A day trip from Washington DC can be an excellent opportunity for team building. It’s also a great way for families to get together and enjoy historic places, nature and life outdoors. If you’re looking for a wonderful place for a weekend getaway, you’ll find a list of the top five-day trip destinations from Washington DC below:
National Aquarium
Visiting the National Aquarium is one of the best day trips from Washington DC. It’s a non-profit public aquarium located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The aquarium is home to over 750 aquatic wildlife species, holding almost 20,000 specimens. It holds over 2,200,000 gallons of water with various setups mimicking various undersea environments.
The place also features 3D films with added special effects. Visitors can also experience a unique 4D theater. You can also customize your visitor experience, and there are overnight options, making it one of the best day trips from DC.
Distance from DC: 55 minutes
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 576-3800
Shenandoah National Park
A trip to Shenandoah National Park is ideal for nature lovers. It covers 200,000 acres of forest with breathtaking vistas and waterfalls within its territory west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an excellent place for families and friends to escape the challenges of modern urban living.
It’s also a popular place for scout groups to go camping. Hikers frequent the area, and others opt to go out camping. Horseback riding is also another popular activity here, and some families want to have a picnic outdoors. If you’re still browsing the best day trips from Washington DC, an alternative is to have large group dinners complete with amenities provided by Mountain Taproom or at Pollack Dining Room in Skyland Resort.
Distance from DC: 75 minutes
Address: Front Royal Entrance Station 17157 Skyline Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 999-3500
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Visiting the Gunpowder Falls State Park is a favorite for people who enjoy the outdoors. It covers 18,000 acres, making it one of Maryland’s largest state parks. The park is divided into six areas, including various terrains such as open lands, rugged slopes and tidal wetlands. The place features several attractions for people who love the outdoors.
As one of the best day trips from Washington DC, hikers can choose from over 120 miles of multiple-use trails, which can also be trekked on horseback. You can find several campsites within the area, an archery range and swimming beaches. If you plan on camping here, you should make your reservations early because the campgrounds are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Distance from DC: 1 hour 10 minutes
Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220,
Phone: (410) 592-2897
Colonial Williamsburg
A visit to Colonial Williamsburg transports visitors back into 18th century America during the frontier era. It’s a historic town complete with picturesque themes capturing the feel of those bygone days.
The town played an important role during the American Revolution and was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1776 to 1781. One of the historic moments that happened here was when George Washington led the army to the Battlefield of Yorktown.
Today, many colonial buildings are perfectly maintained, and some are restored to their original features. Some of the homes here are open for public viewing. Williamsburg is designated as a historic area and it’s widely considered one of the best day trips from DC for history buffs. Visitors get an open-air museum vibe complete with historical reenactments with horse-drawn carriages as part of the highlights.
Distance from DC: Approximately 3 hours
Address: 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: (855) 771-3290
A visit to the US Naval Academy should be added to the list of best day trips from DC. The Naval Academy was established in 1845 and has since been the campus where officers of the Navy and the Marine Corps obtain their training.
However, the campus is open to visitors, and they even have a Visitors Center located within Gate 1. The Visitors Center features an interactive exhibit where you can view the development and history of the country’s navy.
You can try one of the guided walking tours, where you can have a chance to explore the campus with a final stop at the gift shop. Bigger groups of 16 or more can take a special group tour.
Distance from DC: 45 minutes
Address: 121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
Phone: (410) 293-8687
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is located on an 18-acre waterfront. It houses the most extensive collection of Chesapeake Bay boats globally. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits in 12 exhibition buildings.
Visitors can also book scenic river cruises where they can enjoy the views along the waterways. Walking tours are also offered, or you can attend a festival or any special events on the schedule.
Distance from DC: 2 hours 30 minutes
Address: 213 N Talbot St, St Michaels, MD 21663
Phone: (410) 745-2916
Enjoy Your Next Day Trip with Atlantic Coast Charters
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