There’s 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 generally a weekend getaway is simply what the physician ordered. Fortunately, D.C.’s central mid-Atlantic location provides vacationers easy accessibility to prime locations in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and extra.

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

The Finest Weekend Getaways From Washington, D.C.

About an hour or much less:

— Leesburg, Virginia

— Annapolis, Maryland

— Baltimore

— Middleburg, Virginia

About two hours or much less:

— Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia

— St. Michaels, Maryland

— Richmond, Virginia

About three hours or much less:

— Charlottesville, Virginia

— Rehoboth Seashore, Delaware

— Philadelphia

— Ocean Metropolis, Maryland

About an hour or much less:

Leesburg, Virginia

Located about 40 miles northwest of D.C., Leesburg will not be the primary vacation spot Washingtonians keep in mind after they consider an thrilling weekend getaway. However this hidden gem on the banks of the Potomac River has lots to supply every kind of vacationers. From historic buildings like George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor to lush inexperienced areas like Morven Park, you’ll uncover a stunning variety of issues to occupy your time with in Leesburg. Browse boutiques, discover artwork galleries or sip a latte at one in every of historic downtown Leesburg’s many charming cafes. Or, for those who’d like one thing slightly 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 dwell 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 presents facilities like three golf programs and a full-service spa.

Annapolis, Maryland

Maryland’s capital metropolis is good for vacationers who want a break from D.C.’s fast-paced environment. 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 prime 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.

Don’t neglect to take a look at town’s many outside treasures as properly. Weekenders can spend a day lounging on Sandy Level State Park‘s golden shoreline or take pleasure in 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’s time to show in for the night time, lay down your head at one of many metropolis’s many historic inns or lodges. Graduate Annapolis is a well-liked decide amongst latest vacationers due to its snug, nautical-style lodging and pleasant workers.

[See more of Annapolis: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Baltimore

Affectionately nicknamed “Appeal Metropolis,” Baltimore suits the invoice whether or not you’re planning a whirlwind daytrip or a fun-filled weekend getaway. From famend artwork museums just like the Baltimore Museum of Artwork and The Walters Artwork Museum to historic websites like Fort McHenry Nationwide Monument and Historic Shrine, this dynamic metropolis has one thing to supply nearly everybody. You received’t wish to miss prime sights like the united statesConstellation and the Nationwide Aquarium, and for those who can swing it, attempt to catch a baseball recreation on the iconic Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Simply don’t go away with out sampling Maryland’s well-known blue crab — the Chesapeake Bay is liable for roughly half of the nation’s total provide.

Though the drive right here from D.C. is comparatively quick at about 40 miles, it can save you your self the effort of navigating by means of downtown Baltimore by taking an Amtrak prepare 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 hold of, and the Appeal Metropolis Circulator (which presents 4 routes by means of town’s central enterprise district) is free to trip. First-time guests hoping to see a lot of Baltimore’s prime sights ought to go for lodging close to the Interior Harbor, or you may put your ghost-hunting abilities to the check by staying in a single day in one in every of metropolis’s spooky haunted lodges — such because the Admiral Fell Inn.

[See more of Baltimore: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Middleburg, Virginia

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 understood 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 driving abilities at one of many space’s equestrian facilities, go for a stroll alongside charming Washington Avenue, the place you may 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 identified for its many wineries — guests can spend a day sampling top-notch vino earlier than bedding down at one of many space’s lavish lodges. With a full-service spa, indoor and outside swimming pools, an equestrian heart, a cooking studio, and even an on-site zip lining course, Salamander Resort & Spa is ideal for vacationers who wish to pull out all of the stops for his or her quick weekend getaway. Or, you may 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 Competition, or arrive on the primary Saturday of December to participate within the city’s beloved annual Christmas parade.

About two hours or much less:

Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia

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.

When you really feel like roughing it below the celebrities, the park presents 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 identified for its intensive chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

[See more of Shenandoah National Park: Things to Do | When to Visit | Photos ]

St. Michaels, Maryland

Vacationers in search of a soothing 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 go well with a wide range of wants, whether or not you’re in search of a romantic journey for 2 or a family-friendly retreat on the water. Be taught in regards to the city’s wealthy historical past of shipbuilding by means of interactive displays on the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, then acquire your sea legs on a sundown boat tour of Miles River. Or, for those who’d reasonably persist with land, you may discover the streets of St. Michaels on a pedicab trip earlier than perusing the numerous distinctive retailers and eating places that line Talbot Avenue. When it’s time to show in for the night, guests can retreat to one in every of St. Michaels’ cozy inns or trip leases.

