If you’re visiting DC and you’re looking to see more of the DMV (DC-Maryland-VA) area during your trip, there are some easy Virginia day trips you can do from Washington DC!
I’m a Northern Virginia native (I live about 30 min from DC), and I’ve been all over Virginia, from exploring rolling hills and mountains in Shenandoah National Park to relaxing on the coastal shores of Virginia Beach.
There’s a lot you can see and do in Virginia, all just a short drive away from Washington DC! Here are 16 of my favorite day trip spots!
Short on time?
If you want a quick list of my favorite Virginia day trips from DC, here are a few must-dos:
- Visit Washington’s Tomb at Mount Vernon on this guided tour.
- Go fishing in Occoquan with this relaxing half-day experience.
- Get your nature fix in Shenandoah National Park. This self-guided driving audio tour makes it extra easy.
- Step back in time in Colonial Williamsburg. Don’t miss this spooky ghost tour!
- Learn about the Battle of Yorktown on this full-day historic tour.
- Have a beach day at Virginia Beach. You can also ride a zipline and explore treetop trails on this fun tour.
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16 Beautiful Day Trips You Can Take from Washington DC
I’ve listed these day trips in order of estimated driving time and distance from the nation’s capital!
➡️ Visiting from out of town? I recommend this car rental company to help you see more of Virginia!
1. Visit Old Town Alexandria (20 minutes from DC)
Just across the river from DC, Alexandria is a charming and historic city that’s perfect for a day trip. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old Town, visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, or take a walk by the waterfront with views of the Potomac River.
Alexandria also boasts some of the best food in the Northern Virginia area! There are lots of spots to grab a great bite to eat (I personally love the lasagna from Mia’s Italian Kitchen, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to grab a cupcake from Lavender Moon Cupcakery!)
It’s an easy drive from DC, making it a perfect option for a half-day getaway.
2. Experience Small-Town Charm in Vienna, Virginia (20 minutes from DC)
My hometown!! Vienna is a cute, vibrant town with plenty of things to do, from visiting cute shops and dining at amazing restaurants.
Visit local shops like Cocoa Vienna and Caffe Amouri for some fresh pastries and local chocolate, dine at one of the many great restaurants in Vienna VA like Pazzo Pomodoro or Bear Branch Tavern, or take a leisurely walk through the peaceful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss out on the Oktoberfest in Vienna!
Fun fact! A lot of people who work in DC like to live in Vienna. It’s a nice, quiet town and has been ranked as one of the best places to live in America. It’s a quick, refreshing escape from DC, and it’s only 20 minutes away!
3. Go Hiking at Great Falls Park (30 minutes from DC)
Great Falls Park is one of the most scenic spots near Washington DC. I recommend going for a hike in the park and exploring the stunning waterfalls along the Potomac River. The dramatic rock formations make for a great picnic spot too!
The park has several trails of varying difficulty levels. If you decide to go for a hike, be careful with the Billy Goat Trail. It’s one of the hardest trails in the area! Other than that, the beauty of the falls makes for a nice escape from DC.
4. Visit Washington’s Tomb at Mount Vernon (30 Minutes from DC)
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history. You can tour the beautifully preserved estate, visit Washington’s tomb, and enjoy the stunning views of the Potomac River.
The estate offers incredible views, stunning gardens, and a glimpse into the life of one of America’s founding fathers. You can spend your afternoon exploring this beautifully preserved mansion on this informative guided tour (it includes access to the mansion and admission tickets. Just keep in mind that some parts of the mansion are under renovation until 2026).
Mount Vernon makes for a great day trip from Washington DC, and is located just 20 minutes from downtown Alexandria.
➡️ Click Here for the Best Guided Tour of Mount Vernon!
5. Go Fishing at Occoquan (30 Minutes from DC)
Occoquan is a cute, storybook town located on the Occoquan River. There are so many things to do in Occoquan, like exploring boutique shops, dining by the river, and an overall peaceful atmosphere at Occoquan Regional Park that helps you feel far, far away from the city.
Also, if you like fishing (or you want to try it out) fishing at Occoquan is a must! The river is home to so many fish, like white perch, striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and catfish.
