If you live in Washington, DC, you know there are many fun, exciting, and interesting things to do in the city—like visiting museums, walking the National Mall, attending sporting events, going to concerts, and more. However, sometimes we all need to get away from our everyday life and experience something new. Luckily, there are many short trips from DC where you can explore other areas around our nation’s capital. This article will cover some of the best day trips from DC, especially for individuals who don’t have cars.

The Best Day Trips from Washington, DC

1. Mount Vernon, VA

• Things to Do: Visit President George Washington’s home and Old Town Alexandria, where you can eat early American specialties at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and explore historical sites from our country’s origins
• Distance: 20 miles
• Public Transportation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Driving, Uber, or Lyft Time: 30 minutes

2. Richmond, VA

• Things to Do: Visit the capital city of Virginia to check out historic sites, museums, and other attractions, like the White House and Museum of the Confederacy, the American Civil War Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia, Chickahominy Bluff, the Gardens at Meadowview Park, and Belle Isle if you’ve got enough time
• Distance: 110 miles
• Public Transportation Time: 2 hours
• Driving, Uber, or Lyft Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

3. Annapolis, MD

• Things to Do: Visit the capital city of Maryland where you can find historic streets, museums, gardens, and the U.S. Naval Academy. You can also visit the Chesapeake Bay to get near the water and catch some sailing
• Distance: 31 miles
• Public Transportation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Driving, Uber, or Lyft Time: 40 minutes

4. Harper’s Ferry, WV

• Things to Do: Free your adventurous side with a hike to Jefferson Rock, which has wonderful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s also whitewater rafting, tubing, biking, ziplining, and more at an aerial adventure park
• Distance: 65 miles
• Public Transportation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Driving, Uber, or Lyft Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

5. Baltimore, MD

• Things to Do: Take in Baltimore’s many museums and historical sites—like the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine—go to a baseball or football game, or enjoy other attractions such as the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium, or the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Distance: 40 miles
• Public Transportation Time: 30 minutes
• Driving, Uber, or Lyft Time: 1 hour

6. Charlottesville, VA

• Things to Do: Visit historic Charlottesville where you can find the University of Virginia, the Downtown Mall, tour Monticello—Thomas Jefferson’s home—and visit many other historical sites and museums. You can also enjoy scenic views and wine tastings on the Monticello Wine Trail, which includes 30 wineries. You can even do the tour on horseback.
• Distance: 116 miles
• Public Transportation Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Driving, Uber, or Lyft Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

These are just a few of the many fun things to do outside DC. Whatever it is you’re looking to do, chances are that you can find it within a short distance from our nation’s capital. Many of these day trips can also be extended to make for fun overnight and weekend trips from DC. 

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