Self Guided Walking Tour of Arlington National Cemetery GPS App

Introduction

If you’re visiting the Washington, D.C. area and want to experience the historic significance of Arlington National Cemetery without the hassle of a guided group, this self-guided GPS tour might just be the perfect fit. Priced at only $7.75 per person, it offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore one of the most revered military cemeteries in the United States.

What we love about this tour is how it combines affordability with freedom—you set the pace, stop wherever you like, and revisit the stories as many times as you want. The location-aware audio enriches the walk, making it engaging whether you’re a history buff or just curious about America’s past. Plus, its long availability window means you can plan your visit for a day that suits you best.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a self-guided experience, so if you prefer a more structured or narrated tour, this might feel a little light on personal interaction. However, if you enjoy independence and want to mix learning with your own schedule, this tour suits that perfectly. It’s an excellent choice for visitors who love exploring at their own pace and want to maximize their time at Arlington with minimal cost.

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, budget travelers, or anyone wanting a flexible way to learn about Arlington’s most iconic memorials and gravesites.

Good To Know

• Affordable price: At just $7.75, this tour delivers strong value for an enriching experience.
• Self-paced flexibility: You control the timing, stops, and how often you listen.
• Location-aware audio: The app plays stories as you walk, making it interactive and immersive.
• Rich content: Includes key sites like JFK Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, and more.
• Long availability: Evergreen access means you can revisit and listen at your convenience.
• Perfect for independent explorers: No group pressure, no schedules—just your curiosity and your own rhythm.

Exploring Arlington National Cemetery with the GPS App

A Practical Introduction to the Experience

This tour by WalknTours is designed to give visitors a deeply personal experience of Arlington National Cemetery. It combines a walking tour with a digital guide that plays as you move along the grounds. For just a few dollars, it offers a rundown of the cemetery’s most significant sites—from memorials to gravesites—without the need for a guided group or a pre-scheduled tour.

What makes this experience particularly attractive is the flexibility. The tour is location-aware, meaning your device recognizes your position and plays relevant stories accordingly. It also never expires, so after your visit, you can listen again at your leisure, making it a great way to revisit memories or deepen your understanding.

Planning Your Visit

The tour begins at the Military Women’s Memorial, which is a fitting starting point to honor women who served and sacrificed. From there, it moves seamlessly through Arlington’s most famous sites, including the John F. Kennedy Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Arlington House—the stately home with Civil War history and the story of Robert E. Lee.

The entire experience is designed to take about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can obviously take longer if you want to linger or listen to stories multiple times. The app’s design encourages a relaxed, unhurried exploration—you can stop and start as you like, making it suitable for families, solo travelers, or history buffs.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Military Women’s Memorial

Starting at the Military Women’s Memorial, the tour immediately sets a respectful tone, highlighting the contributions and sacrifices of women in the military. This spot is free to visit and offers an inspiring introduction to the stories of bravery. We loved the way the app provides context about women’s roles in American history, making it accessible for those unfamiliar with military service.

Stop 2: President John F. Kennedy Memorial

Next is the JFK Memorial, where the app shares stories about JFK’s impact on the world and his tragic end. The memorial’s location allows you to reflect on his legacy amid the peaceful surroundings. The storytelling brings Kennedy’s presidency to life, making it more than just a photo opportunity.

Stop 3: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most poignant sites in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is steeped in symbolism. The app explains the history behind the tomb—why it was built, the sacrifices it represents, and the ceremony that still takes place. You’ll hear about the Guards’ meticulous duties and the significance of the eternal flame.

Stop 4: Arlington House and Slave Quarters

A short walk brings you to Arlington House, with stories about the Civil War, Robert E. Lee, and the complex history of the estate. The app also covers the Slave Quarters, helping visitors understand the often-overlooked part of the site’s history. The narration here is insightful, helping to contextualize Arlington within the larger narrative of American history.

Main Walk: Exploring the Cemetery

The core of the tour covers over 20 sites within Arlington National Cemetery, including graves of notable figures like Joe Louis, the Challenger Memorial, and the Iran Rescue Mission Memorial. The app’s storytelling vividly describes the significance of each site, making you feel connected to the people buried there and the stories they represent.

One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guides—even though it’s a self-guided tour, the stories are well-researched and engaging, making each stop meaningful. The app also shares the story of Abraham Lincoln’s connection to Arlington, linking history to the present.

Final Stop: William Howard Taft Memorial Grave

The tour concludes at President Taft’s Memorial, where you hear about his presidency and later life. Ending at a presidential memorial provides a fitting closing note, tying together themes of service and leadership. Afterward, you can listen again or explore areas on your own.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Download the app beforehand if possible, to ensure smooth access during your visit.
• Bring a charged smartphone or tablet, as you’ll be relying on it for the GPS audio.
• Plan to wear comfortable shoes, since Arlington is quite expansive and involves a fair amount of walking.
• Consider arriving early or late in the day to avoid crowds and experience the grounds with a bit more tranquility.
• Take advantage of the pause and restart feature to explore sites at your own pace—this flexibility is a major perk.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $7.75 per person, this tour offers exceptional value—especially considering that many guided tours can cost significantly more and are less flexible. The long accessibility means you can revisit the stories anytime, adding to the overall value. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want quality content without the extra cost of a guide or group.

While it doesn’t include food or drinks, the cost savings on the tour itself make it easier to allocate funds towards other parts of your visit—like a picnic or a coffee afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for independent explorers who like to control their own pace and prefer audio-guided storytelling over traditional guided tours. History enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed stories behind each site, especially since the narration is delivered by knowledgeable storytellers.

It’s also suited for travelers who are budget-conscious but still want a meaningful experience, and for those who are comfortable with using their smartphone for navigation. If you prefer group tours with a guide, this might not be the best fit, but for flexible, self-led adventures, it’s a winner.

The Sum Up

This self-guided GPS tour of Arlington National Cemetery offers a thoughtful, accessible way to explore one of America’s most significant memorial sites. Its affordable price, combined with flexibility and informative stories, makes it particularly appealing for solo travelers, history buffs, or anyone wishing to explore at their own rhythm. The app’s location-awareness enriches the experience, making each stop more engaging and educational.

While it lacks real-time guide interaction, the well-researched narration and extensive site coverage compensate for this, providing a meaningful journey through American history. The ability to revisit and listen again at your convenience is a major bonus, especially for travelers who want to deepen their understanding or share stories later.

Whether you’re visiting Arlington for a quick stop or planning a longer stay, this tour is a cost-effective way to gain insight into the stories that shaped the nation—and do it all on your own terms.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, including families. Keep in mind that some sites, like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, may be more meaningful for older children or adults.

Do I need my own device?
Yes, you’ll need a smartphone or tablet with the tour app downloaded and GPS enabled to access the location-aware stories.

How long does the tour typically take?
Most visitors spend about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes walking and listening, but you’re free to take longer or shorter depending on your pace.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. The tour is available 24/7, and you can begin whenever it suits your schedule.

Is there an admission fee for the sites?
No, all the sites visited during the tour, such as the JFK Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are free to visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a fully charged device, and perhaps a water bottle. There are no food or drinks included, so plan accordingly.

Can I repeat the tour later?
Yes, the tour never expires, so you can listen again any time or revisit specific sites.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While Arlington is large and involves walking, you can tailor your visit to your comfort level. The app allows you to stop and start as needed.

In essence, this self-guided tour offers an accessible, flexible, and respectful way to connect with the stories and people of Arlington National Cemetery—making history approachable for all.