Best things to do in Arlington

Remember the United States' fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, where casualties and deceased veterans of every U.S. war lie buried. The cemetery covers an area of over 253 hectares (624 acres), and was established in 1864 on an estate that once belonged to the wife of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The final resting place for nearly 260,000 dead, the cemetery also includes the grave of John F. Kennedy, marked by an eternal flame. Uniformed soldiers protect the graves of unidentified bodies from the wars fought in the 20th century, with a ceremonial changing of the guard every hour. Start your tour at the visitor center, where you can look at informative exhibits and pick up a free map.

The attraction has never been officially named, but it's known as The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The U.S. soldiers interred here after World War I are all holders of the Medal of Honor, while the foreign nationals are all recipients of the their respective militaries' highest honors. The burial plot was opened in 1921 when the U.S. Congress approved a tomb for an unknown soldier. You can see the changing of the guard ceremony daily. Visit this tomb along with Tomb 31 to honor soldiers from World War I.

A symbol of the gratitude of the American people for every Marine who has given his or her life to defend the United States, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial because of its famous statue. The memorial's statue depicts the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima in 1945, a victorious image that has great resonance in the country. Sculptor Felix W. de Weldon used the original image, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Joe Rosenthal, to create this statue. Weldon also arranged for three survivors of the flag raising to pose for his sculpture, which was officially unveiled in 1954.

Located on the site of one of the bloodiest episodes in American history, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the landscape of the historic 1863 battle between the Union and Confederate forces. Though the battle resulted in the largest number of casualties in the entire American Civil War, it became the turning point of the dramatic conflict when the Union army turned back the Confederate attempt to invade the North. The military park contains most of the original battlefield, as well as many support areas, including the supply and hospital locations. Start your exploration at the park's museum and visitor center, where you can see over 40,000 war artifacts and an enormous cyclorama painting of the battle by French artist Paul Philippoteaux.

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Take a guided tour of Luray Caverns, subterranean caves that were discovered in 1878 and are now a National Historic Landmark. Your knowledgeable guide will identify and explain some of the caves' most impressive formations, such as Leaning Column, Titania's Veil, Dream Lake, and Double Column. Listen to the song of the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which makes stalactites sing by tapping them. The admission fee includes your tour, as well as entrance to the Car and Carriage Caravan and Luray Valley Museum.

Standing on the banks of the Potomac River, George Washington's Mount Vernon was home to America's first president. This plantation house sits on land owned by the Washington family since the 17th century, and shows examples of Palladian-style architecture. The site includes a number of main buildings, including the mansion itself and surrounding annexes. You can visit rooms restored to replicate those used by George and Martha Washington. Don’t miss the Washingtons' tombs or the on-site museum dedicated to sharing their story.

Pentagon Memorial honors the 184 people who died in the attack on the Pentagon building on September 11, 2001. Each person is honored by an illuminated bench with his or her name set in shallow pools of water. When you read the names of those who perished inside the building, you'll face the spot where the plane hit the Pentagon. Turn toward the sky to read the names of those who were on board. At the memorial, you can dial a number to listen to an audio tour on your phone. The tour is also available online for listening and download. The memorial is the only part of the Pentagon complex where taking photos is allowed.