Your Ultimate DMV Travel Guide – Day Trips, Weekend Escapes & Outdoor Adventures

We’ve rounded up our most-loved day trips, weekend escapes, and outdoor adventures from past articles – back by popular demand and ready to inspire last-minute summer fun.

Over the years, our blog has featured scores of great getaway destinations around the DMV and beyond. As we head into the last month of summer vacation, we’re bringing some of our most popular posts together in one place for easy inspiration. If you’re craving a quick escape or a longer stay, you’ll find something here worth adding to your end-of-summer (and beyond!) travel list.

How to Use This Guide

Click through to our original in-depth articles for trip itineraries, dining recommendations, and local shopping guides. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a romantic weekend, or a family getaway, you’ll find plenty of destinations – most within just a few hours of the DMV. (Please note that some of the original links may have outdated information… if we’ve missed anything, let us know on Instagram or Facebook.)

Photo courtesy of Little Inn Washington

Day Trips Close to Home

Perfect for spontaneous adventures—no overnight bag required.

Fredericksburg, VA – Colonial heritage, Civil War battlefields, and a lively downtown sprinkled with restaurants, breweries, and boutiques will keep you coming back for more.
Baltimore, MD – Beyond the famous Inner Harbor, Baltimore offers a treasure trove of attractions: explore the National Aquarium, tour historic ships, or visit the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Annapolis, MD – Maryland’s capital charms with its historic district, harbor cruises, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Middleburg, VA – Virginia’s Hunt Country gem offers boutique shopping, historic inns, wineries, and scenic drives.
Leave the DMV Without Traveling Too Far – Frederick, Easton, Charlottesville, and Wilmington, Delaware, offer short-but-indulgent escapes.
Inn at Little Washington, VA – Luxury accommodations, world-class dining, and impeccable design… there’s a reason this local gem is a world-renowned “Bucket List” locale.

Photo courtesy of Travel and Leisure

By the Water

For boaters, beach lovers, and anyone who finds joy near the shore.

14 Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers – From Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City to Lake Anna and Deep Creek Lake. (Note: this is our most popular blog post EVER.)
Exploring the Chesapeake Bay by Boat – From Talbot County’s charming harbors to Annapolis cruises and the Northern Neck’s seafood-rich marinas.
Talbot County, MD – Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels serve up marinas, museums, fresh seafood, and boutique-lined streets.
Northern Neck, VA – Nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, this region brims with waterfront restaurants and charming small towns.
Beachy Towns to Visit – Go “up north” to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, stay closer with Rehoboth or St. Michaels, or head south to the Outer Banks or Florida Keys.

Take a Hike (and Other Outdoor Adventures)

Top Outdoor Hikes – From the Capital Crescent Trail to Billy Goat Trail and Great Falls Park.
Shenandoah Valley, VA – Hiking Old Rag, exploring Luray Caverns, and sipping wine after a Skyline Drive tour.
Local Dog Parks – When the “Dog Days of Summer” hit, pack a dog bowl of water, a bag of treats, and let your pup run wild!

History & Culture

Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown & Charles Town, WV (plus Boonsboro, MD) – Civil War history, quaint main streets, and riverfront recreation.
Brandywine Valley, PA & DE – DuPont family estates, gardens, and art museums.
Richmond, VA – History, art, botanical gardens, and a thriving food scene.

Sweet Treats

Best Ice Cream Spots – No summer is complete without a trip to indulge in something cold, creamy, and delicious.

No matter where your travels take you – soaking up the sun by the water, hiking through the mountains, or exploring charming main streets – you may just stumble upon a place that feels like home. If you find yourself falling in love with a town or neighborhood during your adventures, let us know. Our Corcoran McEnearney agents are here to help you explore local real estate and guide you through every step of finding your perfect home base – in DC, MD, VA & WV, or anywhere in the world through our Corcoran network. Your next getaway could turn into your next address!