Best Day Trips from Northern Virginia - Washington DC
My list of quick get away's!
Best Day Trips From Northern Virginia
Whether you want an outdoor adventure or a dose of fascinating history, Virginia has it all! Keep reading to discover my picks for the six best day trips from Northern Virginia and Washington DC. Some of these are not far at all from Fairfax or even Fauquier County!
Doswell, Virginia - Kings Dominion
Dowell is the home of Kings Dominion Theme Park, the largest amusement park in Virginia. Bring the whole family to enjoy a vast number of roller coasters, or explore the attached 20-acre waterpark, WaterWorks, which is included in your ticket price.
Lake Anna: Mineral, Virginia
Head to Mineral, Virginia, and spend the day enjoying the beautiful Lake Anna. Located in Lake Anna State Park, this popular lake includes a beach, a fishing area, a boat launch, and a concession area.
You’ll find over 15 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and biking throughout the rest of the park. At the Visitor’s Center, you can learn more about the area’s history of gold mining, and the park also offers guided tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine.
Frederick, Maryland
Frederick, Maryland has something for everyone: a charming downtown, intriguing museums, local shopping, and fantastic wineries. Start your visit at Carroll Creek Park, a waterway lined with boutiques, cafes, and public art.
If that’s not enough shopping, head to Everyday Square and Shab Row, where you can browse through handcrafted pottery and local goods. The lovely countryside surrounding Frederick boasts plenty of wineries and breweries, so stop by and grab a drink before you leave.
Luray Caverns
If you love natural wonders, this is the spot for you! Located in Luray, Virginia, Luray Caverns are the biggest caverns in the eastern United States. These caves were discovered in 1878, and visitors have marveled at their beauty since then.
As you walk through the caverns, you will see 10-story-high underground cathedral ceilings, mudflows, towering columns, and incredible rock formations. This natural wonder is also home to a mirrored pool, creating a dazzling optical illusion. With your ticket, you’ll get access to the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and Shenandoah Heritage Village. With so much to do, you could spend the whole day here and never get bored!
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is a history lover's paradise, filled with horse-drawn carriages, 18th-century homes, and characters in period costumes. Whenever I visit this area, I feel like I've been transported back in time!
This town played a critical role in the American Revolution, marking the spot where George Washington traveled via horseback to the Battle of Yorktown. Today, visitors can wander through historic homes, art museums, blacksmith shops, and the Governor’s Palace. You can even sample authentic colonial-era cuisine at The King’s Arms, a tavern that opened in 1772, and Chowning’s Tavern, an 18th-century pub.
If you need a caffeine boost after all that exploring, check out R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse, which offers guided tours and samples of coffee, hot chocolate, and tea prepared as it was in the 1700s.
Monticello: Charlottesville, Virginia
Thomas Jefferson’s 11,000-square-foot house is a must-do while in Virginia. Constructed between 1769 and 1784, this home has 43 rooms and an 18-acre ornamental forest.
While you’re here, you can tour the house and surrounding gardens, learn more about Jefferson’s life, and admire the Dome Room, an iconic room featuring circular windows, a domed ceiling, and an incredible skylight.
Chris Colgan
EXP Realty - 571-437-7575
ChrisColgan@ColganTeam.com