Known worldwide for being the capital city of the United States, Washington D.C. is a worthwhile destination in its own right. From walking along the National Mall to see some of the most iconic sites in the country, to exploring the vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown and Adams Morgan, you will find no shortage of ideas for day trips from Washington D.C.
However, once you have arrived in the nation's capital, you would be remiss not to extend your itinerary a bit further. The best day trips from Washington D.C. will take you into the rolling hills of Virginia, the historic streets of some of New England's most wonderful cities and the beaches along the coast.
Use these Washington D.C. day trip ideas to expand your itinerary beyond the famous attractions, museums and historic sites of the city.
1. Sip Wine and Go Hiking in Frederick, Maryland
- 1-Hour drive from Washington, D.C.
- Best known for its hiking trails and vineyards
- Home to the Monocacy National Battlefield
Historic charm and hip, urban vibes seamlessly blend together in downtown Frederick, Maryland, which is located about an hour away from D.C. — at least, in good traffic. Visitors often find that they are enchanted by the Civil War-era buildings that define the downtown area and they love enjoying the shopping and dining that can be found along the Carroll Creek tributary.
Outside its downtown area, Frederick is home to some of the best hiking trails along the Appalachian Trail and there are plenty of wineries to enjoy. The Frederick Tasting Trail will take you to idyllic vineyards that offer some of the best views of the sprawling countryside. Popular wineries in Frederick include Celebration Cellars Winery and Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard.
2. Surround Yourself with History in Alexandria, Virginia
- 15-Minute drive from Washington D.C.
- Famous for its historic Old Town neighborhood
- Home to George Washington's Mount Vernon
Alexandria is just a short Metrorail ride or Uber trip from Washington D.C., but it often feels like it's worlds away from the cosmopolitan capital city. Old Town Alexandria feels as if it's a relic from the nation's colonial days, with colorful, historic homes lining the cobblestone streets of this incredible neighborhood. However, it truly keeps up with the times, giving visitors an opportunity to stop by fresh, eclectic restaurants and boutique shops.
In addition to touring Old Town Alexandria and enjoying the waterfront views of the Potomac, you can take a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Guided tours of the first president's home are available and you can also explore the grounds in order to see what life was like in the 18th century for the father of our nation.
3. Indulge in the Culture of Baltimore, Maryland
- 1-hour drive from Washington D.C.
- Known for its commitment to arts and culture
- Home to the original Washington Monument
Considered by many to be one of the top day trips Washington D.C., Baltimore is a gorgeous city with a dynamic arts and culture scene, attracting visitors of all ages and stages to its borders. Some of the best museums in Baltimore include the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture and the Jewish Museum of Maryland.
While you could easily spend your entire day exploring one or more of the city's museums, you would be remiss if you didn't also check out Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum and the Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum. Over the centuries, some of the country's most famous and influential people called Baltimore home and that history is worth preserving.
4. Walk in the Footsteps of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Virginia
- 2.5-hour drive from Washington D.C.
- Located in the rolling hills of Virginia
- Home to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Reaching Charlottesville takes a little more time and effort when you are staying in D.C., but we promise the journey is worth it. As you head on the highway, the further you get away from the city, the more you will be captivated by the lush, green hills and the white picket fences that border the farms in the countryside.
At the end of your journey, you will reach Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, a World Heritage Site that tells the honest story of the lifestyle of our nation's third president. During your visit, you can take a self-guided tour of Jefferson's home, which is an architectural wonder in and of itself. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the enslaved people who lived and worked at Monticello. This sobering chapter of our nation's history is juxtaposed by the exquisite views you are surrounded by, making this one of the most impactful day trips you can take from Washington D.C.
5. Hike Along the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
- 1.25-hour drive from Washington D.C.
- Boasting more than 200,000 acres of perfectly-preserved parkland
- Known for its hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife
No matter what time of year you are visiting Washington D.C., you will find that the trip to Shenandoah National Park is rewarding. Every season in Shenandoah National Park unveils fresh, new beauty for visitors to enjoy.
With more than 500 miles of trails winding throughout the park, many people consider Shenandoah to be one of the best places to go hiking in the entire country. There are trails that are suitable for all skill levels, allowing anyone to explore the park and soak up its breathtaking views. For a short hike that allows you to look out at a typical Shenandoah National Park vista, consider the Blackrock Summit Trail, which spans for less than a mile and takes about one hour to complete. For an extensive — and challenging — hike that takes most of the day, consider Cedar Run-Whitecoat Circuit. This hike typically takes experienced hikers between 6 and 7 hours to complete, but the end reward is captivating views of crushing waterfalls and peaceful cascades.
6. Ski the Slopes at Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, Pennsylvania
- 2-hour drive from Washington D.C.
- Home to some of the best skiing in the D.C. area
If you happen to be visiting the capital during the winter months, then you will certainly want to check out the nearby slopes. Liberty Mountain Resort is a well-known ski resort in Pennsylvania and it's just a couple of hours away from the heart of D.C.
With terrain that is perfect for beginners, this is an ideal day trip for anyone who is visiting Washington D.C. Liberty Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing opportunities, which delights both the young and the young at heart.
7. Explore Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia
- 2.5-hour drive from Washington D.C.
- Known as the world's largest U.S. living history museum.
- Considered to be an immersive and engaging historical experience.
History permeates the atmosphere in Washington D.C., leaving many visitors inspired to learn more about our country's past, present and future. In order to fully understand and experience the origins of the United States, consider taking one of the best day trips from Washington D.C. to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.
As you explore the 300 acres of Colonial Williamsburg, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time into the colonial era. As you walk the streets, you will be able to visit historic taverns and stop in the shops that lined those same streets centuries ago. There are historical interpreters around every corner, allowing you to interact with people who truly bring history to life.
If you can't get enough history after your visit to Colonial Williamsburg, you will be pleased to know that there are several other iconic historical sites in the area. You may be able to stop by Jamestown and Yorktown in order to complete Virginia's Historic Triangle.
8. Spend a Day in the Sand and Surf at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- 3-hour drive from Washington D.C.
- Known for being a quintessential beach town on the Atlantic Coast
- Considered to be a more peaceful and relaxing beach destination
Anchored by a charming boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach offers everything that people love about small towns along the Atlantic seaboard. Washington D.C. visitors and locals alike will find that the trek to Rehoboth Beach is worthwhile, because it's not quite as crowded as other well-known beach destinations, yet it still offers the same relaxing views and exciting activities.
In addition to enjoying the shops and restaurants of the one-mile-long boardwalk, day trippers can pack their umbrellas and beach towels in order to stake out a spot on the oceanfront beach. Surfing, castle building, reading and swimming are just a few of the ways you can spend your day on the beach during your trip to Washington D.C.
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