Looking for a break from Washington, DC? Are you visiting the city but would like to explore beyond? Here are my picks for daytrips from DC. Whether you live in the city or you want to see more of the area beyond the monuments, these destinations will make you believe you are on a proper vacation:
Annapolis, Maryland. Travel time from DC: 1 hour by car. Visiting Annapolis automatically inspires you to own a boat even if you don’t know how to sail. Have a fruity cocktail at Pusser’s, and it will make you feel like you are in a tropical destination as you admire the boats passing by ego alley. Where to eat? Indulge in crabs at a local favorite, Cantler’s. Sample a variety of mussel dishes, from Thai curry to Roquefort sauces, at BAROAK. Want to spend the night? Check out the Loews Annapolis Hotel.
Alexandria, VA. Travel time from DC: Twenty minutes by metro/car. Although a twenty-minute metro ride from Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria is one of the easiest day trips from DC, the contrast is noticeable. Head to Old Town, Alexandria to admire the immaculately preserved colonial architecture. Shop at one of the many unique small boutiques on King St. Where to eat? Head to Bistro du Soleil for authentic Moroccan cuisine. Brunch at Columbia Firehouse is a local favorite. Love being by water? Blackwall Hitch has gorgeous views of the Potomac. Want to spend the night? Check out Kimpton Hotel Monaco Alexandria.
Arlington, VA. Travel time from DC: 15-20 minutes by metro. Do you love history? Arlington is a must for you. If you can take a weekday off, head to the Pentagon for a tour. Take a guided tour of the Arlington National Cemetery, and find the many hidden memorials along the way. Grab a bike and cycle along the Mount Vernon Trail to Theodore Roosevelt Island and catch some amazing views of Georgetown. Want to spend the night? Check out the Le Meridien Arlington.
Loudoun County, VA. Travel time from DC: 1.5 hours by car. Do you love wine and food? Loudon County is the perfect day trip from DC to make you feel like you are in Napa or Sonoma, without the six hour plane ride. Head to Creek’s Edge beautiful tasting room and bring a bottle of Cabernet Franc. Have lunch at Market Bistro for classics such as chicken pot pie made with farm to table ingredients. End your wine excursion with the white wines offered at Doukenie winery and don’t forget to ask for their homemade backlava.
Skyline Drive, VA: Travel time from DC: 2.5 hours by car. Trade the noises of sirens, trains, and people for the melody of the nature of the Shenandoah Mountains. There are a variety of hikes you can take of multiple distances and levels. Another great way to explore Shenandoah National Park is by horseback. You can book horseback rides at the park’s stables. Where to eat? Save room for the anonymous BBQ stands you’ll spot on your way home. Check out outdoor activities in the area with The Outbound Collective.
One of the things I enjoy the most about living in Washington, DC is not only all the great attractions and exhibitions in the city, but the variety of experiences just a short drive away. What are your favorite day trips from DC? Share in the comments! I’m always looking for new inspiration.
I enjoyed sharing my favorite day trip from DC tips as part of the #HipmunkCityLove Project.
Every time I go to Loudoun I think of it as a substitute for Napa. Good call on that one.
It was my first time there this summer! Hoping to go there more this fall!
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