road trip texas to washington dc

40 Best Stops Between Dallas and Washington DC

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How long is the drive from Dallas to Washington DC?

The direct drive from Dallas to Washington DC is 1,333 mi (2,144 km) , and should have a drive time of 19 hrs 39 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Dallas to Washington DC, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Nashville , Gatlinburg , Memphis , Pigeon Forge , Chattanooga , Asheville , Richmond , Hot Springs , Charlottesville , and Tunica , as well as top places to visit like Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and Consolidated Gold Mine, or the ever-popular Amicalola Falls State Park.

Top cities between Dallas and Washington DC

Hot springs.

Chattanooga

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Pigeon Forge

Charlottesville

Best stops along Dallas to Washington DC drive

Amicalola falls state park.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Consolidated gold mine, harrah's cherokee valley river, tail of the dragon rentals, anna ruby falls, cumberland falls state resort park, market square, tuckaleechee caverns, tallulah gorge state park, great smoky mountains railroad, tennessee homemade wines, ole smoky distillery "the holler".

Forbidden Caverns

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Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum

Rafting in the smokies, french broad adventures, tamarack marketplace, new river gorge bridge, natural bridge.

Luray Caverns

James madison's montpelier.

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Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Kings dominion, harpers ferry national historical park, national museum of the marine corps, steven f. udvar-hazy center, top searches in washington dc, other popular road trips from dallas, explore nearby places.

• Washington DC
• Capitol Heights
• Bladensburg
• Temple Hills
• Hyattsville
• Takoma Park
• Riverdale Park
• Baileys Crossroads
• National Harbor
• District Heights
• Forestville
• College Park
• Silver Spring
• Chevy Chase
• Camp Springs
• West Bethesda
• Falls Church

All related maps of Washington DC

• Map of Washington DC
• Map of Arlington
• Map of Brentwood
• Map of Capitol Heights
• Map of Suitland
• Map of Bladensburg
• Map of Temple Hills
• Map of Hyattsville
• Map of Oxon Hill
• Map of Alexandria
• Map of Takoma Park
• Map of Riverdale Park
• Map of Landover
• Map of Baileys Crossroads
• Map of National Harbor
• Map of District Heights
• Map of Forestville
• Map of College Park
• Map of Silver Spring
• Map of Chevy Chase
• Map of Camp Springs
• Map of Bethesda
• Map of Adelphi
• Map of West Bethesda
• Map of Glenarden
• Map of Falls Church
• Map of Glen Echo
• Map of Lanham
• Map of McLean
• Map of Largo
• Map of Kensington

Washington DC throughout the year

• Washington DC in January
• Washington DC in February
• Washington DC in March
• Washington DC in April
• Washington DC in May
• Washington DC in June
• Washington DC in July
• Washington DC in August
• Washington DC in September
• Washington DC in October
• Washington DC in November
• Washington DC in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Washington DC?

Get inspired for your trip to Washington DC with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 2-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 4-Day Washington DC Itinerary
• 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from dallas to washington dc.

Yes! You can drive from Dallas to Washington DC.

How far is Washington DC from Dallas by car?

The drive from Dallas to Washington DC is 1,333 miles (2,144 km).

How long does it take to drive from Dallas to Washington DC?

Driving from Dallas to Washington DC should take you 19 hrs 39 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Dallas to Washington DC?

Gas from Dallas to Washington DC would cost around $117 to $273 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Dallas to Washington DC?

You could check out Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and Consolidated Gold Mine, or the always popular Amicalola Falls State Park!

What are the best cities to visit between Dallas and Washington DC?

People love visiting Nashville, Gatlinburg, and Memphis, among others.

What's the weather like in Dallas?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Dallas in January
• Weather in Dallas in February
• Weather in Dallas in March
• Weather in Dallas in April
• Weather in Dallas in May
• Weather in Dallas in June
• Weather in Dallas in July
• Weather in Dallas in August
• Weather in Dallas in September
• Weather in Dallas in October
• Weather in Dallas in November
• Weather in Dallas in December

What are some other road trips from Dallas?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Dallas.

