City: Arlington, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
2. The Pentagon
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 695-1776
Description: With 17½ miles of corridors housing more than 23,000 Defense Department employees, the Pentagon remains the largest single-structure office building in the world. Reservations for the 60-minute tour must be made at least two weeks in advance, but can be made up to three months in advance. The tour, which is experienced by about 100,000 visitors per year, operates weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For tour guidelines, visit http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tour-guidelines.html.
3. Theodore Roosevelt Memorial
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 289-2500
Description: This obscure, enchanting monument to America’s environmental president is set amid a densely wooded island in the middle of the Potomac River between the Roosevelt and Key Bridges. Besides a giant statue of the gregarious 25th president, the island is laced with 21⁄2 miles of trails—perfect for jogging or a leisurely walk. Its marshy shoreline offers excellent views of the Washington and Northern Virginia skylines. Open from sunrise until dark, Roosevelt Island is accessible only from the Virginia side via a footbridge. A bicycle/pedestrian bridge spanning the G.W. Parkway near the north end of the parking lot offers an easy connection to Rosslyn, Key Bridge, and Georgetown, just beyond.
4. U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Iwo Jima Statue
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 289-2500
Description: Officially known as the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, this is the largest bronze statue in the world and depicts the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi during World War II. Presented to the nation by members and friends of the Marine Corps, the statue was created by Felix de Weldon, based on the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal. Nearby, the Netherlands Carillon was a thank-you gift from the Dutch people for America’s aid during World War II. In season, a gorgeous field of tulips lies at the base of the bell tower. At night the illuminated statue proves a striking sight for passersby.
5. The Comedy Spot
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: You never know just what to expect at this wacky, family-friendly improv club set in the “Old Vic,” a former Victoria’s Secret store now decorated in a sports theme. Teams of talented comic players compete against each other in a series of refereed, improvised games using suggestions from the audience. The shows play like G-rated versions of the Drew Carey–hosted TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? In fact, anyone who “says or does something lewd, crude, or of a downright ‘naughty’ nature out of the context of the scene” has to wear a brown paper bag labeled “Potty Mouth.” Performances take place Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 and 10 p.m. An admission fee applies. Take the Metro to the Ballston stop, or park in the nearby garage.