Washington DC is known for its vibrant city life alongside its wide range of world-class activities that one can do all in one place. It is a place that has something to offer no matter if you are traveling on a budget, traveling in groups, or are looking for a place to experience a good honeymoon with your better half. Travelers with creative minds would also find it a delight to find inspirations from the various museums and monuments you can find here in Washington DC, most of them free to visit. On top of that, Washington DC is also a family-friendly vacation spot that offers educational experience through the National Mall visit, or a casual yet fun time out at Gravelly Point where you can witness the plane taking off with your children. But there are more things to enjoy apart from Washington on its own because Washington is also surrounded by towns and cities that possess their very own charm as well! If you are at a loss of where to start first, no fret. We have handpicked a list of weekend getaways from Washington DC, that can help you get started. Read on to find out more!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 19, 2025.
1. Middleburg
Middleburg is located 72 km (45 miles) away from Washington DC and takes about a 35-minute drive to reach from Dulles International Airport. Being a countryside sitting at the foot of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Middleburg makes a great place to stop by for those who are looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by green nature. Here, you can find various vineyards such as the Greenhill Winery and Vineyards and 50 West Vineyards where you get to enjoy local wines as you gather with your friends and families. Apart from that, there are also a few galleries such as Gallery On Madison, The Byrne Gallery, and The Sporting Gallery for those who are interested in fine arts and the local Middleburg cultures.
Book Your Stay: Charming Writer's Cottage in the Heart of Middleburg
2. Baltimore
Baltimore is located 56km (35 miles) away from Washington DC. As a diverse city, Baltimore is Maryland’s largest economic hub with rich historical value. It is a recommended place to visit for families, where you can bring along your children to visit art museums such as American Visionary Art Museum and The Walters Art Museum to expose them to things that they never knew. Apart from that, the Oriole Park at Camden Yards also serves as an excellent place to drop by for those who simply want to lay back and have a casual stroll through town as the park gives you an old-fashioned feel, making you feel like you have traveled back to time.
Book Your Stay: 'At Fells Point' CitySide - 'Tons better than a hotel!'
3. Saint Michaels, MD
Saint Michaels is located conveniently just 113 km (70 miles) away from Washington, DC. A small waterfront town in Talbot County, Saint Michaels is a relaxing humble place to visit where you will find marines and various cruise options available for you to enjoy the sea breeze. When you are here, don’t forget to check out the iconic 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, a place where you can learn how lighthouse keepers back in the 19th century keep their stations well-preserved back in the days. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is also a place you should not miss. Being Saint Michaels most prominent vacation spot, the museum will help you learn about the local fishing history and even give you a chance to take a look at traditional shipbuilding skills in close distance.
4. Ellicott City
Ellicott City is located 45 km (28 miles) away from Washington DC. It is best known for its ghost sightings, also known as a “Ghost City”. So, if you are here and would like to experience this one-of-a-kind affair you might not get elsewhere, don’t forget to participate in a ghost tour. Alternatively, you can also head over to the Forget-Me-Not Factory. Being the largest and oldest building in Ellicott City, the factory is a three-story toy store where you can find an extensive collection of toys and costumes for all ages, the perfect place to stop by for families!
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Annapolis
Annapolis is about 48 km (30 miles) away from Washington DC. It is also Maryland’s capital city. The town is a humble one, without losing its beautiful charm at the same time. Due to it possessing a beautiful waterfront scenery, it is also an ideal place for one to enjoy a comfortable dining session with their friends and families, accompanied by good food and good scenery. Annapolis is also a great place to enjoy some nightlife activities. Strolling down the street you will notice in an instance of the number of bars and restaurants lined along the street. You can also find a lot of cozy bars where you can enjoy cocktails on the rooftop patios, along with the waterfront.
Book Your Stay: Annapolis Townhome w/Deck by Nature Trails & River
6. Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is a mere 13 km (8 miles) away from Washington DC. As the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018, named by Money Magazine, Old Town Alexandria boasts being the ideal weekend escape for those who want to escape the city buzz. The town consists of more than 200 boutiques and restaurants while its downtown gives you a magnificent atmosphere of the 18th- and 19th-century architectures that allow you to take a walk down memory lane, all the while enjoying a relaxing weekend with your loved ones.
Book Your Stay: ❤ of Old Town Alexandria | private patio | parking
7. Huntly, VA
Huntly, VA, and Washington DC are a mere 10-minutes of drive apart and both of them share the same time zone. As a humble small town surrounded by green nature, Huntly, VA, is a great place for those who are looking for a quiet getaway, either by themselves or with their friends and families. Check out the Skyline Cavern, featuring a wide range of caves in Shenandoah Valley where you can witness rare rock formations. Alternatively, you can also take your time off in one of the vineyards, Glen Manor Vineyards, Desert Rose Ranch & Winery, enjoying some local wines while being enveloped in a tranquil environment.
Book Your Stay: Idyllic Private Mountain Home- Great Views/Pet Friendly
8. Colonial Williamsburg
It takes a 2.5-hour drive to access to Colonial Williamsburg from Washington DC. It’s a place that will entice travelers who have an interest in history. The Revolutionary City located right in Colonial Williamsburg will introduce you to three art museums. However, for travelers who are looking for a sense of thrill, Colonial Williamsburg has something to offer too. The Busch Gardens is a place where you will get to enjoy world-class thrill rides as well as themed park events such as Food & Wine Festival, or Christmas Town, depending on when you stop by.
9. Richmond
The distance between Richmond and Washington DC is 155 km (96 miles) but the travel to Richmond will definitely be worth it. Being the capital of Virginia, Richmond offers a wide range of activities to do, no matter if you are here by yourself, with your partner, or with your friends and families. Shopaholics might find delight in the lineup of shopping destinations encompassing Ledbury and Shockoe Atelier, easily noticeable upon setting foot into Richmond. If you are one who would like to explore more of the green nature, the Virginia Capital Trail is a place where you can cycle through a 52-mile trail, checking out the streets and local lifestyle while you are at it.
Book Your Stay: Spacious Home Close To Downtown, VCU, MCV, The Fan
10. Shepherdstown
It will take 1.5 hours to drive from Washington to Shepherdstown. Located in West Virginia, Shepherdstown offers a quiet environment for travelers to sit back and enjoy. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a scenic place surrounded by parks, hills, and rivers, all at the same time, giving you a completely tranquil atmosphere to breathe in the fresh air you might not get from your everyday busy routines. If you are interested in the town’s history, stop by Shepherdstown Museum and you will find yourself appreciating everything about this place
Explore beyond Washington DC
We understand how variations can be so important to one when it comes to traveling. Aside from Washington DC, a lot of places are also worth the visit located just around the city and we would love to recommend these places to you! Hence, if you would like to spice up your time here in Washington DC for the weekend, try out these places we have shortlisted for you and let’s get your adventure going!
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