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 07, 2024.
1. Middleburg (from USD 184)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
There is one bedroom and one huge bathroom upstairsplenty of room Loved the bathroomThe kitchen is fully outfitted and the rooms fill with sunlightThe bed was very comfortable and the master bathroom was luxuriousa smaller half bath downstairsCleanliness:
Not only is the Writer's Cottage charming and clean as a whistleI did wish I knew a few things before booking: 1) the kitchen is not clean and is therefore very much not conducive to cooking anything; 2) though the floors were overall cleanThe place is very quiet which is also niceHost:
Michael welcomed us with a fruit basket and wine--very generous of him and much appreciatedThe host is an absolute pleasure and very responsiveSandra Grahame and Skobie (the dog)he was very easy to contact and was very helpful in my many questions about the townand I appreciated that the owner allowed me to have my small house trained dogs there with meRead more reviewsLocation:
It is in a great location because you can walk to the restaurantsClose to town perfect locationMiddleburg itself offers lots of interesting shopping--clothes and antiques mostly--and there are a number of good places to eatAll in all a good place to stay if you are looking to stay in that areaclean and had everything we needed Perfect location to walk to restaurants and shops
2. Baltimore (from USD 128)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The apartment was very well stocked with everything you would need toiletries pansThe apartment had all features as listed and was in a good neighborhood as several other reviewers mentionedTHAT IS IN THE WHOLE TOWN EVERYONEI'm on crutches and this unit was perfect for me only a few steps up to the front door and everything on one level insideBeautiful place ; clean and comfortable; walkable to Little Italy Fells Point and Inner HarborCleanliness:
The apartment was very cleanThe apartment itself was quaint and very cleanIt had everything we needed Every space of the home was used wisely and it is decorated very wellThe apartment was very clean and had lots of charm Bathroom and kitchen were well stocked with essentialsHost:
John was responsive to any questions we hadMr Morgan was very easy to work with and was quick to return calls when I had questions about the rentalThe owner was very responsive with correspondenceBUT THEY REALLY MADE US FEEL WELCOMEWe couldn't be more pleased and John was very quick to answer any questions we had prior to ourRead more reviewsLocation:
Perfect location within walking distance to many restaurants and bars Easy to get to other fun sightseeing activities like the aquarium and science centerGreat neighborhood; convenient to CantonThe location is also ideal access to many things and great restaurantsParking was not really a problem at allTHEY ARE A TRUE ASSET TO THE NEIBORHOOD
3. Saint Michaels, MD (from USD 624)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
other items in the kitchenit just seems like there is room after room after room Would rent out this home againDownstairs toilet did not flush leaky faucet in upstairs toiletThe front door is broken and taped togetherThe sink was backed up and the shower knob was looseCleanliness:
House was cleaned and ready and everything was in order as describedYou cannot beat this house for location and sizeIt is also quite large andThe towels were not fresh and there were not enough of themHost:
St Michaels has to offerWe found the local people friendly and they provided good advice on restaurants and nearby attractions All in allDespite the unseasonable weather we had an awesome timeAll in all we had a great four daysNot fancy but well appointedRead more reviewsLocation:
The location could not be better a few blocks walk to everythingThe location was terrific - easy to walk to restaurants and shops and to explore the Eastern ShoreThe location of this property was perfect We were able to walk to so many activitiesSuper location in the center of townThe property is in a great location has beautiful views and is an interesting and historic house
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Richmond (from USD 144)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
had enough parking and comfy bedsHad a really time in the downstairs common spaceWe did use the kitchen and found enough pots and pans for our useThe only issue was that the tub and shower were somewhat difficult to manageAppreciated the use of the washer and dryer cooking suppliesCleanliness:
Charming old house centrally located very spaciousThe washer and dryer in the basement was very convenientso really can't ask for more Thanks to Chris for sharing this houseHost:
Have asked owner to see about a couple of plumbing issues which were minor inconveniencesDog-friendly Owner polite and very responsive Would go backdoor being locked Richmond has really become a wonderful foodie townoh well Go to the Rogue Gentleman an award-winning craft cocktail restaurant that also has amazing and imaginative foodIt would have been good to know that there are only three bedsRead more reviewsLocation:
Nice walk to Belle Island and downtownLocation was decent -- not close to downtownThis home is located in a quiet neighborhood and convenient to many areas of Richmondit is a great place to stay in a quite neighborhood yet close to everythingspacious very convenient to all the sights in Richmond and full of character and detail from the period it was built including glass door
