Arlington Cemetery Changing of the Guard Guided Tour

More about The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as the solemn heart of Arlington National Cemetery, a white marble monument that has been guarded continuously, every minute of every day, since 1937. On this walking tour, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier becomes more than a photograph in a history book. It becomes a place where silence carries weight, where the precise click of heels on the marble plaza echoes across the rolling Virginia hills, and where the story of America's unidentified fallen takes on a deeply personal resonance. Set on a quiet rise overlooking Washington, D.C., the monument anchors a tour that brings the cemetery's most meaningful traditions into clear focus.

Your guided walk leads you through Arlington's sweeping landscape of white headstones toward the Memorial Amphitheater, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier waits at its eastern plaza. There, you will witness the Changing of the Guard, a ritual performed by the elite soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard. Every movement is measured and exact: the twenty-one steps, the twenty-one second pauses, the crisp inspection of the rifle. Your guide will share the history behind the unknown servicemen interred here from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, along with the stories of the sentinels who consider this duty the highest honor of their careers. The hush of the crowd, the salute of the relief commander, and the sweep of the cemetery beyond create a moment that lingers long after you leave.

This experience is ideal for history lovers, families with curious children, veterans, and first-time visitors to Washington who want context rather than a quick glance. Walking with a knowledgeable guide transforms the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from a famous landmark into a living tribute, and it gives travelers the background needed to truly understand what they are seeing. If you want to connect with one of the most powerful sites in the country, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier offers a memory that stays with you.