I’ve had some great catches on this guided Occoquan fishing tour, and it’s such a peaceful and fun way to enjoy the river. The tour is a bit pricey, but it’s well worth it. You get so much 1-1 attention and help from your tour guide, and they really do the most to help you try to catch a fish.
You’re also more than welcome to fish by yourself! Just make sure to bring your gear and a valid Virginia fishing license (required for anyone 16 and up).
➡️ The Best Guided Fishing Tour in Occoquan!
6. Learn About the Civil War in Old Town Manassas (45 Minutes from DC)
Old Town Manassas is a small and historic town with a rich Civil War history. You can explore the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where two major Civil War battles took place, or stroll through the charming streets lined with antique shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.
Best of all, the park is free to visit and you can catch a free tour of the area! Manassas is a nice day trip location, and you’ll learn a lot of Civil War history!
7. Explore Leesburg, Virginia (45 minutes from DC)
Leesburg is another Civil War battle spot, known for its historic downtown area and beautiful countryside.
Explore the local wineries like Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, shop at the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, or take a walk along the scenic trails at the nearby Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park. There’s a lot you can do in Leesburg!
8. Visit George Mason’s Gunston Hall (45 Minutes from DC)
Gunston Hall offers a deep dive into the history of one of America’s Founding Fathers, George Mason (a lot of places in Virginia are named after him, like George Mason University!).
Known as the “Father of the Bill of Rights,” Mason’s home is a beautiful blend of Georgian architecture and beautiful. You can tour the home, explore the grounds, and learn about Mason’s contributions to America.
The cost of admission is around $10 per adult. Be sure to visit their website for upcoming events and the latest information to help you plan your visit!
9. Discover Virginia’s Horse Country in Middleburg (1 Hour from DC)
Known as the “Hunt Capital of the World,” Middleburg is surrounded by horse farms, vineyards, and rolling hills.
This charming small town has so many beautiful vineyards, horse farms, and cute boutique shops. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot that makes for a great day trip.
You can learn more about Middleburg’s history at the National Sporting Library & Museum. Middleburg during Christmastime is also a real treat! Their Middleburg Christmas Parade is a pretty big deal, and it’s fun for the whole family, featuring Santa Claus, vintage cars, and lots of corgis!
10. Get Your Nature Fix at Shenandoah National Park (1.5 Hours from DC)
Shenandoah National Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 200,000 acres of beautiful forests and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is a popular Virginia road trip spot, with a scenic route along Skyline Drive, stretching over 100 miles.
You can hike up Old Rag Mountain or enjoy a scenic picnic in Shenandoah National Park! I highly recommend a visit to Shenandoah National Park for some outdoor adventures – hikes, camping, a picnic, you name it! If you just want to drive, consider taking this self-guided driving audio tour.
You can easily combine Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns or Shenandoah Caverns, to really make the most of your day trip to Virginia.
➡️ An informative Shenandoah National Park self-guided driving audio tour!
11. Visit Historic Winchester (1.5 Hours from DC)
Winchester is a charming small town with a lot of Civil War history and 18th-century architecture. Visit the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum or walk along the historic streets filled with unique shops and restaurants.
In the fall, Winchester is especially lovely with its harvest festivals and nearby apple orchards. Check out a full schedule of upcoming events on the Town of Winchester’s website!
12. Go Inside a 6-Million-Year-Old Cavern at Luray Caverns (2 hrs from DC)
Luray Caverns is one of Virginia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. With its shimmering stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes, it’s a photographer’s paradise, and a beautiful place to appreciate nature’s beauty.
These massive underground caverns feature towering stalactites and stalagmites, and an underground lake. There are plenty of guided tours that take you through beautifully lit passageways that highlight the amazing geological formations.
There are also so many fun things to do near Luray Caverns, from horseback riding to falconry lessons. You can also explore other cavern formations nearby, like Shenandoah Caverns, that are also worth a visit. You can easily spend a full day in Luray!
13. Explore Monticello and Charlottesville (2.5 Hours from DC)
Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s iconic home, sits atop a scenic hill with views of the surrounding countryside. The house was designed by Jefferson himself and offers a fascinating glimpse into his life.
