Arlington House Self-Guided Tour (first tour 9:00, last tour 4:00)
Reserve your tickets here.
This 20-minute self-guided tour walks through the South Wing of Arlington House. While passing through Robert E Lee’s office, the family parlors, and the center hall, you will view museum exhibits and period furniture and objects associated with Mr. and Mrs. Lee, George Washington, and George Washington Parke Custis. This is a timed ticket entry. Visitors are not permitted to remain on the tour longer than 20 minutes.
Getting There
Access to Arlington House is through Arlington National Cemetery either from the Cemetery’s Parking Garage or by Arlington Cemetery Metro. You cannot drive directly to Arlington House. From within the Cemetery you can take the Arlington Cemetery Tour trolley, or walk, about 15-20 minutes from the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center Security Access Point up a hill to Arlington House. Plan plenty of time to navigate through Arlington Cemetery in order to get to a scheduled ticket tour on time. We recommend at least an hour.
Arrival Time
Visitors must arrive by the time on their ticket. If late, Arlington House staff has discretion to limit/deny tour enter due to space limitations.
Day of Tickets
Due to high demand, it is advisable to secure your tickets for tours on Recreation.gov. If tickets are available, you may purchase on the day of using a smart phone on Recreation.gov.
Restricted Areas
The self-guided tour is restricted to the South Wing of the House only and is managed by placement of rails and a carpeted pathway. The space is monitored by security cameras and alarm systems. Do Not attempt to touch or get close to historic objects in the house. Look but do not touch.The North wing and upstairs portions of the house are not on the self-guided tour. Dependent on daily staffing, these areas may be open on a case by case basis, and do not require a ticket for entry.
Restricted Items Inside Buildings
The National Park Service prohibits the following inside Arlington House, museum and North and South Slave Quarters.
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Smoking;
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Food and drink (except a small quantity of sealed food items);
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Strollers;
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Bags larger than 18 x 16 x 8 inches;
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Animals (except service animals);
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Glass;
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Weapons;
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Ammunition;
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Mace or aerosols;
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Explosives or highly flammable substances
Waiting Area
Ticket holders awaiting entry gather at the entrance, which was once the conservatory, and located on the back side of the house. Ticket holders should prepare for potential exposure to the sun, wind, rain and extreme temperatures.
Tickets Required
A ticket is required for anyone over the age of two. Bring your printed ticket provided by Recreation.gov for your tour entry.
Reserve Early for Peak Season
During peak season (March-July), demand for tickets is very high. Advance tickets may sell out within minutes.
Number of Tickets
Individuals may request up to six tickets. Reserve tickets through Recreation.gov.
