Need a mini vacation?
We’ve got you covered.
Looking for a little getaway from the DMV? Look no further! There are so many exciting destinations within a few hours’ driving distance. From urban adventures to hiking trips, these 12 vacations were some of our favorite long weekend jaunts. Enjoy!
- Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park- North
- Shenandoah National Park – South
- Dolly Sods, West Virginia
- Roanoke, Virginia
- Rehoboth Beach/Ocean City
- Assateague Island
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- New York City
1. Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Distance from DC – 1 hour 15 minutes
It’s close, it’s scenic, it’s full of history. Hike the Maryland Heights and Loudoun Heights trails, raft sections of the Shenandoah River, and immerse yourself in the stories about the Civil War as you explore old churches and cemeteries.
We stayed in this really cool school bus Airbnb close to town (the collie in the photos was unfortunately not included.) 10/10 would recommend.
2. Shenandoah National Park- North
Distance from D.C. – 2 hours
At just a couple hours away from DC, Shenandoah makes a great day trip, but it’s fun to crash at a nearby Airbnb and make a weekend of it. For a classic, shortish hike that offers stunning views, visit Mary’s Rock. If you’re looking for more of a challenge and want to do some scrambling, make the journey up to Old Rag.
Less popular but just as (if not more) rewarding are the Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run trails, which you can combine with Old Rag for a full-day haul. Be sure to stop by Rappahonnack Pizza Kitchen in Sperryville for some post-slog sustenance.
Other trails worth checking out are Hamilton Mountain and Little Devil’s Stairs. Just watch out for rattlesnakes in the summer!
3. Shenandoah National Park – South
Distance from DC – 3 hours
A bit further away but often quieter than Shenandoah North, the south end of Shenandoah is a worthwhile destination. The Riprap trail is a particular highlight.
4. Dolly Sods, West Virginia
Distance from DC – 3 hours
This is one of our favorite camping and backpacking spots within a reasonable driving distance from DC. Located in the Monongahela National Forest, there are over 47 miles of trails to explore, complete with verdant mountains, criss-crossing streams (the perfect temperature to cool your beer as you hike), and a dark sky scattered with stars. We particularly recommend the Dolly Sods Full Loop and Blackbird Knob.
Take the short trip off the plateau to Seneca Rocks to mix things up.
5. Roanoke, Virginia
Distance from DC – 4 hours
A scenic drive or train ride from DC, Roanoke is a cute town with delicious food, little shops, and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. We hiked the Triple Crown, made up of three peaks: Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve has more hiking, boating, and biking opportunities.
In town, visit the Mill Mountain Star at sunset for a lovely view.
It’s also worth stopping by Craftateria, and indoor market with homemade food and goods. The friendly proprietor, Mark, provided us with many food recs, which we will pass along here: Tuco’s Tacos, Taza, Tacos Rojas, Fortunato, Lucky, Local Roots, and Green Goat. We went to Tuco’s Tacos and were not disappointed.
6. Rehoboth Beach/Ocean City
Distance from DC – 2.5 hours
Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City are touristy destinations known for their kitschy boardwalks, but there’s so much more to do in the area than lounge on the beach and stroll down the strip.
If you’re a beer fan, drop by the Dogfishead Brewery in Milton, Delaware for a free tour or sit down for a heavy meal and a flight of seasonal brews at the Dogfishead tap house in Rehoboth.
Need to stretch your legs after consuming beer-battered everything? (Yum!) Stop by Cape Henlopen State Park to learn about the area’s history and to take in some lovely sea views.
To get away from the larger crowds, venture to nearby Dewey Beach for a swim or to see the largest gathering of golden doodles in the country, the Dewey Doodle Romp.
7. Assateague Island
Distance from DC – 3 hours
Wild horses! Camping! Beaches! Biking! What more do you really need?
The Sea Gull Century, an annual 100-mile bike ride starting and ending in Salisbury, goes through here, and we were lucky enough to pay the island a quick visit mid-ride. Will we be back to camp on the sand with our friendly equine neighbors? Definitely!
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Distance from DC – Just over an hour (by plane)
Asheville is a quick and easy trip from the nation’s capital, especially when no-frills airlines like Allegiant Air offer such cheap flights there.
Hang out in the Blue Ridge mountains for a weekend or more and check out independent art galleries, good Southern food, and live music. If you’re into analog synthesizers (aka you are Alex), we recommend paying a visit to the Moog Factory and showroom.
The highest mountain in North Carolina, Mt. Mitchell, is 35 miles from Asheville and is a stunning hike to the summit and down.
9. Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Distance from DC – 1 hour 45 minutes
A quick flight from the District, Great Smoky Mountain National Park has some lovely hiking opportunities and won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet. We flew into Knoxville on Allegiant Air (the price is right, but no checked bags are included) and stayed in an Airbnb.
Highlights of our long weekend? Hiking Clingman’s Dome was short and sweet but with a rewarding panoramic view. Climb up early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte is a favorite, as is the Rainbow Falls Trail.
For the most part, we steered clear of Pigeon Forge, but if you’re a fan of Dolly Parton (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?!) Dollywood may be worth your while!
10. Baltimore
Distance from DC – 1 hour
Even if you’re not a fan of crab, there’s so much to eat, see, and do in Charm City.
Stroll along the Inner Harbor and pay a visit to the National Aquarium or duck into eclectic shops along the water. Check out the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture or hit up one of the city’s many craft breweries.
11. Philadelphia
Distance from DC – 2.5 hours
Just a quick drive or bus ride away, Philly presents a welcome escape from the District, filled to the brim with interesting historical sites, delectable food (plan to get a bit lost navigating the maze of Reading Terminal Market in search of the perfect meal and make a stop at Federal Donuts and Rosa’s Pizza), and funky, artsy locales.
On South Street, home to more than 400 shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries, swing by Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, an immersive mosaic-covered homage to folk art created by artist Isaiah Zagar.
12. New York City
Distance from DC – 4 hours
Hop on a Greyhound, Bolt Bus, or (if you’re feeling fancy) an Amtrak at Union Station and you’ll be in the heart of the Big Apple in a lot less time than it takes to binge a season of Brooklyn Nine Nine. NYC is the perfect weekend or long weekend getaway from DC if you’d like to be surrounded by buildings significantly taller than the Washington Monument and to feel the neon pulse and frenetic, eclectic culture of the city.
There are so many things to do in New York, so we’ll leave you with just a few activities we’ve enjoyed there:
Hungry? Be sure to hit up Artichoke Pizza (several locations, but we recommend the one just off of the High Line) for some greasy, doughy goodness. We also enthusiastically endorse Teranga, a pan-African restaurant on the northeast corner of Central Park.
For a breath of fresh air and some exercise, check out Pier 96, which provides free kayaking organized by Manhattan Community Boathouse. 20-minute free rentals are doled out on a first-come-first-served basis.
And there you have it: 12 incredibly different but equally exciting getaways from D.C. Did we miss anywhere important? Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comments.
The Adventures of Lorax 