Whether you’re searching for nature, history, or wine tasting, Washington D.C. is blessed with many fantastic places you can reach within a few hours.
We hope you enjoy these cool road trip ideas for you and your family.
Dutch Wonderland
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Driving Time from D.C. = 2hrs 15min
Dutch Wonderland is a magical place for families with young children. The amusement park entertains kids with 35 thrilling rides and attractions and hosts family-friendly events. The color-coordinated system helps parents figure out which attractions are appropriate for their children, and many attractions are designed for the family to enjoy together.
Merlin’s Mayhem takes your family’s daredevils on a high-flying ride, Exploration Island gives you up-close encounters with dinosaurs, and Duke’s Lagoon offers respite from the summer heat. Rides such as Duke’s Dozers and Off-Road Rally make this kid’s kingdom a splendid place for a road trip with your infant.
Skyline Drive
Front Royal, Virginia
Driving Time from D.C. = 2hrs 20min
A scenic drive through nature is a great medicine to clear your mind. Newlyweds and young families alike can find solitude cruising along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The north terminus of this 105-mile drive sits near the charming town of Front Royal and presents dramatic views of Shenandoah National Park. To stay away from the D.C. crowds a little longer, consider adding a Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip after completing the Skyline Drive.
There are 75 outlooks scattered on the two-lane highway that give you plenty of chances to take in the views and maintain social distancing. The Signal Knob and Jewell Hollow Overlooks offer two of the most stunning panoramas of the Shenandoah Valley. With more than 500 miles of trails coursing through the park, finding a secluded location away from crowds shouldn’t be a difficult task.
The Winery at Bull Run
Centreville, Virginia
Driving Time from D.C. = 40min
Wine lovers can rejoice at the reopening of this beautiful vineyard. The Winery at Bull Run sits adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park and its rustic setting resembles a 19th century Virginia barn. Despite being the closest winery to D.C., the bucolic countryside feels light years from the urban sprawl of the nation’s capital.
The outdoor patio presents a gorgeous view of the vineyards and umbrella-covered picnic tables provide relief from the summer heat. Bull Run takes pride as the largest operating farm in Fairfax County and the classy property hosts a variety of private events under normal conditions. The seven rental spaces create a beautiful setting for weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties.
Monticello
Charlottesville, Virginia
Driving Time from D.C. = 2hrs 15min
With upgraded safety procedures, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello has opened its doors to visitors once again. A guided tour of the magnificent estate delves into the life of the author of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s third president. Built in 1772, Monticello served as the primary plantation house for Jefferson once he inherited the land from his father. Throughout his life, Jefferson molded its architecture, garden, and décor that showcased all his pursuits.
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation purchased Monticello in the early 20th century and restored the residence to its former glory. It went on to become the only private home in American history to receive the honor as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Monticello acts as a museum and educates visitors about the life of the founding father.
