We're celebrating the Weekend Scene newsletter reaching 10,000 subscribers by sharing ten top 10 lists. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
If you didn't make plans for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, you're probably ready to start thinking about summer travel plans.
Fortunately, there are numerous destinations for exploration close to D.C.
Pick a day on your calendar to try out these day trips that are an easy distance from the Beltway.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. >Sign up here.
Maryland Day Trips
Easton
If you're hoping for a summer getaway that's both close to home and feels like a world away, look no further than Easton, Maryland.
The Scene
The most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
A day of browsing charming stores, visiting a world-class art museum and exploring local history can give way to an evening of elevated dining and renowned performers.
Situated about 70 miles away from downtown D.C., it's close enough for a day trip. Easton also works as an excursion if you're taking a long vacation in Ocean City, Maryland, or Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Check out our full guide to Easton here.
Wineries
Virginia wines may get more headlines, but Maryland wines are unique — they have their own terroir, or characteristic taste from the local soil. Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Prince George’s County has beautiful views and frequent events. Check out the Capital Wine Trail and ten more wine trails statewide. Let a horse be your designated driver with the Brandywine Carriage Tours.
Browse the Maryland Wineries Association website for special events throughout the state.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Hike through forest, marshland and onto the beach in Calvert County. The park is known for its fossil hunting. Maybe you’ll even find a 15-million-year-old megalodon tooth. There’s a small fee for parking.
Catoctin Mountain Park
The Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Trail is well worth it — the trail is rocky at points (mainly toward the end) and rated strenuous by NPS, but we say it’s a stunning payoff for an approachable hike. The park also houses trails to Cunningham Falls, the state’s highest waterfall. Here’s a rundown of the East Hiking Trails (There are cute cabins and well-maintained campgrounds if you want to make a weekend out of it, but book ahead). Did you know it's also home to the presidential retreat Camp David?
Mallows Bay
The largest graveyard of abandoned naval ships in Western Hemisphere waters is now a vibrant nature preserve that can be experienced up close in Charles County. The ships are best seen during low tide. Tours are offered by Atlantic Kayak($60-$80), REI ($120) and occasionally the Potomac Riverkeepers ($100).
Downtown Frederick, Maryland
History buffs have a lot of Civil War-era sites, plus the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, to appreciate. Downtown Frederick has plenty of small-town charm and a robust brewery and food scene — you might see a celebrity chef at Bryan Voltaggio’s Mid-Atlantic restaurant Thatcher & Rye. Options for curated adventures include self-guided art, history and architecture tours. More info.
Harriet Tubman Memorial Byway
Follow in Harriet Tubman’s footsteps through Dorchester County, Maryland. Harriet Tubman Tours offers a variety of options, or you can DIY. The News4 I-Team visited many of the historic sites, which are under threat from rising sea levels.
Virginia Day Trips
Northern Virginia Via the Silver Line
If you’re coming from D.C. or Maryland, you can easily make a day exploring the new Silver Line stops in Northern Virginia. Bring your bike and hop on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (hop off at Herndon or Innovation Center). You can dodge paying for parking at the Air and Space Museum’s Udvar Hazy Center by taking Fairfax Connector Bus No. 983 from Innovation Center Station.
Middleburg, Virginia
Just over an hour from downtown D.C., Middleburg, Virginia, offers a historic district filled with stories including the year-round holiday shop The Christmas Sleigh, plus unique stories and high-end boutiques. Stop by the AiM Gallery, which recently debuted a new exhibit, and Lost Barrel Brewing, offering beer and hard seltzer flights.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Go for history, adventure and nature an hour from D.C. Harpers Ferry National Park has 22 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous and a one-day itinerary of the historic highlights.
The Maryland Heights Trail — leading the picturesque, scenic view of Harpers Ferry on the Maryland Heights Overlook — is a favorite.
The Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia) and River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) offer activities including river tubing, zip lining, climbing, white water rafting and bike or segway tours.
In town, check out a self-guided Black history tour or ghost tour and restaurants with mountain views, including Rabbit Hole.
Want to know what's up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
