President John F. Kennedy Memorial
An eternal flame burns at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.
President John F. Kennedy Memorial is rated 4.8 / 5 from 4,175 Google reviews and sits about 3.5 km (43 min walk) from Ballston–MU station.
General overview
About President John F. Kennedy Memorial
The President John F. Kennedy Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery includes President Kennedy’s gravesite and Eternal Flame, along with the nearby graves of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two children. It is located on a hillside overlooking Washington, D.C., within Arlington National Cemetery. Admission to the cemetery and memorial is generally free, but parking, guided tours, and some visitor services may cost extra. None of the information below is live-verified; confirm current details with Arlington National Cemetery before visiting.
- President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the continuously burning Eternal Flame
- Panoramic views toward Washington, D.C., the Potomac River, and the Lincoln Memorial
- Nearby graves of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, and Arabella Kennedy
- Historic setting within Arlington National Cemetery
- Access to other cemetery landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House, subject to current operating arrangements
Things to do here
Visit the Kennedy gravesite and Eternal Flame
Pay respects at the memorial terrace and view the Eternal Flame, one of Arlington National Cemetery’s best-known landmarks.
View Washington, D.C. from the hillside
The memorial’s elevated position provides notable views across the Potomac toward central Washington.
Explore Arlington National Cemetery
Combine the visit with other cemetery monuments, historic graves, and ceremonial sites. The grounds involve substantial walking and hills.
Attend a guided cemetery tour
Commercial tram tours and other guided experiences may cover the Kennedy memorial and major cemetery sites. Availability and prices vary.
Allow time for security screening and walking from the cemetery entrance or parking area. The memorial is uphill, and the grounds include steep paths, stairs, and uneven terrain. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
No advance booking is generally needed for the memorial itself. Advance arrangements may be useful for commercial tram tours, groups, accessibility services, or special visits.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
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How to reach
President John F. Kennedy Memorial is about 3.5 km (~43 min walk) from Ballston–MU station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to President John F. Kennedy Memorial from Ballston–MU station?
President John F. Kennedy Memorial is about 3465 m (roughly 43 min walk) from Ballston–MU station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is President John F. Kennedy Memorial rated?
President John F. Kennedy Memorial has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 4,175 reviews.
What's near President John F. Kennedy Memorial?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Hilton Arlington, The Westin Arlington, Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington Ballston.
Is President John F. Kennedy Memorial wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for President John F. Kennedy Memorial: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Is there parking near President John F. Kennedy Memorial?
Google lists these parking options near President John F. Kennedy Memorial: free parking lot, paid parking lot.
Is the JFK Memorial free to visit?
The gravesite and Eternal Flame are generally free to visit as part of Arlington National Cemetery. Parking and optional guided tours may have charges.
Can I drive directly to the memorial?
Usually not. Visitors generally park near the visitor center or enter through a cemetery gate and walk or use an authorized tour service. The memorial is on a hill.
How long should I allow?
Allow at least 30–60 minutes for the Kennedy memorial. If you want to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, and other landmarks, plan several hours.
Is the Eternal Flame always lit?
The Eternal Flame is intended to burn continuously, although maintenance or exceptional circumstances could temporarily affect it.
Is the site appropriate for children?
Yes, but it is a solemn cemetery and memorial. Children should be supervised, and visitors should maintain respectful behavior.
Are guided tours required?
No. The memorial can generally be visited independently. A tram tour can reduce walking and provide historical commentary.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The route includes hills and the memorial is outdoors with limited shade.
Can I visit during a funeral or ceremony?
Access may be restricted or redirected during funerals, state visits, military ceremonies, or security operations. Follow cemetery staff instructions.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.