The 11 Greatest Weekend Getaways From Washington, D.C.

There is no denying the numerous issues to do and see in our nation’s capital. Nevertheless, the nonstop tempo of Washington, D.C., can put on anybody out, and typically a weekend getaway is simply what the physician ordered. Fortunately, D.C.’s central mid-Atlantic location provides vacationers easy accessibility to high locations in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and extra.

That will help you select the vacation spot that’s best for you, U.S. Information evaluated professional and traveler opinion to carry you the most effective weekend getaways from Washington, D.C. Whether or not your good journey entails mountain climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains or being pampered at a world-class spa resort, you may discover all that and extra solely a stone’s throw from D.C.

Located about 40 miles northwest of D.C., Leesburg might not be the primary vacation spot Washingtonians take note of after they consider an thrilling weekend getaway. However this hidden gem on the banks of the Potomac River has loads to supply all types of vacationers. From historic buildings like George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor to lush inexperienced areas like Morven Park, you may uncover a stunning variety of issues to occupy your time with in Leesburg. Browse boutiques, discover artwork galleries or sip a latte at one among historic downtown Leesburg’s many charming cafes. Or, if you would like one thing just a little stronger, hit up one of many space’s breweries for a drink – Loudoun Brewing Firm and Black Hoof Brewing Firm obtain rave critiques from latest vacationers. In the meantime, wine lovers can pattern scrumptious vino at traveler-approved Zephaniah Farm Winery or Casanel Vineyards & Vineyard. Within the night, hearken to reside music on the Tally Ho Theater earlier than bedding down at one of many space’s charming bed-and-breakfasts. It’s also possible to splurge on a keep on the luxurious Lansdowne Resort, which provides facilities like three golf programs and a full-service spa.

Maryland’s capital metropolis is good for vacationers who want a break from D.C.’s fast-paced ambiance. As soon as dubbed the “Athens of America,” the historic seaport of Annapolis now attracts guests trying to discover its boutique- and restaurant-lined streets or expertise the magic of the Chesapeake Bay by boat. Begin your go to with a stroll by means of Historic Annapolis, which is residence to a wide range of charming cafes, museums and artwork galleries. Right here, vacationers will discover high sights just like the William Paca Home and the Banneker-Douglass Museum, which presents an summary of Black historical past in Maryland from the 1600s onward. Then, tour the displays on show on the U.S. Naval Academy, the second-oldest federal service academy within the nation.

Do not forget to take a look at town’s many out of doors treasures as properly. Weekenders can spend a day lounging on Sandy Level State Park’s golden shoreline or get pleasure from a picnic at scenic Quiet Waters Park. Later, see for your self why Annapolis is likely one of the nation’s premier crusing locations by taking a sundown boat tour of Chesapeake Bay. When it is time to flip in for the evening, lay down your head at one of many metropolis’s many historic inns or resorts. Graduate Annapolis is a well-liked choose amongst latest vacationers because of its comfy, nautical-style lodging and pleasant employees.

Though the drive right here from D.C. is comparatively brief at about 40 miles, it can save you your self the trouble of navigating by means of downtown Baltimore by taking an Amtrak practice from Washington’s Union Station to Baltimore’s Penn Station, which can get you into town in lower than an hour. From there, Baltimore’s handy public transit system is straightforward to get the dangle of, and the Attraction Metropolis Circulator (which provides 4 routes by means of town’s central enterprise district) is free to experience. First-time guests hoping to see lots of Baltimore’s high sights ought to go for lodging close to the Inside Harbor, or you possibly can put your ghost-hunting abilities to the take a look at by staying in a single day in one among metropolis’s spooky haunted resorts – such because the Admiral Fell Inn.

About 45 miles from D.C., Middleburg is sort of a breath of contemporary air. Set amid a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, this quiet sanctuary on the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia is thought for being the nation’s premier horse and hunt capital. World-class equestrian occasions are held right here all year long, and the city can also be residence to the Nationwide Sporting Library & Museum, an artwork museum and analysis library devoted to nation pursuits. After brushing up in your horseback using abilities at one of many space’s equestrian facilities, go for a stroll alongside charming Washington Avenue, the place you possibly can browse artwork galleries, dine on scrumptious farm-to-table delicacies or hunt for hidden treasures in one of many city’s vintage retailers.

