Washington, D.C. itself is full of attractions, and it's surrounded by dozens of charming destinations, many of which are no further than two and a half hours away by car. Many of these destinations are ideal for families, but they're just as well suited to romantic vacations and corporate retreats. There's something to suit every interest, from beautiful parks and beaches to unique museums to monuments overflowing with historical significance. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.
1. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello (2 hours 10 min)
Designed and built by Thomas Jefferson, Monticello is a former tobacco plantation that was the primary residence of the third President of the United States. Jefferson began working on the home when he was only 26 years old and continued to work on the structure until he passed away in 1826.
Jefferson’s burial place is on the grounds in an area now known as the Monticello Cemetery. Visitors to Monticello can choose from a number of tours of the house and grounds, including a family-friendly tour, a sunset tour, and a special behind the scenes tour. Find other great things to do in Charlottesville.
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, Phone: 434-984-9800
2.Brookside Gardens (35 min)
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Located inside Wheaton Regional Park, Brookside Gardens is an award-winning public display garden situated on 50 acres of land. There are several distinct areas in the garden, including a butterfly garden, a rose garden, an aquatic garden, and a Japanese style garden.
There are also two conservatories on-site, which allow visitors to experience the beauty of the garden year-round. For those who want to expand their knowledge base, a horticultural reference library can be found in the Brookside Visitors Center. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and group tours are offered for visitors of all ages.
1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902, Phone: 301-962-1400
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3.Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (1 hour)
Established as a National Monument in 1961, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park was created to preserve the neglected remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. In the mid-1800s, the canal connected the communities along the Potomac River and was used to transport coal, wood, and various other agricultural products.
Today, the park offers an 184.5-mile towpath used for biking and hiking as well as a number of campsites that include fire pits, water pumps, picnic areas, and latrines. Seven visitor centers can be found in the park as well, and hours vary according to the season.
1850 Dual Hwy #100, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Phone: 301-582-0813
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4. National Aquarium (55 min)
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Located in the Baltimore Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium that holds more than 2,200,000 gallons of water and is home to almost 20,000 specimens representing over 750 aquatic species.
In addition to exhibits that mimic a wide range of natural aquatic environments, the aquarium offers a special 4-D theater that shows 3-D films accompanied by a variety of special effects. Visitors can also choose from a number of tours, including overnight options and customizable experiences. Things to Do in Baltimore
501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, Phone: 410-576-3800
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5. Shenandoah National Park (75 min)
Shenandoah National Park is a long, narrow park that encompasses part of the Blue Ridge mountains. Bordered by the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont as well as by the Shenandoah River and Valley, the park is home to a number of waterfalls and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and backcountry camping.
One of the most popular features of the park is the scenic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile-long road that runs along the entire length of the park. Two Visitor Centers are located on Skyline Drive, and both feature informational exhibits, public washrooms, and bookstores. Next read: Romantic Weekend Getaways in Virginia
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6.Blue Ridge Parkway
Known for its scenic beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest National Parkway in the United States. The road was originally constructed to connect Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it runs for 469 miles along the Blue Ridge mountain chain. 14 Visitor Centers are located along the road, but the hours of each vary according to the season.
There are also a number of attractions that make good pit stops, including the Craggy Gardens, the Linville Falls, the Humpback Rocks, and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals.
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7.Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (1 hour)
The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, which was established in 1927, is comprised of the sites of four major Civil War battles: the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Battle of the Wilderness, and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Admission to all sites is free of charge.
There are two Visitor Centers in the park, as well as four historic buildings: Chatham Manor, Salem Church, Ellwood Manor, and the house where Confederate General Stonewall Jackson died. A number of special events are held at the park throughout the year, including lectures, artifact preservation workshops, and a "Fit-History" hiking program. Things to do in Fredericksburg
Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, Phone: 540-693-3200
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8.Antietam National Battlefield (1 hour 20 min)
Located along Antietam Creek, Antietam National Battlefield is a National Park Service protected area that was the site of a savage battle during the American Civil War in 1862. The on-site Visitor Center is open year-round, and it contains a number of museum exhibits as well as a theater and a gift shop.
Daily interpretive talks are given by park rangers all throughout the year, and during the summer, expanded versions of these talks are offered. Other places of interest around the battlefield include the Antietam National Cemetery, the Pry House Field Hospital, and the Dunker Church.
302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, Phone: 301-432-5124
9.Maryland State House (40 min)
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The Maryland State House in Annapolis dates back to 1779, and is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use. Visitors are welcome every day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day when the building is closed.