• Dallas to New York City drive
• Dallas to Orlando drive
• Dallas to San Antonio drive
• Dallas to New Orleans drive
• Dallas to Las Vegas drive
• Dallas to Chicago drive
• Dallas to Austin drive
• Dallas to Houston drive
• Dallas to Washington DC drive
• Dallas to San Francisco drive
• Dallas to Branson drive
• Dallas to Nashville drive
• Dallas to Los Angeles drive
• Dallas to Memphis drive
• Dallas to Mexico City drive
• Dallas to San Diego drive
• Dallas to Atlanta drive
• Dallas to Toronto drive
• Dallas to Oklahoma City drive
• Dallas to Saint Louis drive
• Dallas to Gatlinburg drive
• Dallas to Boston drive
• Dallas to Galveston drive
• Dallas to Niagara Falls drive
• Dallas to St. Augustine drive
• Dallas to Savannah drive
• Dallas to Montreal drive
• Dallas to Kansas City drive
• Dallas to Miami Beach drive
• Dallas to Colorado Springs drive

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Texas to DC: A Road Trip Through the South (During a Pandemic…)

So, the day has finally come — I’m recapping our road trip through the South from last month. 25 hours on the road . 7 states . 3 days . It was a whirlwind to say the least and I hope that we have the opportunity to do this again someday when we’re not in the middle of the pandemic and when we have a bit more time to explore and slowly make our way across the South.

For those wondering why the heck we did this road trip: we were taking a car from family in Texas and bringing it back to DC. And, if you’re curious about our overall experience, particularly given the timing, you can read my post here on how to travel safely during a pandemic . Lastly, a disclaimer: I 

How We Chose Our Route for a Road Trip Through the South

When you’re planning a road trip through the South, specifically from Texas to DC, you’ve got a few different options. Do you go through New Orleans? Atlanta? We chose to go the “northern route” to take us through the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, an area neither of us had ever explored . In an ideal world, we probably would have spent a few days there but, hey, that’s for another trip, right?!

This route took us Texas to Louisiana to Mississippi to Alabama to Tennessee to North Carolina to Virginia and, eventually, back home to DC .

Day One: Port Aransas, TX to Birmingham, AL

Prior to our trip, we spent a few days at the beach in Port Aransas, TX with Adam’s family. So, we set out bright and early at 6 AM from Port Aransas on our first day, ready to drive the longest leg of our trip: 13 hours to Birmingham.

Leaving Port Aransas via Ferry

The drive started with a ferry ride out of Port Aransas, which I was super excited for…until I realized it’s anti-climatic and lasts about 2 minutes . Womp womp. Still not a bad way to start the day with sunrise over the water.

First Stop: Houston, TX for Breakfast Tacos

We kicked off the drive with 3.5 hours from Port Aransas to Houston . If you’ve never been to Texas, it truly is incredible how varied the landscape is within one state. You’ll go from completely flat to desert hill country within just a couple of hours.

And, of course, another incredible thing about Texas is the breakfast tacos. Seriously, I’d never had a true breakfast taco until I went to Austin for the first time.

So, I obviously couldn’t leave Texas without a breakfast taco. A quick Google search turned up Brothers Taco House as the best breakfast tacos in Houston (or at least on our route). We grabbed a few tacos, chorizo being my personal fave, and made the mistake of trying to eat them in the car (I do not recommend trying to pour hot sauce on a breakfast taco while wearing white jeans).

Unsuccessful Stop in Baton Rouge, LA

Got nothing to say here because all we saw was a gas station, ha. We tried to stop in Baton Rouge, tried to stop in a little market to grab a snack before lunch but, unfortunately, everything we tried was closed for COVID .

Ironic given the #1 question I got about this road trip was whether the South wasn’t taking anything seriously and I wondered the same thing myself before we hit the road, but they definitely were.

However, it was definitely crazy driving over bayous and swamp that make up the Baton Rouge area. I’m back to what I said about Texas — it’s amazing to see the breadth of landscape across one region of the country.