Richmond, Virginia

About 110 miles from Washington, Virginia’s capital, whereas steeped in historical past, is under no circumstances caught up to now. Certain, vacationers can take pleasure in iconic landmarks just like the Virginia State Capitol and St. John’s Church, however you’d 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 Advantageous Arts to top-notch eating places and breweries, Richmond presents a plethora of how to spend your time. Take a stroll by means of eccentric Carytown, the place you’ll discover boutiques, a Twenties movie show and extra road murals than you may 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 outside areas will wish 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.

[See more of Richmond: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

About three hours or much less:

Charlottesville, Virginia

The town of Charlottesville, situated about 115 miles southwest of D.C., is a perfect getaway spot for individuals who wish 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 dwell and work right here. Current 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 US to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

If you’re able to step again into the current, you’ll 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 world’s colourful fall foliage. Don’t neglect 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.

[See more of Charlottesville: Things to Do | Wineries | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Rehoboth Seashore, Delaware

Nicknamed the “Nation’s Summer time Capital,” Rehoboth Seashore is one in every of Delaware’s greatest weekend getaway locations. Positioned about 120 miles east of D.C., this 1-square-mile city is ideal for vacationers seeking a basic seaside trip. Spend a day lounging on the sand, then go for a stroll alongside Rehoboth’s vigorous boardwalk, which is filled with eating places, bars, retailers and extra. In the meantime, households received’t wish to miss a go to to Funland, a well-liked amusement park that includes arcade video games and loads of kid-friendly rides. For a quieter (however no much less stunning) seaside expertise, head to Cape Henlopen State Park. Positioned north of Rehoboth Seashore, this coastal park presents ample alternatives for swimming, fishing, biking, tenting, mountain climbing and extra.

When it’s time to mattress down, the world is stuffed with cozy cottages and trip leases. Or, vacationers can discover lodging at one in every of Rehoboth Seashore’s prime lodges. Boardwalk Plaza Lodge boasts snug Victorian-style lodging and perks like an on-site pub and indoor-outdoor pool. In the meantime, The Avenue Inn & Spa attracts vacationers in search of extras like a full-service spa and complimentary breakfast. Plan an autumn go to to Rehoboth Seashore to expertise the annual Sea Witch Competition, a prime fall pageant.

[See more of Rehoboth Beach: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Philadelphia

Historical past buffs who’ve already explored Washington’s many monuments and museums shall 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 saved 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.

Understand that visitors in Philly is notoriously unhealthy and parking choices are slim, so ditch the automobile and go for public transportation as a substitute. An Amtrak prepare from Union Station to William H. Grey III thirtieth Avenue Station sometimes takes lower than two hours, and when you’re there, town’s easy-to-use transit system will get you wherever you could go. However for those who don’t really feel like sharing elbow room with a bus filled with strangers, don’t fear — Philadelphia is persistently rated as one of the walkable cities within the U.S. Benefit from this by reserving your keep at Kimpton Lodge Monaco Philadelphia or the swanky Rittenhouse lodge, each of which provide prime areas close to lots of the metropolis’s prime sights.

[See more of Philadelphia: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Ocean Metropolis, Maryland

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

Due to its place on Assawoman and Isle of Wright bays, Ocean Metropolis is the right place to take pleasure in low-key waters ports like paddleboarding and kayaking. However, after all, the primary draw right here is town’s large, sandy seaside. Though you’ll should battle 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 right summer time 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 benefit from Ocean Metropolis’s thrilling nightlife scene — Seacrets, the island’s hottest get together advanced, options greater than 15 bars and a number of other phases enjoying nightly dwell music.

[See more of Ocean City: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

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The 11 Finest Weekend Getaways From Washington, D.C. initially appeared on usnews.com

Replace 01/05/23: This text was printed at an earlier date and has been up to date with new info.