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:
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- 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
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2. Charlottesville, Virginia
Distance: About 2.5 hours from D.C.
Highlights and Activities:
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- 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.
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3. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Distance: About 3 hours from D.C.
Highlights and Activities:
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- 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.
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4. Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Distance: About 1.5 hours from D.C.
Highlights and Activities:
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- 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.
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5. Ocean City, Maryland
Distance: About 2.5 to 3 hours from D.C.
Highlights and Activities:
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- 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.
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6. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Distance: About 2.5 to 3 hours from D.C.
Highlights and Activities:
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- 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:
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7. Shenandoah Valley, VA
Distance: About 1.5 to 2 hours from D.C.
Highlights and Activities:
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- 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.
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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.
