4. Fredericksburg, VA (1 hour – 2 hours)
Traffic can be really bad coming into DC, so plan accordingly for your drive! Weekends are perfect for this day trip, but weekday traffic or holidays could cause you delays. This happened to us while we were on our way back to DC.
Fredericksburg is full of fun little shops, restaurants, and interesting Civil War history. Definitely an easy and fun place to visit! We stayed at this adorable Airbnb that was in a horse barn, which sounds outlandish, but it was so fun.
5. Annapolis, MD (45 minutes – 1 hour)
Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and located right on the water. The cobblestone streets, beautiful boats, and amazing seafood make it one of the best day trips near DC. The harbor area is also very cute and unique. It’s right on the Chesapeake Bay and has lots of spots to stop and enjoy the water. The cobblestone streets, great views, and delicious food make it a great way to spend the day.
6. Shenandoah National Park (1 1/2 – 2 hours)
While famous for its leaves in fall and for good reason, Shenandoah is really worth a visit at any time of year with its gorgeous views and hikes along the Appalachian Trail, it does not disappoint.
Luray Caverns are located here, and there are some waterfalls perfect for a dip. Plus, it’s right near a lot of wineries and breweries, which makes it a great place to hike for a bit and then relax with a drink!
7. Gunpowder Falls State Park, MD (1 1/2 hours)
Gunpowder Falls State Park is in Maryland with tons of different trails, waterfalls, and hikes to do. I love this state park because it is so huge and you could come here week after week and see a new area. Try the trails along the river for pretty views and great places to stop for aswim in the summeror fall leaves inwinter.
8. Rocks State Park, MD (1 1/2 hours)
I love the waterfall here! It’s a little ways from the main park area, but easy to find and is clearly marked. You will see signs as soon as you get close to Rock State Park.
It’s a local favorite and is usually very crowded. In the summer, you can jump off the rock and into the pool under the waterfall. It feels so nice to be in the cool water and enjoy a beautiful view. There’s also hiking here along some trails with gorgeous cliffs!
9. Virginia Wine Country (1 – 2 hours)
This is great year-round, but I lovegoing in springand fall because the weather is perfect for being outside. There are lots of wineries that have outdoor spaces, and you can grab a glass or a bottle to share and just relax on a beautiful spot overlooking Shenandoah. Barrel Oak Winery has a really nice outdoor space that has tons of picnic tables overlooking the vineyards.
Consider hiring a guidefor this one and explore without worrying about driving!
10.Harpers Ferry, WV(2 hours)
I love Harpers Ferry. It’s another great spot year-round because you can do so many different things here! There is the historical center that tells the area’s history from the Civil War, hiking (and gorgeous leaves in the fall), and in the summer, you can go tubing down the Potomac, which is a blast!
I’ve used River Riders every time I have gone. They are reasonably priced and do so many floats a day that it is easy to schedule with them. In the winter, they offer snow tubing as well.
There are also little shops in historic downtown and spots to eat if you want to relax after your hike or walking through the historic center. It is a national park and the NPS offers shuttles from the park into downtown so parking is much easier if you go through the NPS.
11. Rehoboth Beach, DE (3 hours)
This is my favorite beach near DC for many reasons. The amusem*nt park there is tons of fun, the beach is well-kept, and the fries + iconic ice cream are just awesome. The beach is not as crowded as Ocean City, which means you can enjoy more space and not feel suffocated (which happens to me at the beach when crowded). I go to the beach to relax, not to listen and hang out with all the people I don’t know trying to do the same thing! There’s also a Flying Dog there with delicious food and special beers which is fun!
12. Elk Neck State Park, MD (2 hours)
Located a few hours from DC on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Elk Neck State Park is a beautiful and easy spot to spend a day or even the weekend. Last year I went camping here with my dog and had a blast! There are tons of trails to hike, a lighthouse, history, and beaches to enjoy. Definitely a good beginnerroad trip with your dog! The hikes around the marsh were my favorite because they were so quiet and offered such beautiful green views.
