Overview
The southwestern reaches of Arlington, while a bit off the beaten track, is a diverse and up-and coming area. This article covers the area between Arlington Boulevard and I-395.
5 sights · 5 things to do · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Southwest
Carlin Hall
A historic community center built in 1892.
Barcroft Community House
A historic community center built in 1908.
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More
Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
The first Unitarian church in Washington, D.C.'s suburbs. The current building is a 1964 concrete Brutalist structure listed on the National Register.
Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
A historic African Methodist Episcopal Zion church listed on the National Register.
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
A unique combination of a full restaurant located inside a movie theater. Also offers live comedy shows and large-screen viewings of major sports events. Over 22 years old, the “Drafthouse” replaced the Arlington Theater…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 4 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
Southwest Arlington is not served by any Metro rail lines, but has dense bus service, especially along Columbia Pike.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Carlin Hall, Ocean Dunes Waterpark, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
- Afternoon Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Four Mile Run Trail
Day 2
- Morning Barcroft Community House, Signature Theatre, Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
- Afternoon Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, Barcroft Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The Columbia Pike corridor, centered on Columbia Pike east of Glebe Road, is an up-and-coming district, with a number of high-rise developments, restaurants, and bars joining the landmark Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. The Pike is served by frequent Metrobuses connecting it to the Pentagon Metro.
Shirlington is a mixed use development with a variety of restaurants as well as art and event space, and of course shopping, accessed mainly via I-395 (the Shirley Highway).
Get in
Southwest Arlington is not served by any Metro rail lines, but has dense bus service, especially along Columbia Pike.
See
See Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
A historic African Methodist Episcopal Zion church listed on the National Register.
Do
Do Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
A unique combination of a full restaurant located inside a movie theater. Also offers live comedy shows and large-screen viewings of major sports events. Over 22 years old, the “Drafthouse” replaced the Arlington Theater or “Old Arlington” as it was affectionately known in 1985. The building is over 65 years old as of 2024.
Do Four Mile Run Trail
Four Mile Run is a creek that flows through this part of Arlington in a small but steep valley. A nice walk or run down the trail is a good break from the urban setting surrounding it.
Do Signature Theatre
A professional regional theater known for its productions of musicals and new plays.
Buy
Sleep
Nearby
Arlington National Cemetery
Park · 17 listings · 2 mi away
Falls Church
City / town · 22 listings · 4 mi away
Alexandria
City / town · 70 listings · 5 mi away
Washington, D.C.
City / town · 218 listings · 5 mi away
Annandale
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
McLean
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Springfield
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
National Harbor
City / town · 28 listings · 7 mi away
My experience
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