Visitors can obtain the information necessary to conduct a self-guided tour at The Office of Interpretation which is located on the first floor. Guests can arrange specialized guided tours of the building by appointment. There is no admission fee and tours are free of charge, but donations are gladly accepted. Things to Do in Annapolis
100 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 410-946-5400
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10.University of Virginia Historical Tours
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, The University of Virginia was the first college in the United States to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Volunteer student guides lead regularly scheduled historical tours of the campus several times a day.
Tours are unscripted, and the content will vary according to the guide, but groups of more than 15 people can request specialty tours covering specific topics of interest. Tours last approximately one hour, and cover points of interest like the special collections library and the room formerly inhabited by the famous poet Edgar Allan Poe. Things to Do in Charlottesville
Pavilion VIII, The Lawn, Charlottesville, VA 22903, Phone: 434-924-3239
11.Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (1 hour 50 min)
Established in 1933, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for birds migrating along the route known as the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge is spread out over more than 28,000 acres, which include wetlands, freshwater dams, and forests.
An on-site Visitor Center features wildlife exhibits, viewing platforms, and an authentic eagle's nest, and regularly offers activities like bird-watching walks and educational programs for children. There are a number of walking trails in the park, and visitors wishing to cycle or drive are welcome to make use of the paved four-mile-long Wildlife Drive that runs along the Blackwater River.
2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, Maryland 21613, Phone: 410-228-2677
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12.Gunpowder Falls State Park (1 hour 10 min)
One of the largest state parks in Maryland, Gunpowder Falls State Park is made up of 18,000 acres divided into six areas that encompass a wide range of terrain, including tidal wetlands, rugged slopes, and open land.
The park features over 120 miles of multi-use trails, which are commonly used for hiking and horseback riding. A number of other attractions can be found in the park as well, including swimming beaches, an archery range, the site of a former amusement park, and a full-service marina. A number of campsites are available during the summer and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, Phone: 410-592-2897
13.William Paca House and Garden (45 min)
Formerly known as Carvel Hall, the William Paca House is a historical five-part Georgian mansion that dates back to the 1760s. The home is the former residence of William Paca, a Maryland governor known for signing the Declaration of Independence.
The home, which has been painstakingly restored to its original state, is situated inside a beautiful 2 acre walled garden. The mansion is decorated with period furnishings and paintings, and the garden includes features like a fish-shaped pond and an old-fashioned outdoor kitchen. Tours of the home and gardens are offered daily, and group tours can be arranged if booked in advance.
186 Prince George St, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 410-990-4543
14. Maryland Science Center (50 min)
Located in Baltimore's inner harbor, the Maryland Science Center is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States. The museum's three stories feature a number of interactive exhibits and informative displays covering a wide range of topics such as the human body, Earth science, and the marine life of Chesapeake Bay.
Other highlights of the center include a five-story 3D IMAX movie theater and a planetarium. The museum also holds a number of events suitable for all ages, such as stargazing evenings, chemistry demonstrations, and classes on how to build a model space city. Discounted admission is offered for groups. things to do in Baltimore
601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230, Phone: 410-685-5225
15.Ocean City Beach (2 hours 45 min)
With over 10 miles of sand, Ocean City Beach is a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is also known for its excellent waves, making it a popular destination for surfers and boogie boarders.
A specific section of the beach is reserved for surfers. The beach has a number of washrooms and showers that can be used free of charge, and a nearby boardwalk offers a variety of opportunities for shopping, dining, and lodging. Things to Do in Ocean City MD
Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, MD 21842
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16.Assateague State Park (2 hours 45 min)
Located on Assateague Island, Assateague State Park is the only oceanfront park in Maryland. The island is known for being home to a number of wild horses, but visitors are advised to not approach the animals and to stay a safe distance away.
The park includes two miles of beach, which are ideal for swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, and surfing. Visitors who wish to leave shore can also explore the bay by canoe or kayak. The park features more than 300 campsites, all of which include a fire pit and a picnic table. Reservations are recommended during the peak summer season.
Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-2918
17.Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (1 hour)
First built in 1798, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is known for its distinctive star shape and for being the birthplace of the American national anthem. Visitors to the fort should start at the Visitor Center, where brief orientation films are shown twice every hour.
Touring the fort itself takes approximately one hour, but visitors are advised to allow two hours for the entire experience. Special events are held year-round, including twilight tattoo ceremonies, live music concerts, and a National Flag Day celebration. During the summer, visitors can enjoy daily ranger talks, living history exhibitions, and drill, musket and artillery demonstrations.
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, Phone: 410-962-4290
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18.Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (2 hours 30 min)
Founded in 1965, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is home to the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay boats in the world. Located on an 18-acre waterfront lot, the museum includes a floating fleet of historic boats as well as 12 exhibition buildings filled with interactive exhibits designed for the whole family to enjoy.
