There are a billion and one amazing things to do around the DC area, but there’s also a TON to explore along the East Coast. See below for some of our favorite day or weekend trip ideas.
Maryland
Maryland is often called “America in Miniature” – it has beaches, mountains, farmlands, big cities, quaint towns, wetlands, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls….almost every type of geography except for desert. Annapolis and Baltimore are close enough to make a quick outing, but you’ll get a lot more out of each, and all of these unique places listed below, if you opt for an overnight or weekend trip. There are options for everything from beaches to skiing and everything in between. And if you want a taste of the most authentic MD culture, opt for the Eastern Shore, where you’ll find crabs, boats, and beautiful marshland galore!
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Virginia
Virginia is for lovers, as the saying goes. But it’s also for hikers, and wine drinkers, and mountain explorers, too. Virginia is my favorite place to make a road trip from the DC area because there is so much beauty to see, so much history, and so many delicious drinks to try. My favorite road trip? Seeing Shenandoah National Park in the fall or visiting one of the Loundon County wineries can make for a fantastic day out in “the country.” Have a weekend? Go to Charlottesville, hands down. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, meander along the Monticello Wine Trail, go tubing on the James River, have dinner on the Downtown Mall, and more. However, each of the locations below has it’s own character and fun to explore…I highly recommend you put a VA trip towards the top of your bucket list!
Pennsylvania
The only time I visited PA growing up was for a 6th grade trip to Gettysburg. I always thought it was so far away! But Philly is just over 2 hour drive, as are many of the locations listed below, which is practically how long as it takes me to get half way around the beltway some days. Don’t miss the opportunity to make an overnight or weekend trip to see all the history (hello, Liberty Bell!), mountains, theme parks (all.the.chocolate), gardens, and more that Pennsylvania has to offer!
Gettysburg National Military Park
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Delaware
Delaware is where most “locals” head to the beach. Bethany, Dewey, Lewes, and Rehoboth are right next to one another (as well as adjacent to Ocean City, Maryland), and you can find everything you are looking for in a beach town here…boardwalk fries, a FunLand for kids, great restaurants and bars for adults, and obviously, pretty beaches with fun waves to ride. Many attractions are closed in the ‘”off-season” so make sure to check accordingly!
West Virginia
Home to two national parks (including the newest national park as of Dec 2020!) and some of the best ski resorts on the east coast (I know that isn’t saying a lot for you all from the West), West Virginia is a often overlooked – and particularly beautiful – mountainous escape from the DC area.
Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park
Beyond
New York City is a 4 hour drive to the north and North Carolina beaches are a 4 hour drive to the south. The East Coast is very accessible for anyone who is willing to drive, and there are TONS of amazing places to visit, especially if this is your first time being stationed on this side of the country. Please leave a note in the comments if I missed any of your favorite places!
Fancy Overnights
Here’s a list of places if you are interested in doing a “fancy” overnight stay.
Great Wolf Lodge (Williamsburg, VA)
Kingsmill Resort (Williamsburg, VA)
Salamander Resort & Spa (Middleburg, VA)
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
The Homestead (Hot Springs VA)
Jelly Side Up 