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
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
5. Shepherdstown (from USD 145)
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
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
roomy and has all needed amenitiesThe kitchen is well stocked with all you need for cooking/dining and rooms are comfortableThe kitchen was well stockedHouse is comfortable and well appointedStunning view of the water and the house itself is charmingCleanliness:
The house was beautiful and very well keptThe road between the house and the river is not busy and I didn't mind the odd car passing between me and the viewVery clean and nicely decorated Might be hard for someone who has trouble climbing stepsHost:
He said something about having to launder additional linensThe owner shared interesting local history with us which was very helpfuland we appreciated the historical literature available to learn more of the arealinens are nice and plentiful etcShepherdstown is conveniently close and the people are welcoming and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
There are several good restaurants and interesting shops Would certainly recommend this property to a couple looking to get away from the noise and congestion of suburbiaThe river is wide lazy and scenic - great for a leisurely canoe tripthe weather is bad and we get stuck insideIt's close enough to Washington for day trips then back to the relaxed countryside away from the crowds Amazing amount of history in the area Close to Antietam Battlefield and Harper FerryIdeal location on the river Close in town
6. Ellicott City (from USD 121)
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!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The beds were very comfortableTwo things need improvement: the entryway light was not working making it difficult to navigate up the steep stairs at nightThe photos does not do justice to the spaceThe one downside was the 2am loud conversation heard from the floor belowAnd the lack of lighting by the street made locating the narrow driveway difficult in the darkCleanliness:
Great place that is close to everything When we arrived it was clean and tidyHost:
We loved our stay- peaceful welcoming clean nice personal touchesWe loved the are the communication with the host and serenity of the spaceWe hope we can book again another timeWe were really impressed with how the host took the time to bring the comforts of home into the spaceBut it was quite clean with nice peaceful touchesRead more reviewsLocation:
It's really a very special place with a lovely landlordBooking was easy and communication was prompt and accurate
7. 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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Everything was perfect Even down to the towels in the bathroomOur stay in the town home was comfortableI gave this property 3 stars instead of 5 because the garbage disposal had an odorThe kitchen is stocked with every gadget you needFor a one bedroom unitHost:
The owner Marybeth was extremely nice and very responsiveThe owner Mary Beth was gracious and attentive and provided excellent customer serviceNevertheless we were comfortable and the owner was extremely niceWas very pleased with the Property and the owner was very helpful Would stay there againThe owner responded to all communication immediately and made coming/going a breeze TV in both rooms with tons of apps (MLB tv Netflix Hulu ) was a nice bonusRead more reviewsLocation:
Location was fantastic Very close to the city and Sandy PointIt's a beautiful well-maintained quiet neighborhood surrounded by beautiful trees and an easy drive to downtown or nearby dining and shoppingIt was very close to Sandy Point beach and downtown Annapolis as well as shopping and restaurantsThe property was clean and the option to grill on the patio was a plus we love grillingNo trouble getting an Uber within 10 or 15 minutes
8. 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.
406 South Royal Street
9. 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.
Washington, VA, US
10. 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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
At night the bedrooms were not cooled as much as we would want but the living area was freezingit would not be a high pressure sales pitch and only 90 minutesbut it was off-puttingThey had everything you wanted to do onsite Would stay againOur son had room to spread out and play with several of the toys he brought for down time and my wife and I had space for escape timeCleanliness:
Really great place Quiet and cleanThe Wyndham resort was very clean and well keptclean and comfortable A terrific valueHost:
Everyone at Kingsgate is supper friendly and helpfulThis is a nice property with great amenitiesUnfortunately the indoor pool was under maintenance but was still greatThis is obviously not the owner's faultIt has an indoor and outdoor pool games rooms for the kidsRead more reviewsLocation:
Kids loved the pool and FREE arcadeThe location is good with easy access to all of the attractions in the areaIt ended up being 2 hours and would have been longer had we not insisted we were not interested at the timeThe on site activities were very cool and we enjoyed them very muchAfter agreeing to go to the seminar for the free breakfast and free Colonial Williamsburg tickets we went understanding
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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