Categories
United States Washington DC

14 Best Day Trips from Washington, DC: Easy Getaways Near the City

pexels-photo-27646713.jpeg
Photo by James Mirakian on Pexels.com
Washington, D.C., is surrounded by great day trip options that showcase history, nature, and charming towns. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, scenic views, or cultural experiences.

14 Best Day Trips from DC

  1. Mount Vernon, Virginia – Just 30 minutes from D.C., Mount Vernon is the historic home of George Washington. You can tour the mansion, explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, and learn about the life of America’s first president.
  2. Great Falls Park, Virginia – About 30 minutes from D.C., Great Falls Park offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River and impressive waterfalls. There are hiking trails, picnicking areas, and opportunities for kayaking, making it a great outdoor escape.
  3. Alexandria, Virginia – Only about 15 minutes from D.C., the historic district of Alexandria offers cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, waterfront dining, and a collection of museums. You can stroll along King Street, visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, or relax at the Old Town waterfront.
Arlington National Cemetery

4. Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia – Just across the river from D.C., Arlington offers a solemn and historical experience. You can visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy gravesite, and the Arlington House.

5.  Annapolis, Maryland – About 45 minutes from D.C., Annapolis is a charming waterfront town known for its naval academy and colonial architecture. You can tour the United States Naval Academy, stroll along Main Street, or take a scenic boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay.

6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – A bit further (about 1.5 to 2 hours from D.C.), Shenandoah offers beautiful mountain views, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Skyline Drive is perfect for a scenic drive, and there are plenty of spots for picnicking and wildlife watching.
 
7.  Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia – About 1.5 hours from D.C., Harper’s Ferry is a historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. It’s known for its Civil War history, hiking trails, and the picturesque views from Maryland Heights.
 
8.  Chesapeake Beach, Maryland – About 45 minutes away, this small town on the Chesapeake Bay offers beaches, boardwalks, and a laid-back vibe. You can relax by the water, go fishing, or enjoy local seafood.
 
9.  Richmond, Virginia – Around 1.5 hours south of D.C., Richmond is rich in Civil War history. You can visit the Virginia State Capitol, the American Civil War Museum or stroll through the beautiful Maymont Estate and gardens.
 
10.  The Wine Region (Loudoun County, Virginia) – About 1 to 1.5 hours away, Loudoun County is home to many vineyards and wineries. You can visit a few wineries, enjoy tastings, and take in scenic views of the Virginia countryside.
 
11.  Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland – Located about 1.5 hours from D.C., these parks offer great hiking, picnicking, and waterfalls. Cunningham Falls is Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
 
 
The kids posing with Abe at Gettysburg National Military Park
12. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – About 1.5 to 2 hours from D.C., Gettysburg is one of the most important Civil War sites in the U.S. You can visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, take a guided tour, or explore the historical museums.
 
13.  Baltimore, Maryland – About 40 minutes away, Baltimore has plenty to offer, including the National Aquarium, Inner Harbor, historic neighborhoods like Fells Point, and the American Visionary Art Museum. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront or visit Fort McHenry, where the Star-Spangled Banner was written.
 
14.  The Eastern Shore of Maryland – A 2-hour drive, the Eastern Shore offers small towns, beautiful shorelines, and charming beaches. You can visit towns like St. Michaels, known for its maritime history, or explore the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching.
 

These day trips offer a mix of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and relaxation, making them great escapes from the hustle and bustle of D.C.

Plan Your DC Trip!

Honestly, there’s nothing like a trip to Washington, DC.  It is the perfect destination for families.  If a museum or monument isn’t holding your kids attention, there’s always another one you can check out- and it’ll most likely be free!

If you’d like a little guidance for your itinerary, see our 4-Day Itinerary.  It was designed with young kids in mind and hits a lot of the most popular sights in Washington, DC such as:

The White House
National Museum of American History
National Air & Space Museum
Ford’s Theater
National Children’s Museum

and so much more!

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, save our “14 Best Day Trips from DC.”   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, be sure to check out our 4 day itinerary and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC.  You can also learn how to visit the White House, and we’ll help you navigate the Metro.

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version