Arlington (Virginia) Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Arlington is an urban county in Virginia. Arlington is located directly across the Potomac River from Washington (D.C.). With a land area of only about 26 square miles and a population of close to 200,000, Arlington is one of America's mostly densely populated cities. [1] Despite its density, Arlington mixes the best of both big city and suburban environments. No incorporated towns or cities lie within Arlington County borders; all local government is at the county level.
Arlington has seen continual growth as the DC area has continued to grow, even during nation-wide economic downturns. This is mostly thanks to the large number of Federal workers and private companies competing for government contracts.
Contents |
Understand
Arlington is part of the original "ten miles square" which the US Constitution dedicated as Washington DC, the nation's capital. In the 1840's, the US Congress returned the part of Washington south of the Potomic river to Virginia; this part today forms Arlington County. The vast majority of travelers to Arlington will visit both Washington and Arlington, and the two cities are seamlessly linked together by the Metro system.
Arlington has maintained a healthy balance of urban and suburban life through its self-proclaimed "Arlington Way"[2] of policy making. The county boasts a large percentage of residents involved in grassroots political and city planning processes. Whatever your purpose in coming to Arlington, you'll find the area a friendly and convenient place to visit and explore.
Get in
By plane
- Reagan National Airport (DCA) is in Arlington itself, and is used by several major regional airlines. This airport is directly linked to the Metro subway system and thus very convenient.
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 15 miles (a 45 minute drive during rush hour) outide of Arlington and accessible via shuttle bus and taxi. A long term plan may extend Metro subway service to IAD by the year 2016.
By Bus
- Greyhound has a station in Washington DC, several blocks from Union Station.
- Several "Chinatown" bus companies take passengers between chinatown in Washington DC and New York. First popular amongst the Chinese community, these bus companies have been used by students and others seeking an ultra-cheap ride to New York or elsewhere.
By train
- The closest train staion is Union Station in Washington, DC. It is about 10-15 min. by taxi from Arlington, or 30 minutes by Metrorail subway.
- Arlington is served by the Ballston-MU, Virginia Square-GMU, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn Metro stops along the Orange Line. The Blue and Yellow Line stops include Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetary, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Reagan National Airport.
By car
- Highways entering Arlington include I-395 from the Southwest, I-66 from the West, George Washington Parkway from the Northwest, and Route 1 from the South. All connect to the Washington beltway (I-495). In addition, there are several bridges (Key, Lincoln, Memorial, and 14th Street) cross over the Potomac River from Washington (D.C.) to the East.
Get around
If you stick to the urban areas, park your car and leave it parked. Arlington has an excellent public transportation system, and using an automobile can bring more troubles than it is worth, as many of Arlington's attractions suffer from a dearth of parking spaces. Fortunately, Arlington's public transportation system includes two subway lines that form part of the Washington DC metro system as well two bus systems.
If you want to explore the suburban areas of Arlington, the area offers many bus options, but a car is also a viable option.
- Washington DC Metro Subway [3] The subway system is considered one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. The Orange and Yellow lines cover Arlington. The subway uses are farecard system; cards are available for purchase at vending machines in all stations. Handle your Farecard gently; it's thin (like a business card) and the magnetic strip can't take a lot of abuse. Fares start at $1.35 and are based on distance and time of day. The city of Arlington has grown around the its Metro lines so many of the attractions you can see are located in the Rosslyn-Ballston metro corridor or along the Yellow Line. Accessing Washington DC attractions from Arlington hotels along the metro line can be more convenient than staying in Washington DC itself.
- Metro Bus [4] The Washington area is also served by traditional bus service.
- Arlington Bus [5] The County of Arlington VA operates its own independent bus system. Arlington uses smaller, natural gas powered busses painted distinctive green. These busses can also carry bicycles at no additional charge. Arlington's bus service is designed to compliment the Metro.
- Taxi Arlington taxis are available at taxi stands around the city, by phoning the taxi company directly, or occasionally by street hail. All taxis are metered; fares start at $2.00 and are based on mileage. A $1 fee is charged for each additional adult passenger. Complaints about taxi service can be directed to the Arlington Police Department.
- Walking Arlington's wide sidewalks, well labeled intersections, and modern transportation system make Arlington an ideal city for walking. Arlington's transportation systems and sidewalks are also fully accessible to the disabled.
