Historical past comes alive on many of those superb day journeys from DC. Certain, it’s superb to take a look at a statue or object commemorating a historic occasion or determine however isn’t it so extra thrilling to face within the spot the place historical past occurred?
Quite than studying about it, you possibly can immerse your self in key moments which have outlined the USA.
In case you’re not a lot of a historical past buff, it’s also possible to discover pure magnificence dominating the area. Whether or not you need to chill out and unwind or have an journey, outside actions are by no means briefly provide.
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Final Up to date: October 9, 2020
15+ Beautiful Day Journeys from DC You Cannot Miss
With a wide range of locations to go to for a fast getaway from historic to the nice outdoor, these day journeys from Washington DC spotlight why so many individuals love to go to the world.
1. Nice Falls Park, Virginia
Distance: 19.6 mi / 30 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Nice Falls Overlooks, River Path
What to Eat: Amoo’s Restaurant, Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse, Roll Play Grill
Washington DC and the Potomac River go hand in hand. The river calmly flows by way of the town, however if you happen to enterprise up the river, you’ll end up at waterfalls and rapids.
Nice Falls Park is surrounded by inexperienced hills and feels removed from the large metropolis. To make a time out of it, carry a picnic, and luxuriate in a meal with the sound of the river as your background. Or go for a hike on any of the 15 miles of trails within the park, the preferred being the River Path.
Professional Tip: Go away your swimwear on the lodge as swimming is prohibited as a result of sturdy currents.
Extra: Final Washington DC Bucket Checklist
2. Baltimore, Maryland
Distance: 38.Three mi / 50 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Fort McHenry, Inside Harbor, Maryland Historic Society
What to Eat: Thames Street Oyster House, Joe Benny’s, Ekiben
Within the bustling metropolis of Baltimore, you could find important moments of American historical past round each nook. Although the unique Star-Spangled Banner hangs on the Smithsonian, you possibly can see the place the flag flew in the course of the Struggle of 1812 at Fort McHenry. Then journey to the Maryland Historic Society to see the handwritten poem by Francis Scott Key that might turn into the nationwide anthem.
You may return to trendy life by strolling across the Inside Harbor, having fun with the outlets and eating places alongside the best way, or journey to watery depths on the Nationwide Aquarium.
3. Kent Island, Maryland
Distance: 48 mi / 1 h (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Stevensville, Terrapin Seashore Park, Climbing Trails
What to Eat: Stevensville Crab Shack, Frix’s Fire Grill, D’Alessio’s Wood Fired Pizza
As soon as a fur buying and selling publish for early European settlers, Kent Island is now a soothing day journey from Washington DC. The most important island within the Chesapeake Bay boasts loads of outlets and eating places to pattern in Stevensville.
Chill out on the sand at Terrapin Seashore Park or get pleasure from one of many two trails on the island: Cross Island Path and Kent Island South Path.
Extra: 25+ Finest Free Issues to do in Washington DC
4. Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Distance: 63.Four mi / 1 h 15 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: John Brown’s Fort, Maryland Heights, Appalachian Path
What to Eat: Hamilton’s Tavern 1840, The Rabbit Hole, Kelley Farm Kitchen
Harper’s Ferry is finest recognized for John Brown’s final stand, and you may stand on the fort the place he and his fellow abolitionists barricaded themselves in hopes of liberating slaves.
Strolling round city, you’ll fall underneath its allure as you tour historic buildings. A must-visit is True Treats, the one historic sweet store within the US the place you possibly can style the evolution of sweet from the 1700s to the current day. It’s one expertise you received’t neglect.
Maybe the true allure of Harper’s Ferry is discovered when viewing the city from above. Hike the Maryland Heights Path for the enduring view over the city. For outside lovers, it’s value noting that the Appalachian Path passes by way of Harper’s Ferry. Although doing all the Appalachian Path is a large endeavor, it’s thrilling sufficient to stroll a mile of this epic path.
5. Antietam Nationwide Battlefield, Maryland
Distance: 66.2 mi / 1 h 30 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Battlefield Drive, Climbing Trails, Commentary Tower
What to Eat: Blue Moon Café, Marias Taqueria, Bistro 112
The American Civil Struggle had an enduring impact on American life, and battlefields dot the panorama in Maryland and Virginia. Nevertheless, the Battle of Antietam stands out among the many others the place the bloodiest combat in a single day passed off within the conflict. Over 22,00zero troopers have been killed, wounded, or lacking by the point the battle ended.
