If you’re ready to get out of the city but don’t want to deal with airports or long travel days, these best weekend trips from Washington DC are exactly what you’re looking for. Each destination is far enough to feel like a real getaway — but close enough to reach in a few hours by car or train, making them ideal for a 2–3 day escape.

From historic towns and national parks to beach destinations and charming small cities, these weekend trips from DC are perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants to maximize their time without overplanning. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, culture and history, or a relaxing change of scenery, you’ll find options here that work for a long weekend or a quick overnight stay.

I’ve included destinations that are best enjoyed with at least one night away, along with realistic drive times and what makes each spot worth the trip — so you can quickly decide which weekend getaway from Washington DC fits your schedule and travel style.

Looking for shorter trips instead?
If you only have one free day, check out my guide to the best day trips from Washington DC — all within about two hours and doable without an overnight stay.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania- Understanding the Civil War (1.5 hours)

86 miles from Washington DC

Gettysburg is the site of the most famous battle of the Civil War and the site of Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address.

I recommend that you spend a long weekend in Gettysburg so you can really get a feel for the place. Despite it being a battlefield, it is a beautiful spot as well, and whn you imagine what these soldiers went through, it is deeply moving.

Start at the Visitors Center to get a good overview of the 3-day battle and the various battlefields. You can watch a movie and learn about what led to the Civil War, how the war was fought and what the aftermath was. This is a great introduction if you don’t have a lot of understanding of the Civil War or if you need a brush up.

The Gettysburg National Park is almost 5,000 acres and you can explore that by car or by bus. You can get a map at the Visitors Center so you can pick and choose the sites you want to see. I highly recommend this tour guide book. It will help you get more out of your visit to know exactly what happened when.

Tip: If you happen to be visiting on either July 1st, 2nd or 3rd you will be able to visit Gettysburg during their annual reenactment of the battle. It is a spectacular sight and one worth going to.

If you are a fan of United States history this is a must visit.

Bus transportation available to Gettysburg from DC.

Gettysburg, PA

• Distance from DC: 86 miles (~1.5–2 hours)

• Best For: History buffs, school-aged kids, and photographers.

• Top Attraction: Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitors Center.

• Suggested Stay: Hotel Gettysburg (historic charm) or Wyndham Gettysburg (family-friendly with a pool).

---

Hershey, Pennsylvania- Sweet Fun (2.5 hours)

133 miles from Washington DC.

Hershey park is an amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but it is so much more than just an amusement park. The town of Hershey was built by Milton Hershey who founded a chocolate empire in the United States. He brought workers from surrounding farm communities to work in his factory and create the famous Hershey chocolate we all know and love.

Today you can visit The Hershey Story museum and learn all about Milton Hershey and his vision for his brand. Or you can visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and do a taste test of different chocolates, go to a 4D movie, or make your own candy bar. You could even visit the Spa at the Hotel Hershey and get a cocoa massage!

If you just want to ride rides, there are plenty of those at Hershey Park. It is a must do for young kids. The kids area is simply charming and very large. Animated Hershey chocolates wave from rides and shops, and costumed staff seem to always be near. It is a magical destination for families.

Tip: 

Christmas at Hersheypark is a festive experience. If you want to visit check out my post on Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark.

Hershey, PA

• Distance from DC: 133 miles (~2.5 hours)

• Best For: Families with kids, chocolate lovers, and thrill-seekers.

• Top Attraction: Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Suggested Stay: The Hotel Hershey (luxury/spa) or Hershey Lodge (great for kids).

---

Philadephia- The City of Brotherly Love (2.5-3 hours)

142 miles from Washington DC.

The “City of Brotherly Love” is a mere 2 and half hours from Washington DC and offers almost as much history and excitement. If you are planning a trip to DC why not take a day trip up to see where the quest for Independence began.

Start at Independence Hall and visit the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Then find your way to the Liberty Bell and visit another icon of American liberty.  Or visit Betsy Ross’ house and learn more about the woman who made the first US flag.

