Alexandria National Cemetery

The Alexandria National Cemetery, located near Old Town Alexandria, Virginia was established in 1862. It is one of the 14 original national cemeteries, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. The cemetery was nearly to capacity in 1864, which led to the construction of the Arlington National Cemetery.

Other notable Alexandria attractions include the Alexandria Black History Museum and Mount Vernon (George Washington’s Estate). While visiting Alexandria, check into one of the coastal and central area Best Western hotels for exceptional services and guest amenities.

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

Overlooking the Potomac River, and set just within Arlington National Cemetery, adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, you'll find the Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. Constructed in 1802 by George Washington Parke Custis, it was the home of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It's now a museum and memorial, honoring the Gen. Lee and his life and family. Access to the Arlington House from nearby Alexandria is a breeze along I-66. Whether you're staying in western Virginia, closer to the beach, or in the Richmond area, don't miss the Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial - an iconic piece of America.

Crystal City

Crystal City is a small, urban borough in Arlington, south of Arlington National Cemetery. It's built around residential high-rise structures, office buildings and an underground corridor system, essentially making Crystal City an underground city. You can explore Crystal City and the Crystal City Shops - restaurants, over one hundred services and stores - from any of the nearby cities like Alexandria and Falls Church. Once you've experienced the natural wonders of Virginia's great outdoors, take a relaxing evening stroll through Crystal City, one of Virginia's most unique suburbs, or sit back and watch a live performance from the Synetic Theater, a local theater company.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

The largest enclosed shopping center in Arlington, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is quad leve structure, sporting 170 retail shops and restaurants. Opened in 1989, Fashion Center at Pentagon City features Macy's and Nordstrom as it's cornerstone department stores. Guests of the Best Western hotels in nearby Alexandria and McLean - even those in the Richmond area don't mind the scenic drive north - enjoy a close proximity to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. After a few days of exploring the sights and natural beauty of Richmond area, take a stroll around Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and pick a few souvenirs.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located in Old Town Alexandria, just inland of the Potomac River. Two buildings in one, Gadsby's Tavern Museum was once a thriving tavern (1785), and a busy city hotel (1792). Today, visitors from areas like the Appalachian Mountains, and the Virginia coast, to local cities like Richmond, Fairfax and McLean visit Gadsby's. George Washington, and Andrew Jackson are just two of the notable guests to have visited Gadsby's Tavern. After a day of exploring Virginia's active outdoor activities, head into Alexandria and experience a taste of historic Virginia at Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Situated just inland of the Potomac River, only a mile from downtown Alexandria, and just 15 minutes from the Pentagon, you'll find the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Opened in 1932, the 333-foot tall George Washington Masonic National Memorial was built to honor the first president of the United States, and today serves as a nine-floor museum open to the public. Guests of the Best Western hotels in nearby Arlington, Falls Church and the general central/northern Virginia area have swift access to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial along I-95. Admission to the first and second floor exhibits is always free, with any tours of the higher levels only free for those 12 years old and younger. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a great place to visit after a day of traversing and exploring Virginia's great outdoors.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is America's most visited historic estate, having an average of one million visitors annually. The 500-acre Mount Vernon estate is located along the Potomac River, south of Alexandria and Springfield. Schedule plenty of time to see everything on this beautiful working plantation, including the 18-century flowers in the gardens.

Take your time touring George Washington's mansion, which has been restored to how it looked in 1799. View the tomb where Martha and George Washington are buried and stroll through the Ford Orientation Center to l earn about this magnificent estate. The Museum & Education Center features interactive displays, short films and 23 galleries. During your central Virginia travels, rest comfortably with Best Western hotels.

John F. Kennedy Gravesite

The John F. Kennedy Gravesite, also known as the JFK Eternal Flame, is located within the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington. Consecrated and opened to the public in March of 1967, guests of the Best Western hotels in nearby McLean, and Alexandria, find quick access to the JFK Gravesite with a quick zip along I-395, or I-66. Visitors, from the Appalachian Mountain area to central Virginia, and from around the world, flock on a daily basis to witness the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy. Experience a piece of American history on your next visit to Virginia.

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

Found in northeastern Virginia, just inland of the Potomac River in Alexandria, you'll find the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Guests of the Best Western hotels in Alexandria, and nearby Arlington and McLean, find easy access to this historic meeting house which dates back to the 18th century. Today, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and still holds a healthy congregation. After a morning of hiking and biking through Virginia's scenic outdoors, catch up with a bit of local history and check out the Old Presbyterian Meeting House.

The Pentagon

Headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon is a central hub of activity in the Arlington area. Completed and in 1943, the Pentagon is world's largest office building by floor area - nearly 6.5 million square feet - and houses nearly 23,000 civilian and military employees. Guests of the Best Western hotels in Arlington, and nearby Alexandria and Falls Church, should take advantage of the opportunity and tour the Pentagon. Free and available to the general public, tours of the Pentagon are available only by reservation with at least a one week advanced notice. Once you've experienced the natural beauty of Virginia's stunning great outdoors, be sure to head into northern Virginia and witness the sheer magnitude of the Pentagon.

United States Air Force Memorial

Set on the grounds of Fort Myer, just outside the Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Air Force Memorial can be found. Completed and dedicated in 2006, the US Air Force Memorial consists of three, stainless steel spires that reach out from the ground, meant to resemble the "Bomb Burst" maneuver performed by Air Force jets. The US Air Force Memorial is easily accessed from I-66, or I-395, just west of the Pentagon. If you're staying in nearby Alexandria, or McLean, or in any part of beautiful central and norther Virginia, - especially after a morning of exploring the Virginia's outdoors - pay a visit to the US Air Force Memorial to add a touch of history to your visit.

Women in Military Service for America Memorial

The Women in Military Service for America Memorial, found at the Ceremonial Entrance of the Arlington National Cemetery, is an effort to honor all women who have served the United States Armed Forces - and is short walk away from the John F. Kennedy Gravesite. Visitors coming from central Virginia have easy access to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial along I-395. Guests staying at the Best Western hotels in nearby Alexandria, McLean and Fairfax also enjoy quick and easy access to the memorial.