Driving across the peaceable inexperienced fields, you possibly can actually really feel the land and to mirror on the important thing moments in the course of the conflict. Take time to hike a number of of the brief climbing trails on the battlefield together with the Bloody Lane, Cornfield, or the Remaining Assault. Or view all the battlefield from atop the Commentary Tower.
Extra: 49 Finest Locations to Eat in Washington DC
6. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Distance: 82 mi / 1 h 30 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Self-Guided Audio Tour, Jennie Wade’s Home, Ghost Tour
What to Eat: Food 101, Mason Dixon Distillery, The Garryown Irish Pub
Taking within the tranquil magnificence of those inexperienced fields, it’s exhausting to think about the horrors that passed off over the three days at Gettysburg. Even when listening to how occasions performed out throughout your self-guided audio tour, it’s not possible to take all of it in.
Monuments, giant and small, line the route honoring all those that fought right here. Witnessing the turning level of the US Civil Struggle is a transferring expertise, however there’s extra to see than the battlefield.
The city of Gettysburg has many historic buildings that also carry scars of the conflict. To glimpse day by day life within the 1860s, tour the Jennie Wade Home, who was additionally the one civilian killed in the course of the three days of preventing. Whereas on the town, get pleasure from looking the vintage shops or go seek for the paranormal on a ghost tour.
7. Luray Caverns, Virginia
Distance: 94.5 mi / 1 h 45 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Geology’s Corridor of Fame, Toy City Junction
What to Eat: West Main Market, Triple Crown BBQ, Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Café
Journey to a different world as you enterprise underground at Luray Caverns, the most important cavern within the jap US. It’s awe-inspiring to be within the presence of nature’s sculptures that took thousands and thousands of years to kind. Excursions take guests by way of the Geology Corridor of Fame and rooms which can be 10-stories excessive.
As soon as you come back above floor, take within the Automotive & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy City Junction, and the Luray Valley Museum.
8. George Washington & Jefferson Nationwide Forest, West Virginia
Distance: 107 mi / 1 h 50 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Cascade Falls, Sherando Lake
What to Eat: Woodstock Garden Café, Spring House Tavern, Woodstock Café
George Washington and Jefferson Nationwide Forest presents unbridled wilderness and limitless outside actions. You may spend the day climbing, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, and extra.
Highlights embody the 66-foot Cascade Falls and the serene Sherando Lake.
9. Richmond, Virginia
Distance: 109 mi / 2 h (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: American Civil Struggle Museum, Belle Isle, Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard
What to Eat: Secret Sandwich Society, Heritage, Bocata Latin Grill
There’s no escaping historical past in Richmond. The capital of Virginia is older than the USA. Through the Civil Struggle, it was the capital of the Confederacy. Study in regards to the foundations of the Civil Struggle and why it occurred whereas touring the American Civil Struggle Museum.
Along with its historical past, it’s also possible to encompass your self in nature. Belle Isle is a gem located within the James River with climbing trails and loads of giant boulders to chill out alongside the shore. Or take a stroll within the 50 acres of colourful gardens at Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard.
10. Shenandoah Valley Nationwide Park, Virginia
Distance: 117 mi / 2 h 10 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Skyline Drive, Darkish Hallow Falls, Previous Rag Mountain
What to Eat: Blue Wing Frog, Spelunker’s Burgers & Frozen Custard, PaveMint Taphouse & Grill
Shenandoah Nationwide Park was made for anybody who appreciates the outside. In case you love an excellent highway journey, Skyline Drive is without doubt one of the finest scenic drives within the US. Snaking its approach alongside all the size of the nationwide park, this 105-mile highway presents nonstops views and overlooks of the infinite valleys and mountains.
There are additionally a whole bunch of miles of trails to get pleasure from. Highlights embody the straightforward Darkish Hole Falls path or the favored 10-mile loop path to the summit of Previous Rag Mountain.
11. Charlottesville, Virginia
Distance: 117 mi / 2 h 15 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Monticello, Highland, College of Virginia, Vineyards
What to Eat: Croby’s Urban Viddles, Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, Al Carbon Chicken
As you stroll the grounds of Monticello, you’ll discover it exhausting to think about one other residence that’s extra completely located. With rolling hills stretching out in each path, Monticello looks like its personal world. Thomas Jefferson’s residence (designed by him) presents perception into one of many outstanding founding fathers of the US.
