Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, United States
Washington DC, United States

Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards

Outty Ranking 91 4.9 · 2,836 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $6990+ Club
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Outty Ranking

91/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 2,836 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards worth booking?

Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards is a 2-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $69 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 2,836 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
91 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (2,836)
Duration
2 hours
From
$69 per person

Witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony from a prime viewing spot on this guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Learn the full history of the Tomb of the Unknowns and the soldiers that guard it day and night. Explore the cemetery’s history from its beginnings in the Civil War to today and visit key memorials including the JFK Eternal Flame, the USS Maine Memorial, and the grave of WWII hero Audie Murphy. Hear the hidden stories of sacrifice and history that define this sacred American landmark.

What you get

    About this experience

    Witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony from a prime viewing spot on this guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Learn the full history of the Tomb of the Unknowns and the soldiers that guard it day and night. Explore the cemetery’s history from its beginnings in the Civil War to today and visit key memorials including the JFK Eternal Flame, the USS Maine Memorial, and the grave of WWII hero Audie Murphy. Hear the hidden stories of sacrifice and history that define this sacred American landmark.

    What's included

    Included

    • View the ceremonial Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns
    • See notable sites including the graves of Civil War Soldiers
    • Professional Guide
    • Visit some of the cemetery's most important memorials, including the USS Maine Mast Memorial
    • 2-2.5-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour in Washington DC
    • Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Transportation
    • Entry to Arlington House

    What you'll see and do

    1. Arlington National Cemetery

      Meet your guide at the Welcome Center of Arlington National Cemetery 15 minutes before tour departure time.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Arlington National Cemetery

      Discover the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the stories of the 400,000-plus service members and their families resting on its hallowed grounds. You will explore the historic Civil War sections and learn about the legacies of key American figures as you visit their gravesites and memorials.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Audie L. Murphy Gravesite

      Visit the memorial gravesite of famed Audie Murphy and learn the story of one of America's most decorated veterans from World War II.

      5 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Explore one of the most striking monuments in Arlington National Cemetery at the USS Maine Memorial. Featuring the original main mast of the ill-fated battleship, this unique memorial stands guard over the graves of the crewmen who died in the 1898 explosion in Havana Harbor, offering a powerful reminder of the tragedy that ignited the Spanish-American War.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Pause to honor the pioneers of space flight at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial. You will stand before the poignant marble tribute dedicated to the seven astronauts we lost in 1986, discovering the unique stories behind their mission and the profound impact of their sacrifice on the nation.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. "Step inside the awe-inspiring Memorial Amphitheater, the architectural crown jewel of Arlington National Cemetery. You will walk through its sweeping marble arches and learn the history of the hallowed venue where the nation gathers to honor its heroes. Exploring this beautiful monument provides a stunning prelude to your visit to the adjacent Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Step back in time at the James Tanner Amphitheater, a serene and picturesque gem originally known as the Old Amphitheater. Built in 1868, this beautiful, vine-covered colonnade hosted the nation’s earliest Decoration Day—now Memorial Day—ceremonies. You will explore the tranquil grounds of this historic gathering place and learn the inspiring story of James R. Tanner, the wounded Civil War veteran and tireless advocate for whom the amphitheater is now named.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

      See the home of George Washington Parke Custis and discover the origins of Arlington as a 19th century plantation and its connection to president George Washington.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. ay your respects at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial, dedicated to the seven courageous crew members who lost their lives when their spacecraft disintegrated in 2003. Here, you will view the beautifully crafted marker and reflect on the profound dedication and sacrifice of these heroes in the pursuit of space exploration.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

      Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy.

    11. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

      Experience one of the most powerful moments on your tour as you visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and learn the full story of the soldiers who guard the tomb. Your guide will ensure you have the best viewing location for the breathtaking precision of the Changing of the Guard ritual and learn the history behind the majestic white marble sarcophagus, a permanent tribute dedicated to the unidentified American heroes who laid down their lives for our freedom.

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Washington DC

    Meet your guide just outside the visitor’s center on the cemetery side after you pass through security. Your guide will be wearing a blue name tag.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet your guide just outside the visitor’s center on the cemetery side after you pass through security. Your guide will be wearing a blue name tag.

    Options you can book

    • Arlington Cemetery Tour

    • Private Tour

      Private Tour: Private guide will lead your group on a 2.5 hour tour of Arlington Cemetery.

    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 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Unscripted Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • This is a walking tour, there will be approximately 2 miles of walking and inclines and stairs. Please plan accordingly.
    • Tour runs rain or shine.
    • Meeting Address: 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USA Please meet your guide just outside the Welcome Center on the Arlington Cemetery side after you pass through security, next to the benches on the West side.
    • Your reserved time is the tour start/departure time. All tours depart promptly on time and are unable to wait for late arrivals. Guests should arrive 20 minutes before tour time to pass through security and check in.

    Photos

    Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 2Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 3The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DCArlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 5The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DCArlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,829 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    2,829 verified traveler reviews for Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,684
    4 star
    72
    3 star
    26
    2 star
    8
    1 star
    39
    Sort
    hmgrigsby89 · October 2026

    What a wonderful tour! We...

    What a wonderful tour! We couldn’t imagine tackling the cemetery alone, and we learned so much. Meg was a TREMENDOUS tour guide; she extremely knowledgeable, kind, and knew her stuff inside and out.

    via Viator

    priggio · October 2026

    Loved the walking tour of Arlington

    It was a nice pace of walking and learning. Meg did a great job and I learned a lot. Highly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    milamV4351PC · October 2026

    Fantastic tour by Pam

    We’re from Australia and Pam was exceptionally well informed and made our experience very memorable! We would highly recommend her.

    via Tripadvisor

    neleffram · October 2026

    Arlington Walking Tour

    This was an awesome tour. Meg is very knowledgeable and a joy. I had my 93 year old father in a wheelchair and she made sure he was where he could see the changing of the guards without obstruction. Highly recommend this tour and Meg!

    via Tripadvisor

    Rachael_W · October 2026

    I’d encourage everyone to take this tour once.

    Meg was wonderful! She answered all of our questions and took us on a detour to see the Supreme Court Justice graves as well. Highly recommend!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $69 to $225
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    993
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Unscripted Tours, who run 25 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.

    See everything Unscripted Tours runs

    Why this scores 91

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)71
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)88
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards cost?

    +

    Prices start at $69 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 Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 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 Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 2,836 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    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 Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    Around 993 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?

    +

    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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience, Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    Included: View the ceremonial Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns; See notable sites including the graves of Civil War Soldiers; Professional Guide; Visit some of the cemetery's most important memorials, including the USS Maine Mast Memori; and 2-2.5-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour in Washington DC. Not included: Gratuities; Transportation; and Entry to Arlington House. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    Meet your guide just outside the visitor’s center on the cemetery side after you pass through security. Your guide will be wearing a blue name tag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards offered in?

    +

    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 Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    Across 2,836 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Arlington Cemetery Tour, Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards.

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