DC is one of the best places for a great day trip. We are within hours of beaches, great small towns, adventure experiences, and history! When you are planning your best day trips in Washington DC, you will definitely want to include these 10 options!

1. St. Michaels, MD
Saint Michaels, St Michaels, MD 21663, USA
Flickr/Lee Cannon
St. Michaels is a gorgeous coastal town outside of DC where visitors can shop, enjoy fantastic seafood, experience water sports and learn about the unique history of the town. If you search for "day trips near me" St. Michaels will certainly pop up toward the top of the list.
2. Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
Flickr/DPbirds
Greenbrier State Park is two hours outside of DC and just might be your go-to destination. The beautiful beach in Maryland is a perfect place to camp, hike, fish, boat, picnic, or swim. Enjoy jumping in and cooling off in their 42-acre man-made lake all summer long!
3. Solomons Island
Solomons Island, Solomons, MD 20688, USA
Flickr/BKL
Solomons Island is a quiet fishing town that is less than an hour away from DC. There is plenty to experience there, from museums to art museums and of course, absolutely incredible waterside views from the boardwalk! A visit here is definitely one of the best day trips in Washington DC!
4. Culpeper, VA
Culpeper, VA 22701, USA
Facebook/Visit Culpeper VA
Culpeper is an often overlooked day trip destination but it shouldn’t be! Culpeper has an adorable downtown that is perfect for strolling and shopping. There are historical reenactments, nearby vineyards, and a summer concert series, making it an ideal summer destination!
5. Leesylvania State Park
Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, USA
Judy Gallagher/Flickr
When you don’t want to drive 3+ hours to the ocean, head to Leesylvania State Park. This secret beach is ideal for Washingtonians who want a quiet beach day without worrying about traffic! It is one of the most unique things to do around Washington DC.
6. Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, VA, USA
Flickr/m01229
It’s hard to believe Alexandria is right outside of DC! But it has everything you need for a great day trip and it’s only a quick drive. Hop on the King Street Trolley and explore the old town area, take a riverboat cruise for amazing views of the district and be sure to stop in at the many local boutiques for some shopping!
7. Sykesville, MD
Sykesville, MD 21784, USA
Facebook/Sykesville Main Street
Budget Travel named Sykesville one of the coolest small towns in America and we have to agree! You’ll love the all-American hometown feeling that lives on their thriving Main Street! Try to time your trip with one of their famous festivals to really get the full Sykesville experience.
8. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park, 6129 Needwood Lake Dr, Derwood, MD 20855, USA
Go Ape USA Facebook Page
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is definitely a day trip for thrill seekers! This amazing park will give you an experience of a lifetime as you climb high into the trees and across fun obstacles before ziplining down to the ground!
9. Boonsboro, MD
Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
If you love romance novels, you will love Boonsboro. Located just 63 miles outside of the city in Maryland, Boonsboro is the home to acclaimed novelist Nora Roberts who wrote a series of books based in the town.
10. Cape Henlopen
Cape Henlopen, Delaware 19958, USA
Flickr/Jukie Bot
Cape Henlopen is a public beach two and half hours outside of DC. If you prefer to explore other areas, there are miles of hiking and biking trails where you can enjoy the picturesque coastal environment.

While you’re exploring the area, be sure to make a note of these 13 best small towns near Washington DC!

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Best day trips in Washington DC

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 01, 2022

I’d like more information about Cape Henlopen.

Cape Henlopen is a fantastic day trip option from Washington, DC.  You can get there in only about two and half hours which will drop you off along the Delaware Coast. It’s the beach that really draws folks here and as popular as it is, it’s interesting that it is so underrated. In addition to swimming and sunbathing (of course!), visitors can also go hiking and biking along the miles of beautiful trails that meander through the area.

Where can I find a kid-friendly hike in the Washington DC area?

The Washington, DC area is chock full of kid-friendly hikes and each of them offers its own unique beauty. Among them is Rock Creek Park. The main pathways are the Valley Trail and the Western Ridge Trail, and from those, you’ll find several connector trails. The best part? Rock Creek Park sits right in the middle of the city!

I’m looking for a wine bar around the Washington DC area.

If you love wine, you’ll find numerous wine bars around the Washington DC area. One of the most popular is at the Boxwood Estate Winery. Located in Middleburg, VA the establishment specializes in Bordeaux-style wines including Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, Cabernet Francs, and Sauvignon Blancs, for those in the know. And here’s a fun fact for your next wine gathering: the winery is owned by John Kent Cooke, former owner and president of the renamed Washington Football Team!

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