It's not fun driving in DC. Everyone knows this. The roads are confusing. There's always traffic and drivers can act like maniacs. But if you have to drive or if you actually like to drive, we recommend these roads for a scenic drive. These are the six most beautiful roads in Washington DC.
1. George Washington Memorial Parkway
The GW Memorial Parkway is one of the most gorgeous roads in DC. This winding road will take you out of DC along the Potomac River. There is a thick forest of trees on either side of the road and every few miles there's a break where you can enjoy views of the Potomac.
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2. Beach Drive
Beach Drive cuts through Rock Creek Park. This picturesque drive curves through absolutely incredible foliage and woods.
3. Route 50 West
Route 50 stretches all the way across the country and the section from DC to Virginia is quite pretty. Take the route further outside the city to hit the remote towns and enjoy views of the rolling hills of Virginia.
4. Route 50 East
Or you can take Route 50 in the opposite direction towards Maryland. Route 50 East takes you into Maryland through charming small towns and along the Chesapeake Bay to the beautiful Bay Bridge.
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5. Chain Bridge
Chain Bridge Road travels outside of DC into Northern Virginia. When you cross the Chain Bridge, you get some of the most gorgeous views of the Potomac River.
6. Georgetown Pike
Georgetown Pike was named a Virginia Byway because of its scenic beauty in 1974. Georgetown Pike is a winding road that feels remote and is absolutely breathtaking in the colder months.
If you love searching for unique items and hidden treasures, you have plenty of options for great antique malls near DC. Across the DMV area in Northern Virginia and Maryland, there are funky and fun antique shops. We mapped out a dream weekend itinerary where you can explore all of the best antique stores and dine in quaint inns and charming restaurants around Washington DC.
The trip starts outside of DC at Antique Row, the area’s largest and oldest antiquing district. The area has rows of antique shops and markets where you can find everything from clothes to dishes and furniture.
The next stop is Frederick, Maryland, which has many amazing antique shops, including Emporium Antiques. Located in a historic brick building in downtown Frederick, Emporium Antiques has been one of the best places to find antiques from local dealers since 1987. You’ll find some of the best antique stores near Washington DC in Frederick!
112 East Patrick Street Frederick, MD 21701
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3. Chartreuse & Co.
Chartreuse & Co. is a family-owned antiques shop in converted barns. Their shop is now located across two barns and a farmhouse. They sell items from many different vendors and get new items in regularly, so you want to visit frequently. We love this antique store near DC!
4007 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
4. Firestone’s Culinary Tavern
If you’re hungry, we recommend stopping at Firestone’s Culinary Tavern for lunch or dinner. It’s located in an old 1920s building with an intimate feeling inside. Dine on their favorite dishes like seafood, burgers, and delicious desserts.
105 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
5. Hollerstown Hill Bed & Breakfast
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Spend the night in the Frederick area with your haul from the day at Hollerstown Hill Bed & Breakfast. Family owned, this inn is in a 1901 Queen Anne Victorian home. It’s just minutes from downtown Frederick and the hosts are warm and welcoming and you will love your stay! This historic inn near DC is the perfect place to spend the evening.
4 Clarke Pl, Frederick, MD 21701
6. The Old Lucketts Store
Day two of the antiquing road trip will take you to beautiful Leesburg, Virginia. The Old Lucketts Store might just be one of the most well-known antique places in the area. The shop is in a restored 138-year-old, and more than 30 dealers sell their wares there. One of the best antique malls near DC!
42350 Lucketts Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176
7. On A Whim
You can’t miss the charming On A Whim with its green and pink polka dotted barn. They sell a mix of repurposed and vintage shabby chic furniture and home decor.
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14920 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20176
8. Roots 657
When it’s time for lunch (or dinner!), Roots 657 is the perfect place for a bite in Leesburg. The cafe serves locally-inspired farm-to-table house made soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. TEXT
42301 Spinks Ferry Rd Leesburg, VA 20176
9. Middleburg Antique Emporium
Our trip takes us to Middleburg, also known as Virginia Hunt Country. There are plenty of treasures in this bright and cozy shop with 45 dealers selling goods from the United States and Europe. Middleburg has some of the best antique stores near DC!
105 W Washington St Middleburg, VA 20117
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10. Baileywyck Antiques
Baileywyck Antiques gets its name from the beloved dog of one of the owners and it is packed with antiques, furniture, home decor items, artwork, architectural elements, and collectibles in a 4,000-square-foot gallery.
