Arlington City Guide

Food is diverse with American and many international cuisines. Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Some areas have late-night eateries.

Nightlife is active in Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn with bars, pubs, breweries, and live music venues.

Strong coffee scene with many local cafes and roasters.

Tipping is expected for most services, including restaurants, taxis, hairdressers, and hotel staff.

SIM cards are easy to buy at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile stores. Prepaid options require minimal ID. eSIMs are increasingly available.

Arlington is clean with regular waste pickup and well-maintained streets.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores; emergency rooms are open 24/7; limited late-night clinics.

Supermarkets like Giant, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Harris Teeter serve diverse international products. Farmers markets open on Saturdays.

Most places accept credit and debit cards, so cash isn’t usually needed.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Capital One, as well as in grocery and convenience stores. Out-of-network fees usually run between $2.50 and $5.00.

Arlington Public Schools serve the area. Nearby international schools in D.C. offer diverse language programs. Applications are usually in fall/winter.

Remote work-friendly cafes and coworking spaces exist, but no strong formal nomad community.

Over 170 parks with shaded paths and open areas for running and relaxation.

Good running routes on Mount Vernon Trail and local parks; running clubs are active.

Many gyms and fitness studios offer diverse classes and 24/7 access at some locations.

Tennis courts are common in many parks like Bluemont Park.

Padel courts are rare and mostly found outside Arlington.

Many studios offer styles from Vinyasa to restorative yoga.

Various schools offer BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and self-defense classes.

Several ski resorts 1.5 to 4 hours away, offering trails for all levels.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Potomac River are popular, with rentals nearby.

Surfing is not possible nearby; locations are hours away on the coast.

No local diving or snorkeling due to inland location.

Good healthcare options with English-speaking staff. Virginia Hospital Center is a main hospital. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common, many with long hours.

Tap water meets safety standards but occasional boil advisories may happen as a precaution.

Many parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly spots make Arlington good for families.

Very LGBTQ+-friendly area with strong legal protections and many inclusive venues.

Arlington welcomes pets with dog parks and pet-friendly patios. Vet and supply stores are common.