The Best Things to Do Labor Day Weekend in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Labor Day 2020 is sure to be different for many of us, even if we are able to partake in some of our favorite annual celebrations. We’ve found some great ways for you to enjoy your long weekend, whether that’s right in the comfort of your own backyard, in the splendor of our local national and state parks, or with some socially distant fun.

*please reference individual sites for specifics on operations during COVID-19.

Chill Out by the Water

Why not take a little extra time and cool off from the summer heat? Take a look at our curated list of beaches, lakes, and rivers near Washington DC, where you can pack a picnic, rent some water toys, or kick off your shoes and enjoy your day at the shore.

Go for a stroll and grab some local grub from one of our nearby boardwalks. Living in the DC metro area provides ample nearby waterfront walks including DC Wharf, Yards Park, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, National Harbor, Baltimore Inner Harbor, and Downtown Annapolis. Rent all your favorite water toys including kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats from the Key Bridge Boathouse, Tidal Basin Paddleboats, Mason Neck State Park, or Burke Lake Park.

Go for a Stroll

Say farewell to summer with a stroll through any of our public gardens and parks. In DC you can choose from the National Arboretum, Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden, Meridian Hill Park, National Mall and the Enid A Haupt Garden, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.

Take a day and enjoy the great outdoors at any of the hundreds of trails in Shenandoah National Park or the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia. If a longer trip is on your wishlist, then be sure to check out Massanutten – it’s just as wonderful without the snow and ice of winter!

In Maryland, Great Falls National Park and Piscataway Park offer unique trails and incredible views of Virginia, you can even spot Mount Vernon from Piscataway Park. Harpers Ferry, offers the best of all worlds, historical sites, great hiking trails, and waterfront activities.

Meander at a Museum

There are multiple museums now open to the public with new social distancing protocls in place. Around DC, you can now visit the National Zoo, Artechouse, and the International Spy Museum, among others. The Mansion on O is even hosting a special Labor Day self-guided tour in partnership with District Pit BBQ. Head out to the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center or Mount Vernon in Virginia for a trip the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Cheer on the Nationals

Missing the ball games’ concessions and brews? Many vendors at Nationals Park are offering takeout from their main dining locations. What better way to cheer on the Nats than with some local faire and the game on right from the comfort of your couch? Make a whole weekend out of it as the Nats defend their World Series title:

9/4 Friday vs Braves at 4:10 PM
9/5 Saturday vs Braves at 7:10 PM
9/6 Sunday vs Braves at 1:10 PM
9/7 Monday vs Rays at 6:05 PM

Celebrate in Your Backyard

With a little creativity, you can create your own beer garden or outdoor dining space. If you don’t feel like grilling, stop by your favorite restaurant for some traditional Labor Day eats. We might recommend some of our favorite seafood restaurants. If you’re more keen to go out an soak up the last bit of summer outside, many restaurants and breweries throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia have found creative ways to continue to serve safely and help us enjoy the beautiful summer season. Running Hare Vineyard in Maryland is even hosting a special Labor Day fireworks display on September 4^th at 9 PM

Outdoor Fitness

Host an outdoor fitness session with your friends or attend a Labor Day outdoor workout. Partake in a Silent Circuit or Warrior Workout in Maryland, or head to Yoga and Mimosas in Virginia for a fun way to stay fit this weekend. Remember to check with your local fitness studio to see if they are offering online classes. So move your weekend routine from indoor to outdoor and invite some friends or family over!

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