
Arlington House Robert E. Lee Memorial
Historic Greek Revival mansion, former home of Robert E. Lee, offering stunning DC views and a poignant look at history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups

Arlington House Robert E. Lee Memorial
Best Time
Fewer school groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Greek Revival mansion, former home of Robert E. Lee, offering stunning DC views and a poignant look at history.
"The best view of Washington, DC is from this location. And then there is the impressive structure itself."

🚶 Walk, Don't Trolley
Save money and enjoy the scenery by walking from the cemetery entrance. It's about a 15-minute walk.
🏛️ Free Admission
No admission ticket is required to visit Arlington House. Enjoy the history and views for free!

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 893 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views of DC
Hilltop overlooking Washington D.C.
Breathtaking vistas of the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, and more. A truly advantageous overlooking view.

The Mansion Museum
Inside Arlington House
Explore the Greek Revival mansion, once home to Robert E. Lee, with original artifacts and informative exhibits.

Custis-Lee Gardens
Grounds of Arlington House
Stroll through the historic gardens, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding cemetery.

The Slave Quarters
Behind the main house
A poignant reminder of the lives of enslaved people who contributed to the estate's construction and upkeep.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk, Don't Trolley
Save money and enjoy the scenery by walking from the cemetery entrance. It's about a 15-minute walk.
🏛️ Free Admission
No admission ticket is required to visit Arlington House. Enjoy the history and views for free!
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Washington D.C. are a major highlight. Don't forget your camera!
🧐 Understand the History
The site offers a realistic view of Robert E. Lee's history, managed by the National Park Service.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk, Don't Trolley
Save money and enjoy the scenery by walking from the cemetery entrance. It's about a 15-minute walk.
🏛️ Free Admission
No admission ticket is required to visit Arlington House. Enjoy the history and views for free!
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Washington D.C. are a major highlight. Don't forget your camera!
🧐 Understand the History
The site offers a realistic view of Robert E. Lee's history, managed by the National Park Service.
🕰️ Check Hours
Hours can vary, especially around holidays. Always check the National Park Service website before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Arlington House for its stunning panoramic views of Washington D.C. and its well-preserved historical architecture. The insightful exhibits and the poignant history, including the lives of enslaved people, are frequently highlighted as meaningful aspects of the visit. While the house itself is a highlight, its location within the solemn Arlington National Cemetery adds to the overall reflective experience.
"A truly beautiful place to take a picture. I could just imagine how pristine and calming the view was when the area wasn't developed and the European settlers just arrived. A very advantageous overlooking view. The house itself is a museum and they tell a good enough story. It is just a 15 minute walk from the entrance place so unless you really want to pay ~$20 for the trolley ride (45min, 3 stops Kennedy Grave -> Tomb of Unknown Soldier -> Arlington House) then I suggest you can walk it instead.
Came on a Monday and there was a lot of people, especially school children on some sort of field trip."
Aaron Lecciones
"Arlington House is a beautiful and historic spot overlooking Washington, D.C. Once home to Robert E. Lee, it’s full of rich history and offers a thoughtful look at the past, including the lives of those who were enslaved there. The views are amazing, and the house is well-preserved with informative exhibits. A quiet, meaningful stop if you’re visiting Arlington National Cemetery. Recommend it!"
Maria Achilleia
"The best view of Washington, DC is from this location. And then there is the impressive structure itself. The slave quarters in the back of the building brings a little reminder of who actually did a lot - or most of the construction."
Barry M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arlington House is located within Arlington National Cemetery. You can reach it by car, public transportation (Metro to Arlington Cemetery station), or by walking from the cemetery entrance. Consider the cemetery's trolley service if you prefer not to walk the entire distance.
Parking is available at Arlington National Cemetery, but it can be limited. It's often easier to use public transport or rideshare services. The house itself is a short walk from the main cemetery visitor center.
Yes, it's about a 15-minute walk from the main entrance of Arlington National Cemetery to Arlington House. The path is scenic and offers glimpses of the cemetery grounds.
Arlington National Cemetery offers a hop-on, hop-off trolley service that stops at key locations, including Arlington House. This can be a convenient option if you have mobility concerns or want to save time.
Many visitors combine a visit to Arlington House with exploring Arlington National Cemetery. Allow ample time to see both, and consider the trolley for efficient navigation within the vast cemetery grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, is free. It is maintained by the National Park Service and open to the public without an entrance fee.
Operating hours for Arlington House can vary seasonally and may be affected by holidays or special events. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, Arlington House is typically open on weekends, but it can be busier, especially with school groups. Weekday visits are often recommended for a more peaceful experience.
Arlington House aims to be accessible. Information regarding specific accessibility features, such as ramps or elevators, can be found on the National Park Service website or by contacting the site directly.
While you can do a self-guided tour of Arlington House, National Park Service rangers are often on-site to answer questions and provide historical context. Check with the visitor center upon arrival for any scheduled ranger programs.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Arlington House features a museum with period furniture, original paintings, and artifacts. You can also explore the grounds, including the gardens and the poignant slave quarters, and enjoy stunning views of Washington D.C.
Originally built by George Washington Parke Custis, it was the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his wife Mary Anna Custis Lee. The Union Army occupied it during the Civil War, and it became part of Arlington National Cemetery.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center and sometimes near Arlington House itself. It's advisable to use facilities at the visitor center before heading to the house.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas of the house, but it's always best to check for posted signs or ask a ranger for clarification.
The view from Arlington House is spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Potomac River, and the Washington D.C. skyline. It's considered one of the best viewpoints in the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are the panoramic views of Washington D.C. from the mansion's porch and grounds. The house itself, with its Greek Revival architecture, also makes for beautiful exterior shots.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Arlington National Cemetery, including around Arlington House, due to security and respect for the solemn nature of the site.
While you can see parts of the cemetery from Arlington House, it's important to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography of gravesites and focus on the historical house and the DC skyline.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photographing both the house and the DC skyline. Early mornings can also be lovely, with fewer crowds and soft light.
Generally, non-flash photography is allowed inside, but always look for posted signs or ask a ranger. The focus is on preserving the historical artifacts and maintaining a respectful atmosphere.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit