Best Places To Visit Near Washington DC

From the Washington Monument to the White House and from well-maintained museums preserving a piece of history to the Library of Congress. Washington D.C. has no dearth of places that will give you a true reflection of the American History. While the metropolitan area of Washington D.C. offers enough and more attractions of socio-political importance to keep visitors busy, a walk into the dreary lanes of the past can be a little too overwhelming at times.
If you are looking to make a quick getaway for the weekend to recharge your batteries, here is a list of places near Washington D.C. you can visit:

Brookside Garden

The Brookside Gardens is located inside the Wheaton Regional Park and is spread across an area of over 50 acres. This public display garden is located around 35 minutes away from the main city of Washington DC and is one of the most popular public garden displays around. Some of the most popular parts of the garden include the butterfly garden, rose garden, Japanese style garden, etc.Apart from the normal garden around, it also has two different conservatories on site. It helps you witness the beauty of the natural gardens the entire year around. If you wish to learn more about the horticultural aspects, there is a library too.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Next on the list for the day trips from Washington dc for families include the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Built back in 1961, this establishment was mainly done to preserve the remains of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. During the mid-1800s, this specific canal was used as a model of trade and transport.In today’s date, the park is spread across 184.5 miles and offers a towpath that is meant for hiking, biking and other forms of activities. You can indulge in camping or even end up taking a stroll around the park.

Shenandoah National Park

If nature is something you are seeking around Washington DC, a quick visit to the Shenandoah National Park can actually be the answer to that. This park is located around 75 minutes away from the main city of Washington DC. The Shenandoah National Park is nothing but a narrow part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is beautifully encompassed by the Virginia Piedmont and the Shenandoah River.When it comes to sightseeing and things to do, the possibilities are endless. You can indulge in camping, biking, and hiking or even just sit by and witness the beautiful waterfalls that the places are known for. Make sure to visit the Skyline drive too.

Antietam National Battlefield

Located just 1 hour 20 minutes away in Antietam, the Antietam National Battlefield is yet another amazing place for historical day trips from Washington DC. This is home to one of the most rigorous battlefields which were held during the American Civil War in 1862. The main site of attraction in the place is the on-site visitor centre which is open the entire year around. The museum showcases some of the most important exhibits from back in the days.
The place is also known for the sessions of interpretive talks that are often held throughout the year. Other places to visit around include the Antietam National Cemetery, Dunker Church etc.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Known as the longest National Parkway in the entirety of the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful places around. The main reason behind the building of the road was to connect Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has around 14 different visitor centers.You can make some quick stops along the way and witness the places around. Some of the most important places to visit around include Humpback rocks, Linville Falls and even the Craggy Gardens.

Maryland State House

Built back in 1779, the Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol. The state house remains open from 09 AM to 5 PM every single day for public visiting. Only the Christmas and New Year’s Day is when the building remains closed. If the visitors wish to encounter an easy self-guided tour, they can get all the necessary information from the Office of Interpretation.The place is completely free of charge and won’t charge you any kind of extra fee for entrance. They do accept donations so if you are willing to make one, go ahead.

Ocean City Beach

Yet another one of the amazing day trips that you can take from Washington DC is to that of the Ocean City Beach. Spread across 10 miles of sand, this is one of the most picturesque during the sunrise and sunset. Apart from the common activities of swimming and sunbathing, one can even indulge in surfing too.A specific portion of the beach is kept separate for surfing only. There is also a boardwalk nearby which offers amazing options for shopping, dining, and even lodging.