It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with some incredible views of the surrounding countryside. While you’re in Charlottesville, explore the charming downtown area, enjoy local wineries, or take a stroll through the University of Virginia’s beautiful campus!
14. Step Back in Time in Williamsburg (2.5 Hours from DC)
Williamsburg is a historic town with so many things to do that transport you back to colonial America. Visit Colonial Williamsburg, where you can tour restored buildings, meet costumed interpreters, and immerse yourself in 18th-century life.
Most of the buildings are free to visit, but some buildings require entry tickets. I recommend buying a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket that includes access to these buildings in advance, to make the most of your visit!
If you’re looking for something fun in the evening, one of the best nighttime activities in Williamsburg is a Colonial Williamsburg ghost tour. You get to learn all about the history of Colonial Williamsburg in a really fun way, and there are tours that help you take photos of the ghosts!
Most ghost tours in Colonial Williamsburg last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. This is my all-time favorite colonial Williamsburg ghost tour, and what makes this tour different from other ghost tours in the area is they do their best to help you take photos of ghosts!
➡️ The Best Ghost Tour in Colonial Williamsburg (see actual ghosts!)
15. “The Battle of Yorktown” (2.5 Hours from DC)
Visit Yorktown, where the last major battle of the American Revolution took place. You can see the Yorktown Battlefield, visit the American Revolution Museum, and take a peaceful walk along the waterfront. Consider taking this Yorktown tour (Note: this includes Jamestown).
If you love history, Yorktown is a cool spot to explore some pivotal moments in America’s history!
➡️ Join this full-day historic guided tour to Yorktown!
16. Have a Beach Day at Virginia Beach (3.5 Hours from DC)
If you’re craving sand and sea, Virginia Beach is it. It’s the furthest recommended day trip destination from DC, about a 3.5-hour drive, but Virginia Beach is totally worth it. It’s one of the most popular beach destinations in the region, with miles of sandy coastline and plenty of activities, from kayaking to biking.
There’s more to do than just relaxing on the beach, though. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, located near the beach, is a great place to learn more about marine life in the area. You can also visit the aerial adventure park and ride a zipline on this tour.
And if you like seafood, you’ll definitely want to stop at one of the local spots: Waterman’s Surfside Grille has some of the freshest seafood I’ve had (I LOVE their buttery scallops!)
➡️ Ride a zipline and explore treetop trails on this tour!
Best Places to Stay in DC
Here are some centrally located options to make the most of your short visit to Washington D.C, and to help you have a home base as you explore other cities in Virginia!
📍Budget Option: Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center Hotel offers compact rooms with modern amenities in a central location near the Penn Quarter and Chinatown. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort without the high price tag.
📍Mid-Range Option: The Hamilton Hotel is a stylish, centrally located option within walking distance of major attractions like the White House and National Mall.
📍Luxury Option: The Willard InterContinental offers a luxurious stay near the National Mall. This historic hotel has been serving guests since 1818 and is known for its opulent rooms and high-end service. The location is perfect for visiting all of the monuments and Smithsonian Museums, and has some stunning views.
FAQs
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Virginia?
While there are a lot of great things to see in Virginia, the number one tourist attraction in Virginia is the historic Colonial Williamsburg, where you can experience living history and explore restored 18th-century buildings.
Are day trips worth it?
Absolutely! Day trips are a fantastic way to explore new places, experience local culture, and take a break from city life. Plus, it’s a great way to see more of an area if you’re visiting from out of town.
How do I plan a perfect day trip?
I recommend choosing a destination that fits your interests, whether it’s hiking, history, or relaxation, and basing the trip around that. Plan ahead for transportation, check for local events or seasonal attractions, and don’t forget to leave some free time in your itinerary!
Summary: Beautiful Virginia Day Trips
Virginia has so much to offer and there are so many day trips you can do depending on your interests, whether you’re into hiking, history, or just looking to relax and unwind with a bit of shopping and fine dining.
Most of these day trips are just a short drive away from DC, making them great additions to your itinerary. Next time you need a break from the city, consider checking out some of these hidden gems in Virginia! Happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
