Jul

Best Day Trips From DC

Lifestyle

Daydreaming of that quintessential summer getaway, only without the hassle and financial cost? You’ve come to the right place because the DC area is brimming with day trip potential.

Keep reading for some of our favorite places to escape the city today and shake up your routine in style.

#1 Mount Vernon: This genteel estate overlooking the Potomac River in Virginia is one of the most iconic houses in America. The historic mansion was George Washington’s beloved home, originally built as a small farmhouse in 1734 by his father. George Washington later enlarged and enhanced Mount Vernon, and over a period of 45 years renovated the building to create a magnificent 21-room manor house. The 11,028-square-foot mansion is ten times larger than the average colonial house in Virginia. The cupola, completed in 1774, features a weathervane topped with a dove to symbolize peace.

#2 Gettysburg: A pivotal scene of American history took place on the fields of what is now Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, about 82 miles (a 90-minute drive) from Washington, DC. The three-day Battle of Gettysburg, fought on July 1st – 3rd in 1863, was the most decisive moment in the Civil War, with heavy casualties that set back the Confederate side and changed the course of the war in favor of the North.

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#3 Annapolis: The capital city of Maryland, Annapolis is a lovely seaport with four centuries of history. With its old brick streets and 18th-century colonial homes, the town is a living open-air museum. The historic district of Annapolis includes 18th-century brick houses and the domed 1700s Maryland State House. On Church Circle, the Romanesque-style St. Anne’s Episcopal Church has Tiffany glass windows and a historic cemetery. Meanwhile, the sprawling waterfront grounds of the United States Naval Academy feature beaux arts architecture, monuments, and a naval history museum.

#4 St. Michaels: Steeped in history dating back to the mid-1600s, St. Michaels is a peaceful coastal town in Maryland that was once a trading post for tobacco farmers and fur trappers. The town helped to defend against the British in the War of 1812 and later became an important center of shipbuilding and fishing. Tourists will enjoy visiting the town’s historic churches, colonial houses, and old Victorian homes. To learn more about the town’s maritime heritage, be sure to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum along the waterfront.

#5 Harpers Ferry: Thrill seekers flock to Harpers Ferry for the chance to experience adrenaline-pumping adventure sports, including white water rafting and tubing in the Potomac River. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is one of the most trusted rental companies in town. For those who aren’t quite as intrepid, a visit to the cobblestone streets and charming architecture throughout the Lower Town area might sound like a more attractive daily activity.

#6 Baltimore: It’s called Charm City for a reason. Baltimore is bursting with personality, as proven by all the quirky attractions and events that are found here, including the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, during which huge human-powered structures lumber around the city. The Visionary Art Museum houses an impressive collection of outsider art and the Tattoo Museum pays homage to all things ink. Savor brunch at Woodberry Kitchen and then proceed to W.C. Harlan, a moody speakeasy, for a refreshing cocktail.