Best Things To Do Outside Near Arlington, VA

While Arlington might be best known for its proximity to Washington, DC, there’s plenty to love about the city itself. Beyond what it’s close to, residents love everything that’s offered outside allowing for the perfect evenings and weekend getaways. Thanks to its geographic location, there are also plenty of nice days each year. 

If you’ve recently purchased Arlington real estate, you might be wondering how to best use your free time now that the dust has settled in terms of moving in. It’s only good news here as whichever wonderful neighbourhood you’ve found yourself in, there’s going to be plenty to love outside. 

Arlington Farmers Market

Those new to the area will love learning about where they can not only grab the freshest produce imaginable but also experience a taste of the immediate local economy. Many farmers markets are only seasonal but thankfully that’s not the case in Arlington. This one runs year round but don’t feel like you’ve seen it once and there’s no reason to return.

Most produce is extremely seasonal so by at least stopping by once per season will allow you to choose from quite different offerings as the months change. Making yourself a regular here is also one of the best ways to get to know those who live and work right in your local neighborhood. 

Mount Vernon Trail

To no one’s surprise, there’s going to be history sprinkled into every inch of Arlington. The Mount Vernon Trail stands as the perfect example of this. The 17 mile route travels the distance between George Washington’s home and Rosslyn. Since its opening in the 1970s, it’s retained popularity among hikers and cyclists alike. Part of that is due to its large variety along the somewhat modest length. 

Given the trail is running parallel to the Potomac, along its more open sections there are plenty of Washington D.C.’s sights to see. Other sections of the trail are much more wooded allowing those walking or biking along it plenty of variety throughout the length of their adventure. 

Arlington National Cemetery

To understand the hardest parts of our nation’s past, it’s important to pay a visit here. While it’s not something to do with a smile, it is somewhere that people from all over the nation visit. Arlington National Cemetery is a historical site every American has heard of but not somewhere many have experienced first hand. Those unfair with the actual cemetery grounds will be surprised to learn it covers over 620 acres and contains over 400,000 dating as far back as the Civil War. 

Knowing that it is built upon the grounds of Robert E. Lee’s former estate lends even more historical significance to what’s famously known for being the home of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which, in particular, has been continuously guarded for nearly 90 years. This historical site isn’t only one of the best things to see around Arlington but one of the most important things to see throughout all of greater Washington D.C.