Arlington Memorial Bridge Visitors Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Stretching across the Potomac between Washington, DC, and Virginia, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks. It isn’t just for show either, as it links the National Mall on the DC side with Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Furthermore, the bridge handles nearly 70,000 vehicles a day, along with thousands of pedestrians who use its wide sidewalks for both scenery and exercise. Walking or driving over it puts you right in line with gorgeous sights such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and wide-open views of the Potomac.

Whether you’re a history fan, architecture enthusiast, or just out for a family stroll, this bridge has a way of pulling everyone in. You’ll find everything you need to know before visiting this historic bridge in this guide. It covers its history, location, nearby attractions, and insider tips. 

And if you really want to pump up the wow factor, we’ll show you why the best perspective of all comes from the water.

Overview of Arlington Memorial Bridge

Before exploring the bridge, it helps to know the story behind it, its distinctive design, and the work that keeps it standing.

A Bridge with a Triple Purpose

From its earliest design, the bridge was meant to serve three key roles. First, it symbolized the reunification of the North and South after the Civil War. Second, it provided a ceremonial entrance into the nation’s capital from Virginia. 

Over time, it also took on a third role as a tribute to the valor and sacrifice of America’s military personnel through the memorials placed along Memorial Avenue.

Rehabilitation and Preservation

In 2024 alone, more than 27 million people visited the city, breaking records. The bridge continues to be a highlight among its many monuments, memorials, and historic neighborhoods. 

With so many visitors relying on it daily, maintaining the bridge’s condition has been a top priority. To handle both tourist foot traffic and regular commuters, it underwent a major rehabilitation project from 2018 to 2020. 

During that time, the aging superstructure was replaced with a multi-girder steel bridge that extends the useful life of the bridge by 75 years. Additionally, workers dismantled, cleaned, repaired, and reassembled more than 4,500 granite pieces as part of restoring the bridge’s historic structure. 

Upon completion, the project became one of the largest infrastructure efforts in National Park Service history.

Dimensions and Load Limits at a Glance

The Arlington Memorial Bridge stretches 2,162 feet in length and spans 94 feet across, with 30 feet reserved for pedestrian sidewalks. Although the bridge is sound, a 10-ton load limit remains in place, preventing buses and heavy trucks from crossing.

Where Is the Arlington Memorial Bridge Located?

The Arlington Memorial Bridge sits at the west end of the National Mall, spanning the Potomac River between Washington, DC, and Arlington, Virginia. On the DC side, it begins at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, while on the Virginia side it leads directly into Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington Memorial Bridge History 

The idea for the Arlington Memorial Bridge was first attributed to President Andrew Jackson in 1851. That July 4, Secretary of State Daniel Webster delivered a speech before Congress that helped keep the proposal alive. In this excerpt of his speech, you can see that he cast the bridge as far more than a river crossing:

“Before us is the broad and beautiful [Potomac] river, separating two of the original thirteen States, which a late President [Andrew Jackson]… desired to span with arches of ever-enduring granite, symbolical of the firmly established union of the North and the South.”

Webster’s words carried weight, and although decades would pass before the project began, his oration emphasized the bridge’s symbolic purpose and persuaded Congress to consider it a vision worth pursuing.

Congress officially authorized construction in February 1925, and work began the following year. 

The Arlington Memorial Bridge, along with Memorial Avenue and the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, was formally dedicated on January 16, 1932. A few months later, on May 6, 1932, the bridge opened to traffic, finally realizing a vision that had lingered for generations.

Since its dedication, the bridge has hosted countless ceremonial processions, including presidential funerals. 

Arlington Memorial Bridge Architecture and Sculptures

The Arlington Memorial Bridge owes its stately appearance to the New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, which designed it in a neoclassical style. The structure combines steel and masonry with ten concrete arch approaches, blending classical proportions with modern engineering.

At its center was a double-leaf bascule drawbridge designed by the Strauss Engineering Corporation. The drawbridge’s span, which once lifted to allow ships to pass, was replaced with a fixed steel span during the 2018-2020 rehabilitation project. Great care was taken to preserve the stone bridge’s original appearance.

As part of its role as an “Avenue of Heroes,” the bridge’s entrances are marked by two dramatic sculptural groups: The Arts of War by Leo Friedlander and The Arts of Peace by James Earle Fraser. 

Beyond these entryway pieces, the bridge is also adorned with carved eagles and connected to memorials installed along Memorial Avenue. Installed between 1961 and 2001, these monuments honor a wide range of figures and groups, notably Admiral Richard Byrd and the U.S. Navy Seabees. 

Beyond symbolic statuary, granite facing and other formal details give the bridge its distinguished appearance. The design harmonizes with the surrounding scenery and the nearby monuments of the National Mall.

Can You Walk Across Arlington Memorial Bridge?

Yes. pedestrian pathways run along both sides. And you can admire panoramic scenes of the monuments, spot boats gliding along the Potomac, and watch birds moving across the sky.

Crossing the stone bridge on foot takes about 10–15 minutes, or roughly 1,500–2,000 steps along its 0.4-mile span. Cyclists often follow the same route, continuing along Memorial Avenue toward the Women in Military Service for America Memorial and the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. 

