Changing of the Guard at Arlington: The 15 Best Tours

1.Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,566 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55Our pick

This 2 to 2.5-hour guided walk covers about two miles through Arlington National Cemetery. You’ll see the Changing of the Guard, Civil War graves, the USS Maine Mast Memorial, and the Kennedy family graves. Small groups of up to 15 make it easy to ask questions, with guides such as Meg, Derrick, Christina, Skye, and Dash.

“Meg was great. She had a vast knowledge of the topic and engaging with the group discussions. Answered all questions thoroughly and was happy to provide advice/recommendations for other activities to do to enhance our experience in DC.”

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2.Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 184 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Ride in a private vehicle with a licensed DC guide such as Louie, Frank, or Angela, stopping at major monuments before the solemn Changing of the Guard at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The route can be adjusted for your group, with hotel pickup, WiFi, charging stations, and bottled water included.

“Angela was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the history of DC. And the areas of interest. A private guide is the way to go.”

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3.Small Group Monuments Tour with Changing of the Guard

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 134 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

See the White House, Capitol, National Mall memorials, Arlington Cemetery, and the Kennedy gravesite in a small group of up to 14. Guides including Victor, Helga, Michelle, and Sebastian lead the tour in English, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese, with bottled water and air-conditioned transport.

“Great job, was easy to understand going from English to Spanish, pleasant & knowledgeable tour guide”

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4.Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 122 reviews · from $39Best value

Walk Arlington National Cemetery with an English-speaking guide such as Trevor, Ingeborg, or Hannah. Visit the Kennedy graves, Arlington House, Military Women’s Memorial, and Tomb of the Unknowns, then watch the Changing of the Guard. A self-guided audio extension leads to Iwo Jima.

“Trevor is an excellent guide. My family enjoyed our time throughout. I”

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5.Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Meet your guide at Arlington National Cemetery for a 2.5-hour walking tour limited to 12 people. Visit JFK’s grave, Joe Louis and Audie Murphy’s graves, space shuttle memorials, Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a chance to see the Changing of the Guard.

“First time visiting Arlington Cemetery. Enjoyed Kate's historical narratives. Very informative along our walking tour.”

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6.Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Spend about 2.5 hours walking Arlington National Cemetery with a private guide such as Leigh, Meghan, or Doug. See JFK’s Eternal Flame, the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington House, notable graves, and possibly the Changing of the Guard. Choose a semi-private option to lower the cost.

“We had an excellent tour with Leigh at Arlington National Cemetery. She guided us through the history of the location through a series of stories that brought our experience to life. With Marine Corps and Navy veterans included in our group, Leigh customized our tour to highlight these military connections. We experienced the solemn Changing of the Guard and exchanged stories of where we were the day Kennedy was shot when we visited the Eternal Flame. Highlights included visiting both Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Medger Evers resting places. Highly recommend Leigh!”

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7.Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Spend 2.5 hours walking Arlington National Cemetery with a professional guide, visiting the Kennedy graves, Taft’s memorial, Arlington House, military memorials, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Groups are limited to 15, with time for questions and a self-guided option for nearby Iwo Jima.

“Trevor was our guide & was excellent! We had a very hot day and he took time to make sure we weren't rushed and stopped for water as needed. He also found many shady spots. The history he taught us about was great, very detailed and answered questions, his information about Arlington was great and I would highly recommend him!”

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8.Arlington Cemetery with Changing of the Guard & Tomb Unknown

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 69 reviews · 2 - 6 hours · from $65

Walk Arlington National Cemetery with an English-speaking guide, visit the Kennedy family gravesite, Audie Murphy’s grave, and disaster memorials, then watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Guides including Dwayne, James, and Lynwood are praised for strong storytelling. Optional DC bus tour available.

“Excellent tour! My daughter and I had a wonderful time!”

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9.Arlington Cemetery with Changing of Guards & Tomb Unknown Soldier

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Walk Arlington National Cemetery with a guide for about two hours, visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard, Kennedy family graves, Audie Murphy’s grave, disaster memorials, and views of Custis Lee Manor. Guides including James, Tyrone, and Lynnwood are praised for lively storytelling.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour! Very informative and at our own pace. Rochelle was wonderful and very knowledgeable.”

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10.Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12pp

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 40 reviews · 2h 30m · from $51

Walk Arlington National Cemetery with a guide in a group of up to 10. See JFK’s eternal flame, Arlington House, the Tomb of the Unknowns, space shuttle memorials, and graves tied to American military history. Guides such as Amanda and Leigh have helped visitors reach the best viewing point for the guard ceremony.

“Another excellent tour arranged with Babylon Tours DC. Amanda, the guide, was engaging and respectful throughout the morning. The awful weather did not help but she made sure we kept on track to see the spectacle of the changing of the guard and positioned us in the prime location for the best view of the whole ceremony. She helped us with directions to the Iwo Jima memorial and that we could use the metro stop close by rather than walking back to Arlington.”

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11.Arlington Cemetery: Changing of the Guard & Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 2h 30m · from $69

Join an English-speaking guide for 150 minutes at Arlington National Cemetery. See the Changing of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedy gravesite, USS Maine Memorial, shuttle memorials, and Civil War sections. Guides have included Skye, Reid, Mona, Allen, and a retired Vietnam-era pilot.

“Reid was an amazing tour guide. It’s just such an amazing experience. Thank you for all those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.”

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12.Private Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews

Meet your private guide at Arlington’s welcome center for a 2 to 2.5-hour walk through the cemetery. Visit JFK’s grave, the USS Maine Memorial, and the Tomb of the Unknowns, where you’ll watch the Changing of the Guard.

“We had the best time on this tour. Our guide, Liam, was very knowledgeable and very animated. We were able to see all of the highlights😉”

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13.Arlington Cementary & Guard Ceremony with Iowa Jima Memorial

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10 reviews · 2h 30m · from $52

Meet your English-speaking local guide at Arlington’s Welcome Center for early access to the cemetery, the Changing of the Guard, JFK’s gravesite, the Greek amphitheater, Navy Memorial Plaza, and Iwo Jima Memorial. Guides such as Daniel, William, and Mr. Onge lead the walk.

“Absolutely excellent tour. Best tourguide ever with Mr Onge. We were so lucky to witness a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. Very special and moving. We were there at 8 in the morning, best time. Temp was pleasant and not so many people.”

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14.Arlington Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guard Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Join a two-hour English walking tour inside Arlington National Cemetery. Your guide leads you to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Changing of the Guard, the Kennedy family graves, Audie Murphy’s grave, and memorials for Columbia and Challenger. Guides may include Dwayne, Rochelle, or Tyrone.

“Dwayne was our tour guide. Was very patient when the other people were late and they still did not show up. Great public speaker. I have hearing issues but could hear him great even without him having to shout to be respectful of the venue. I am in my 50s and did not know the Vietnam tomb was empty until Dwayne dropped the knowledge on me! Highly recommend him and tip generously!”

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15.Private Washington DC Grand Tour with Changing of the Guard.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 4 hours

Explore Washington DC with a private licensed guide, hotel pickup, and room for up to 10 people. Walk Lafayette Square, the National Mall memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and the changing of the guard. Guides speak English, Spanish, or Portuguese, with Wi-Fi and charging onboard.

“Mesmo não sendo um português nativo, o guia se Dedicou muito e conseguimos aproveitar muito bem o passeio”

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