Washington DC is uniquely situated. It’s located within a few hours driving distance to four different states. Residents and visitors have easy access to many countryside experiences. If you truly want to experience the beauty surrounding Washington DC, the best way to do it is by train! There are several different train rides around the DC area but the best train ride near Washington DC just might be the Walkersville Southern Railroad.
Walkersville Southern Railroad, located just a few hours outside of Washington DC has several different train rides. Each ride has their own unique twist but all of them promise a fun and enjoyable experience for train lovers of all ages.
Since 1996, Walkersville Southern Railroad has been offering train rides starting from a small-town railroad station built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 1880s.
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The rides take you over a historic track that was originally built in 1872 by the Pennsylvania Railroad!
The rides take you through Walkersville and out into the picturesque Maryland country side.
You also pass over Monocacy River, offering a beautiful view of the water and recently reconstructed railroad bridge.
The trains go at a leisurely pace that everyone will enjoy and you have your choice of riding in open-air excursion car, remodeled passenger coaches or in the caboose.
Walkersville Southern Railroad also dinner trains where visitors enjoy a four course meal and live entertainment.
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You can also enjoy a special seasonal train ride on the Walkersville Southern Railroad including Easter Trains, Santa Trainers and various historical reenactment train rides!
Visitors can also stop off at the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum, located across the street from the train station. At the museum, visitors can learn the history of the railroad.
Walkersville Southern Railroad operates regular trains on weekends May though October and they offer special trains all year round.
There is no shortage of things to do in Washington DC. Although small, DC is full of history, culture, art, sports, delicious restaurants, fun bars, and plenty of shopping. You can have any type of adventure you want in Washington DC and if you live here, or even if you are just visiting for a few days, we came up with 21 things for your Washington DC bucket list. Don’t miss out on everything DC has to offer!
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1. Visit the monuments and memorials at night.
Everyone needs to experience the majestic beauty of the glowing light of monuments around the Mall at night.
2. Relax on the National Mall.
Play in DC’s front yard! Relax, picnic, people watch, and soak in the culture and history of the surrounding memorials, monuments, and political buildings.
3. Walk and shop through Georgetown.
The charming streets of Georgetown provide tons of shopping and elegant row homes that are Instagram-worthy. This is one of the best Washington DC vacation ideas.
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4. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
This moving museum offers a powerful look at one of the darkest times in the country’s history. It’s a must-see tribute.
5. Visit the National Gallery of Art.
The National Gallery of Art has a diverse collection of historical art as well as a beautiful sculpture garden.
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6. Go around the world at the embassies.
Explore the world without ever leaving DC every May at Passport DC, a month-long event that highlights DC’s diplomatic community and international scene.
7. Head to the Air and Space Museum.
The Air and Space Museum gives visitors a look at the past and future of air and spacecraft in the country and it has the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world.
8. Taste a DC brew at one of the local breweries.
DC craft beer scene has exploded over the last few years and you can find unique, flavorful, and satisfying local brews all over the district.
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9. Get a half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Everyone from former President Obama to Bono has enjoyed a half-smoke at this iconic DC restaurant.
10. Try your culinary tastes at minibar by José Andrés.
José Andrés unique dining experience is unlike anything else there is in this world! You will be talking about it for years to come!
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11. Try out Capital Bikeshare.
Getting around DC has never been easier than hopping on and off one of the 3,500 bicycles situated around the district.
12. Tour the Arboretum.
The National Arboretum is a true hidden gem where you can wander for hours enjoying peaceful nature.
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13. Get fresh fish at Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf on Maine Avenue.
You can find fresh fish, prepared seafood, and a one-of-a-kind experience in the oldest operating open-air fish market in the country.
14. Kayak, boat, or paddle board the Potomac.
The Potomac provides the perfect place for enjoying water sports in the city.
15. Visit the International Spy Museum.
The International Spy Museum is truly one of the coolest museums in the entire city. Learn about the secret history of spies and go on a mission of your own! In my opinion, this is one of the best things to add to your list of things to do in Washington DC.
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16. Shop at Eastern Market.
Experience the hustle and bustle of the thriving market where you can find fresh produce, prepared meals, and handmade crafts.
17. Enjoy a food truck meal.
The food truck scene is huge in DC and every truck has delicious meals at great prices.
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18. Tour the three houses of government: the White House, the Capitol, and the US Supreme Court.
You can’t experience DC without experiencing the government. You can schedule tours and visits of each of the three branches of government for free.
19. Watch a Nats game at Nationals Park.
There’s nothing quite like watching America’s game in America’s capital on a hot summer night. It doesn’t hurt when Bryce Harper is hitting home runs.
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20. Get a cupcake at Baked & Wired.
Skip the lines at Georgetown Cupcake and get the best baked goods in the city at Baked & Wired.
21. Take a hike in Rock Creek Park.
Rock Creek is Washington’s prominent park that gives all Washingtonians a perfect place to experience nature right in the heart of the city.
DC is known for its traffic so most people don’t associate driving with relaxation around here. But if you travel farther outside the city, you will enjoy peaceful winding back roads that will provide you with incredible views and an enjoyable trip! If you are looking for the best driving route around Washington DC these are the seven best back roads around DC.
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1. GW Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the most gorgeous drives around the area. You can hop on the parkway just across the bridge from the District in Arlington and take it past gorgeous views of the Potomac to Great Falls.
Learn more about the George Washington Memorial Parkway in this video from Through My Lens:
2. Route 50 West
The Route 50 West in Northern Virginia will take you out to the rolling hills of Middleburg. You’ll drive by stretches and stretches of countryside dotted by wineries and farms. Stop in at one of the many small towns along the way for shopping or a bite to eat.
3. Snickersville Turnpike
Out in Loudoun County, VA, Snickersville is a rural scenic byway that offers drivers a relaxing road set against beautiful scenery.
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Take one of the best backroads near you from Aldie to Bluemont, VA in this virtual drive on the Snickersville Turnpike from Jason is Over Here!:
4. Beach Drive
Located in Rock Creek Park, Beach Drive is a spectacularly beautiful drive. Whether you go in the fall when the leaves are turning colors or in the spring when you are surrounded by green, Washingtonians can escape the hustle of the city without going far.
5. Route 15
Another Virginia byway that is ideal for a country drive. This route will take you through the open and uncluttered Virginia landscape. In the fall, the views are breathtaking. There is even a hidden castle to spot along the way.
6. Route 673
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This ride, which you can get to by Route 15, takes you south toward the Appalachian Trail. You’ll pass cute towns, past farms, and vineyards with the outline of the mountain ranges in the distance.
7. Route 7
Route 7 in Northern Virginia drives out to Loudoun County. Once out there, you can cruise by charming towns like Purcellville, gorgeous open land, miles of trees, hills, and endless countryside.
There are many scenic drives near Washington DC like this early fall drive along Route 7 in Northern Virginia that you'll see in this video from Trekker in USA:
The best driving route around Washington DC doesn't have to be a boring interstate loop. These backroads are both beautiful and peaceful. What is your favorite scenic drive around Washington DC?