Easy weekend trips from the DMV area to beat the summer heat

Easy weekend trips from the DMV area to beat the summer heat

The DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) area offers a variety of easy weekend trips to escape the summer heat. Here are some great destinations to consider:

1. Annapolis, Maryland

Distance: About 45 minutes to 1 hour from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Historic Downtown: Stroll through the charming streets lined with 18th-century buildings. You can take a boat or trolley tour to orient yourself. Equally fun could be a ghost tour or pub crawl.
          • U.S. Naval Academy: Tour the prestigious academy and its museum.
          • Maryland State House: Take a self-guided tour of the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use.
          • Water Activities: Go sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the Chesapeake Bay.
          • Dining: Enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants.
          • Shopping and Gallery Hopping 

 

2. Charlottesville, Virginia

Distance: About 2.5 hours from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Historic Sites: Tour Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
          • Wineries: Visit local wineries for tours and tastings.
          • Downtown Mall: Explore the pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
          • Hiking: Venture into the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for outdoor adventures.

 

3. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Distance: About 3 hours from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Lake Activities: Swim, boat, or fish in the expansive lake.
          • Adventure Sports Center International: Try whitewater rafting or rock climbing.
          • Hiking: Explore trails in Deep Creek Lake State Park.
          • Wisp Resort: Enjoy summer activities like zip-lining, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

 

4. Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

Distance: About 1.5 hours from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Historical Sites: Visit the National Historical Park and learn about John Brown’s raid.
          • Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy hiking, tubing, and rafting.
          • Appalachian Trail: Hike part of the famous trail that passes through the town.
          • Antiques and Shops: Explore local boutiques and antique stores.

 

5. Ocean City, Maryland

Distance: About 2.5 to 3 hours from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Beach and Boardwalk: Enjoy the expansive beaches and lively boardwalk.
          • Assateague Island: Visit the nearby Assateague Island to see wild horses.
          • Water Sports: Go jet-skiing, parasailing, or take a boat tour.
          • Amusement Parks: Spend time at Trimper's Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

 

6. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Distance: About 2.5 to 3 hours from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Boardwalk: Walk along the lively boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and amusements.
          • Beaches: Relax on the clean, sandy beaches.
          • Biking: Rent bikes and explore the nearby trails.
          • Shopping: Visit the Tanger Outlets for tax-free shopping.
          • Miniature Golf: 

 

7. Shenandoah Valley, VA

Distance: About 1.5 to 2 hours from D.C.

Highlights and Activities:

          • Scenic Drives: Enjoy the breathtaking views along Skyline Drive.
          • Hiking: Explore Shenandoah Valley National Park’s numerous trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain and Dark Hollow Falls.
          • Tubing, Kayaking, and Rafting can help you cool down on a hot day
          • Camping: Stay overnight at one of the park's campgrounds.
          • Ranger Programs: Participate in guided hikes and educational programs.
          • Wildlife: Spot deer, black bears, and a variety of birds.
          • Luray Caverns:
            • Tours: Take guided tours of the impressive underground caverns.
            • Luray Valley Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley.
            • Garden Maze: Navigate the garden maze for some outdoor fun.
            • Car & Carriage Caravan Museum: See a collection of historic vehicles.

These destinations provide a variety of activities and experiences that are perfect for beating the summer heat while enjoying nearby natural beauty and cultural attractions.

 

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