Make sure to grab a bite to eat at Reading Terminal market. I recommend the apple dumpling and pecan tarts. And you can’t miss an authentic cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s.

Public transportation available from DC.

Philadelphia, PA

• Distance from DC: 142 miles (~2.5–3 hours or 2 hours via Amtrak)

• Best For: Foodies, culture seekers, and urban explorers.

• Top Attraction: Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market.

• Suggested Stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco (near Liberty Bell) or The Logan Philadelphia.

---

King’s Dominion- Fun for the Whole Family (1.5 hours)

86 miles from Washington DC.

This amusement park is what summer is to every kid who has grown up in the DC area. Your kids will love it, but it also has some great rides and attractions for adults.

Your kids will love the Scooby Doo Ghoster Coaster and the entire kids area dedicated to HannaBarbera characters. You will love the Dominator, a floor-less roller coaster that will keep you screaming the entire time.

Tips:

• There is a large waterpark that you can visit with your admission, so pack a suit!
• Most admissions include all you can drink Coca Cola products.

Bus transportation available from DC

Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)

• Distance from DC: 86 miles (~1.5 hours)

• Best For: Roller coaster enthusiasts and water park fans.

• Top Attraction: The Intimidator 305 and Soak City.

• Suggested Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ashland or the on-site Camp Wilderness.

---

Richmond- The Capitol of Virginia (2 hours)

86 miles from Washington DC.

The capital of Virginia was once the capitol of the Confederation during the Civil War and as such has history oozing out of every corner.

First on your list should be the Virginia Capitol building. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson and looks similar to buildings on the UVA campus. The 1 hour tour of the Capitol is free and really interesting.

The Edgar Allen Poe museum is housed in the oldest building in Richmond and takes a close look at the unusual writer. This is the largest collection of his writings with many funny and spooktacular finds.

You can also visit St. John’s Church, the site of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. If you visit in the summer you can find reenactments of the famous speech and costumed guides will lead you through the historic scene.

Public transportation available from DC.

Richmond, VA

• Distance from DC: 106 miles (~2 hours)

• Best For: Craft beer fans, art lovers, and river enthusiasts.

• Top Attraction: Virginia State Capitol and the Canal Walk.

• Suggested Stay: The Jefferson Hotel (historic luxury) or Quirk Hotel Richmond.

---

Charlottesville (2.5-3 hours)

116 miles from Washington DC.

Charlottesville is best known as the home of the University of Virginia, and taking a tour of the college is one of the best things to do while you are here. One of the oldest cities in Virginia, Charlottesville is the home of not one but three different Presidents of the United States. Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and James Madison. You can tour each one of their homes while visiting the area.

The University of Virginia was Thomas Jefferson’s design and he oversaw the building of the college. It was his proudest achievement and one he had written on his tombstone. (Being President was not mentioned.) The simplicity and beauty of the campus makes UVA a great place to tour. On your free tour you can visit the dormitory of Edgar Allan Poe and see where he began writing his haunting stories.

Monticello- The Home of Thomas Jefferson (2.5 hours)

98 miles from Washington DC.

Monitcello is the home of Thomas Jefferson just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.  You could combine it with your day trip to Charlottesville, but there is enough to see and do to make Monticello its own destination.

Thomas Jefferson was a true renaissance man. His interest ran from gardening to astronomy, from writing to music and from architect to teacher. He was a man that had so many interests and talents without enough lifetimes to do them all. He is known primarily as the author of the Declaration of Independence and as the 3rd president of the United States.

His plantation tells a lot about the man he was. His large library is an example of his myriad interest, his small inventions can be seen throughout the main house, and his ledgers show what plants were doing best on his plantation.

I have been to Monticello a number of times, but my most recent visit was my favorite. Instead of shying away from the topic of Monticello’s enslaved population, the tour now celebrates their lives.

The tour includes entrance to the main house as well as various out buildings and the gorgeous garden.

Charlottesville & Monticello, VA

• Distance from DC: 116 miles (~2.5 hours)

• Best For: Wine lovers, couples, and Presidential history fans.

