The Best Things to Do Near Pentagon City Metro Station, and Where to Eat Afterward
Pentagon City is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in the entire Washington DC metro area. Sitting on the Blue and Yellow Lines with direct connections to downtown DC, National Airport, and points across Northern Virginia, the Pentagon City Metro station puts you at the center of a neighborhood that has far more to offer than most visitors realize.
Whether you are a DC tourist making a day trip across the river, a local looking to spend a Saturday in the area, or someone visiting the memorials and coming out the other side wondering where to eat, this guide covers the best things to do within reach of Pentagon City Metro, and where to go when you are ready to sit down for a meal.
1. The United States Air Force Memorial
Located on a beautiful hillside vista in Arlington, the Air Force Memorial honors the service and heritage of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations. Three stainless steel spires soar into the sky reaching a height of 402 feet above sea level. The arching design was inspired by the contrails of Air Force Thunderbird aircraft as they peel back in a precision bomb burst maneuver.
The memorial is about a mile walk from Pentagon City Metro Station. Admission and parking are free. The walk takes you through one of Arlington's most striking residential and memorial corridors, and the views from the top of the hill looking back toward Washington DC are worth the climb on their own. During the summer, the Summer Concert Series runs from June through September with performances by the U.S. Air Force Band taking place at the memorial.
2. The Pentagon Memorial
One of the most moving and thoughtfully designed memorials in the Washington area, the Pentagon Memorial honors the 184 people who lost their lives in the September 11 attack on the Pentagon.
From Pentagon City Metro Station you can walk to the Pentagon Memorial. It is especially beautiful at night when the flowing pools of water under each bench are lit. The Pentagon Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are planning to visit the Air Force Memorial as well, the two are a natural pairing. From the Pentagon Memorial to the Air Force Memorial is a 15 minute walk of about 0.7 miles, making it easy to combine both on the same visit.
3. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
The behemoth multi-level Fashion Centre at Pentagon City hosts 140 restaurants and upscale stores, from Aerie to Zara. It is one of the most comprehensive shopping destinations in the Northern Virginia area and conveniently connected directly to the Metro station, making it genuinely easy to arrive, shop, and leave without needing a car.
The open-air Westpost, formerly Pentagon Row, blends shopping and dining with retailers like Loft and Sur La Table alongside independent restaurants featuring international cuisine. Those in search of a great deal will find Pentagon Centre, directly above the Pentagon City Metro station, featuring Best Buy, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, and other shops.
4. Metropolitan Park
Metropolitan Park is a new 2.5-acre public space featuring a dog park, recreation areas, seasonal weekend farmers markets, and more. Thoughtfully designed with more than 175 native trees and plantings, it offers walking paths and places to relax, public art installations, a children's garden, and a play area. Metropolitan Park is approximately a seven-minute walk from the Pentagon City Metro.
It has quickly become one of the most popular gathering spots in the National Landing neighborhood, which encompasses Pentagon City, Crystal City, and the area around Amazon's HQ2. Throughout the year the park hosts events, markets, and community programming that make it a genuine neighborhood hub rather than just a green space.
5. Long Bridge Park
For visitors who want to get outside and move, Long Bridge Park is an expansive recreational area spanning over 36 acres of environmentally conscious redevelopment. It features attractive public green spaces, top-notch sports and recreation facilities including three full-size multisport fields, and the Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Center.
The park features a network of walkways and an overlook at the north end with views of the capital monuments. For runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants to stretch their legs along the Potomac waterfront, Long Bridge Park connects to the Mount Vernon Trail, one of the most scenic paved trails in the entire DC area running along the river from Roosevelt Island all the way down to Mount Vernon.
6. The DEA Museum and Visitors Center
One of the more surprising and genuinely worthwhile free attractions in the Pentagon City area, the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum tells the history of drug policy and enforcement in America in a way that is more compelling than you might expect.
The DEA Museum and Visitors Center is located at 700 Army Navy Drive, directly across from the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. Admission is free, and the museum includes exhibits on drug trafficking, enforcement history, and a hands-on area for younger visitors. It is the kind of under-the-radar stop that locals know about and tourists almost always miss.
7. Prospect Hill Park
Prospect Hill Park is located in the northwest corner of the Pentagon City neighborhood. While the park is fairly small at only 0.4 acres, it holds incredible views. The park sits a bit higher than its surroundings so you can see some of the large attractions in Arlington, including the Air Force Memorial just about a mile away, and across the Potomac River into Washington DC. It is a quiet spot that most visitors walk right past, and one of the best kept secrets in the neighborhood for an unobstructed view of the DC skyline.
Where to Eat When You Are Done
After a day of memorials, parks, and shopping in the Pentagon City area, the question of where to eat is one we are happy to answer.
Yunnan By Potomac is a seven minute walk from Pentagon City Metro Station at 721 15th St S, Unit 150, Arlington, VA 22202. We serve authentic Yunnan cuisine from Southwest China, the bold, layered flavors of a culinary tradition that most Americans have never encountered before. Our menu centers on freshly made Mixian rice noodles, handcrafted Jiaozi dumplings, night market-style Shaokao barbecue, and a full range of shareable small plates and Bao buns, alongside handcrafted cocktails and a dessert menu worth staying for.
We are ranked among Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in the United States and have been recognized by Eater DC, ARLnow, Alexandria Living Magazine, and Northern Virginia Magazine as one of the DMV's most exciting dining destinations. If you have never tried Yunnan cuisine before, there is no better place in Northern Virginia to start.
We are open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Book your table at yunnanbypotomac.com.