- Bicycle [6] Arlington features a unique network of dedicated bike paths that criscross the city. The paths are well labeled and patrolled regularly for safety. They also offer beautiful scenery and the chance to ride your bike or walk without interruption form motorized vehicles.
- Car Share [7] [8] If you need a car for only a few hours, car share is your best alternative. Arlington has two car share companies, Zip Cars and Flexcar. These cars are located in desginated parking spaces near metro stations and can be used by anyone registered with the car share company.
- Driving your own car [9] If you decide to drive your own car to Arlington, first check with your hotel about parking arragements. Some hotels offer free parking and others charge per day. Most, but not all, parking garages operate 24 hours and offer discounted rates on weekends and evenings. Arlington County owns a very large pay parking facility attached to the Ballston Common Mall. On-street metered parking is possible in business districts. Parking in residential districts is restricted to residents during weekday working hours. Arlington's parking regulations are strictly enforced and improperly parked cars will be ticketed.
Many persons visiting Washington DC choose to stay in Arlington. Arlington hotel located along the Metro lines are just as convenient or even more convenient than Washington DC hotels, and often more reasonable in price. If you are staying in Arlington primarily to see Washington DC sights such as the Smithsonian, it would be more convenient to leave your car parked at your hotel and ride the Metro to Washington.
When to Visit
Most tourists come to the Washington DC area during summer weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visitng between November and March. Likewise, summer weekdays, as opposed to weekends, have fewer visitors and thus lower hotel rates. The busiest time to visit the Washington area is during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The springtime blossoms are a must see, but try to book a room substantially in advance.
Some interesting things to see - such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - are located in government offices and thus are only viewable on workdays Monday through riday.
If you are visiting during the summer peak season, go to popular museums such as the Smithsonian early (the Smithsonian opens at 10:00am). Consider walking to monuments and memorials in the evenings when temperatures are cooler.
See
Many people come to Arlington to see Washington (D.C.). Still, Arlington itself is home to a number of famous and lesser known destinations including the following.
- Arlington National Cemetery [10] Just across the Potomac River from Washington (D.C.), adjacent to the Pentagon. Metro: Arlington Cemetery. Closes at dusk. This national military cemetery includes John F. Kennedy's tomb and the house of General Robert E. Lee. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Iwo Jima Statue (Marine Corps War Memorial) Near Arlington Blvd. and Meade St. The closest metro stops are Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn, but it's a bit of a walk from either stop. A statue depicts the raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima island during World War II, and inscriptions around the base of the platform list all of the military campaigns in which the Marines have fought. This spot also provides an excellent view of the July 4 fireworks.
- Pentagon. Just across the Potomac River from downtown DC. Metro: Pentagon. While lingering is not recommended for security reasons, you should know it is the largest office building in the world, and covers 4 zip codes. (Army, Navy, Air Force and Department of Defense.)
- DEA Museum and Visitors Center 700 Army-Navy Drive, near the Pentagon City metro station. Learn about the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the flow of illicit drugs worldwide. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free. [11]
- Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road. Interesting museum housed in a historic school building. The Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays except in February, when the Museum is closed. Hours are from 1 - 4 p.m.[12]
- Freedom Park An outdoor park that features icons of freedom and pays homage to those who struggled against oppression worldwide. See sections of the Berlin Wall, casting of Martin Luther King Jr.'s jail cell door, a statue from Tian Amin square, and other visible representation of freedom. Half-hour guided tours are available or simply walk on your own. Located near the Rosslyn metro station. [13]
- Theodore Roosevelt Island. A lovely nature walk though this small national park gives one glimpses of both the area's natural woods and the Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) waterfront. Also includes a surprising monument to President Roosevelt himself.
Do
Buy
Arlington's main Shopping Districts parallel the Rosslyn to Ballston metro corridor, and also around the Crystal City areas. Arlington has just about every type of shop an upscale urban area would have, and then some.
The Ballston Common Mall is directly connected to the Ballston metro station via skyways and the Fashion Centre Mall is linked directly to the Pentagon City station. The Ballston common mall includes movie theatres, two indoor skating rinks, and wireless hot spots. This mall also includes one of the county's lowest cost parking facilities.
Eat
You won't go hungry in Arlington. Arlington has over a thousand restaurants to fit every budget and taste. Arlington's diverse, well educated population has led to a plethora of ethnic restaurants.
