Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking

A complete tour with a small group that allows time to visit the main sites to pay respects, take photos, and watch the full Changing of the Guard Ceremony. We don't just show you the sites on our walking tour; we tell you the stories. -Presidents Kennedy & Taft Memorials - the only two presidents buried here. -Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Changing of the Guard - learn what it takes to be a sentinel & witness the tradition of guarding the tomb. -Arlington House - visit the Slave Quarters & Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery. -Military Women's Memorial - learn how women have contributed to the American military. Hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones. At the end, we provide a free self-guided audio tour to the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery.

1. 1

   Arlington National Cemetery

   1 hour

   We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. Come along on this family-friendly tour of one of this nation's most sacred grounds.

2. 2

   President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

   15 min

   Pay respect to the Kennedy's: President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.

3. 3

   Audie L. Murphy Gravesite

   Pass by

   Here the story of a real "Captain America," Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy and discuss the nearby USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and Iran Rescue Mission Memorials.

4. 4

   The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

   30 min

   We will explain the history of the Changing of the Guards, what it takes to be a sentinel and make sure you get one of the best views of this time-honored tradition.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   Honor those lost on the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, and Iran Rescue Mission. "Remember the Maine," and learn where this rallying cry came from while looking at the original ship's mast.

6. 6

   Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

   15 min

   Head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of Washington, DC. We will have time to visit the "Slave Houses" and the Museum briefly to understand how Robert E. Lee's home became Arlington National Cemetery

7. 7

   Air Force Memorial

   Pass by

   See the Air Force Memorial from a distance from the grounds of Arlington House and learn how Arlington Cemetery is expanding to surround this memorial.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   We do not walk past Section 60 which often has families and loved ones visiting graves of those killed in action in recent years, but we talk about the enduring legacy of Arlington Cemetery today.

9. 9

   Marine Corps War Memorial

   Pass by

   We provided a self guided audio tour and map for anyone who would like to take the additional 15 minute walk to visit Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial outside the cemetery. The guide will not join you for this stop. At Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, you can either continue 10 minutes to Rosslyn Metro or walk back 15 minutes to Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center.

10. 10

    Military Women's Memorial

    10 min

    We end the tour outside the Military Women's Memorial and museum, where you can learn how women have contributed to the military might of America through the years.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    5 min

    The first President to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, President (and Supreme Court Chief Justice) Taft lies here with his wife, Nellie Taft. It is thanks to her efforts we have the famous Cherry Blossom trees.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a walking tour. There are stairs and a few hills.
• This tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please contact for a private tour to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, canes or mobility issues.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.