Washington, D.C. is an incredible place to be, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of town for a while. D.C. is located just a few hours from the ocean and many other states. The weekend trip opportunities are endless, but here are 10 that should be near the top of your list.
1. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, MD is one of the top destinations on the east coasts for beach goers. Home to an incredible boardwalk and beach. Ocean City also offers biking, skateboarding and horseback riding. Ocean City is 146 miles from D.C. and is a two hour and 40 minute drive.
2. Harpers Ferry, West Virgina
If you’re not into the beach, but love history, then Harpers Ferry, WV may be the place for you to visit. Harpers Ferry is home to the site of John Brown’s raid of a federal armory in 1859. The famed abolitionists attempt was unsuccessful, but was another catalyst to the civil war. Harpers Ferry is home to the Harpers Ferry National Park and the remnants of the 19th century town. You can hike in the national park or walk around the quaint town that still retains its 19th century charm. Located just 63.7 miles from D.C. at about an hour and 16 minute Harpers Ferry also makes a great day trip.
3. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The Delaware beaches are a great alternative to the busy Ocean City. Rehoboth Beach is the larger of the two beaches I mention in this post and is a hideaway for many D.C. elites. With a flourishing boardwalk and plenty of white beaches Rehoboth Beach is the perfect place to relax. Rehoboth Beach is 121 miles from D.C. which is about two hours and 54 minutes.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is another great historic city. Site of the birth of our nation there is so much to do in Philadelphia. You can visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and then learn about your constitutional rights at the American Constitution Center. After discovering the birth of America you can visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo or the newly opened observatory at One Liberty Place. Philadelphia has a lot to explore and is a great weekend getaway. Philly is only 142 miles from D.C. and is two hours and 28 minutes away without traffic.
5. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is another beach get away that is close to D.C. Located close to Norfolk, VA there are three different beaches you can visit. The most popular of those beaches is the one located directly in Virginia Beach. You can bike down the boardwalk, visit the amusement park, or lay out on the sand. Virginia Beach is 209 miles from D.C. and is three hours and 16 minutes away. Virginia Beach is definitely a weekend or extended weekend getaway because of its distance from D.C., but it is worth the trip.
6. Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is another Delaware beach that is slightly smaller than Rehoboth Beach. If you are looking for a quieter weekend away, then Bethany Beach is definitely a good option. Although still busy Bethany Beaches beach provides a long stretch of sand for your perfect day in the sun. Bethany Beach is only 129 miles from D.C. and is a two hour and 37 minute drive.
7. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is perhaps one of the most famous battles of the civil war. You can visit the Gettysburg battlefield, take a ghost tour, or walk around downtown. The historic town is a great getaway for the day or for the weekend. Gettysburg is 82.1 miles from D.C. and it is one hour and 36 minutes away.
8. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is yet another beach town within driving distance of D.C. However, Atlantic City also comes with an incredible boardwalk and plenty casinos for you to visit. Whether you want to experience the night life or relax on the boardwalk Atlantic City would be for you. Atlantic City is 192 miles from D.C. it is three hours and 12 minutes away.
9. Cape May, New Jersey
Another beach town in Jersey Cape May provides a great get away to a unique location. Cape May like Virginia Beach has many beaches because of its location. You can even visit Cape May’s historic light house. Cape May is 187 miles from D.C. and is roughly a three hour and 22 minute drive.
10. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a great place to visit because of its close proximity to D.C. You can attend a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards. There’s also plenty of festivals that take place over the summer that you can attend. Baltimore is 41 miles from D.C. and roughly, an hour by car.