Quick Coffee Break in Hattiesburg, MS

We only stopped in Hattiesburg for a hot second to grab a coffee , but Equinox Coffee is a hip little spot with several different takes on seasonal drinks (which I, unfortunately, didn’t notice until after I’d ordered my iced white chocolate mocha.

Another spot that looked cool here, particularly if you’re hungry: T Bones Records and Cafe .

Paying Homage to Home Town in Laurel, MS

Adam and I have been obsessed with binge watching the show Home Town on HGTV throughout the pandemic. While their style isn’t exactly what I’d choose for my home, there’s something so soothing about watching this cute Southern couple make over $30,000 homes in their hometown of Lauren, MS. Plus, even if the end result is a little bit country grandmillennial, we always appreciate the way they incorporate modern elements while maintaining the timeless character of old homes.

So, obviously, we had to stop in Laurel given it was on our route . We were driving through a little after 5 pm, which meant almost everything downtown was closed besides for the two shops, Laurel Mercantile and Scotsman, Co., owned by Ben and Erin Napier of Home Town.

I will say, it’s very clear very quickly why the cost of living is affordable there — it’s a sleepy town. But, from the story that Home Town tells, which is that the downtown was completely abandoned until the show’s hosts and their friends set out to reinvigorate Laurel , you can definitely tell that there are more shops and restaurants gradually opening.

A Late Arrival in Birmingham, AL

We cruised into Birmingham around 8 p.m. I’d spent a couple of hours  prior to arrival perusing restaurant recommendations (shoutout to anyone who gave me recs via Insta stories !) and looking for something, anything that was open on a Monday evening . It’s certainly something we take for granted living in a big East Coast city that restaurants are just open every night of the week .

Eventually, we landed on Blueprint on 3rd . We placed an online order for pickup but got into town a few minutes earlier than we anticipated, so we sat down across the street at Hop City Beer to grab a drink. This was our first time during the pandemic actually dining at a restaurant, albeit outside, and all I could think was, “ugh, I wish DC restaurants had the physical space to spread out like they can here.” It was so nice to feel like you are easily 20 feet from the next table.

Once our food was ready, we picked it up and took it back to our hotel to enjoy a lovely hotel-bed spread of elevated Southern classics, fried green tomatoes, seasonal salad, and more.

Day Two: Birmingham, AL to Asheville, NC

Our stay in birmingham, al.

We booked both of our hotel stays during our road trip with Chase points. Typically, we like to save those for big trips but, as I told Adam, what else are we using them for right now?  We can’t go anywhere big, so we might as well just save the money and use the points.

In Birmingham, we stayed at the Redmont Hotel , which is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection . Built in 1925, this hotel is beautifully renovated, maintaining it’s art deco charm in a way that feels youthful and colorful. It’s located right downtown, which, in normal times, I’m sure makes it incredibly convenient but was a bit quiet currently.

Civil Rights in Birmingham, AL

While we didn’t have but a few hours to explore Birmingham, we wanted to make sure we had time to stop by two of the major sites along the Civil Rights trail , particularly given the context today. We walked by 16th Street Baptist Church, which was the site of a white supremacist bombing in 1963 that killed four young Black girls, before making our way across the street to Kelly Ingram Park. The park contains statues that commemorate civil rights leaders and events that were pivotal in the fight for justice in Birmingham.

We visited first thing in the morning so the Civil Rights Museum was not yet open for the day but we did hear that it’s a moving museum should you have the chance to go.

World’s Largest Cast Iron Statue Resides in Birmingham, AL

I’m still a little confused by this Birmingham attraction. The Vulcan Statue in Vulcan Park dates back to an Italian artist in 1904. It’s the largest cast iron statue in the world. The park is beautiful. What’s the point of it? What’s its tie to Birmingham? That’s where they lose me a bit, but it is pretty and offers a beautiful view from atop Red Mountain.

Breakfast Stop Before Leaving Birmingham, AL: Alabama Biscuit Co.

When it came to breakfast options, we were torn. We’d gotten a slew of recommendations but, ultimately, decided on Alabama Biscuit Company .

But, here’s my deep dark Southern secret: I don’t love biscuits .

I sucked it up though and we got biscuits. Adam ordered the Pecan Butter and Honey, while I got the Biscuit and Gravy.