• Top Attraction: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the UVA Grounds.

• Suggested Stay: The Draftsman or The Clifton (for a romantic vineyard vibe).

---

Appomattox Courthouse- The End of the Civil War (3.5 hours)

196 miles from Washington DC.

Appomattox Courthouse is where the Civil War ended.  The war ended in the home of William McClean and there is a story there. McClean owned the home that was on the battlefield in the battles of Manassas. He retired to Appomattox Courthouse to escape the war and found himself thrust back in. McClean is credited with saying, “The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor.”

Today you can visit that parlor along with other buildings that were standing at the time of surrender. The last battlefield of the Civil War is nearby as well. Costumed docents will guide you through the historic site.

To make a whole weekend getaway out of this spot, you can combine it weith nearby Lynchburg and enjoy a lovely trip.

Appomattox Courthouse, VA

• Distance from DC: 196 miles (~3.5 hours)

• Best For: Civil War enthusiasts, quiet retreats, and lovers of rural scenery.

• Top Attraction: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (the McLean House).

• Suggested Stay: The Babcock House (a charming bed & breakfast nearby) or The Appomattox Inn and Suites.

---

Staunton- A Cultural Hub (2.5-3 hours)

157 miles from Washington DC.

Staunton (pronounced Stan-ton) is a small historic town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The charming downtown looks like a movie set for an historic film. Make sure to walk down Beverly street to enjoy this historic part of town.

Your first stop should be the Frontier Culture Museum, an open air museum featuring the homes of American settlers throughout the settling of the US Frontier. The original homes (that have been transported from their original sites) tell the story of early American settlers, and the docents in each home will fill in any missing pieces. This is a fabulous stop for kids and adults, which I highly recommend.

Also worth visiting is Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States, born in the small town of Staunton, and raised by his Presbyterian Minister father and his devout mother. It focuses on his religious upbringing and the quiet town of Staunton. The tour takes 45 minutes and is small but very well done.

If you love Shakespeare plan on seeing a comedy or tragedy at Blackfriars Playhouse, also known as the American Shakespeare Center. It is an exact replica of Shakespeares original indoor theater. There are plays available to see every day of the year! For tickets click here.

Tip:

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting Staunton in August, you may be be able to attend the Staunton Music Festival. There are 30-40 different concerts featuring all kinds of music genres.

Staunton, VA

• Distance from DC: 157 miles (~2.5–3 hours)

• Best For: Theater fans, antique shoppers, and mountain-view seekers.

• Top Attraction: Blackfriars Playhouse (Shakespeare) and Frontier Culture Museum.

• Suggested Stay: The Blackburn Inn or Hotel 24 South.

---

The Historic Triangle- See the Beginning of America

This triangle of three towns offers a nice way to see the progression of the American Experiment from the first settlement in Jamestown to the budding colony of Virginia and its first whispers of Revolution, to the end of the Revolutionary War in Yorktown and the beginning of a new nation.

Colonial Williamsburg (3 hours)

153 miles from Washington DC.

I will warn you from the start that this is an ambitious day trip. It can be done in a day but you would probably enjoy staying over at least one night to make the most Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that teaches visitors about life in colonial America.

It is the single largest historical project in the nation and totally worth visiting. You will spend your day walking through the colonial town interacting with costumed guides and artisans. You can visit the blacksmith shop, potter, bakery, and more. There are also many homes to tour to see how people lived in Colonial Williamsburg.

My favorite is the reenactments that occur throughout the day. You can watch a court case, a militia recruitment, march with the soldiers, see a baking demonstration, and more.

 Yorktown, Virginia (3 hours)

164 miles to Washington DC.

We have listed tons of battlefields and historic Civil War locations to visit, so how about a change of pace? Yorktown was the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War. It is part of the historic triangle including Jamestown and Williamsburg in Virginia.

Yorktown has a fabulous new Visitors Center that tells the story of the days leading up to Yorktown, the battle and the aftermath of the battle. There is a 4D movie that your kids will love, and it will keep them interested in the history while they hear gunshots in surround sound and see the smoke fill the room.