- The Clarendon neighborhood probably has the largest concentration of restaurants. Within a few blocks of the metro station you can find all types of restaurants -- from hole in the wall establishments to pubs to casual dining restaurants.
- Crystal City has many fine restaurants for every budget. Some choices include Hamburger Hamlet, Bailey's, and Tapas. For those of you seeking risque entertainment, a trip to Crystal City Restaurant on 23rd Street South, close to Jefferson Davis Highway. However, admittance to this bar is restricted to those at least 21 years of age. Some shopping malls, such as The Underground, also have full-service restaurants, as well as food courts.
Drink
There are many bars in Arlington. The drinks can get pricey, but are plentiful. In north Arlington, Ballston Mall includes several pubs, while the Clarendon-to-Courthouse corridor has enough watering holes for a bar crawl. The entire area also has a high density of coffee houses.
The gay and lesbian community might want to pay a visit to Freddie's, a gay-themed bar in South Arlington, close to the corner of 23rd and Fern Street (look for the beach-themed purple patio with big rainbow flags out front).
Sleep
- Hilton Arlington The Hilton is located directly in front of the Ballston metro stop making it very convenient. It directly connects to the Ballston Common Mall via skyways. The Hilton is mostly oriented towards business travels; it offers substantial discounts over weekends and holidays. [16]
- Quality Hotel Arlington Courthouse Plaza 1200 N. Courthouse Road. (703) 524-4000. Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. and 3 miles from the National Mall (Whitehouse, Smithsonian and Washington Monument). The hotel is located just 1 mile from historic Georgetown and less than a mile from the Iwo Jima Memorial.
- Doubletree Hotel Crystal City National Airport This hotel is close to DCA airport. [17]
Long-Stay Hotels and Corporate Apartments
Arlington is home to a sizeable number of government and military employees. Many people detailed on business to the Washington DC area stay in Arlington. If you will be in Arlington for longer than two weeks, but less than six months, a long stay hotel (also called a corporate apartment) is the best place for you. The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide publishes internet reviews of many corporate apartments[18]. When choosing a corporate apartment, consider its location carefully. Apartments very close to the metro are considered highly desireable; some buildings further away operate shuttle services. Other considerations include the frequency of maid service, if pets are allowed, parking facilities, and if the neighborhood has good restaurants, stores and supermarkets in easy walking distance. The Ballston neighborhood has all of these and is home to several corporate apartments including the Meridian[19] and the Lincoln Towers.[20] Do inquire about price, and make sure the pricing structure is compatible your per-diem guidelines.
If your stay in Arlington will be longer than six months, you are probably better off renting a regular apartment from through a broker, the Washington Post classifieds, or an online site such as Craigslist. Most Arlington landlords are familiar with the transient nature of government work and will include a "government escape clause" or "diplomatic escape clause" in your lease if you ask. Such a clause states that the lease can be terminated without penalty upon 30 days notice of receipt of government or military travel orders.
Work
Arlington is a rapidly growing city with a dynamic economy. The prospects for employment here are excellent. That said, the bedrock of Arlington's economy remains the Federal government, the military, and companies that directly do business with the government. The process to start a career with the government is considerably longer than the typical entry process in the private sector. Those seeking Federal government employment in Washington DC or elsewhere can generally apply from their current location, anywhere in the US.
During summertime the Washington DC area fills with ambitious young people completing internships with the government, NGOs, PACs, think tanks, and related organizations. Such persons would do best to arrange their housing in advance. While the Arlington rental market is not as tight as, say, New York City, good apartments can be pricey and hard to find on short notice. The most sought after neighborhoods in Arlington are those directly along the Metro lines, particularly the Rosslyn to Ballston corridor of the Orange line.
Stay Safe
Arlington is a very safe city with considerably less crime than its neighbor, Washington DC. While you are unlikely to be the victim of a crime here, you should take normal precautions that you would in any urban area, such as keeping your car and hotel room locked at all times. If you have a problem, dial 911 to contact the Arlington Police[21].
Be aware that the metro subway system closes at midnight from Sunday-Thursday and at 3:00am on Friday and Saturday nights. The time of the last train is posted in each station. Metro busses operate 24 hours a day but on a greatly reduced schedule at night. If you anticipate being out very late at night it is a good idea to carry the phone number of a taxi company with you.
Get out
| This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow! |