Guests can book scenic river cruises aboard a historic boat built in 1920, and guided walking tours of the museum's exhibitions are also available. A variety of special events and festivals are held at the museum throughout the year, including boat expos and an annual big band night.
213 N Talbot St, St Michaels, MD 21663, Phone: 410-745-2916
19.Rocks State Park (1 hour 30 min)
Composed of 855 acres of forested land in Deer Creek Valley, Rocks State Park is dotted with a number of large boulders that give the park its name. Popular activities in the park include hunting, fishing, and tubing on Deer Creek, and there are also 3.5 miles of scenic hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Several day use picnic areas offer picnic tables, grills, public washrooms, and children's playground equipment; visitors should note that a small service fee must be paid to use these facilities. Large picnic pavilions can be rented out by large groups for weddings and other special events.
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, Phone: 410-557-7994
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20.Goddard Space Flight Center (25 min)
Established in 1959 as NASA's first space flight center, the Goddard Space Flight Center is now one of NASA's largest and most important space research laboratories. Anyone wishing to learn more about the work being done there can go to the Goddard Visitor Center, which features displays of spacecraft and various other technologies that have been developed at the Goddard Space Flight Center.
A variety of special events are held throughout the year, including model rocket launches and science demonstrations for children. Admission to the Visitors Center is free of charge, and hours of operation vary according to the season.
8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20771, Phone: 301-286-8981
21.United States Naval Academy (45 min)
Established in 1845, the United States Naval Academy is responsible for educating and training officers for both the Navy and the Marine Corps. Visitors are permitted on the campus, but everyone over the age of 18 must present a valid piece of government-issued photo ID.
There is a Visitor Center located right inside Gate 1, and it features an interactive exhibit as well as a gift shop. Guided public walking tours of the campus are available all throughout the year, although the frequency and times of the tours vary with the season. Special group tours are available for groups of 16 people or more.
121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD 21402, Phone: 410-293-8687
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22.American Visionary Art Museum (50 min)
The American Visionary Art Museum specializes in the preservation and exhibition of 'outsider art,' and has been designated by Congress as America's national museum for self-taught art. The museum's permanent collection consists of approximately 4,000 pieces, and it regularly hosts themed temporary exhibitions as well.
The main building contains three floors of exhibition space, and other highlights on the campus include a Tall Sculpture Barn, a Wildflower Garden, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Food, drinks, and backpacks are not permitted in the museum, and visitors must refrain from taking photographs. Reduced admission rates are available for groups.
800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, Phone: 410-244-1900
23.Ladew Topiary Gardens (2 hours)
Made up of 22 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and ornamental gardens, Ladew Topiary Gardens was named one of the "10 incredible topiary gardens around the world" by Architectural Digest. There are more than 100 topiaries (trimmed and shaped ornamental plants) on the property, as well as a number of beautiful garden rooms.
Other highlights include a seasonal butterfly house, a historic manor home, and a beautiful 1.5 mile nature walk. Tours of the grounds and gardens are available, but visitors are also permitted to enjoy a self-guided tour. Events are held year-round, including educational lectures, craft nights, and summertime concerts.
3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111, Phone: 410-557-9570
24.Potomac River (40 min)
Known for both its beauty and its historical significance, the Potomac River forms part of the border between Maryland and Washington. The river runs directly through Washington, and its location in a part of the country with such historical importance has led to it being commonly known as "the Nation's River."
There are many historical sights along the river, but one of the most important is Mount Vernon, the former home of President George Washington. The Potomac river is approximately 405 miles long in total, and there are a number of companies that offer boat tours and cruises.
