
Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 135 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking worth booking?
Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking is a 2.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 135 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (135)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $49 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
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
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Arlington National Cemetery
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.
60 minutes here
President John F. Kennedy Gravesite
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.
15 minutes here
Audie L. Murphy Gravesite
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.
Pass by without stopping
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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.
30 minutes here
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.
10 minutes here
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
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
15 minutes here
Air Force Memorial
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 without stopping
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.
Pass by without stopping
Marine Corps War Memorial
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.
Pass by without stopping
Military Women's Memorial
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.
10 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking
Private Arlington Cemetery
Private Walking Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DC by Foot
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 135 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
135 verified traveler reviews for Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended walking tour
Very informative tour, and incredible experience. There is some walking with this tour, but if you can handle the walk I highly recommend the walking tour as it's so much more detailed. Our guide was amazing!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the informative tour and found the experience incredible. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
via Viator
Solemn sacred
Arlington Cemetery was the most solemn patriotic memorial heartfelt experience I’ve ever had walking through a cemetery
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such heartfelt words. We're honored the Arlington Cemetery tour was such a meaningful and memorable experience for you.
via Viator
Arlington walking
Idenborg was a great guide. She had lots of great info for us. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Ingeborg and appreciated her knowledge. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
via Viator
Arlington Tour
Colin our guide was very knowledgable and the tour was very moving. We enjoyed the entire tour very much.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Colin and found the experience both informative and moving!
via Viator
Very informative
Our guide Colin was excellent. Our family was 7 total group was 9. It is a speedy hilly walk. Definitely for those that walk fast. The history that Colin shared was great. 40 and under walkers 😃
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! We will be sure to pass this along to Colin, who loves sharing these stories. This route covers some hilly ground and we appreciate you giving other walkers a heads up. We hope to see you again on another DC tour!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 47
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by DC by Foot, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.9.
See everything DC by Foot runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.
Is Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 135 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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Around 47 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Washington DC?
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Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Washington DC?
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Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Washington DC?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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Included: Licensed, Professional Tour Guide; Timed to include Changing of the Guard ceremony; Entrance into Arlington National Cemetery; Walking Tour of Arlington Cemetery grounds; and Self Guided Audio Tour of Iwo Jima USMC Memorial. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: This tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please contact for a private tou. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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Across 135 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking, Private Arlington Cemetery. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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