These 16 fantastic Virginia day trips near Washington DC offer fun and interesting places to visit, whether you've got a few hours or a full day to explore. The best day trips in Virginia include beautiful parks, quaint towns and cities, historic attractions and museums, and local wineries and breweries.
Looking for family fun and maybe a learning experience for the kids? Planning a romantic outing for a couple's day out? Or just seeking new adventures in the DC region? Whatever your goal, you'll find day trips from Washington DC for every interest below.
These Virginia day trip destinations are based on more than 25 years of living in Northern Virginia, exploring with and without children. Follow the links for information, photos, and tips to plan your day trips from DC.
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Destinations are organized by topic—parks, cities and towns, wineries and breweries, and historic sites Use the handy map at the end of the article to check distances and directions from your location.
Virginia Day Trips Near Washington DC for Outdoor Lovers
The Potomac River separates Virginia and DC, providing many opportunities for exploration along its banks. The George Washington Memorial Parkway, a national scenic road linking historic and natural sites, also follows the river. These parks and natural areas are ideal for sunny Virginia day trips near Washington DC.
1. Great Falls Park and the Potomac Heritage Trail, McLean
Chase waterfalls, hike along beautiful Mather Gorge and play on land once surveyed by George Washington at Great Falls Park, part of the US National Park system. Enjoy the most stunning waterfall views near Washington DC from three overlooks, two of them wheelchair accessible. Or hike the River Trail to more incredible views along the cliffs of Mather Gorge. Great Falls is one of our favorite day trips with kids near Washington DC, full of outdoor fun and a little history.
The Potomac Heritage Trail system follows the banks of the river, linking several parks with nice hiking. Hike to waterfalls and along streams and the river at Scotts Run, Difficult Run, Riverbend Park, and Seneca Park.
Want to make Great Falls Park part of a weekend getaway? The Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center is an excellent base for exploring Northern Virginia, and it's just 7 miles from Great Falls Park.
Read our full review of Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner.
2. Theodore Roosevelt Island and Mount Vernon Trail, Arlington
Just across the river from the Kennedy Center is a natural gem in the midst of the city bustle. Theodore Roosevelt Island is a nice short trip from Washington DC because the park is small and easy to navigate. The island offers easy hiking, a beautiful long boardwalk over a marsh, and an interesting memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Roosevelt Island parking lot is also the start of the Mount Vernon trail, a beautiful paved bike trail along the river. You can ride south along the river all the way to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Or, hike north on the Potomac Heritage Trail to Windy Run.
Tip: The Roosevelt Island parking area is on the northbound side of the George Washington Parkway.
Arlington is a great base for exploring sites on the Virginia side of the river, and you'll save a little on lodging compared to downtown DC rates. Check rates and availability for an Arlington overnight.
3. Scenic Drive: George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon
The scenic George Washington Parkway begins at Great Falls Park and ends at Mount Vernon. The national parkway ties together natural and historic sites along the way. Both the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery are accessed from the parkway.
Allow at least a few hours (a day is even better) to explore parkway sites and George Washington's Mount Vernon. Your Mount Vernon ticket also covers a visit to George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill.
4. Mason Neck State Park and Gunston Hall, Lorton
Drive to Mason Neck, a peninsula south of DC, for a closer look at the estuaries and marshes that feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Mason Neck State Park has family-friendly trails and seasonal boating. A nearby wildlife preserve protects an important bald eagle habitat.
Take a tour of Gunston Hall for a dose of colonial American history. Here, George Mason developed many of the core principles of the United States Bill of Rights.
5. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
A gem in the eastern United States, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best outdoor day trips from DC. Set aside a full day for your visit, and even then you won't have time to cover the whole park. If you focus on the Central District you will enjoy some of the best views, hikes, and stops within Shenandoah National Park. For example, wow the kids with a breathtaking view when you hike Stony Man Mountain. O cool off in the summer with waterfalls and swimming holes on the Rose River Loop hike.
Autumn is an especially beautiful time to enjoy Shenandoah's fall foliage. The park is a 2-and-a-half hour drive west of Washington DC, much of it scenic. Follow the link above for tips on our favorite scenic route. We also highlight stops along the way, and tips on how to spend your time in the park.
Quaint Towns and Cities to Visit Near Washington DC
6. Charlottesville, Home to US Presidents and UVA
Charlottesville is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Virginia. It is home to three US Presidents, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and the University of Virginia, This college town is not all about history though. You'll find a great foodie scene, several craft breweries, beautiful wineries, and a vibrant downtown pedestrian area in C'ville.
Charlottesville is a 2.5–hour drive from Washington DC and makes an excellent weekend getaway destination. Cville is one of our favorite day trips from Northern Virginia with a mostly scenic drive once you get past Route 66.
Plan your Charlottesville day trip or a weekend getaway with our guides to things to do, local restaurants, and great places to stay in Cville:
- Fun Things to Do in Charlottesville VA on a Virginia Getaway
- 21 Favorite Local Restaurants in Charlottesville VA
Check hotel reviews and availability in Charlottesville Virginia. We also stayed in an excellent one-bedroom Airbnb close to UVA and there are many more Charlottesville Airbnb rentals to choose from.
7. Richmond, Virginia's Cool Capital City
Foodies, beer lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs will find a great mix of fun things to do in Richmond, Virginia's vibrant capital city. Kayak in the James River, or cross the fun pedestrian bridge to Belle Isle and lounge along the riverbank. Stroll the Canal Walk and explore the downtown core. You'll find a mix of modern bars and restaurants, historic architecture, and a cool collection of murals.
Richmond is one of the best weekend trips from DC that mix natural and urban fun. A weekend getaway to Richmond avoids commuter traffic and local sites are open for longer hours.
