Arlington VA Neighborhood Guide
From Civil War battlegrounds to modern innovation hub, Arlington blends rich history with dynamic urban energy.
Located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA is known for its iconic national landmarks, thriving urban villages, and diverse neighborhoods.
With tree-lined streets, world-class dining, Arlington National Cemetery, and excellent Metro access, Arlington seamlessly blends historic significance with contemporary living.
The county attracts families, young professionals, and government employees due to its walkability, extensive trail systems, top-rated schools, and immediate proximity to the nation’s capital.
Fun Indoor Activities
Arlington, VA, offers a wide range of indoor activities for all ages and interests. From entertainment venues to educational experiences, here are some top indoor activities in the neighborhood:
Lucky Strike Arlington
Lucky Strike Arlington is a premier bowling and entertainment venue perfect for a night out with friends or family. In addition to bowling, Lucky Strike offers arcade games, a sports bar with food and drinks, and a comfortable lounge area, making it an excellent spot for group outings and events.
The Escape Room Arlington
For those who enjoy puzzle-solving and teamwork, The Escape Room Arlington offers a range of immersive escape room experiences. Groups work together to solve clues and “escape” within a time limit, making it a thrilling indoor activity for all ages.
Ballston Quarter
Ballston Quarter is a vibrant indoor shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or visit Punch Bowl Social, which offers bowling, karaoke, arcade games, and more.
Kid-Friendly: The KID Museum
The KID Museum, located in nearby Bethesda but easily accessible from Arlington, offers interactive exhibits designed to engage children in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning. It’s a hands-on educational experience that’s perfect for families.
Fun Outdoor Activities
Arlington is home to a variety of parks and recreational spaces that make it perfect for outdoor activities. Here are some great ways to enjoy the outdoors in the area:
Visit Long Bridge Park
Long Bridge Park is a large, modern park featuring athletic fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. With scenic views of the Potomac River, it’s a popular spot for outdoor activities, family outings, and sports.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
For those looking to explore nature, Potomac Overlook Regional Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs focused on local wildlife and conservation. It’s a great place for both families and nature lovers.
Explore the Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is a scenic, multi-use trail that runs along the Potomac River. It’s perfect for biking, running, or walking, offering beautiful views of D.C. landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Capitol.
Kid-Friendly: Gravelly Point Park
Located just outside Arlington, Gravelly Point Park offers stunning views of planes landing at Reagan National Airport. Families can enjoy picnicking while watching planes fly directly overhead, making it a fun and unique outdoor experience for kids.
Pet-Friendly: Shirlington Dog Park
Shirlington Dog Park is a popular spot for dog owners, offering plenty of open space for dogs to run and socialize. The park also features a stream where dogs can cool off on hot days.
Local Professional Sports Teams/Organizations
Arlington’s proximity to Washington, D.C., provides easy access to some of the nation’s most popular professional sports teams. Whether you’re a fan of baseball, soccer, or hockey, here are the local teams and venues you can explore:
Washington Nationals (MLB)
The Washington Nationals, D.C.’s Major League Baseball team, play their home games at Nationals Park, just a short ride from Arlington. Fans can enjoy exciting MLB games from April through September. The stadium also hosts family-friendly events and fireworks shows.
D.C. United (MLS)
Soccer enthusiasts can catch D.C. United matches at Audi Field in nearby Buzzard Point. The team plays in Major League Soccer, with games from March through October. The energetic atmosphere at Audi Field makes it a great destination for sports fans.
Washington Capitals (NHL)
The Washington Capitals bring fast-paced hockey action to Capital One Arena, located in downtown D.C. The NHL season runs from October through April, and Caps fans are known for their passionate support, making every game an exciting experience.
Washington Wizards (NBA)
For basketball fans, the Washington Wizards also play at Capital One Arena. The NBA season runs from October through April, and Wizards games are a great way to experience the excitement of professional basketball.
Washington Spirit (NWSL)
The Washington Spirit, part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), play home matches at Audi Field. The Spirit offers top-tier women’s soccer from April through October, making it an excellent opportunity to support women’s sports.
Looking to move to Arlington VA?
Explore available properties and schedule a viewing
through Nomadic Real Estate Rentals today to find your perfect apartment.
