Arlington: Fort History, Nature and Museums

In Arlington, Civil War history, African American heritage, museums and nature trails come together. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to first consider which of these topics you’d like to shape your stay. The area’s different sites offer specific inspiration, from historical exhibits to trails along wooded stream valleys.

Arlington’s Forts and History

At the Fort C.F. Smith Visitor Center, visitors can learn about the Civil War history of Arlington County. The fort was built in 1863 as part of a ring of 68 forts constructed around Washington, D.C., to protect the city. The exhibition begins with a recreated Union camp and includes uniforms to try on and explore. Fort C.F. Smith is the best-preserved Civil War fort in Arlington and is also one of the best-preserved forts in Washington’s defenses.

The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington highlights a different aspect of history. It was founded to honor the journey of Arlington County’s African American residents toward freedom. Queen City was once a thriving African American neighborhood in Arlington and had its own fire department. At the Ball-Sellers House, visitors can see original logs covered with clay plaster. The house was the first property in Arlington to receive a commemorative marker for enslaved people, unveiled in 2023. Markers of the original boundaries of the District of Columbia can also be found in Arlington County.

Museums and Memorials

The DEA Museum uses touchscreens and interactive activities to present the history of its predecessor agencies and the range of careers at the DEA. It is located at 700 Army Navy Drive, directly across from the Pentagon City Mall. The DEA Museum is one block south of the Pentagon City Metro station on Hayes Street.

The Pentagon Memorial comprises 184 memorial units. Their placement and orientation record each victim’s age and location at the time of the attack. A 24-minute audio tour covers the events at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, the history of the Pentagon and the design of the memorial. Together, the museums and memorials offer different ways to engage: interactive insights into the history of government agencies sit alongside a design whose individual elements convey information about the victims.

Nature Centers, Stream Valleys and Trails

The Gulf Branch Nature Center combines exhibits on natural and cultural history with live animals. From there, trails follow Gulf Branch through an Arlington natural resources conservation area to the Potomac River. The Long Branch Nature Center offers year-round programs and special events, including story times, hikes, nature walks and campfires.

The Long Branch landscape also offers different ways to explore nature: its wooded stream valley is home to raccoons, foxes, flying squirrels and salamanders, among other wildlife. The trails along Long Branch connect Glencarlyn Park with the W&OD Trail. So a visit can focus not only on observing nature but also on a direct connection between two named destinations.

Views, Sports and Practical Information

The esplanade at Long Bridge Park is nearly three-quarters of a mile long and offers views of the sports fields, the Potomac River and the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary. The Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center houses the only 50-meter swimming pool in Arlington County. For visitors who want to spend their time outdoors in another way, the Arlington County Fair offers another option: it is held annually and lasts one week. For specific dates, check the event calendar.

Arlington County has a clear distinction for bicycles, including e-bikes, and e-scooters: they may be ridden on roads, sidewalks and paved trails, but not on natural-surface trails. When planning your days in Arlington, you can choose from a range of options, including historic sites, museum visits, nature programs and trails.

Discover more destinations: Arlington, Floyd County, Northampton County, Buckingham County, Augusta County, Mathews County, Frederick County, Dinwiddie County.

For the main travel overview: Virginia.