Quick Trips from Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., offers a lot within its city limits, from museums and monuments to restaurants and live music. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to get outside the city. The surrounding region is full of destinations that make for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway. You can find beaches, parks, small towns, historical sites, and cultural attractions all within a few hours of the city.

Many of these destinations are easy to reach by car or public transportation. That makes it simple to plan a quick escape without needing an overnight stay, though a weekend gives you more time to explore some of the areas that are a little further out.

No matter the season or your interests, these quick-trip destinations offer a variety of activities that are just a short drive from D.C.

1. Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria is only about ten miles from The ROOST White House, but it offers a peaceful break from the nation’s capital. Its Old Town district has walkable streets lined with historic row homes, shops and restaurants, and bars like Gadsby’s Tavern, which was established in 1770. There’s also the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions plant that was converted into a sprawling collection of artist studios in 1974. The waterfront area is an ideal spot for leisurely walks with lovely views of the Potomac River. It’s no wonder Conde Nast Traveler has called it one of the best small towns in America.

2. Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis is best known as the home of the United States Naval Academy, and you can sense its influence in the crowds— local politicians, boaters, naval shipmen, and tourists— who flock here. And for good reason, this quaint town on the Chesapeake Bay offers everything from the great outdoors, like at Quiet Waters Park, which offers trails and picnic spots, to excellent seafood at spots like Boatyard Bar & Grill for excellent crab cakes and Sailor Oyster Bar for tasty bivalves. It’s worth the 40 to 50-minute drive, for sure.

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore, about an hour’s drive from The ROOST White House, is often referred to as Charm City for its eclectic mix of high culture, maritime atmosphere, and down-home friendliness. The Inner Harbor is home to the National Aquarium, which draws plenty of tourists, but it comes to art, the city has a wide range of offerings, including The Walters Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, which is home to over 500 works by Henri Matisse, and the American Visionary Art Museum, a mecca for outsider art. Fells Point is home to local shops and pubs, and a nice place to walk around. And don’t miss Lexington Market, which features countless food stall,s including Faidleys Seafood, which claims to serve the best crab cake on the East Coast. If you want to stay the night, check into ROOST Baltimore at the up-and-coming Peninsula neighborhood. You can stock up on provisions at Little Wing or enjoy a drink at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery.

5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg’s famous battlefield has long been a must-see spot for American history buffs. The Gettysburg National Military Park offers ranger-led tours, driving routes, and walking trails across this hallowed ground— over 7000 soldiers lost their lives in the battle here. Downtown Gettysburg has local restaurants like the historic Dobbins Tavern (try the homemade pies for dessert) and souvenir shops that make it easy to spend part of the day outside the park. In about an hour and a half’s drive, you can step back in time and learn about one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

6. Winchester, Virginia

Winchester is just 85 miles from Washington, D.C., and offers the ultimate small-town escape. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is known for its pedestrian-friendly Old Town. There are plenty of mom-and-pop shops, antique stores, and family-friendly restaurants like the Snow White Grill, famous for its classic hamburger. In the fall, visitors can pick apples at the region’s many orchards while springtime welcomes the Apple Blossom Festival, ten days of parades, parties, and good times. just 85 miles from Washington, D.C.

7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road with scenic overlooks. The short hikes like Stony Man or Dark Hollow Falls give you quick access to mountain views and waterfalls. There are also scenic scrambles and epic stargazing opportunities at night. (There’s very little light pollution in this pristine region.) The visitor centers provide maps and advice for longer routes. In just an hour and 30 minutes’ drive from D.C., you’ll find yourself among some of nature’s most beautiful landscapes.

8. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond mixes historic and modern attractions. The American Civil War Museum and Virginia State Capitol highlight the city’s history, while the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers an expansive collection of 50,000 works, including paintings by African American greats like Romare Bearden and Kehinde Wiley. The outdoor space along the James River Park System features trails, rapids, and picnic areas. The city is home to a burgeoning dining scene with favorite spots like Cobra Cabana for beers and burgers, Stella’s, a local favorite for Greek dishes, and Restaurant Adarra, an award-winning spot to try Basque cuisine. If you’re looking for a short getaway from the city, this trip is just under two hours away from Washington, D.C.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you want to experience even more about the nation’s history, head 135 miles north to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. History students can visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Old City, which is now home to many independent clothing shops like Rennes and Vagabond, as well as art galleries. The sites are all close to each other and easy to walk in one day. Don’t miss The Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the top museums in the world, as well as the new Calder Gardens and The Barnes Foundation, which holds one of the best private art collections on the planet. Reading Terminal Market is a great place to sample everything from Pennsylvania Dutch specialties as well as Philadelphia standards like soft pretzels and cheesesteaks. Too much to see and do in the city of Brotherly Love? Check into the nearby ROOST East Market, which has a massive rooftop pool or ROOST Midtown, which is only a few blocks away from City Hall. Working-class Fishtown has been revitalized and is Philadelphia’s answer to Brooklyn, with excellent dining options like Kalaya for Thai cuisine, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons for Italian fare with wood-fired flair, and Hiroki for a singular omakase experience in one of the most elegant settings.

10. Lewes, Delaware

Lewes is a coastal town with access to Cape Henlopen State Park. The park has beaches, hiking trails, and bike rentals. Fuel up at restaurants like Heirloom, known for its award-winning farm-to-table cuisine, or Lewes Oyster House. Located inside a giant bunker is the Fort Miles Museum, which was once used as a spy station during World War II. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is another option for those who wish to extend their trip. Pack for a day on the coast and enjoy the 140-mile drive to Lewes, Delaware.

11. Cape May, New Jersey

If you’re up for a 3 to 4-hour road trip, head to Cape May in New Jersey. Cape May is a seaside destination, known for its Victorian architecture, small town atmosphere, and traditional seafood restaurants like the Lobster House. Visitors can climb the Cape May Lighthouse, walk the beaches or the elegant promenade, or take a guided trolley tour. There’s also a local zoo and winery to round out your stay. The ferry from Lewes is a direct link if you prefer to avoid extra driving.

12. Norfolk, Virginia

Take a drive (about 210 miles) to Norfolk, VA. Norfolk (pronounced naw-fik) offers both cultural stops and access to the water. The Neon District is known for its street art, and the Chrysler Museum of Art showcases centuries of works with an impressive collection of modern pieces by Jackson Pollock, Georgie O’Keeffe, and Mark Rothko, among others. Breweries like TK and Veil Brewery (which also features a vinyl lounge called Only You), restaurants like the Handsome Biscuit and Lomo Pizzeria, and access to nearby beaches add to the options for a weekend trip.

Explore D.C. and more when you stay at the ROOST White House. Quick trips from Washington, D.C. open up a range of experiences, from coastal towns to mountain trails. With the ROOST White House as your base, you can reach each of these destinations in a day or stretch the visit into a weekend. Pick the direction that works best for you. Plan the drive and you’ll be set for a change of scenery without traveling far.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to the Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C. — from iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, all just minutes from ROOST White House.