Romantic Day Trips from Virginia

Explore Charlottesville, a charming central Virginia city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, rich in history, culture, and outdoor adventure year-round.

Recommended For: History buffs, wine lovers, and travelers seeking a mix of heritage, nature, and arts in a vibrant Southern setting.

• Visit Monticello and Highland, historic estates of Presidents Jefferson and Monroe.
• Tour the University of Virginia campus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore Shenandoah National Park for year-round hiking and scenic drives.
• Enjoy a thriving independent music scene and cultural attractions downtown.
• Sip your way through Charlottesville’s many award-winning wineries and breweries.

Discover Richmond, Virginia's historic capital city, where Revolutionary War history, vibrant arts, and modern culinary flair meet along the scenic James River.

Recommended For: History enthusiasts, art lovers, and urban explorers looking for a cultural getaway with Southern charm.

• Visit St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his legendary speech in 1775.
• Tour the White House of the Confederacy, now a compelling museum.
• Stroll along the revitalized Canal Walk in the city’s vibrant downtown.
• Attend performances at the stunning Richmond CenterStage performing arts center.
• Dine at top culinary spots like Metzger Bar and Butchery, a local favorite.

Step back in time in Williamsburg, a key site of colonial and Revolutionary War history, where immersive experiences and family fun meet in Virginia’s Historic Triangle.

Recommended For: Families, history buffs, and thrill-seekers looking for a mix of education, entertainment, and local flavor.

• Explore Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with costumed interpreters and reenactments.
• Visit nearby Jamestown and Yorktown to complete the Historic Triangle experience.
• Ride major roller coasters like Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
• Cool off with water attractions at the seasonal Water Country USA.
• Unwind at the Williamsburg Winery, the largest in Virginia, for tastings and tours.

Explore the extraordinary at American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore’s one-of-a-kind destination dedicated to self-taught and outsider art, located in the vibrant Federal Hill neighborhood.

Recommended For: Art lovers, creative thinkers, and anyone inspired by unconventional, boundary-pushing artistic expression.

• Discover over 4,000 pieces of visionary, intuitive, and outsider art.
• See works by artists like Vanessa German, Nek Chand, and Mr. Imagination.
• Explore rotating exhibits and mechanical creations from London’s Cabaret Mechanical Theater.
• Celebrate marginalized voices and self-expression through grassroots creativity.
• Attend special events like the beloved Flicks From the Hill outdoor film series.

800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, Phone: 410-244-1900

Immerse yourself in natural beauty at Brookside Gardens, a stunning 50-acre public display garden nestled in Wheaton Regional Park, designed to dazzle the senses through expertly curated floral landscapes.

Recommended For: Garden lovers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape filled with color, fragrance, and inspiration.

• Stroll through themed gardens including the Rose, Japanese, Azalea, and Children’s Gardens.
• Wander along peaceful walking trails surrounded by seasonal beauty and harmony.
• Admire formal plantings of perennials, yews, maples, and fragrant blooms.
• Explore two year-round conservatories featuring lush, exotic plant displays.
• Learn in the horticultural reference library for gardening tips and botanical knowledge.

1800, Visitors Center, Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, Phone: 301-962-1400

Escape to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, two serene coastal retreats on Virginia’s eastern shore, offering unspoiled beaches, wild ponies, and charming seaside hospitality.

Recommended For: Nature lovers, beachgoers, and couples or families seeking a peaceful getaway with scenic views and outdoor adventure.

• Wander through Chincoteague’s historic downtown for boutique shopping and local dining.
• Explore the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, home to diverse birdlife and wild ponies.
• Drive across Maddox Boulevard to Assateague Island’s scenic national seashore.
• Swim, surf, or kayak along 41,000 acres of protected coastal beauty.
• Relax at cozy inns and bed-and-breakfasts steeped in island charm.

Chincoteague & Assateague Islands, Virginia

Step into small-town charm in Clifton, a picturesque Northern Virginia gem with historic Victorian architecture, local wine, and scenic river trails just outside Washington, D.C.

Recommended For: History buffs, wine lovers, and travelers seeking a quaint Main Street escape filled with character and community events.

• Stroll through the Clifton VA National Historic District lined with preserved 19th-century homes.
• Visit the Buckley House, where *Sleepless in Seattle* was penned.
• Enjoy tastings at Paradise Springs, Fairfax County’s first production winery.
• Hike the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail for riverfront views and natural beauty.
• Celebrate with locals at the Labor Day Car Show or Candlelight Homes Tour.

Clifton, Virginia

Discover Fort Washington, a historic riverside gem in Prince George’s County, Maryland, preserving the legacy of Washington, D.C.’s original defensive stronghold with scenic views and tranquil trails.

Recommended For: History fans, nature lovers, and D.C.-area visitors seeking a peaceful, educational escape with waterfront vistas.

• Explore the original 1809 military fortress that defended the capital through major U.S. wars.
• Stroll through scenic hiking trails with panoramic views of the Potomac River.
• Learn about the site's role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War through historic exhibits.
• Enjoy a leisurely day in the expansive park, maintained by the National Park Service.
• Visit for free outside of regular hours—open to the public before sunset daily.

Fort Washington, Maryland

Explore Gaithersburg, a dynamic Montgomery County city blending historic charm, innovation, and family-friendly attractions in the heart of suburban Maryland.

Recommended For: Families, shoppers, and travelers seeking a mix of culture, recreation, and tech-driven energy near the nation’s capital.

• Stroll through Olde Towne’s historic district filled with quaint buildings and small-town vibes.
• Cool off at the Water Park at Bohrer Park during summer’s hottest days.
• Sip craft brews at Elder Pine Brewing and Blending Company’s rustic taphouse.
• Shop at the Washingtonian Center (Rio), a premier retail and dining hub.
• Explore nearby Germantown for strawberry picking, markets, and sports fun at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Wander through Georgetown , one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods, known for its Federal-style charm, luxury shopping, and picturesque waterfront vibes.

Recommended For: Shoppers, architecture lovers, and foodies seeking a blend of elegance, history, and vibrant urban culture.

• Shop along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue at high-end boutiques and global retailers.
• Tour historic homes once occupied by John F. Kennedy and Julia Child.
• Visit the Georgetown University campus and admire its Gothic-style buildings.
• Indulge in gourmet treats at Georgetown Cupcakes or dine at acclaimed Fiola Mare.
• Stroll through Georgetown Waterfront Park and bike along the scenic C&O Canal.

Georgetown, Washington, D.C.