11. Red Fox Inn
If it’s time to rest after your shopping day, the Red Fox Inn is a gorgeous inn in Middleburg. There are 18 unique rooms over a few different buildings. The inn has a Tavern on the first floor and the Night Fox Pub if you get hungry! This hidden gem in Virginia is a must-see!
2 E Washington St Middleburg, VA 20117
12. Iron Horse Antiques
Don’t be deceived by the outside! Iron Horse Antiques is a huge two-story antique mall with a little bit of everything in it. They usually have freshly baked cookies or treats for visitors to snack on while they browse!
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13. Mount Vernon Antique Center (permanently closed)
Editor's note: Unfortunately, this antique store in Alexandria is permanently closed. We end our trip right outside of DC in Alexandria where you can search high quality antiques at the huge Mount Vernon Antique Center. You can spend hours exploring this massive antique mall and its many hidden treasures.
8101 Richmond Hwy Alexandria, VA 22309
Have you visited these antique malls near DC? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Most people who live in or around Washington DC know that driving can be awful because of the traffic. But there is one experience that you won’t mind being in the car. Throughout the DMV area, the holiday spirit comes to life every year through the magnificent Christmas decor. We narrowed down the best light displays to these nine destinations and created the beautiful holiday lights road trip through DC to take in this holiday season. For an evening of holiday fun, grab your friends and loved ones and take this epic Christmas lights road trip around the district!
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This road trip takes around three and a half hours. You can start in Virginia or reverse it and start in Maryland if you choose!
You can view a map of the trip and customize the trip according to your starting and ending location.
1. Bull Run Festival of Lights - 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Our trip starts at the Bull Run Festival of Lights, a 2.5-mile illuminated light display. Cruise through the gorgeous display and afterward, stretch your legs and enjoy some hot cocoa in the holiday village! Take in one of the best holiday lights around DC.
2. Lucy’s Land of Lights - 43034 Tippman Pl, Chantilly VA 20152
After Bull Run, head into a residential neighborhood in Chantilly to experience the magic of Lucy’s Land of Lights. This private home puts on a light display coordinated with music. Feel cozy in this welcoming neighborhood as you enjoy holiday lights in Washington DC.
3. Lights at Lowes Island - 47807 Blockhouse Point Pl Sterling, VA 20165
After Lucy’s, we’ll head over to another amazing private display in Sterling at the Lights at Lowes Island. This incredibly creative family decorates their home for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. Pull up to the side and tune in to 98.1 FM to experience the full show.
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4. Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights - 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182
Our last stop in Virginia takes us to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Walk through these peaceful botanical gardens that are decked out with over 500,000 LED lights in various nature-inspired displays. The Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights is a holiday favorite year after year. Celebrate the holidays enjoying the dazzling displays.
We’re crossing into DC now to experience a light display that is unlike any other! Georgetown Glow is a celebration of local artists who decorate the streets of Georgetown with unique public light installations. With walking tours and a host of programs, you'll want to carve out plenty of time to enjoy the unique lights of Georgetown Glow.
6. ZooLights - Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Just down the street from Georgetown, experience ZooLights at the National Zoo. The zoo is transformed into a dazzling light show with animated light shows throughout the park at this free event.
7. Temple Festival of Lights - 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
The longtime Glen Burnie resident, Tony Lorio, has turned his home into a holiday attraction over the last three decades. Ever year, the decor becomes more elaborate and even brighter. Drive by and tune your car to 107.1 FM and watch the lights move in sync with the Christmas music. Bring some hot cocoa and celebrate the holiday lights in Washington DC the good, old-fashioned way.
9. Miracle on 34th Street - Baltimore - 720 West 34th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211
We finish up our road trip in Hampden, Maryland, for their Miracle on 34th Street - because where else do you finish a Christmas road trip if not on 34th Street? The street in the Hampden neighborhood is an entire block of brightly lit homes. This well-loved tradition offers some of the most magical drive-thru lights in DC. Join in on the fun that has been bringing holiday cheer for more than 70 years!
There's nothing quite like getting into a warm car with family and friends to take in the holiday light displays in Washington, DC and its suburbs. Just follow the glow of Christmas bulbs to be in awe of spectacular works of art and cozy décor. You'll surely enjoy bringing in the holidays with this whimsical holiday road trip.
Washington, DC is one of the best places to be for the holidays! What are some of your favorite Christmas stops in the city and beyond? Be sure to comment and let us know!