Middleburg can also be recognized for its many wineries – guests can spend a day sampling top-notch vino earlier than bedding down at one of many space’s lavish resorts. With a full-service spa, indoor and out of doors swimming pools, an equestrian heart, a cooking studio, and even an on-site zip lining course, Salamander Resort & Spa is ideal for vacationers who need to pull out all of the stops for his or her brief weekend getaway. Or, you possibly can go for a room on the luxurious Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, an unique property providing a mere 18 visitor rooms unfold throughout six historic cottages. Time your go to for October to expertise the four-day Middleburg Movie Pageant, or arrive on the primary Saturday of December to participate within the city’s beloved annual Christmas parade.

From dashing waterfalls to rocky mountain peaks, Shenandoah Nationwide Park is residence to a wealth of pure magnificence about 70 miles from town. Expertise it on foot whereas mountain climbing the park’s 500-plus miles of trails (the strenuous 9.4-mile Previous Rag Mountain hike is a traveler favourite), or benefit from the beautiful views whereas exploring Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic route that may be a must-do on any Shenandoah itinerary. It’s also possible to step foot on the legendary Appalachian Path, about 100 miles of which is situated in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Plan your go to for fall to see the Blue Ridge Mountains painted in magnificent shades of crimson, orange and yellow, or come throughout spring to admire the park’s wildflowers in bloom.

If you happen to really feel like roughing it below the celebs, the park provides 5 campgrounds to select from, and backcountry tenting is allowed with a allow. Or, kill two birds with one stone by reserving lodging within the close by city of Luray. Right here, guests will discover the well-known Luray Caverns, an enormous underground cave system recognized for its intensive chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

Vacationers searching for a calming weekend getaway will love the laid-back city of St. Michaels. Positioned about 80 miles east of Washington, this quaint harbor city on Maryland’s japanese shore can swimsuit a wide range of wants, whether or not you might be searching for a romantic journey for 2 or a family-friendly retreat on the water. Study in regards to the city’s wealthy historical past of shipbuilding by means of interactive displays on the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, then achieve your sea legs on a sundown boat tour of Miles River. Or, when you’d reasonably persist with land, you possibly can discover the streets of St. Michaels on a pedicab experience earlier than perusing the numerous distinctive retailers and eating places that line Talbot Avenue. When it is time to flip in for the night, guests can retreat to one among St. Michaels’ cozy inns or trip leases.

About 110 miles from Washington, Virginia’s capital, whereas steeped in historical past, is under no circumstances caught up to now. Certain, vacationers can get pleasure from iconic landmarks just like the Virginia State Capitol and St. John’s Church, however you would be remiss to not save time for exploring Richmond’s different cultural choices too. From world-class artwork museums just like the Virginia Museum of Positive Arts to top-notch eating places and breweries, Richmond provides a plethora of how to spend your time. Take a stroll by means of eccentric Carytown, the place you may discover boutiques, a Twenties movie show and extra avenue murals than you possibly can depend.

It’s also possible to spend a day rafting or kayaking down the scenic James River. In the meantime, vacationers with a style for stunning out of doors areas will need to try the Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard and historic Maymont, a sprawling Gilded Age-era property that includes spectacular Italian and Japanese gardens. Within the night, lay down your head on the refined Jefferson Lodge, an upscale property within the coronary heart of downtown Richmond boasting deluxe facilities and opulent visitor rooms – good for a romantic getaway in Virginia.

Town of Charlottesville, situated about 115 miles southwest of D.C., is a perfect getaway spot for individuals who need to immerse themselves in our nation’s historical past. Your first cease needs to be Monticello, the previous residence of President Thomas Jefferson. Right here, guests can tour Jefferson’s residing quarters and study in regards to the experiences of the enslaved individuals who have been pressured to reside and work right here. Latest vacationers additionally advocate saving time for a stroll by means of the Saunders-Monticello Path, a 4-mile route by means of native hardwood forest. After exploring the grounds of his historic property, pay a go to to the college based by Jefferson in 1819: the College of Virginia. This historic school is the one college in the USA to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

While you’re able to step again into the current, you may discover top-rated eating places, artwork galleries, specialty retailers and extra in Charlottesville’s beloved Downtown Mall. For a memorable expertise, go to in autumn to go applepicking at Carter Mountain Orchard and witness the realm’s colourful fall foliage. Do not forget to seize an apple cider doughnut – a deal with latest vacationers say is to not be missed. Recharge your batteries with an expensive keep at Boar’s Head Resort, a captivating property with many on-site facilities, together with tennis and pickleball courts, a spa, golf programs, three swimming swimming pools, a squash heart and a mountaineering wall.

