Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, United States
Washington DC, United States

Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards

Outty Ranking 56 4.9 · 13 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $500
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards worth booking?

Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards is a 2-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $500 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (13)
Duration
2 hours
From
$500 per person

Experience the profound history of America's most hallowed grounds on this exclusive, 2.5-hour private walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Step away from the crowded bus tours and explore at your own pace with a dedicated historical expert. Because this is a private experience, your guide tailors the storytelling and the walking route entirely to your group's interests. We’ll navigate the sprawling grounds to ensure you experience the most significant and moving monuments without feeling rushed. Tour Highlights: 100% Private & Flexible: Linger longer at the sites that matter most to you and set a walking pace that fits your group. Presidential Legacies: Pay your respects at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the iconic Eternal Flame. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Witness the flawless precision of the Changing of the Guard ritual. American Heroes: Hear the incredible stories of veterans like Audie Murphy and the Space Shuttle Columbia crew.

What you get

  • Professional guide

About this experience

Experience the profound history of America's most hallowed grounds on this exclusive, 2.5-hour private walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Step away from the crowded bus tours and explore at your own pace with a dedicated historical expert. Because this is a private experience, your guide tailors the storytelling and the walking route entirely to your group's interests. We’ll navigate the sprawling grounds to ensure you experience the most significant and moving monuments without feeling rushed. Tour Highlights: 100% Private & Flexible: Linger longer at the sites that matter most to you and set a walking pace that fits your group. Presidential Legacies: Pay your respects at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the iconic Eternal Flame. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Witness the flawless precision of the Changing of the Guard ritual. American Heroes: Hear the incredible stories of veterans like Audie Murphy and the Space Shuttle Columbia crew.

What's included

Included

  • Professional guide

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

What you'll see and do

  1. Our expert guide will meet you at the welcome center and lead you through the nation's most famous and honored cemetery while discussing its history and pointing out key figures in history, including Supreme Court Justices, Presidents, Generals, and Admirals.

    30 minutes here

  2. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

    NOTE: Arlington House is closed for renovations with an estimated opening date of January, 2020. During such time, entry to the house is not available.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. Learn about the USS Maine and the start of the Spanish American War as you visit the USS Maine Memorial, the Spanish American War Memorial, and the nearby graves of the servicemen from the Maine.

    10 minutes here

  4. President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

    Pay your respects to a fallen president at John F Kennedy's memorial gravesite and see the eternal flame burning in his honor.

    10 minutes here

  5. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

    Learn the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknowns and of the soldiers who guard the Tomb, then view one of the country's most honored ceremonies with the Changing of the Guard.

    30 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.

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.

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
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Passport or US Government ID required for entry to Arlington National Cemetery for all travelers over 16

Photos

Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 2Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 3Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 4Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 5Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 6Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

10 mentions

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

Knowledge and storytelling

9 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Good for families

3 mentions

Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

Value for money

2 mentions

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Pace and timing

2 mentions

Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

Traveler reviews

13 verified traveler reviews for Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
12
4 star
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561DebbieC · June 2026

Great guide with Shane—friendly & knowledgeable

Shane was such a knowledgeable guide. He added relevant info at just the right pace; he was great with our sons and keptbus moving despite 90-degree heat. He even brought water and snacks at my request because we’d just finished attending my father’s burial. Highly recommend!!!

via Tripadvisor

Discover29692 · April 2025

Tour

Reed is an excellent tour guide. Our tour of Arlington National Cemetery was educational, interesting, and beautiful. I highly recommend this tour.

via Tripadvisor

Gregory_L · January 2025

Private Tour Well Worth It!

Tony was an excellent tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He made sure that we visited the most interesting locations in the National Cemetery and provided excellent commentary along the way. The Changing of the Guard was so moving and Tony made sure we arrived at the right time and had the best view. This private tour was well worth the money and my family would definitely recommend Tony as a guide.

via Viator

199sarabethb · July 2024

Best tour and tour guide!!

This was an incredible experience. Derrick was the best guide. He’s so knowledgeable and he’s both a history buff and a history major. He brought many stories to the walk and showed us things I can’t imagine you get from a bus tour. He encouraged questions and our group was the wiser for it. Derrick is very personable and relatable. Can’t say enough blood things about Derrick and this tour.

via Tripadvisor

KJLargo · March 2024

Highly recommend this informative tour

Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the cemetery and stories behind so many great service men/women. He even gave us a great recommendation on where to stand to see the changing of the guards (at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) so we could easily watch. It was a fantastic experience and highly recommend. There are bus tours you can take but I really felt this was more informative as we stopped and really enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the cemetery. I would highly recommend this tour to fully capture the history and significance of our fallen soldiers' resting place.

via Tripadvisor

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
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
5
Verdict
Worth a Look

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 56

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
Review evidence (18% weight)33
Booking momentum (14% weight)26
Value for money (12% weight)0
Listing quality (10% weight)90
Local standing (8% weight)65
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards: questions travelers ask

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

How much does Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards cost?

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Prices start at $500 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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards take?

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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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards?

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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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards suitable for kids and families?

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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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards?

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Around 5 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards 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, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards. 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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards?

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Included: Professional guide. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

Where is the meeting point for Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards?

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

What languages is Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards 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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards?

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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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

What happens to Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards 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 Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards?

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Across 13 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

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