15 Best Weekend Trips From DC

“Oh summer! The best season of the year. We look forward to it all year, but once summer (and all of its humidity and mosquitoes) officially hits DC, there’s nothing like getting out of the city. Aside from a day at the beach or an afternoon at the swimming pool, a weekend getaway is on our summer bucket list and luckily, our area offers easy escapes, minimal driving — and no expensive air tickets required.

The possibilities are endless when planning a summer getaway from DC, whether you’re an avid hiker or your idea of a getaway is to raise a glass of Petit Mansion at a vineyard in the Great Outdoors. Here are 15 of our favorite escapes to find relief from DC this summer.”

Charlottesville, Virginia

The distance is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles), which takes around 2.5 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s estate), University of Virginia, Ash Lawn-Highland (James Monroe’s estate), wineries in the Monticello Wine Trail

Activities: Wine tasting, hiking, visiting historic sites, exploring the vibrant downtown area
Best Places to Stay: Quaint bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, or upscale resorts
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the surrounding area, but there is public transportation within Charlottesville

Ocean City, Maryland

The distance is approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles), which takes around 3 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Ocean City Boardwalk, Trimper’s Rides, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Assateague Island National Seashore

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, water sports, shopping, dining
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront hotels, oceanfront condos, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate to high, depending on accommodations and time of year
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the area, but there is public transportation within Ocean City

Chincoteague, Virginia

The distance is approximately 280 kilometers (175 miles), which takes around 3.5 hours to drive.

Details: A picturesque island known for its wild ponies and unspoiled natural beauty.

Key Attractions: Assateague Island National Seashore, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Pony Penning

Activities: Wildlife viewing, beachcombing, kayaking, fishing, exploring the island by bike
Best Places to Stay: Cozy cottages, charming bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds
Average Expenses: Moderate to affordable
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the island, but bike rentals are also popular

Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

The distance is approximately 360 kilometers (225 miles), which takes around 4.5 hours to drive.

Details: A mountainous region offering outdoor adventures, charming towns, and relaxing retreats.

Key Attractions: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill Falls, Camelback Mountain Resort, Skytop Lodge

Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, snowboarding, zip-lining, spa treatments
Best Places to Stay: Resorts, cabins, lodges, or campgrounds
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the area, but some resorts offer shuttle services

Richmond, Virginia

The distance is approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles), which takes around 2 hours to drive.

Details: A vibrant city with a rich history, a thriving arts scene, and a delicious culinary reputation.

Key Attractions: Virginia State Capitol, Richmond National Battlefield Park, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Carytown shopping district

Activities: History tours, museum visits, dining, brewery hopping, exploring the James River
Best Places to Stay: Historic hotels, boutique accommodations, or trendy apartments
Average Expenses: Moderate
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the city, but there is public transportation available

Annapolis, Maryland

The distance is approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles), which takes around 1 hours to drive.

Details: A charming waterfront city with a strong maritime heritage and a lively downtown area.

Key Attractions: United States Naval Academy, Maryland State House, Annapolis Historic District, Ego Alley (boatyard row)

Activities: Sailing, boating, shopping, dining, exploring historic sites, visiting art galleries
Best Places to Stay: Waterfront hotels, boutique inns, or bed and breakfasts
Average Expenses: Moderate to high
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the area, but there is public transportation within Annapolis

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The distance is approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles), which takes around 2 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Skyline Drive, Shenandoah River, Big Meadows Lodge, Luray Caverns

Activities: Hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife watching, stargazing, visiting historic sites
Best Places to Stay: Campgrounds, lodges within the park, or nearby hotels
Average Expenses: Moderate to affordable
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the park, but there are shuttle services available

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The distance is approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles), which takes around 3 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Amish Farm and House, Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster Central Market, Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park

Activities: Shopping, dining, exploring Amish country, visiting historic sites, enjoying live theater
Best Places to Stay: Bed and breakfasts, hotels, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the area, but there is public transportation available

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

The distance is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles), which takes around 4 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Deep Creek Lake, Wisp Resort, Swallow Falls State Park, Garrett County

Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, skiing (in winter), enjoying water sports
Best Places to Stay: Lakefront cabins, resorts, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate to high, depending on accommodations and activities
Transportation Options: Car recommended for exploring the area

Beach Escapes

Virginia Beach, Virginia

The distance is approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles), which takes around 2.5 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Oceanfront, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, shopping, dining, exploring the boardwalk
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront hotels, oceanfront condos, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate to high
Transportation Options: Car recommended, but there is public transportation available

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The distance is approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles), which takes around 2 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Fenwick Island State Park, Lewes Historical Society

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, shopping, dining, biking, exploring the town
Best Places to Stay: Beachfront hotels, cottages, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate to high
Transportation Options: Car recommended, but there is public transportation available

Nature and Outdoors

Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

The distance is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles), which takes around 4 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Blackwater Falls, Lindy Point Overlook, Dolly Sods Wilderness

Activities: Hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, photography
Best Places to Stay: Cabins, campgrounds, or nearby hotels
Average Expenses: Moderate
Transportation Options: Car recommended

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

The distance is approximately 110 kilometers (70 miles), which takes around 1.5 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, Appalachian Trail, C&O Canal National Historical Park

Activities: Hiking, biking, white-water rafting, exploring historic sites, shopping, dining
Best Places to Stay: Bed and breakfasts, hotels, or campgrounds
Average Expenses: Moderate
Transportation Options: Car recommended

City Escapes

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The distance is approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles), which takes around 2.5 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market

Activities: History tours, museum visits, shopping, dining, enjoying live music
Best Places to Stay: Hotels, boutique accommodations, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate to high
Transportation Options: Public transportation available, but car recommended for exploring the suburbs

Baltimore, Maryland

The distance is approximately 60 kilometers (30 miles), which takes around 1 hours to drive.

Key Attractions: Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry National Monument, Baltimore Museum of Art

Activities: Waterfront activities, museum visits, shopping, dining, enjoying live music
Best Places to Stay: Hotels, boutique accommodations, or vacation rentals
Average Expenses: Moderate
Transportation Options: Public transportation available

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