There are plenty of fun weekend getaways from Washington DC, the capital of the United States. DC is a big tourist attraction, but it’s also a big area for politics. So, it makes sense that you’d want to get away and take a relaxing vacation from time to time. But choosing the best place to go can be confusing and stressful at times.
To help you narrow down your search, here are 10 great weekend getaways from the busy life of DC.
#1 – New York City, New York
New York City is a bit far from DC with about a 4-hour drive, but it’s worth it. After all, New York City is the most populated city in the United States, so there’s no shortage of things to do. During your stay, you can catch a Broadway show, see the Statue of Liberty, climb the Empire State Building, or go shopping in Times Square. Even just walking around and exploring is exciting enough for most families. In fact, this city has so many must-see attractions that you’ll have to plan multiple weekend trips to see it all.
#2 – Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland’s capital city is only about an hour away from DC. It’s one of the best weekend getaways in DC because it’s considered a peaceful escape. Annapolis is a city of many museums, shops, and restaurants. Of course, it’s known for its excellent seafood and the famous United States Naval Academy, which is open for tours. If you were hoping to experience some exciting attractions in Maryland, Annapolis is the way to do it.
#3 – Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg is also an hour drive from DC. It’s full of massive resorts, including the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, the Salamander Resort & Spa, and the Greenhill Winery & Vineyards. So, if you’re looking for a destination to relax and pamper yourself, you might want to consider one of the many resorts in this Virginia city. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway without the kids.
#4 – Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland’s biggest city is less than an hour away from DC. It’s known for its historic sights, beautiful waterways, and its arts and culinary scene. You can check out an art museum, concerts, street art murals, and even a seafood festival. It has something for everyone, so you’ll be able to fill up your weekend’s itinerary very quickly if you’d like. Although you’ll probably want to set aside some time to relax too.
#5 – Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is a 90-minute drive from Washington DC. It’s a recommended destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. It has unbelievable scenery that will make the perfect photo opportunities. You can see amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Harpers Ferry National Park. Both of these outdoor attractions offer endless opportunities to explore. You might also want to check out the Harpers Ferry Historical District to see some of the older structures, which still have their charm.
#6 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This Pennsylvania city is considered the country’s birthplace, so it has a lot of historical significance like DC. It’s where the Founding Fathers met and formed the country. Plus, it’s full of historical landmarks, including the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Liberty Bell. Plus, Philadelphia is only two and a half hours away from DC, so it can make a fun and educational weekend trip. If you’re struggling to decide what to eat while you’re there, you can also check out a popular food tour. Pennsylvania is a great state to visit, whether you’re alone or with kids.
#7 – St. Michaels, Maryland
St. Michaels is a quiet seaside village, which is why it’s one of the best weekend getaways from DC. Visitors often come to this location to hang out on the shore or take a calming boat ride. It’s also home to the state’s Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which is a great place to learn about Maryland’s history. St. Michaels is just under 2 hours from DC, so it’s the ideal place if you’re looking for a relaxing adventure away from big cities.
#8 – Ocean City, New Jersey
As you can probably tell from the name, Ocean City is a great destination for a beach getaway. It’s almost three hours away, but it’s charming, peaceful, and family-friendly. It was first founded as a church retreat location, so it’s the true definition of a small town feel. In fact, there are no alcohol sales in the city and most businesses close on Sundays to allow for worship and family time. So, it might not be your action-packed party vacation, but it’s a quaint area for you and your kids to enjoy. It’s much different than the other family-friendly attractions throughout New Jersey though.
#9 – Hot Springs, Virginia
With a name like Hot Springs, who wouldn’t want to visit? This Virginia town has been a popular destination for many presidents before. It’s just under four hours from DC, and it’s popular for its several historic resorts. One of the most popular destinations to stay at is the Omni Homestead Resort. It has a two-acre water park and natural hot springs on-site, so your whole family will experience loads of fun. This town also features activities like dining, hiking, and ziplining. So, it’s the perfect balance of exciting and relaxing.
#10 – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach is another small town area that’s very similar to Ocean City. It was also founded as a church group retreat, but it’s now beloved for its sandy shores. It’s just under three hours away from DC, and it has a signature boardwalk. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find attractions like amusement park rides, carnival games, music performances, and tasty seafood restaurants. And of course, you can’t resist swimming at the beach while you’re there too. Kids can enjoy it for the fun activities, but adults can appreciate its active nightlife.
Everyone needs to get away and relax at times. So, if you live in or near Washington DC, don’t feel bad if you need a break. Luckily, there are plenty of weekend getaways from DC that you’ll want to check out. So, consider one of these ten charming locations for your next mini vacation.
Leave a Reply