Then you will take a tour of the battlefield complete with costumed guides. There is also a colonial farmhouse to explore.

 

Jamestown (3 hours)

159 miles from Washington DC

The settlement of Jamestown was the established in 1607, and was the first English settlement in the New World. It was also a colossal failure. Settlers were plagued by disease, and at one point the populations of Jamestown was only 38 people. Despite the arrival of more and more adventurers from England, the starvation and disease continued to ravage the town. But ships kept arriving as the fable of gold and wealth drew people to the shores of modern day Virginia, and little by little the town began to prosper.

Today you can visit Jamestown Settlement an open air history museum. Much like nearby Williamsburg it  shows you what life was like for the people living here in the 1600s. There are artisans shops, homes to tour and daily programs that are interactive for visitors. Make sure to visit the Native American section of Jamestown and do some traditional crafts like basket weaving.

If you want to see the original site of Jamestown visit Historic Jamestowne. This is much more of an archeological site and won’t be quite as exciting for young kids. But if you are a history buff and want to learn more about Jamestown this is the place to do it.

The Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown)

• Distance from DC: 153 miles (~2.5–3 hours)

• Best For: Families, history enthusiasts, and outdoor walkers.

• Top Attraction: Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement.

• Suggested Stay: Williamsburg Inn (classic) or Great Wolf Lodge (ultimate kid favorite).

---

Virginia Beach (4 hours)

209 miles from Washington DC.

If it’s sun and sand you are craving, you might want to pack your spf and head to Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is a city not an individual beach, but there are plenty of beaches in town. Head to The Boardwalk for the largest and most popular beach or make your way to the North End and enjoy a quieter calmer beach. Life guards are on duty during the peak summer months.

Your kids will love the Virginia aquarium. It features sea life from the surrounding areas and they have tons of programming to allow you to get up close and personal with the creatures.

Virginia Beach, VA

• Distance from DC: 209 miles (~3.5–4 hours)

• Best For: Beach bums, families, and seafood lovers.

• Top Attraction: The Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the Virginia Aquarium.

• Suggested Stay: The Cavalier Resort (historic/upscale) or Hilton Garden Inn Oceanfront.

---

Shenandoah National Park (1.5 hours)

Motor along Shenandoah National Park’s famed Skyline Drive, making stops at scenic viewpoints, like Range View Overlook (milepost 17.1) and Rockytop Overlook (milepost 78.0) for sweeping views across the majestic Shenandoah Valley.

Stop in one of two visitor centers along Skyline Drive, including Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and Harry S. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center. Watch a short park orientation film and explore historic photos and artifacts. For kids, pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet to earn a badge as a newly-minted Junior Ranger.

There are more than 500 miles of hiking trails at Shenandoah National Park, including 101 miles of Appalachian Trail. The short and sweet kid-friendly hike to Little Stony Man Cliffs wows with spectacular views of Massanutten Mountain. Meanwhile, the waterfall hike to 67-foot-tall Rose River Falls cools with a refreshingly dreamy swimming hole.

Stay the weekend in a rustic-chic cabin or well-appointed guest room at Skyland, which sits at the highest point on Skyline Drive. The colorful sunset views from the lodge patio are among the best in the park.

At the on-site restaurant, Pollock Dining Room, enjoy regional specialties, like pan-seared trout. For dessert, a slice of the park’s signature mile-high blackberry ice cream pie is a must while gazing out an elegant wall of windows.

Recommended by Erin Gifford from Go Hike Virginia

Shenandoah National Park, VA

• Distance from DC: 75 miles to Front Royal entrance (~1.5 hours)

• Best For: Hikers, nature photographers, and road trippers.

• Top Attraction: Skyline Drive and Old Rag Mountain.

• Suggested Stay: Skyland Resort (inside the park) or Getaway Shenandoah (tiny cabins nearby).

  ---

I hope these ideas help you get out of the city and enjoy some of the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Let me know if you visit any of these spots and tell me how you enjoyed them.