And, y’all, they were both DELICIOUS. The sweet biscuit was melt in your mouth. I take back everything I’ve ever said about biscuits.

Though, I did have a pang of regret when more than a few people asked if we’d stopped by Crestline Bagels , located just around the corner (we saw it, but didn’t think we needed more carbs at that very moment).

Driving Through the Great Smoky Mountains

I mentioned earlier that we had a few different options for our route and we chose to take the northern journey through Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains. From a landscape perspective, I can’t recommend this enough . Had we had a few more days in our itinerary, I would have loved to explore this area and spend a few days taking in these gorgeous views.

Actually, I’m wondering if this could be a good late fall-early winter trip given that we aren’t traveling much further anytime soon…

Lunch Stop in Chattanooga, TN: Southside Pizza

I was craving a good, meaty, warm pizza at about this point in our road trip and Chattanooga was the next big town on our route, so I took to searching for a good pizza place. We found Southside Pizza in what looked to be the “hip” side of town and it was a perfect pandemic road trip stop with plenty of outdoor seating .

You really can’t beat a classic pizza joint with garlic knots and a fountain soda. We ordered the Firestorm, a spicy pizza, and it was de-lish.

And, I know I say this again and again in this post, but the little taste of Chattanooga that we got made it seem like a cool, mid-size town that’s seeing a rebirth and we’d  love  to get another chance to visit.

A Note on Mask Wearing Throughout the South

Okay, this seems like a good time to address this given that I took this photo at Southside Pizza. I received SO many questions about whether people were wearing masks and social distancing in the south . I covered it in my post about how to travel safely by car during a pandemic, but I’ll chat about it again.

Every restaurant, gas station, or business we went in had a sign directing people to wear masks. And people in these establishments were wearing masks. There are people everywhere who aren’t wearing them, sure. But, I could say that about my own neighborhood in DC. Overall, I felt 100% safe and felt like others were being respectful, too.

Day Two-Three: Asheville, NC to Washington, DC

We made the decision to leave Birmingham earlier than planned because Adam did want more hours in Asheville since he’d never been, so we arrived in Asheville late afternoon with plenty of time to explore.

We checked into our hotel, Hotel Indigo , which we booked simply because it was conveniently located downtown and was a deal via points . It was a standard, updated hotel, but I did appreciate their uber-safe COVID precautions — they actually handed our hotel card to us in a UV-light cleaning box (over the top, sure, but reassuring).

This is where I’m going to get a little critical of our time in Asheville…maybe we hit it on an off night. But, y’all, this was the only place where the mask-wearing and social distancing was iffy to non-existent . And I was shocked. It’s a progressive city! Not that masks are political but…geez, I couldn’t believe how ignorant the city seemed as they packed lines outside breweries with nary a mask in sight. Although, ironically, the two photos with people in them that I chose to post both have masks, ha.

Breweries We Visited in Asheville, NC

We had about 4 hours to explore Asheville, NC and, surprise, surprise, we spent those 4 hours checking out 3 different breweries . I mean, that’s what you do in Asheville, right? Here are those we visited.

• Wicked Weed Brewing : This is one of the big names breweries that has expanded their craft roots to become a slick operation but they’re loved for good reason. Their beer’s great. We visited the Brewpub, which is the original location. It was a little more crowded than I would have liked, but we were outdoors so it was fine. Don’t miss the beer cheese and chips.
• Twin Leaf Brewery : A much smaller operation, Twin Leaf has a cute little side yard where tables were safely distanced. I didn’t love my beer here, but the ambiance had a down-home appeal.
• Catawba Brewing, Co : From a space perspective, this was at the top of my list. From a beer perspective, it was also up there. I believe I got the King Coconut (I love a dark coconut beer), but I’m looking at the list now wondering why I skipped the Honey Combed. Any brewery that gives me more than one dark option is a winner. Plus, it’s right next to Buxton Hall Barbecue and Vortex Dougnuts . That trio seems like an afternoon made in heaven.

