Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking

Learn about the symbolism of the headstones and different sections of the cemetery.

Watch the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns, where your guide makes sure you have the best viewing place and are there on time for the ceremony.

Join a professional, licensed tour guide to hear the stories of valor of the men and women honored at Arlington National Cemetery.

See an incredible view of Washington DC.

Learn what it takes to be a Tomb Sentinel.

Hear the stories of Memorial Amphitheater, which houses the barracks of those men and women who guard the Tomb of the Unknown.

Your guide will make sure you are able to see any special events that may be occurring during your visit.

We share the stories of famous persons here but also heroic stories of people you may not have heard of; honoring as many of the men and women here as we can on a 2.5 hour walking tour.

Hear about Robert E. Lee's House and how this became a national cemetery.

Visit Justice Hill, where many Supreme Court Justices are buried, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oliver Wendell Holmes and Thurgood Marshall.

Hear the story of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the 16th President Abraham Lincoln and how he helped to create Arlington Cemetery.

Duration2h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

A complete tour with a small group that allows time to visit the main sites to pay respects, take photos, and watch the full Changing of the Guard Ceremony. We don't just show you the sites on our walking tour; we tell you the stories.

-Presidents Kennedy & Taft Memorials - the only two presidents buried here.

-Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Changing of the Guard - learn what it takes to be a sentinel & witness the tradition of guarding the tomb.

-Arlington House - visit the Slave Quarters & Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery.

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

Hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones.

At the end, we provide a free self-guided audio tour to the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery.

Options

Private Arlington Cemetery

Private Walking Tour

Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking

What's included

Licensed, Professional Tour Guide
Timed to include Changing of the Guard ceremony
Entrance into Arlington National Cemetery
Walking Tour of Arlington Cemetery grounds
Self Guided Audio Tour of Iwo Jima USMC Memorial

Gratuities

What to expect

Arlington National Cemetery
1h

We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. Come along on this family-friendly tour of one of this nation's most sacred grounds.
President John F. Kennedy Gravesite
15m

Pay respect to the Kennedy's: President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
Audie L. Murphy Gravesite
Pass by

Here the story of a real "Captain America," Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy and discuss the nearby USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and Iran Rescue Mission Memorials.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
30m

We will explain the history of the Changing of the Guards, what it takes to be a sentinel and make sure you get one of the best views of this time-honored tradition.
10m

Honor those lost on the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, and Iran Rescue Mission. "Remember the Maine," and learn where this rallying cry came from while looking at the original ship's mast.
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
15m

Head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of Washington, DC. We will have time to visit the "Slave Houses" and the Museum briefly to understand how Robert E. Lee's home became Arlington National Cemetery
Air Force Memorial
Pass by

See the Air Force Memorial from a distance from the grounds of Arlington House and learn how Arlington Cemetery is expanding to surround this memorial.
Pass by

We do not walk past Section 60 which often has families and loved ones visiting graves of those killed in action in recent years, but we talk about the enduring legacy of Arlington Cemetery today.
Marine Corps War Memorial
Pass by

We provided a self guided audio tour and map for anyone who would like to take the additional 15 minute walk to visit Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial outside the cemetery. The guide will not join you for this stop. At Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, you can either continue 10 minutes to Rosslyn Metro or walk back 15 minutes to Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center.
Military Women's Memorial
10m

We end the tour outside the Military Women's Memorial and museum, where you can learn how women have contributed to the military might of America through the years.
5m

The first President to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, President (and Supreme Court Chief Justice) Taft lies here with his wife, Nellie Taft. It is thanks to her efforts we have the famous Cherry Blossom trees.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour departs from outside the Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center after security. We are unaffiliated with any desk inside the Visitor Center, so please don't look for us there. Please look for your guide in orange by the benches as you exit the visitor center into the cemetery.

End point

The tour ends outside the Military Women's Memorial, where there are restrooms, and you can explore women's history in the military. This is an easy short walk back to the parking lot and the Arlington Cemetery Metro station.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. There are stairs and a few hills.
This tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please contact for a private tour to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, canes or mobility issues.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.8 (137)

From

$49.00 per person

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