Arlington Memorial Bridge Directions, Parking, and Metro Info

It’s easy to get to the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The following are commonly used ways to arrive at its entrances and nearby access points:

• By Car – If you prefer to drive, the bridge is accessible from several major routes. From Washington, DC, you can reach it via the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Constitution Avenue, 23rd Street NW, Ohio Drive, and Independence Avenue. From Virginia, access is available through the George Washington Memorial Parkway, VA-110, and VA-27. Parking nearby can be limited, so plan ahead if driving is your choice.
• On Foot or by Bicycle – Cycling and walking are popular ways to reach the bridge, and trails connect to the bridge from both sides. If you’re coming from the Mount Vernon Trail, follow the signed route uphill to the bridge. Use caution at crosswalks—drivers around Memorial Circle can be distracted by merging lanes and ramps.
• Parking Options – Visitors often park at Arlington National Cemetery (paid parking) or along the ramp that extends from Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway to the Lincoln Memorial. 
• Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) – Many visitors opt for rideshare, taxis, or TNC services like Uber or Lyft to avoid the hassle of parking or taking mass transit.
• By Metro – Metro stations are clean and simple to navigate. On the DC side, the Foggy Bottom–GWU station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) is about a 20-minute walk to the Lincoln Memorial. On the Virginia side, the Arlington Cemetery station (Blue line) sits directly on Memorial Avenue, just a short walk from the bridge.

Things to See Near Arlington Memorial Bridge

Another great reason to cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge is the number of interesting things close by that are accessible by foot or bike. 

Attractions you can visit nearby include: 

• Lincoln Memorial – A must-visit landmark of the capital. It’s home to the statue of the 16th president and offers striking views across the Reflecting Pool.
• Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Memorials – Located just steps from the Lincoln Memorial, these sites provide spaces to honor and remember.
• The National Mall – The city’s 1,000-acre premier park, filled with monuments, memorials, and museums. 
• Arlington National Cemetery – The nation’s most historic military burial ground, where generations of service members have been laid to rest.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – A solemn centerpiece of Arlington National Cemetery, best known for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• Military Women’s Memorial – Standing at the cemetery’s entrance, this memorial honors the service of women in the U.S. armed forces.
• The Pentagon – Just beyond the cemetery, this five-sided headquarters of the DOD is one of Arlington’s most recognizable landmarks.

Insider Tips for Visiting Arlington Memorial Bridge

Visiting the Arlington Memorial Bridge is more rewarding if you know a few insider tricks. Of course, there are the basics: dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water if you’re walking in warmer months. But beyond the essentials, a few smart tips can turn your visit into something even more memorable.

First off, timing makes a big difference. Mornings are calm and ideal for a quiet stroll. On the other hand, evenings bring golden sunset views of the Lincoln Memorial. Shutterbugs, especially, will find sunset from the bridge a perfect time to snap epic shots of the monument. 

Apps can also be your best friend on this trip. For instance, navigation tools help you map walking or biking routes that link the bridge with nearby landmarks. Want to save time looking for parking or taking the metro? Use an app to digitally hail a rideshare or TNC. 

Moreover, planning apps track Metro schedules, the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and even crowd levels so you can avoid bottlenecks. For travelers who want more context, audio tours or history apps add depth to your walk across the span. 

Finally, food and shopping apps come in handy when it’s time for a break or a little exploring. They can point you toward nearby boutiques as well as DC cafés and restaurants.

Want a Unique View? See the Arlington Memorial Bridge from the Water

As you can plainly see, walking across the bridge delivers sweeping views and plenty of photo-worthy moments. However, experiencing it from a boat on the Potomac offers a completely different, elevated perspective. From the water, the arches, carvings, and symmetry of the Arlington Memorial Bridge come into full view. These are simply details you can’t appreciate on foot. 

A cruise with companies like Sea the City also takes you past other landmarks such as the Kennedy Center, The Wharf, and the Tidal Basin. No other vantage point captures the Arlington Memorial Bridge’s scale and design quite like this one.

Visit Arlington Memorial Bridge in a Hot Tub Boat Tour Today

Sea the City offers a private hot tub boat cruise that floats right beneath the Arlington Memorial Bridge in DC. This bubbling ride, relaxing boat ride along the Potomac gives you a one-of-a-kind way to take in the views. It’s sightseeing that’s comfortable, memorable, and perfect for couples, friends, families, or small groups.

You’ll find Sea the City at 650 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024.

Book your spot now and enjoy the ultimate hot tub boat adventure in the nation’s capital.

Arlington Memorial Bridge FAQs 

What does the Arlington Memorial Bridge symbolize?

The bridge represents the reunification of North and South after the Civil War, serves as a ceremonial gateway into the capital from Virginia, and honors America’s military through the memorials along Memorial Avenue.

Can you walk across the bridge?

Yes. It has two wide sidewalks on each side that provide almost 14 ft of scenic route for pedestrians and bike riders. 

Who should visit the bridge?

The bridge isn’t just for motorists using its 60-foot roadway. Pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a refreshing outing along the sidewalks, while photographers and bloggers will find plenty of inspiration in the views.

What landmarks are near the bridge?

The Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and several war memorials are nearby.

When was it built?

Construction of the Arlington Memorial bridge began in 1926.  and ended in 1931Construction finished in 1932.

Can you see Arlington Cemetery from the bridge?

Yes. From the Virginia side, you can look directly into Arlington National Cemetery.

What’s the best way to see the bridge?

Walking across offers city views, but many visitors say the most memorable angle is from a boat cruise on the Potomac.