Grabbing Dinner To-Go at White Duck Taco

Okay, no photos here, but we stopped by White Duck Taco Shop at the recommendation of approximately 20 (no joke, probably more) friends and followers who responded to my Instagram story .

It lived up to the hype.

We got the Bangkok Shrimp, Korean Beef Bulgogi, Duck with Mole, Lamb Gyro, the queso…and more I can’t remember. OMG. It was all so, so good. Maybe it’s a little bit of the breweries talking, but I haven’t had a better takeout meal in recent memory. Plus, they have their to-go packaging down to a science. Little taco trays are definitely underrated.

Breakfast in the Arts District Before Hitting the Road

Sadly, we left Asheville too early in the day to do anything besides drive through the Asheville River Arts District but we were able to grab a yummy breakfast there.

We stopped by Ultra Coffeebar at the recommendation of my friend Alexandra and I’m literally craving this bizarre coffee drink I had there as I write this . I ordered an Orange Peel, which was espresso + orange syrup + sparkling water. A fizzy, slightly sweet coffee concoction that was right up my alley. Paired with the Rad sandwich, sans balsamic, it was just the meal I needed before hitting the last leg of our road trip through the South.

One Last Meal on the Road: Viet Sub in Roanoke, VA

The last few hours of our trip from Asheville, NC to Washington, DC took us back up through the Great Smoky Mountains, through Johnston City, TN (hello, Wagonwheel), and then through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And, maybe I’m biased, but you won’t find a prettier section of the country than that last bit of the drive through the Blue Ridge .

We stopped for our last meal of the trip at a divey little spot in Roanoke: Viet Sub . This unsuspecting sandwich shop makes a mean bahn mi — believe me, it had a kick.

Then, that was it. We drove the last 4 hours with uneventful bathroom breaks and one Dairy Queen stop. And, of course, we were welcomed home with traffic outside of DC on 66…

A Few Questions We Got Again and Again…

How did we split up driving.

Um, easy answer: we didn’t. Ha. I’m not really sure how I got so lucky on this one but every time I asked Adam if he’d like me to drive for a bit, he said no. To be honest, 25 hours on this road trip through the South passed quicker than you’d think it might.

Even the first day with 13 hours of driving didn’t seem so bad . I do think including a few short stops beyond gas stations and fast foods helps.

How Did We Make the Time Pass With 25 Hours on the Road?

A lot of podcasts . Typically, my tastes in podcasts are focused on lifestyle and career, while Adam’s are all political, all day. But, we discovered our podcast venn diagram intersects at U Up? . We seriously might have listened to 10+ hours of Jared and Jordanna throughout this trip.

Where Should You Stop While Driving on a Road Trip Through the South?

If you’re taking a road trip through the South, or really anywhere, during the pandemic, definitely check out my post with more detailed tips on taking precautions and staying safe.

However, overall, I’d say lean in the direction of stopping at fast food restaurants and gas stations for bathroom breaks over rest stops. Literally seconds after I snapped the photo below, a group of 4 unmasked women walked in . So, that’s more than the permitted amount of people in a small rest stop AND no masks. Double whammy. This was the case at almost every rest stop. Just avoid them at all costs.

A Final Thought on Taking a Road Trip Through the South

Honestly, my last thought on this trip was that I’d love to plan a road trip through the South again, but not during a pandemic and with much more time to explore . This was a quick trip — we had a reason we were driving beyond just enjoying the adventure and we were on a schedule (we’d just spent a week on PTO at the beach so we needed to get back).

There are so many cool small towns and mid-size cities to explore, so many roadside antiques stops I missed, and so, so much food still left to eat. Plus, this is the longest road trip either of us had ever done but we’re basically pros now.

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ITINERARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A FAMILY ROAD TRIP FROM TEXAS TO WASHINGTON, DC

This awesome road trip took us through 16 states plus the district of columbia over a nine-day round-trip from austin, tx to washington, dc., today i’m sharing all the details, including our detailed road trip itinerary, activities and roadside attractions, and our recommendations for where to stay and what to eat during a road trip from texas to washington, dc with kids., texas to washington dc.

