weekend getaways from DC

So, you have already visited the museums, monuments and caught a glance at several art performances in Washington DC. Why not step out the boundaries of the city and explore the surrounding areas on weekends? Yes, there are plenty of weekend getaways from DC you can make a short trip to with your favorite people. Imagine how beautiful it would be to see horses galloping on the Assateague beach, getting admired by the sunset at Deep Creek Lake, and spotting buggies in Lancaster. To help you escape to one of the best weekend getaways from DC, we have jotted down the top 5 names on our list.

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

With that hectic working schedule the whole week, it is essential to have a break from the chaotic city life. Drive to the largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake in Maryland having a coastline of 65 miles. If you love making short trips from DC, plan it in mid-October, and observe the famous Autumn Glory Festival. Enjoy chucking pumpkins and watch the parades on the beach. Previously known to be a coal mining area, it has become famous as a hiking and camping spot in the present day. You can still have the pleasant experience of fishing, boating, and other water sports in the vast lake spread almost 2,900 acres. If you are planning a family outing, your kids will love the educational exhibits and aviary at Discovery Center.

Traveling hours: 3 Hours 30 Minutes by car

Harpers Ferry in West Virginia

You must have seen the scenic photograph of Harpers Ferry with the meeting point of Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. If a picture could make you feel so good, wouldn’t experiencing the view in person be panoramic and spectacular? If you are an adventure lover, you can go on a trek to Harpers Ferry or just book a shuttle through the park. The area of Harpers Ferry was once the main battleground when the Civil War was on. This makes an ideal weekend escape for history enthusiasts. You can also stop by for enjoying rafting, hiking, fishing as the Appalachian Trail is close to this area.

Traveling hours: One hour 30 minutes by road and 15 minutes extra by train

Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania

Also famous as England of Pennsylvania, Brandywine Valley serves tourists with its attractive mansions, rolling hills, and mainly the Brandywine River, from where it got the name. You can plan a budget weekend getaway from DC to this beautiful place with your friends or family. In the year 1777, General Sir William Howe, the British Army defeated General George Washington during the Battle of Brandywine. After all these years, the Benjamin Ring House, the place where General Washington planned strategies with his troops is still open for visitors. You can also explore the Historic Longwood Gardens, Nemours Mansion, Rockwood Mansion, and other gardens inspiring landscape artists for years. If art moves you, do not forget to visit the Wyeth Family’s collection in the Brandywine River Museum.

Traveling Hours: 2 Hours by car or train

Shenandoah Valley in West Virginia

If planning for a fall weekend getaway from DC, do visit the Shenandoah Valley in West Virginia. Here the fall temperatures get to the mid-70s. You will get the best view of the Shenandoah National Park from the 109 miles road, the Skyline Drive. The food and music festivals start from September in the Shenandoah Valley such as the Apple Butter Celebration and the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. Beer and wine lovers head on to get the sample of craft beers and homegrown grapes while venturing new adventures into the Shenandoah Caverns. You can know the life history of the early settlers of Shenandoah Valley at the Frontier Culture Museum in the area.

Traveling Hours: 2 hours 30 minutes by car

Charlottesville in Virginia

Also known as C’ville or Whoville, Charlottesville is located on the eastern foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains. You can know more about the rich history of Virginia at the abode of Thomas Jefferson – Monticello. Take a halt to admire the architectural gems such as the rotunda designed after Pantheon in Rome. Get to know about American history at President James Monroe’s abode – Highland. This indeed would be a historic and educational weekend getaway from DC for you. While learning about American history, do not forget shopping in the brick-lined Downtown Mall. Book cheap flight tickets with Indian Eagle

Traveling Hours: 2 Hours 30 minutes by car and 3 hours by train