Fun Day Trips From the Pentagon
by PCSgrades Staff - November 17th, 2022
Military families stationed in Northern Virginia (NOVA) have so many possibilities for fun day trips! Within an hour or two of the largest office building in the world, you can have your toes in the sand or immerse yourself in a civil war battlefield. If you're stationed in Northern Virginia, Quantico, or near the Pentagon, here are some great day trips in Virginia and the greater D.C. are for your military family.
Unique daytrips in Virginia for military families
Richmond, VA
The 108 mile, two-hour drive to the Virginia State Capital is a nice day-trip. In the mood for a thriving restaurant scene and craft beer breweries along with your history? Top on the list of things to see is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts well known as home to five gorgeous Fabergé eggs and works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir, and a large collection of African, Indian and Tibetan art. The State Capitol Building, partially designed by Thomas Jefferson, is also a must see. There are more details on how to make the most of a visit to Richmond, VA here.
Shenandoah National Park & Luray Caverns
A three-hour drive at about 120 miles away, the park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, west of Washington, D.C. Skyline Drive is the only public road running through the Shenandoah National Park, and it's gorgeous (and quite crowded) when the leaves change colors in the fall. Nearby Luray Caverns is the largest series of caverns in the east. This underground world of stalactites and stalagmites is worth a day trip from NOVA.
Chincoteague Island, VA
At 170 miles away, this is the longest day-trip on this list, but still a reasonable 3.5-hour drive. Do not miss watching the wild ponies who wander freely on the island at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. This is the quieter side of the Eastern Shore, and it's worth a visit.
Find more fun ideas of things to do in Northern Virginia from our list here.
Where to visit the beach from Washington D.C.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The Delaware Beaches are 121 miles and just 2.5 hours away by car. Bring your sunscreen, flip flops, and your bathing suit and just enjoy a day in the sun and sand! Visit historic Lewes, downtown Rehoboth, the bar scene in Dewey or the family-friendly beaches of Bethany. Get boardwalk fries, soft-serve ice cream, or local seafood as a treat.
Ocean City, Maryland
Miles of coastline and a wooden boardwalk highlight Ocean City, Maryland. This is an easy day trip, only 170 miles from NOVA. The beaches and people-watching opportunities are great! There are several golf courses to choose from, plus the best watersports and fishing on the eastern seaboard can be found in the OC. It's crowded all summer, but if you visit during the off-season, you'll find great hotel rates.
Daytrips in Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, Hershey, and Lancaster
There are three unique Pennsylvania cities within a three-hour drive of the D.C. metro area. Gettysburg is 84 miles from the Pentagon, Hershey is 130 miles, and Lancaster is 120 miles away. Spend a weekend in the Keystone State, or do each trip separately. Relive the civil war in Gettysburg, learn the unique story of Milton Hersey and visit the famous chocolate-themed amusement park in Hershey, or immerse yourself in the life of the Amish in Lancaster, PA.
Philadelphia, PA
A little further away at about 138 miles, it will take you three hours to make this drive, but is well worth the trip! Make like Rocky and take a run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. History comes alive on Independence Mall and at the Liberty Bell. Local Philly cuisine is available at the historic Reading Terminal Market. And of course, you have to get a famous cheesesteak for lunch!
Day trips to Maryland from D.C.
Annapolis, MD
Just 32 miles away, it will take you about an hour to drive here where you can enjoy this gorgeous town with quaint restaurants and the Naval Academy! The Maryland State House, built in 1772, is older than the country itself! And it is the oldest state house still in use.
St. Michael’s, MD
Only 79 miles away, you can make this trip in about 1.5 hours. Maryland’s Eastern Shore features crabs and scenic water views like no other! The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Hooper Strait Lighthouse, and Church Creek Park are must see attractions.
Get outdoors in Northern Virginia
Newcomers to the area are often pleasantly surprised that there are many outdoor areas to enjoy in NOVA and the Washington D.C. area, including these favorites.
Great Falls National Park
With 800 acres along the banks of the Potomac River in northern Fairfax County, this park offers whitewater kayaking and canoeing, plus fifteen miles of scenic hiking trails, (five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking.) You can also experience rock climbing on the cliffs in Mather Gorge above the Potomac where the falls total 76 feet over a series of major cascades.
Mason Neck State Park
Located in southern Fairfax County, about 20 miles from Washington, D.C., visitors to this park can enjoy hiking trails, a large picnic area, a playground, a car-top canoe launch, visitor center, canoe, kayak, or bicycle rentals, and bird watching.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
This park dates back to the 18th century. The canal and towpath trail extends from Georgetown, Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland – a distance of 184.5 miles. You will also find outdoor recreation, picnicking, bicycling, fishing, boating, and hiking at this great location.
Georgetown Waterfront Park
This park sits along the Potomac River and visitors can enjoy picnicking, bicycling and skating.
Rock Creek Park
Extending 12 miles from the Potomac River to the border of Maryland, the National Zoo is located within Rock Creek Park. There is a lot to do including: picnicking, hiking, biking, rollerblading, tennis, fishing, horseback riding, concerts, planetarium shows, animal talks, exploratory hikes, crafts and junior ranger programs.
This list could go on and on as Northern Virginia is centrally located on the Atlantic Coast. Between all the history in downtown D.C. and the great day trips offered by the five states that are easily accessible within a day’s drive, you will never be bored in here!
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