Simply three miles away is the property of the fifth US president, James Monroe’s Highland.
In case you love touring campuses, the College of Virginia is without doubt one of the most gorgeous school campuses within the US. Take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site based by Thomas Jefferson. Within the afternoon, get pleasure from a meal at one of many many eating places within the downtown mall or chill out over a bottle of wine at one of many many vineyards within the area.
12. Hershey, Pennsylvania
Distance: 130 mi / 2 h 15 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Hersheypark, Hershey Story Museum, Hershey Gardens
What to Eat: Rotunda Brew Pub, The Chocolate Avenue Grill, Babes Grill House
Everyone seems to be a child at Hershey Pennsylvania. Relive childhood reminiscences on the numerous rides at Hersheypark, and stroll among the many infinite rows of chocolate treats at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Study in regards to the historical past of Hershey, the person, the chocolate, and the city on the Hershey Story Museum.
You will discover a quieter, much less sugary, time on the Hershey Botanical Gardens. This 23-acre website overlooks Hersheypark.
13. Ocean Metropolis, Maryland
Distance: 139 mi / 2 h 40 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Ocean Metropolis Seashore, Ocean Metropolis Boardwalk, Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore
What to Eat: Hooked, Liquid Assets, On the Bay Seafood
When the temperatures rise, it’s seashore time. Ocean Metropolis is the right day journey from DC with its 10-miles of seashore and waves. There’s even a boardwalk full with eating places, outlets, and an arcade, to spherical out the right day on the shore.
In case you don’t want a full day on the seashore, you may get away to the Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore with its wild horses, attractive views of the Atlantic Ocean, and climbing trails.
14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Distance: 140 mi / 2 h 25 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Liberty Bell, Independence Corridor, Philadelphia Museum of Artwork
What to Eat: Dalessandros Steaks & Hoagies, Dig, Barbuzzo
Philadelphia is the birthplace of the USA and the town of cohesion, cheesesteak, and Rocky Balboa.
Step into historical past at Independence Corridor and see the place each the Declaration of Independence and the US Structure have been debated and ratified. Then go to the Liberty Bell subsequent door.
Philadelphia has a number of world class museums, together with the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork. Its assortment comprises some superb gems and you may spend hours in all of the reveals.
Even if you happen to’re not an artwork lover, a run up the museum’s iconic steps is a should. The steps have been made well-known by the film, Rocky, plus it helps to burn off all of the cheesesteaks.
Extra: 25 Free Issues to do in Philadelphia
15. Williamsburg, Virginia
Distance: 153 mi / 2 h 40 min (map)
Issues You Can’t Miss: Colonial Williamsburg, Governor’s Palace, Busch Gardens
What to Eat: Food for Thought Restaurant, Second Street American Bistro, The Hound’s Tale
Historical past comes alive at Colonial Williamsburg and you may expertise it for your self. With over 500 historic buildings, study all about day by day life and commerce from a bygone period with hands-on actions.
One of many grandest buildings is the Governor’s Palace, constructed earlier than the American Revolutionary Struggle. See how the rich and highly effective lived on a tour of the constructing.
In case you want extra stimulation, really feel the adrenaline rush of one of many many curler coasters discovered at Busch Gardens.
Map of the Finest Day Journeys from DC
Extra Day Journeys from Washington DC
- Manassas Nationwide Battlefield Park (28.Four mi / 38 min, map)
- Annapolis, Maryland (32 mi / 41 min, map)
- Fredericksburg, Virginia (52.7 mi / 1 h 12 min, map)
- Gunpowder Falls State Park, Maryland (56.Eight mi/ 1 h Eight min, map)
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (79.Three mi / 1 h 41 min, map)
- Elk Neck State Park (95.Eight mi / 1 h 53 min, map)
Finest Locations to Keep
- Luxurious: Fairmont Washington, D.C., DC Park Hyatt Washington
- Mid-Vary: Sofitel Lafayette Square, Willard InterContinental Washington
- Finances: Morrison Clark Hotel, Yours Truly
- Airbnb: Seek for the Finest Airbnbs in Washington DC
Extra Assets for Day Journeys from DC
- Rand McNally Street Atlas
- Annual Nationwide Park Move
- StreetSmart Washington DC Pocket Map
Are you able to consider some other superb day journeys from DC?
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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, which is without doubt one of the high 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey will be discovered each close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and presently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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