Visit JFK’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery

President John F. Kennedy’s grave is in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.. His wife, two children, and three brothers are also buried there. A visit to this hallowed ground would not be complete without paying respects to the Kennedy family. 

Once you exit the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, walk straight back along the pathway near the tour bus loading area. Cross Eisenhower Drive and continue walking down Roosevelt Drive. After a short distance, you arrive at Weeks Drive.  From there, take a right, and you will come to a large circular path leading to  President Kennedy’s grave. 

Visiting President Kennedy’s Grave

JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, while campaigning in Dallas. 11 days before he was killed,  he attended a Veteran’s Day ceremony at Arlington.  After the ceremony, while looking towards the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall, JFK casually said to an aide that the view was “so magnificent I could stay forever.” The 35th President of the United States had his wish granted on November 25, 1963, when he was laid to rest with the view he so admired.  

Nearly everyone thought JFK would be buried at his family plot in Massachusetts, but given his World War II veteran status, he qualified for burial at Arlington. Jackie Kennedy, the President’s widow, was responsible for the final decision. She chose Arlington because she wanted JFK’s grave accessible to the public. She said, “he belongs to the people.” Jackie also thought of the eternal flame that burns above JFK’s headstone.  The former First Lady was laid to rest next to President Kennedy on May 23, 1994.

This is a very popular place to visit.  Expect tours and many other people while you are there. The last time I visited, my group was one of the first out of the welcome center and was able to spend some time quietly and alone at the memorial.  I highly recommend arriving early.

Kennedy Graves at Arlington National Cemetery

Robert F. Kennedy’s grave and memorial are near his older brother’s eternal flame.  RFK, as he is commonly known, was assassinated on June 5th, 1968, in the middle of his presidential campaign.  

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the eldest of the nine children of Joseph P. Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, is buried nearby.  He was killed on August 12, 1944, while flying a bombing mission over the English Channel during WWII. His remains were not recovered, but his memorial marker stands feet away from the graves of his youngest brother, Edward M. Kennedy.

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, the youngest Kennedy child, was buried in Arlington in 2009. He rests in Section 45, just south of his brother Robert F. Kennedy.

Once you have paid your respects to the Kennedy family, there are many other incredible and touching things to see at Arlington National Cemetery. Make sure to plan to attend a changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Robert E. Lee’s home, the Arlington House, is worth visiting.  President William Howard Taft is also buried at Arlington.  

How long to visit Arlington National Cemetery

If you plan to visit the Kennedy sites, you can stay for about an hour. But if you want to explore Arlington National Cemetery more, you need a full day, if not more.