Treat yourself with a stay at The Jefferson Hotel, one of the most romantic hotels in Virginia. Or look for a great weekend deal at one of Richmond's many hotels.
Check more reviews and availability at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond Virginia.
8. Clifton, a Classic American Small Town
The small, quaint town of Clifton is a true contrast to Washington DC. Check out the historic buildings, visit local shops, and grab a bite downtown. Take a hike on the Bull Run – Occoquan Trail, and sample Virginia wines at the closest winery to DC. It's a relaxing stop without too many distractions. And sometimes that's the point of choosing Virginia day trips near Washington DC.
9. Leesburg, History and Wine Country Near DC
The streets of downtown Leesburg are lined with historic buildings, now occupied by tasty restaurants, fun bars, antique stores, and local shops. Walk the downtown area and visit local shops, bars, and restaurants.
Outside of Leesburg's downtown, you'll find beautiful farms, wineries, breweries, and picturesque roads. For example, follow Old Waterford Road from the center of Leesburg to the quaint and historic town of Waterford. Explore some of the dirt roads of Loudoun County, a premier Virginia wine region (see more nearby stops below). Or head north of Leesburg on a scenic drive along the Maryland border.
Make it a weekend getaway with a stay at Landsdowne Resort, which offers beautiful rooms, a spa, biking, hiking, golf, and on-site dining close to downtown Leesburg.
Plan your visit with our complete guide: Leesburg Getaway in Northern Virginia Wine Country.
10. Purcellville and Bluemont
Spend a day at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the quaint towns of Purcellville and Bluemont. Here you will find excellent hiking, including a kid-friendly hike on the Appalachian Trail plus unique dining, shops, wineries, and breweries.
The small town of Purcellville is a great base for sampling Virginia craft beer and wine plus a fantastic distillery and some great restaurants. Outdoor lovers can hike or bike the Washington and Old Dominion bike trail which travels 45 miles back to the edge of DC.
Nearby Bluemont is a tiny town packed with local farms, breweries, wineries, and outdoor fun. Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail to a spectacular view at Bear's Den Overlook. For a more challenging hike, climb the AT's “roller coaster” to a great view at Raven Rocks. After the hike, reward yourself with more views and great craft beer at nearby Dirt Farm Brewing.
Plan your visit with our complete guides:
11. Chincoteague and Assateague Island on the Chesapeake Bay
Take a Chesapeake Bay day trip from DC and enjoy a day of nature and beach town fun. Chincoteague Island, site of the beloved Misty of Chincoteague book series, offers a family-friendly mix of classic beach town pursuits and unique natural adventures. Hike, bike, and look for the wild ponies in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, or explore from the water on a boat tour around the island.
Virginia's Eastern Shore is an ideal beach day trip from Washington DC. Head to Assateague National Seashore to relax and swim at a beautiful stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Wild ponies and ocean fun make Chesapeake one of the best day trips in Virginia for families.
Plan your visit with our guide Eastern Shore of Virginia Road Trip on a Chesapeake Bay Getaway.
Virginia Day Trips to Sample VA Wineries and Breweries
12. Hike and Beer, or LoCo Ale Trail, Loudoun County
Want to combine a little effort with a local craft beer? Check out these 5 Hike and Beer day trips. They all combine a beautiful Virginia hike with one of the state's excellent craft breweries. Or skip the hike and focus on the brews. Just grab your designated driver and visit a few stops on the LoCo Ale Trail. There are breweries scattered throughout Loudoun County, offering plenty of scenic drives and stops.
13. Day Trip to Wineries and Vineyards in Northern Virginia
If wine is your preference, we've got a selection of short and lovely hike and wine outings that make for fit and happy Virginia day trips near Washington DC. If you'd rather skip the hike and get right to the wine, point your designated driver to these Virginia wineries with beautiful views.
Need a designated driver for your group? Book a highly-rated Private Loudoun County Wine Tour and let your guide do the driving.
Historic Virginia Day Trips From Washington DC
14. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington
Walk or bus across the river from the Lincoln Memorial to visit Arlington National Cemetery, the closest in our list of Virginia day trips near DC. You can cover the basic bus tour in a couple of hours. However, we highly recommend a slower walk through this hallowed ground.
15. Manassas National Battlefield, Manassas
Manassas National Battlefield was the site of two important U.S. Civil War battles. The first gave locals hope that the war would be over quickly. The second, a year into the conflict, underscored the unpredictable and devastating impact of the ongoing war. Driving and hiking trails help visitors understand both battles and their role in the war. After your hike, visit The Winery at Bull Run for tasty Virginia wine and an interesting tie to the battlefield.
Extend your visit with a stay in nearby Historic Manassas.
16. Smithsonian Air and Space Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly
Aviation lovers flock to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on DC's National Mall, but we prefer the massive collection at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. The Udvar-Hazy museum houses aircraft too large for the Smithsonian's DC location. A Space Shuttle, Concorde, Blackhawk, and other stars of aviation are housed in 3 massive hangers just south of Washington Dulles International Airport. The Udvar-Hazy Center is one of the best places to visit on a rainy day in Northern VA, and is one of our favorite winter day trips from DC.
Find more rainy day fun in our guide: Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia to Escape Winter Cold or a Rainy Day.
Virginia Day Trips Near Washington DC Map and Tips
These Virginia day trips close to Washington DC offer fun all year long. Parks and hikes are particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers line the trails and green fills the forest. During Autumn, fall foliage colors the hills and mountains, and weather patterns are usually mild. Wherever you go, avoid driving during rush hour if at all possible.
You'll need a car for most of our Virginia day trips, and Zipcar has lots of locations in the DC area. Click here for $25 off your first Zipcar rental.
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