We love finding quirky and cool roadside attractions on our road trips, and this website has everything from historically significant sites to oddities like the world’s largest chili pepper

Roadside Attraction: -14-Story Mural  -Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum  -Bonnie and Clyde Death Site

- university of alabama campus  - lunch at rama jama's , - lunch at nellie's southern kitchen  - university of north carolina  - epic games headquarters, enjoy more great entertaining articles, more stories, silent disco party (fun birthday & graduation party theme), key fashion trends for spring/summer, celebrate summer with a family grill night – in your backyard, family fun at atlantis: what to do at atlantis bahamas with teenagers.

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Best Road Trips From Washington DC

Top road trip destinations from washington dc.

Iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and endless entertainment can be found throughout New York City. From Times Square to Central Park, there are endless unforgettable moments to enjoy.

Known as the birthplace of American democracy, make sure to head to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, before sampling a delicious Philly cheesesteak for an authentic taste of the city.

Charming Baltimore, brimming with maritime history and heritage. Explore the Inner Harbor and National Aquarium, before enjoying some of Maryland's finest seafood along the waterfront.

Needing little introduction, Niagara Falls is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Take a thrilling boat tour to see it up close, before heading to the observation decks for more jaw-dropping views.

The waterfront town of Annapolis, is best known for its architecture and maritime heritage. Wander the historic streets and visit the United States Naval Academy, or how about a cruise along the Chesapeake Bay.

The lively city of Pittsburgh, is ready to greet you with epic city views from the Duquesne Incline, interesting sites from the likes of the Andy Warhol Museum, and plenty of bustling and picturesque neighborhoods.

Boston, one of America's oldest cities, is packed with iconic landmarks like the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and mesmerising waterfront. Make sure to sample the super seafood at Quincy Market.

Toe tap your way around Nashville, bursting with a vibrant music scene and southern charm. Known as Music City you can discover legendary honky-tonks on Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and enjoy live performances at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Well known for its stunning architecture and world-class museums, you can expect to marvel at iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, before heading on a tour along the Chicago River. Make sure to order a deep-dish pizza before you leave.

Fancy a break from the city? Then the sandy shores of Ocean City await you. This popular beach destination on the East Coast is perfect for relaxing, with super beaches, boardwalk, and a chance to try out some thrilling water sports and amusement rides.

Head on a scenic tour of Long Island, with world-class wineries to indulge in tastings, and soak up the atmosphere at Montauk with its gorgeous beaches and laid-back vibe. A chance to chill out and unwind.

Great Smoky Mountains are home to seemingly never-ending forests and waterfalls, with plenty of hiking trails for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to catch the views from Clingmans Dome, just one of the amazing natural wonders at America's most visited national park.

Atlanta is a lively mix of great history, cultural attractions, and southern hospitality. Make sure to visit famous landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and check out the city's dynamic arts and music scene.

Steeped in colonial heritage, Richmond has plenty going on, including sites like the Virginia State Capitol and Monument Avenue to visit, as well as heading for a stroll along the scenic James River.

Experience the excitement of Atlantic City, a bustling resort destination with vibrant boardwalk, lively casinos, and beautiful beaches. Enjoy thrilling entertainment, gourmet dining, and shopping, or simply relax and soak up the sun along the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Escape to the sunny shores of Myrtle Beach, with stunning beaches and world-class golf courses. Relax on the sandy coastline, explore the popular boardwalk, and indulge in fresh seafood dishes. The perfect retreat.

Packed with historic charm, Frederick is lined with quaint streets, eclectic shops, art galleries, and local eateries. Make a visit to Carroll Creek Linear Park and the scenic waterfront.

The exciting city of Raleigh has plenty to explore, including historic sites like the North Carolina State Capitol and the North Carolina Museum of History, and an abundance of outdoor activities at Pullen Park or Lake Johnson Park

The eclectic vibe of Portland is known for its pretty harbor, Old Port district, and thriving food scene. Make sure to take in the waterfront attractions and coastal views along the scenic Casco Bay.

Head on a scenic journey to the Delaware River, Callicoon, and the Catskills, with stunning landscapes and charming towns. The beautiful natural beauty of upstate New York.

