Many Washingtonians enjoy vacation time and long weekends during the holiday season and in the winter. While we might not be able to quickly get to beaches and it might be a little too cold for winter hikes, DC is near some amazing winter destinations. These 10 places are the best winter road trips near DC.

1. Lancaster, PA
Facebook/Discover Lancaster
Lancaster, PA, USA
Facebook/Discover Lancaster
Lancaster is a two and a half hour drive from DC and is best known as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Between a peaceful countryside, family activities, light displays, and shopping, it offers plenty of things to do in the winter near DC!

Visit the Discover Lancaster website for more information.
2. Williamsburg, VA
Facebook/Visit Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA, USA
Facebook/Visit Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a three-hour drive from DC and it's a great spot for a long weekend. Experience history and charm in historic Williamsburg and take a visit to Busch Gardens for thrills and fun winter outdoor activities near DC.

Head to the Visit Williamsburg website for more information.
3. Middleburg, VA
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Middleburg, VA 20117, USA
Facebook/Middleburg VA
Middleburg is the nation's Horse and Hunt Capital. This little town 90 minutes outside of DC offers small-town charm, beautiful countryside views, great restaurants, and fantastic vineyards.

Head to the Visit Middleburg website for more information.
4. Shepherdstown, WV
Facebook/Shepherdstown, WV
Shepherdstown, WV, USA
Facebook/Bavarian Inn, Shepherdstown WV
Shepherdstown, West Virginia is a small town along the Potomac River and one of the best winter road trips near DC. Stroll down main street and dine at independent restaurants before exploring the gorgeous landscape. Stay at and enjoy the amenities of the quaint Bavarian Inn, Resort and Brewing Company for a rustic experience.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about things to do Sheperdstown, West Virginia.
5. McHenry, MD
Facebook/Wisp Resort
McHenry, MD, USA
Flickr/Hunter Peddicord
McHenry is tucked away near Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. If you're dreaming of a snowy winter, then you will want to make a drive to this remote spot for skiing or snow tubing at Wisp Resort or long snowy walks in the woods. This area of Maryland offers plenty of winter outdoor activities near DC.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about snow tubing at Wisp Resort.
6. Bethlehem, PA
Flickr/Jack
Bethlehem, PA, USA
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Bethlehem is in the heart of Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. In the winter, the town becomes "The Christmas City," a dynamic attraction featuring light displays, festivals, and winter fun.

Visit the Historic Bethlehem website for more information.
7. Tucker County, WV
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Tucker County, WV, USA
Facebook/Tucker County, West Virginia
Tucker County is the perfect destination if you are looking for winter outdoor activities near DC. It offers pristine wilderness, ski slopes at Canaan Valley, cross country ski trails at White Grass, and gorgeous backcountry scenery.

Visit the WV Tourism website for more information on Tucker County.
8. Brandywine Valley
Facebook/Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Facebook/Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
Brandywine Valley is between Delaware and Pennsylvania. It's home to gorgeous countryside, the stunning Longwood Gardens, and will relax any stressed-out Washingtonian with its peaceful vibe.

Head to the Brandywine Valley website for a calendar of upcoming winter events.
9. Frostburg, MD
Facebook/Savage River Lodge
Frostburg, MD 21532, USA
Facebook/Savage River Lodge
Tucked away in the remote Frostburg, Maryland is Savage River Lodge. This gorgeous lodge sits on 700 acres of winter wonderland. It offers all the winter activities including snowshoeing, skiing, and a warm fireplace to cozy up next to.

Visit the Downtown Frostburg website for more information.
10. Charlottesville, VA
Facebook/Charlottesville, VA - City Hall
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Facebook/Charlottesville, VA - City Hall
Historic Charlottesville is a wonderful winter destination. Washingtonians can explore the quaint downtown streets, experience history at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, or relax at one of their 30+ vineyards. It's one of the best places to be if you're looking for things to do in winter near DC.

Head to the Visit Charlottesville website for a list of winter activities.

Where will you adventure this winter? Will you be taking one of the best winter road trips near DC that we mentioned above? Keep exploring around DC on these not-to-miss day trips from DC!

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More to Explore

Best Winter Road Trips Near DC

Melissa M. | January 26, 2022

What are some of the best winter outdoor activities near and in DC?

It’s always important to get some fresh air no matter what time of the year, and a hike is one of the best ways to do that. You can hit the trails on one of the best winter hikes near DC and take in the wintry scenery as you breathe in the fresh air. You can also try ice skating, find a sled riding hill, or just take a walk around The National Mall.

What are some of the best museums to visit in winter near DC? 

Washington DC is home to some of the best museums in the country including the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the many Smithsonian museums, and the International Spy Museum. You can certainly keep busy by visiting only museums around our nation’s capital this season!

Are there any ski resorts near DC?

A mere two hours away from DC, you’ll find Bryce Resort. Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Bryce offers 800-foot-long snow tubing runs, skiing, snowboarding, and even ice skating. Escape the city and hit the slopes of Virginia this winter!

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