Arlington House

Overview

Arlington House, also known as the Robert E. Lee Memorial, is a historic mansion located in Arlington, Virginia. It is the ancestral home of Confederate general Robert E. Lee and offers a glimpse into 19th-century life.

Arlington House is significant for its historical connections to Robert E. Lee and its role as a memorial to him, as well as its stunning views of Washington, D.C.

Historic Site Museum National Park Service

Location

Address

321 Sherman Drive, Arlington, Virginia

Neighborhood: Arlington National Cemetery

Coordinates

38.881900, -77.090100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

wednesday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

thursday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

friday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

saturday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

sunday 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April - September), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October - March)

Admission

Adults

$0 (donations welcome)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds, more serene environment

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Cherry blossoms
• Historic garden tours

summer

Hot and humid

• Extended summer hours
• Outdoor performances

autumn

Cool and comfortable

• Fall foliage
• Harvest festival

winter

Cold, possible snow

• Holiday decorations
• Winter lectures

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check for tours and special events
Dress appropriately for the weather
Plan for security checks at the entrance

What to Bring

essential

Valid ID Comfortable walking shoes Camera

seasonal

Jacket or umbrella Sunglasses and hat for summer

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Food and drinks inside the house Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, some walking and stairs required

• Uneven surfaces in some areas
• Stairs in the house

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Debit cards, Cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0

parking $0

tours $5 per person

souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Walking shoes or sneakers, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week in advance for guided tours
• Official National Park Service website
• 48 hours for refund
• Available for timed entry tickets

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

NPS App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Maps of the grounds, Audio tours, Event schedules, Ticket booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Near the main entrance

Charging Stations: Visitor center, rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

Metro

$2.25 20 min

Taxi

$40-$50 20 min

From City Center

Distance: 8 km

Metro

$2.25 20 min

Bus

$2.00 25 min

Taxi

$20-$25 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical significance, beautiful views, and a peaceful retreat from the city

Historical Significance: Once the home of Robert E. Lee, it played a pivotal role in American history and serves as a memorial to Lee and the site's history

Insider Tips

Arrive early in the morning for a peaceful visit
Check for special events and reenactments
Visit the nearby Arlington House Café for refreshments

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Arlington National Cemetery
• Stop by the local cafes in the area for a quick bite
• Ask the park rangers for insider tips on the best times to visit

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance with the Washington Monument in the background

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting

Tips: Wide-angle shot to capture the full view

Result: Iconic photo of Arlington House with the Washington Monument

#ArlingtonHouse #WashingtonDCViews #HistoricSite

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor grounds, Public areas inside the house

prohibited areas Private or restricted areas as indicated, Certain rooms during special events

flash photography Not allowed inside the house to preserve artifacts

commercial photography Permit required for professional shoots

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas, not inside the house

selfie sticks Allowed but should be used discreetly

Nearby Attractions

Arlington National Cemetery

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 8 min

Type: Cemetery

The Pentagon

Distance: 3 km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Military site

National Museum of the U.S. Army

Distance: 10 km

Walking: 20 min by car

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Go early to avoid crowds"
"Visit the nearby cemetery for a comprehensive experience"
"Check for special events and tours"

Contact Information

+1 703-235-1530

info@nps.gov

www.nps.gov/arlr

Social Media

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