As much as we love Washington DC, it’s always nice to get out of the city and travel around the local area. With so many attractions in the district, it can be easy to forget that there are so many places to see just outside of DC! Here are 10 affordable road trip destinations near DC that won’t break the bank!
1. Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a very cool geological formation made up of a 215-foot-high natural arch. There are six miles of hiking trails around the bridge. The Natural Bridge is three hours outside of DC. Admission is $6 for age 6-12 and $8 for age 13 and over.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg marked an important turning point in the Civil War. Today, the national park is an excellent destination. Go back in time during living history programs, explore the battlefield and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Entry to the park is free.
3. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park is a unique park in Calvert County Maryland. The cliffs extend for 24 miles along the shoreline and you can search for fossils as you walk the sandy beaches, explore marshland and hiking trails. The price is $5/vehicle for Maryland residents and $7/vehicle for out-of-state vehicles.
4. Old Rag
Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in the entire area. It gives hikers a challenge with a fun rock scramble and offers amazing views of Shenandoah Valley. It’s $10/per person and vehicle entrance fees are $25/vehicle.
5. Jefferson Rock
Jefferson Rock is a unique Rock formation above Harpers Ferry overlooking the Shenandoah River. The rock was named after Thomas Jefferson who is said to have stood there in 1783. Park fees are $5/per person and $10/per vehicle.
6. Ferry Hill Plantation
Ferry Hill is a 19th century plantation home that overlooks the Potomac River and Sheperdstown, West Virginia. There are exhibits inside the home that focus on the Civil War, local farming, local commerce and the architecture of the plantation. The cost is $5/per person and $10/per vehicle.
7. Lightship Overfalls
The Lightship Overfalls is a National Historic Landmark in Lewes, Delaware. It is one of the 17 remaining lightships out of the 179 that were built from 1820 to 1952 and it is only one of seven that is open to the public. Admission is $5.
8. Maymont
Maymont is a gorgeous mansion in Richmond, VA. James Henry and Sallie Dooley lived in the mansion from 1893 through 1925. They wanted it to be preserved so new generations could enjoy the hoe. Stroll through romantic gardens and marvel at the man-made beauty of the home. There is a $5 per person suggested donation.
9. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the companion to the Air and Space Museum in DC. It features thousands of aviation and space artifacts including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Concorde and much more! Admission is free and parking is $15 before 4:00pm.
10. Assateague Island
Assateague is a gorgeous island covered with beaches, wetlands and marshes. It’s a great place to bird watch and to see the wild horses that roam the island.
Planning vacations from DC? Take on one of the 12 best trips near DC!
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