Arlington Cemetery: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & JFK Gravesite

Arlington National Cemetery is a hallowed ground that pays tribute to America’s fallen heroes. At its heart lies the revered Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn monument honoring unidentified military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. Nearby, the eternal flame at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite serves as a poignant reminder of his lasting legacy. Visitors can explore these iconic sites through guided tours, gaining a profound insight into the nation’s commitment to honoring its heroes. But the cemetery’s rich history and serene beauty hold more secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Key Points

• This walking tour explores the iconic landmarks of Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.
• The expert tour guide provides insightful commentary and leads visitors through the cemetery, with a maximum of 20 participants for an intimate experience.
• The tour includes witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn and moving event.
• The tour offers accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible surfaces and accommodations for families with young children and service animals.
• The tour is currently offered at a discounted price of $32.00 per person, a savings of $8.00 off the original price.

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors a chance to explore the iconic landmarks of Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.

An expert tour guide is included, providing insights and commentary throughout the experience. Travelers will witness the revered Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a special offer pricing, this tour provides an accessible and affordable way to discover the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Visitors will meet at 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USA, which is the main security entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.

They’ll take an immediate right, pass the ticket booth, exit the double doors, and find the guide waiting at a marble bench.

The tour experience includes:

• Walking through the main security entrance
• Navigating the right turn and passing the ticket booth
• Exiting the double doors to find the guide
• Locating the guide at the marble bench
• Following the guide to begin the tour of Arlington Cemetery.

Tour Schedule

The tour starts at 9:00 am, and visitors have the option to cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins in the local time zone.

This is a convenient scheduling option, allowing guests to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour lasts approximately 2-3 hours, with a guided exploration of the Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience for all attendees.

Accessibility Features

Arlington Cemetery’s tour offers several accessibility features to accommodate visitors with varying needs.

The tour route features wheelchair-accessible surfaces, allowing easy navigation for those in wheelchairs or with mobility aids. Strollers are also welcome, catering to families with young children.

The tour welcomes service animals, ensuring that all visitors can fully participate. However, visitors should note that the site includes a steep hill, which may require assistance for wheelchair users.

These accessibility features, combined with the expert tour guide, aim to make the Arlington Cemetery experience inclusive and enjoyable for all.

• Wheelchair-accessible surfaces
• Stroller-friendly
• Service animals allowed
• Steep hill may require assistance for wheelchair users
• Expert tour guide provided

Pricing Information

This Arlington Cemetery tour offers a special discounted price of $32.00 per person, originally priced at $40.00 – a savings of $8.00.

The tour provider guarantees the lowest price, ensuring customers get the best value. Payment can be made later, providing flexibility for booking.

The tour covers the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK’s gravesite, with an expert guide included.

With a maximum of 20 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of these hallowed grounds.

Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly surfaces make the tour inclusive for all visitors.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery are drawn to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a powerful memorial honoring service members whose remains haven’t been identified.

The tomb features:

• A white marble sarcophagus with a flat-topped design
• Inscriptions reading "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God"
• Constant military guard, with the changing of the guard ceremony performed every 30 minutes
• Reflective pool and amphitheater, providing a contemplative setting
• Eternal flame, symbolizing the undying vigilance to honor the Unknown Soldier

This hallowed ground serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation.

JFK Gravesite

After visiting the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guests make their way to President John F. Kennedy’s grave, marked by a simple white cross.

They observe the Eternal Flame, symbolizing the perpetual remembrance of his legacy. The gravesite overlooks the sweeping landscape of Arlington National Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served the nation.

Visitors reflect on the life and tragic death of the 35th President, gaining a deeper understanding of his impact on American history.

The JFK Gravesite offers a solemn yet meaningful conclusion to the Arlington Cemetery tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos or Videos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

Photography and videography are generally not allowed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors must maintain silence and respect the solemn nature of this site. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the cemetery staff.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring Into the Cemetery?

There are some restrictions on what visitors can bring into Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors are not allowed to bring large bags, coolers, or other bulky items. However, small personal items like cameras and water bottles are generally permitted.

How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?

The tour includes a significant walking portion, though the exact duration isn’t specified. Visitors should expect to cover a substantial distance on foot while exploring the cemetery’s key sites with the expert guide.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Military Members?

The tour offers a special offer price of $32.00 per person, which is a $8.00 discount from the original price of $40.00. However, no additional discounts are mentioned for seniors or military members.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore the Cemetery on My Own?

The tour is a group experience, so participants are expected to remain with the group. Guests can’t leave the tour to explore the cemetery on their own. However, there may be opportunities during the tour to explore certain areas independently.

The Sum Up

Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK’s gravesite are powerful symbols of America’s enduring devotion to its fallen heroes. The cemetery’s serene grounds and guided tours offer a profound glimpse into the nation’s commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Visitors are left with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cemetery’s rich heritage and the sacrifices that have shaped the country’s history.