Looking for some fun day trips from Washington DC?
Washington DC is packed with iconic monuments, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich history, but if you’ve got a day (or more) to explore beyond the city limits, there are plenty of fantastic Washington DC day trips you can do!
As a Northern Virginia native who lives just 30 minutes from DC, I’ve had the chance to discover all of these hidden gems. I’ve put together this list of the top 10 day trips I recommend doing from Washington DC, to help you make the most of your time and experience even more of what this region has to offer!
Short on time?
Here are a few of my favorite Washington DC day trips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery on this guided walking tour.
- Wander the historic streets of Annapolis and join this spooky (and fun!) ghost tour.
- Explore Shenandoah National Park with this easy self-guided driving audio tour.
- See Luray Caverns on this convenient guided day trip from DC.
- Stroll the peaceful trails of Theodore Roosevelt Island for a quick city escape.
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10 Day Trips To Do From Washington DC
These are some of the best day trips from Washington DC. Get ready to explore neighboring states in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland!
1. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery (15 min from DC)
The Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most significant military cemeteries in the world.
Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, and take in the peaceful, solemn beauty of the site. For a guided experience, you can take this walking tour, which allows you to see the changing of the guards!
The cemetery also has some great views of The DC, and it makes for an easy day trip!
➡️ Click here for an amazing walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery!
2. Go to Theodore Roosevelt Island (20 minutes from Downtown DC)
For a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, head to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Just across the Potomac River from the National Mall, this island is a hidden gem, offering walking trails, wildlife, and a memorial to the 26th president of the United States, President Roosevelt.
The park can be accessed by foot or bike via the Mount Vernon Trail and is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro Station.
There is a parking lot, and there are no fees to enter the park, making it a great spot to relax, take photos, and have a picnic while enjoying the views of DC’s skyline.
3. Explore Great Falls National Park (30 min from DC)
Great Falls National Park offers stunning waterfalls and rugged trails. The falls themselves are beautiful, and the surrounding park is great for hiking, picnicking, or just taking in the views of the Potomac River.
I love visiting Great Falls in the summer and spring months, when the weather isn’t too hot!
Entry tickets range from $10-20, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like horseback riding and biking too!
4. Visit the National Harbor (30 Minutes from DC)
Just a short drive from DC, the National Harbor is a waterfront destination offering shopping, dining, and great views of the Potomac River. We like to go to the MGM casino at National Harbor. It’s the closest casino to us, and it’s always a fun time!
You can take a ride on the Capital Wheel for panoramic views of the city or check out the National Harbor’s iconic sculptures, including the famous “American Victory” sculpture. It’s a great place to spend a few hours or enjoy a sunset.
5. Walk through Old Town Alexandria (30 Minutes from DC)
Old Town Alexandria, one of the best Virginia day trips from Washington DC, is located just across the Potomac River. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming waterfront, Alexandria’s Old Town offers plenty of things to do.
You can shop in boutique stores, enjoy waterfront dining, and even take a boat ride on the Potomac for a different view of the city. I highly recommend visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see local artists hard at work, and grabbing dinner at Mia’s Italian Kitchen (their lasagna is amazing!).
6. Explore Maryland Wine Country – Montpelier, Brookeville, and Upper Marlboro (40-50 minutes from DC)
If you like wine, Maryland Wine Country should be on your radar. This area offers scenic vineyards and wineries nestled in rolling hills.
Take a tour, sample some local wines, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Maryland’s countryside. There are also other distilleries and breweries in the area, like Brookeville Beer Farm, which offers some unique brews and amazing wood-fired pizza.
Janemark Winery & Vineyard is also a great winery in upper Maryland that’s well worth a visit!
7. Explore Annapolis (1 hour from DC)
Annapolis is so worth visiting – it makes for the perfect DC day trip! For many, Annapolis is synonymous with the US Naval Academy, but there are so many other things to do in Annapolis.
It’s a beautiful historic district full of 18th-century brick houses and the domed 1700s Maryland State House.
Stroll through the streets lined with shops and cafes, visit the United States Naval Academy, and take a boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a cute and lively city with plenty to see and do.