25 Best Day Trips from Washington, DC
- Thomas Jefferson's Monticello (2 hours 10 min), Photo: Courtesy of LP - Fotolia.com
- Brookside Gardens (35 min), Photo: Courtesy of flownaksala - Fotolia.com
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (1 hour), Photo: Courtesy of lunamarina - Fotolia.com
- National Aquarium (55 min), Photo: Courtesy of djflesch - Fotolia.com
- Shenandoah National Park (75 min), Photo: Courtesy of PiLensPhoto - Fotolia.com
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Photo: Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com
- Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (1 hour), Photo: Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com
- Antietam National Battlefield (1 hour 20 min), Photo: Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com
- Maryland State House (40 min), Photo: Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com
- University of Virginia Historical Tours, Photo: Courtesy of Melinda Fawver - Fotolia.com
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (1 hour 50 min), Photo: Courtesy of rayhennessy - Fotolia.com
- Gunpowder Falls State Park (1 hour 10 min), Photo: Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com
- William Paca House and Garden (45 min), Photo: Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia
- Maryland Science Center (50 min), Photo: Maryland Science Center
- Ocean City Beach (2 hours 45 min), Photo: Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com
- Assateague State Park (2 hours 45 min), Photo: Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (1 hour), Photo: Courtesy of Rimasz - Fotolia.com
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (2 hours 30 min), Photo: Courtesy of Jorge Moro - Fotolia.com
- Rocks State Park (1 hour 30 min), Photo: Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com
- Goddard Space Flight Center (25 min), Photo: Courtesy of Michael Ransburg - Fotolia.com
- United States Naval Academy (45 min), Photo: Courtesy of sframe - Fotolia.com
- American Visionary Art Museum (50 min), Photo: American Visionary Art Museum
- Ladew Topiary Gardens (2 hours), Photo: Courtesy of sichkarenko_com - Fotolia.com
- Potomac River (40 min), Photo: Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of David Sichi - Fotolia.com
More Ideas: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Monticello is the beautifully preserved home of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States. Located near Charlottesville in Virginia, next to James Monroe's Highland, Monticello is a renowned historical site and estate,
Nestled in the rolling landscapes just outside of Charlottesville in the Piedmont area, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello covers more than 2,500 acres of natural pastures and woodlands, providing a unique backdrop of pristine beauty for the plantation. The historic estate, house, and gardens offer visitors a compelling glimpse into this extraordinary period of American history in which Thomas Jefferson ruled for five decades and included the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom.
After the death of Thomas Jefferson, who was buried in the Monticello Cemetery on the estate, Monticello changed hands a couple of times before being sold to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (TJF), which now operates it as a public museum and educational institution. Monticello is a designated National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monticello was designed and built by Thomas Jefferson at the age of 26 after inheriting the land from his father. Originally 5,000 acres, Jefferson used the plantation for the cultivation of tobacco and mixed crops, and later shifting to wheat in response to changing markets. The main house was designed in the Neo-Classical style and features favorite design elements of the time, such as an octagonal dome, mezzanine levels, and a large columned portico at the front. Named after the Italian word for ‘little mount,'Monticello rests on the peak of an 850-foot (260 m)-high peak south of the Rivanna Gap in the in the Southwest Mountains.
The gardens of Monticello were designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, who was a connoisseur of botany, gardening techniques,and experimental planting. The gardens at Monticello include a flower garden, a vegetable garden, and a fruit orchard. The garden contains a variety of plants grown from exotic seeds and plants Jefferson found on his travels abroad.
The Vegetable Garden is a beautiful 1000-foot-long garden terrace with over 330 varieties of vegetables, the Flower Gardens are a botanic laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world, and the fruit orchard features more than 170 varieties of apples, peaches, grapes.
The landscape around Monticello's gardens possess many unique features, including The Grove, which is a tranquil ornamental forest where Jefferson could visit his "pet trees"; The Trees of Monticello, which featured Jefferson's favorite trees; and The Fences, which showcase the varieties of standard and ambitious methods to protect his gardens.
The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center presents an array of information to help the visitor make the most out of their experience at Monticello. The Center features four innovative exhibitions: “Thomas Jefferson and ‘the Boisterous Sea of Liberty'”, which delves into the development Jefferson's ideas about liberty; “Monticello as Experiment: ‘To Try All Things'” which explores Jefferson's use of the estate as a laboratory; “Making Monticello: Jefferson's Essay in Architecture,” which follows the four-decade evolution of the Monticello house; and “The Words of Thomas Jefferson” which brings his thoughts to life.
An introductory film called “Thomas Jefferson's World” orients all visitors to Jefferson's core concepts about liberty and his ideas and accomplishments, and the Griffin Discovery Room gives younger visitors the chance to discover Jefferson's life and times through interactive and hands-on activities. Fully-equipped classrooms in the Carl and Hunter Smith Education Center provide a venue for workshops and other educational programs for students.
Visitors to Monticello can explore the grounds, gardens, the first dwellings and slave quarters of the estate, learn about Thomas Jefferson's ideas on architecture, botany, philosophy, and family. Guided tours of the main house and the gardens are available in a timed format and last 40 minutes and visitors can explore the gardens and outbuildings on self-guided tours. Special Garden Tasting Tours are new one-hour tours that include a look at the functioning vegetable gardens of the estate and include tastings of the best vegetables, fruit, and herbs.
The Mountaintop Hands-on Activity Center presents an array of family-oriented activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can take to the Saunders-Monticello Trail, which winds its way through 370 acres of Central Virginia's most popular park, offering spectacular scenic views of the native hardwood forests and the Blue Ridge Mountains along the way.
Back to: Best Things to Do in Charlottesville, Virginia
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
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