Fitness & Wellness
Arlington is home to a wide range of fitness and wellness centers, offering residents options to stay active and healthy. Here are some of the top gyms and fitness studios in the area:
Orangetheory Fitnes
Orangetheory offers heart-rate-based interval training that combines cardio and strength exercises. The classes are designed to challenge participants of all fitness levels, making it a popular choice for Arlington residents.
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym is a classic fitness center offering a wide range of equipment, group classes, and personal training. It’s a great choice for those looking for a full-service gym with amenities like a sauna and indoor pool.
CorePower Yoga
For yoga enthusiasts, CorePower Yoga offers a variety of classes, including heated yoga, vinyasa flow, and restorative yoga. The studio caters to all levels and focuses on building strength and flexibility through mindful movement.
Places to Eat
Arlington offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining, and catering to a diverse array of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some of the best places to eat in Arlington
Ambar Clarendon
Ambar is a popular Balkan restaurant offering small plates with flavors inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Balkans. The menu includes a wide variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, making it a versatile choice for all types of diners.
Green Pig Bistro
Green Pig Bistro serves New American cuisine with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. The menu offers inventive dishes like roasted chicken, pork belly, and seasonal vegetables, all with a creative twist. It’s a great option for brunch or dinner.
Ruthie’s All-Day
For Southern-inspired comfort food, Ruthie’s All-Day is a must-visit. Their menu includes smoked meats, biscuits, and seasonal sides, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or casual meals.
Vegan-Friendly: The Loving Hut
For vegan and plant-based diners, The Loving Hut offers an entirely vegan menu with a variety of global-inspired dishes, including curries, noodle dishes, and vegan versions of comfort foods.
Family-Friendly: Pupatella
Pupatella is a Neapolitan pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, authentic ingredients. The casual atmosphere and kid-friendly menu make it an excellent option for families.
Ethnic Cuisine: Rus Uz
For a unique dining experience, Rus Uz offers a combination of Russian and Uzbek cuisine. Their menu includes traditional dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and kebabs, giving diners a taste of Eastern European and Central Asian flavors.
Gas Stations & Convenience Shops
For quick stops and essentials, Arlington provides a variety of gas stations and convenience shops:
Shell
Located near the Rosslyn area, Shell provides fuel and a convenience store stocked with snacks, beverages, and basic groceries. It’s an easily accessible spot for drivers in the area.
Exxon
Exxon is another convenient option for fueling up, with additional services like car washes and a small convenience store for essentials.
7-Eleven
For quick snacks, beverages, and other convenience items, 7-Eleven is a go-to choice, with several locations throughout Arlington, including near Ballston and Clarendon.
Best Nightlife Places
Arlington is home to a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, lounges, and entertainment venues. Here are some top spots to check out:
Clarendon Ballroom
Clarendon Ballroom is a large, multi-level venue that features live music, DJ nights, and rooftop parties. It’s one of the most popular nightlife spots in Arlington, known for its vibrant atmosphere and entertainment lineup.
Don Tito
Don Tito is a Mexican-inspired bar and rooftop that offers a fun, casual atmosphere. Known for its tacos and margaritas, Don Tito is perfect for a laid-back night out with friends.
The Liberty Tavern
The Liberty Tavern offers a more relaxed and refined atmosphere, perfect for a low-key night out. With a focus on craft cocktails, local beers, and an extensive wine list, it’s a great spot for enjoying drinks with friends.
Local Community/Government Links
Arlington provides a variety of community services and government resources for its residents. Here are some helpful links:
Arlington County Government
For local government services, including tax information, building permits, and public services, visit the Arlington County Government website.
Arlington Public Library
Arlington’s public libraries offer books, digital resources, and a variety of programs for residents of all ages.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
The WMATA operates the Metro and bus services throughout Arlington, providing easy access to the D.C. metro area.
Explore more neighborhoods
Explore more of the vibrant neighborhoods around the D.C. metro area. Check out our other neighborhood guides to discover the best attractions, dining, and living options in:
Each guide offers a unique look into local culture, housing, and activities, helping you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle.
Guide Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide provides information that is as accurate as possible at the time of posting. We recommend contacting individual venues or checking their websites for the latest information regarding hours, events, and services. Always plan ahead to confirm availability and details.