In the evening, be sure to take an Annapolis ghost tour! I recently tried the Annapolis Ghost Tour: Phantoms of Annapolis, and it was a really cool experience. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job of blending historical facts with chilling ghost stories. We also saw some of the most iconic haunted locations in Annapolis, including the State House and the Maryland Inn.
➡️ Click here for the BEST Ghost Tour in Annapolis!
Just know that the energy in the Old Treasury Building can get a bit intense once you get there. Other than that, this tour isn’t too scary, and it’s a great way to learn about the history of Annapolis in a fun, engaging way!
8. Go to Harpers Ferry (1 hour from DC)
Harpers Ferry is a charming town in West Virginia that blends history and natural beauty. Famous for John Brown’s raid and its role in the Civil War, the town sits at the meeting point between the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
The city was used by freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and today, there are plenty of museums and nature to take in the history of the area. I recommend spending at least a few days at Harpers Ferry, to really make the most of it!
9. Explore Shenandoah National Park (1.5 hours from DC)
If you’re looking to escape into nature, Shenandoah National Park is just an hour and a half drive from DC. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands, it’s a great place for a hike (and there are plenty of cute picnic and camping spots!).
If you’re driving to Shenandoah, be sure to take the scenic route on your Virginia road trip along Skyline Drive, a famed mountain highway stretching over 100 miles. There are breathtaking vistas at every turn, especially during the fall when the leaves are turning. It’s worth the visit!
For an elevated experience, consider taking this Shenandoah self-guided driving audio tour!
➡️ Click here for this easy and informative self-guided driving audio tour of Shenandoah!
10. Take a Tour to See the Famous Luray Caverns (2 hours from DC)
For a one-of-a-kind cavern experience, head to Luray Caverns in Virginia. These vast, stunning caverns are millions and millions of years in the making, and are filled with incredible rock formations, from cathedral-sized stalactites and stalagmites and underground pools.
Luray is a popular spot for tourists, the cavern’s ethereal beauty is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
There’s also so much to do around Luray Caverns, from horseback riding to trying your hand at falconry. Plus, there are other incredible cave formations nearby, like Shenandoah Caverns, that are definitely worth checking out.
Even if you only have time for a one-day trip from DC, I would make an effort to see Luray Caverns. It’s one of the most notable landmarks in Virginia!
This is a great tour that takes you to Luray Caverns + Shenandoah from DC! If you’re visiting DC and you don’t want to rent a car, this tour is a great way to see the caverns!
➡️ Click here to see Luray Caverns from Washington DC!
Getting Around
Most destinations I’ve listed are accessible by car, and there are plenty of parking opportunities in each area. If you don’t have a rental car, you can also consider visiting as part of a guided tour, which often provide transportation and helpful insights along the way.
For destinations closer to DC, like Alexandria or Great Falls Park, public transit or rideshare services are convenient alternatives.
➡️ Visiting from out of town? I recommend this car rental company to help you see more of Virginia!
Where to Stay
Here are some centrally located options in DC so you have a nice base as you explore the surrounding area.
📍Budget Option: The State Plaza Hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities in a central location. A few blocks away from the White House, 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
Some common questions people have about visiting DC.
What is the number 1 attraction in Washington DC?
The National Mall, home to monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol, is probably the most iconic and visited spot in DC.
Can you see everything in Washington DC in one day?
It’s nearly impossible to see everything in a single day, but you can definitely hit the main attractions and make the most out of one day in DC if you plan ahead. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or a guided walking tour to maximize your time.
How many days do you need for DC?
To truly explore Washington DC, 3-4 days is ideal. This gives you time to see major monuments, visit museums, and even take a day trip or two.
Note: There are LOTS of free museums in Washington DC!
Is Washington DC walkable for tourists?
Absolutely! Most areas in Washington DC are safe, making it one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., especially around the National Mall, where many of the major attractions are within walking distance.
Conclusion: Day Trips from Washington DC
I hope you’ll try some of these day trips from Washington DC! It’s a great way to see other parts of the DMV (DC-Maryland-VA) area, and it makes for a great enhancement for your trip.
From scenic hikes in national parks to charming historic towns, you’ll find plenty of ways to escape the busy city and discover new places around the DMV area.
I hope you enjoy my home base! 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!
