5 Favorite Day Trips from The DC Area

Have you taken a day trip recently? When life gets busy, sometimes a change of scenery that doesn't require much planning or packing is just what the doctor ordered. Luckily in the DC area, it's easy to plan a quick escape, with many options for day trips from DC just a short drive away. So whether you want to step into the great outdoors, enjoy local food favorites, explore a new museum, or browse in fun shops, here are 5 of the best day trips from the DC area, each with something unique to offer.

*This post was originally published in October, 2016, and updated January, 2024. 

This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own. 

1.  Annapolis, Maryland.  Home to the U.S. Naval Academy and the historic Maryland State House,  this capital city offers the day visitor many options for spending the day. To me, just strolling the streets of this quaint waterfront town, combined with a local seafood meal is the perfect day. When the weather is nice, there are plenty of choices for getting out on the water. One option is a guided kayak tour, which we enjoyed a number of years ago. Check out Paddle Annapolis and their two-hour guided tour.  Another option is a sailing adventure with Schooner Woodwind. They offer two hour and sunset cruises. This adventure is still on my list of things to do!  

For those who prefer not to get their feet wet, there is plenty to do on dry land. Take one of several popular tours at the Naval Academy, including a guided, historical walking tour. Or better yet, try the Original Annapolis Seafood Crawl! We had so much fun eating our way around town with our local guide Craig. He uses an electric cart to transport guests, a perfect way to get around the busy downtown area.  

If you decide not to take the food tour, there are plenty of places to enjoy local favorites. Day-trippers may want to check out Chick and Ruth’s Delly and try their famous crab cakes or an overstuffed sandwich. In the summer, take the short drive to Cantler's Riverside Inn for hard shell crabs, a Maryland specialty. Whatever you do, save room to stop for ice cream at the popular Annapolis Ice Cream Company.
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2.  Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. History and hiking make Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and the surrounding area a perfect outdoor day trip. It’s a place where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers join together, so the views are definitely photo worthy! Bring the dog and stroll along the C&O Canal towpath, a 184-mile trail that is also one of our favorites for a scenic bike ride. The area offers something for all levels of hikers, leading to scenic mountain vistas, Civil War battlefields, and parts of the Appalachian Trail.  

Start your day at the Visitor Center. This is also the location of the main parking area for the town and a shuttle to the Lower Town. Parking outside of the Visitor Center lot is limited. Unfortunately, if you are traveling with a dog, you won't be allowed on the shuttle; prepare for an uphill walk on the return trip to the car. 

The Lower Town is an area with shops and historic buildings. It is also where visitors will find the John Brown Museum and John Brown's Fort, the site of the famous raid in October 1859. The fascinating history of the fort spans from before the Civil War through the 1900s. The fort was dismantled and moved on several occasions.  Download the National Park Service app to have maps, things to do including self-guided tours,  and visitor center status information at your fingertips. 

When it’s time to eat, there are several good choices, especially for a town of this size. The Cannonball Deli, Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee, and the Rabbit Hole Gastropub are popular. The Kelley Farm Kitchen boasts great reviews for its vegan and vegetarian dishes. Many of the outdoor patios are dog-friendly. If you don’t have dogs with you, wander into True Treats Historic Candy Shop. All in all it’s a small town with plenty to keep you busy. And if your trip to Harpers Ferry takes you through Brunswick, Maryland, be sure to pop in to the super cute Beans in the Belfry for a cup of coffee and a snack!

3.  Baltimore, Maryland. Over the years, we’ve taken many family day trips to Baltimore. No matter the season, there is always something fun to do. Shop at the Christmas Village, a seasonal indoor and outdoor holiday market in the Inner Harbor, or see the holiday lights by trolley! One of my favorites for any time of year is visiting the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor. Whether you are strolling through Shark Alley, or catching the latest movie in the 4D Immersion Theater, the aquarium never disappoints. You can read more about why I think it’s a cool place for teens. 

Museum-goers will enjoy spending time at the nearby, highly acclaimed Walters Art Museum. This hidden gem has treasures spanning centuries, with over 35,000 objects in their collection along with a fascinating history of how the artwork was collected by William Thompson Walters and his son, Henry. Other favorite places around town include Fort McHenry National Monument and the interactive Maryland Science Center, always a good time with kids!

Like Annapolis, Baltimore has some excellent food choices featuring local Maryland seafood, plenty of which are around the harbor. Search the latest reviews online before you go. Nearby Fell's Point also has a variety of  dining options like the popular Thames Street Oyster House. It's always nice to grab some dessert in Little Italy. You can’t go wrong with a cannoli from Vaccaro’s!​

4.  The Eastern Shore of Maryland. If you live in the DC area, you probably have made at least one or two trips to the Delaware and Maryland beaches. But along the way, you’ll also find several quaint small towns just off Route 50, including Easton, St. Michael’s, Oxford, and Cambridge. Each of these towns offer their own brand of small town charm worthy of a day visit. At the far end of what I consider day trip range from DC is the town of Cambridge, home to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains a third of Maryland’s tidal wetlands, and you’ll have a pretty good chance of seeing bald eagles most of the year. The area is also home to portions of the Tubman Byway, including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. 

Another one of my favorite places to visit is the town of St. Michael’s, a popular town for day trips and weekend getaways, with boutiques, art galleries, and wonderful restaurants. Visit the Crab Claw when the weather is nice, and spend the afternoon cracking crabs and drinking beer, a Maryland tradition. Or grab ice cream at Justine’s Ice Cream Parlor. Bike riding is popular here too, with flat roads and wide shoulders.  We recently took an overnight cycling trip in the area and stayed nearby in peaceful Tilghman Island. Read why we included the area on our list of 5 Scenic Bike Trails in the Mid-Atlantic Region. It doesn't get any better than ending the day eating a delicious crab cake while watching the evening sky on the deck at Tickler’s Crab Shack and Restaurant.

If you want to extend your day trip, any of these small towns also make fabulous overnight getaways. The Knapp’s Narrows Marina & Inn in Tilghman Island was perfect for our overnight stay. If you are looking for something with plenty of amenities, I think the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge is worth the splurge. You’ll also find that St. Michael’s has plenty of options for spending the night including the luxurious Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels Harbour, Inn and Spa and The Wildset. Whatever you decide, any time spent on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is time well spent. 

​5.  Loudoun County, Virginia. You won’t have to travel far to be in the country, for a day of small-town shopping, farm fun, history, wine and beer tastings, and plenty of fresh air. Some of my favorite day activities are hiking at Ball's Bluff, spending an afternoon at a farm, or relaxing at one of dozens of  wineries or breweries. Grab a bike and hit the W&OD trail, where you can find several breweries just off the trail. Or grab a bite to eat in small town Leesburg, which I think is a great place for foodies.  Don't miss a visit to The Old Lucketts Store and Garden Gatherings in nearby Lucketts for year round unique garden and home shopping inspiration. 

Each season brings special events and activities. Fall in Loudoun County brings numerous opportunities for leaf peeping around the bend of every country road. Like Harpers Ferry, hiking and history often go hand in hand, especially at places like Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, adjacent to the Potomac River, or Morven Park in Leesburg. Winter typically brings the old fashioned Christmas & Holiday Parade in Leesburg and the classic Christmas in Middleburg. The Visit Loudoun website has the most up to date information for any season.  For more ideas, read 5 Ways to Spend the Day in Loudoun County Virginia.