James Yolkowski, Wikitravel user(s) Optimistic84, Edmontonenthusiast and Veb47u, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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