More than three million people visit Arlington National Cemetery each year. Manycome to pay respects at graveside services, or to visit a loved one's final resting place. Please remember that Arlington is an active cemetery — aplace of honor, grieving and reflection. We ask that visitors abide by the following guidelines.
• Speak quietly and use headphones if you are listening to something, so that your experience does not distract or disturb other visitors.
• Enjoy the space appropriately. We encourage you to explore the cemetery(you may walk on the grass to find a grave) andattend a public ceremony. However, activities such as running, climbing, bicycling, playing sports or picnicking are not allowed.
• Leave your pets at home. Only approved service animals and military working dogs are permitted.
• Respect the property. Do not damage or sit on monuments, gravestones, plants or other property. They are historic features of this sacred site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Respect funeral services by staying at a distance. If you encounter a funeral procession, please step aside and wait for the procession to pass. If your exploration of the cemetery brings you near a funeral service, please move along to an area that is not the site of active mourning.
• Show respect to the flag. When aflag is used ina ceremony or service, or when a bugler soundsTaps, civilians should place their right hand over their heart. Military service members and veterans may salute.
• Drink water. Food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. The cemetery grounds are vast, and the weather is often hot during the summer; stay hydrated! You may bring bottled water or purchase it at the Welcome Center, and our ANC Explorermobile app will help you locatewater fountains throughout the cemetery. Do not drink from spigots, as they do not contain potable water.
• Visiting with children? Consult our Education Program! See, in particular, the "Activities for Children" section in Understanding Arlington.
• To learn about the cemetery's history and traditions, and for more tips that will enhance your visit, click here.
• Self-guided walking tours are featured in our Education Program:https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Tours.
Additional Visitor Tips
• Before you visit, please reviewour safety guidelines and security procedures, including 100% ID check.
• If you are participating in a public wreath ceremony, please consult the dress code.
• Beginyour visit at the Welcome Center, located by the mainentrance on Memorial Avenue. Hereyou will findexhibits, maps, information services, a bookstore, restrooms and water fountains.
• We welcome visitors with disabilities.The cemetery does not provide wheelchairs or strollers, but you may bring your own.
• Download our mobile app, ANC Explorer, to locate gravesites and other points of interest.
• Visitor rules for Army National Military Cemeteries are established in the Code of Federal Regulations, 32 CFR § 553.33.
