15 days in Arlington & Alexandria Itinerary

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the county of Arlington blends big city and sprawling suburban environments.

Get a sense of the local culture at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Gettysburg National Cemetery. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Arlington: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (in Chantilly), National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (in Emmitsburg) and Gettysburg (Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center, Gettysburg National Military Park, &more). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Arlington National Cemetery, make a trip to John F. Kennedy Grave Site, stroll around Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, and browse the different shops at Village at Shirlington.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Arlington trip itinerary planning website.

Washington to Arlington is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. In January, daily temperatures in Arlington can reach 44°F, while at night they dip to 29°F. You'll have a few hours on the 5th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Alexandria.

Just a few metro stops away from the bustle of Washington D.C., Alexandria provides a respite from the fast-paced capital.

Get a sense of the local culture at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and George Washington's Mount Vernon. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Alexandria: Stafford Civil War Park (in Stafford), National Museum of the Marine Corps (in Triangle) and Old Town (in Fredericksburg). There's lots more to do: take a stroll through Old Town, see the interesting displays at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, get engrossed in the history at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, and view the masterpieces at Torpedo Factory Art Center.

To see where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Alexandria vacation builder site.

Alexandria is just a short distance from Arlington. Expect a daytime high around 48°F in February, and nighttime lows around 32°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) early enough to drive back home.