Nicknamed the “Nation’s Summer time Capital,” Rehoboth Seaside is one among Delaware’s greatest weekend getaway locations. Positioned about 120 miles east of D.C., this 1-square-mile city is ideal for vacationers looking for a basic seashore trip. Spend a day lounging on the sand, then go for a stroll alongside Rehoboth’s energetic boardwalk, which is full of eating places, bars, retailers and extra. In the meantime, households will not need to miss a go to to Funland, a preferred amusement park that includes arcade video games and loads of kid-friendly rides. For a quieter (however no much less stunning) seashore expertise, head to Cape Henlopen State Park. Positioned north of Rehoboth Seaside, this coastal park provides ample alternatives for swimming, fishing, biking, tenting, mountain climbing and extra.

When it is time to mattress down, the realm is filled with cozy cottages and trip leases. Or, vacationers can discover lodging at one among Rehoboth Seaside’s high resorts. Boardwalk Plaza Lodge boasts comfy Victorian-style lodging and perks like an on-site pub and indoor-outdoor pool. In the meantime, The Avenue Inn & Spa attracts vacationers searching for extras like a full-service spa and complimentary breakfast. Plan an autumn go to to Rehoboth Seaside to expertise the annual Sea Witch Pageant, a high fall competition.

Historical past buffs who’ve already explored Washington’s many monuments and museums will likely be delighted to know there’s one more historic metropolis inside shut attain of the nation’s capital. Positioned round 140 miles northeast of D.C., Philadelphia boasts iconic landmarks such because the Liberty Bell Heart, the Betsy Ross Home and Independence Corridor, the place the Declaration of Independence and the Structure have been drafted and signed. However regardless of its historic heritage, Philadelphia has stored up properly with the instances – hip nightclubs and classy eating places abound in Heart Metropolis, together with world-class artwork museums just like the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork.

Remember the fact that site visitors in Philly is notoriously dangerous and parking choices are slim, so ditch the automobile and go for public transportation as an alternative. An Amtrak practice from Union Station to William H. Grey III thirtieth Avenue Station usually takes lower than two hours, and when you’re there, town’s easy-to-use transit system will get you wherever it’s good to go. However when you do not feel like sharing elbow room with a bus filled with strangers, don’t fret – Philadelphia is constantly rated as some of the walkable cities within the U.S. Reap the benefits of this by reserving your keep at Kimpton Lodge Monaco Philadelphia or the swanky Rittenhouse resort, each of which supply prime places close to most of the metropolis’s high sights.

Maryland’s Ocean Metropolis has lengthy been the seashore vacation spot of alternative for D.C. residents – and for good cause. Full with kid-friendly amusement rides and 10 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, this quintessential seashore city has all of the makings of a fun-filled weekend getaway. For prime seashore entry, go for a resort dealing with the ocean – Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort and Hilton Ocean Metropolis Oceanfront Suites each obtain rave critiques from latest vacationers. Or, get pleasure from enjoyable water views from a bayside trip rental. And the most effective half? Ocean Metropolis is situated lower than 150 miles from D.C., so seashore bums will not need to journey far to stay their toes within the sand.

Due to its place on Assawoman and Isle of Wright bays, Ocean Metropolis is the proper place to get pleasure from low-key waters ports like paddleboarding and kayaking. However, after all, the principle draw right here is town’s extensive, sandy seashore. Though you may need to combat off different beachgoers for a spot to put your towel come June, lounging below the solar whereas ocean waves crash within the distance is the proper summer season exercise. Households can peruse the boardwalk’s many memento retailers and arcades, or head to nostalgia-inducing Trimper Rides for amusement park classics like mirror mazes and bumper automobiles. Refuel with tasty native treats like Thrasher’s French Fries and Fractured Prune donuts. In the meantime, vacationers 21 and older can reap the benefits of Ocean Metropolis’s thrilling nightlife scene – Seacrets, the island’s hottest occasion advanced, options greater than 15 bars and a number of other phases taking part in nightly reside music.