Step back in time at Harpers Ferry, where historic buildings, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers are just some of the memorable sites you can expect during your visit.

Take to the road on the unforgettable Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, where lush forests, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping overlooks await. Stop off for hikes en route, and a chance to get closer to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Relax and unwind at Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach. These charming coastal destinations offer sandy shores and family-friendly attractions. Love swimming, sunbathing, and seaside dining? There is little better along the Delaware coast.

Charming Savannah, Georgia, is packed with historic squares, cobblestone streets, and city landmarks. Sit back and soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in unmatched Southern cuisine and hospitality.

Explore the natural beauty of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, where you can hike a part of the Appalachian Trail and the stunning landscapes of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Longer road trips from Washington DC

Expect a fun-filled visit to epic Orlando, home to world-renowned theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Head on an incredible journey along Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most picturesque drives. Marvel at the Appalachian Mountains, with great hiking trails.

Discover the world-renowned beaches of Miami, legendary nightlife and epic shopping districts, for sun, fun and culture.

The soulful rhythms and musical history of New Orleans make this a must-visit for any music fans. Make a beeline for the French Quarter.

Nothing else quite touches the glamour and excitement of LA, with world-famous attractions, stunning beaches, and cultural landmarks like Hollywood Boulevard.

With famous sites such as Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf there are plenty of great places to visit in San Francisco.

Virginia & Washington DC Road Trip: Awesome History, Famous Sights

T here’s nothing like a Washington DC and Virginia road trip. We often talk to our kids about how important history is, even when it’s been whitewashed and edited, and as such we visit a lot of historic sites on our travels. Washington DC and Virginia hold an incredible number of important sites and stories, so this road trip route will take you through a good portion of the Revolutionary War and growth of our nation.

Jump to our Washington DC and Historic Virginia road trip itinerary

I love this road trip route for many reasons, and one of them is that I remember doing it as a kid. I’ve since gotten to relive this road trip with my own children. There’s something about being able to see the places you’ve learned about in school, or to be able to explain to kids that “This is where…” 

For my family, this was really fun, and a first-timer trip to the National Capital region . This was also the first time either of our kids genuinely were interested in history. They even wanted period costumes… but you’ll have to decide if that’s right for you.

Check out our Road Trip Planning Tool to set up your itinerary AND BUDGET

Washington DC Through Virginia Route

Washington DC is located between the states of Maryland and Virginia. It’s easiest to start the road trip to Virginia Beach in DC because there are three airport options, all with lots of direct flights from nearly anywhere in the USA or Canada.

You can fly into Washington Dulles (DUL), Washington Reagan (DCA) or Baltimore Washington International (BWI) airports. All have all major car rental brands and are easy launch pointed for a Virginia and Washington DC road trip.

Whether you want to start in DC and head south or go from Virginia Beach to Washington DC, the route along I-95 is the fastest for your big travel day. For the fun part of the drive with all the interesting stops and activities, you’ll be on Virginia state highways for most of it.

How long does it take to get from Washington DC to Virginia’s Historic Triangle?

Virginia’s Historic Triangle is the biggest draw of SE Virginia. We love it! This area include Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg . It’s about four hours drive or less from Washington DC to Williamsburg, and you’ll find lots of easy stops along the way to break it up if you like.

Once in the Williamsburg area, you can stay in town or continue down toward Newport News or Virginia Beach. There are countless things to do in the area, so if you can plan an extra day to explore on your own, do it!

Something to consider when planning how long of a drive you’ll have is traffic. DC traffic can be epic. Leave the Washington DC area to head south before 3:00 pm if you want an okay drive. Once the traffic begins, you’ll be adding potentially more than an hour to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Washington DC to Virginia Beach?

If you’d like to drive from Washington DC to Virginia Beach, it’s a solid four hours. If you map it you may see a drive time of 3.5 hours, but that’s not realistic. Between needing to make stops for the bathroom, food, and random points of interest it’s going to take at least four hours.

Where should I go on a road trip in Virginia?

This is the part I love when writing about road trips. I love finding all the best things to do, especially in historic places like Virginia and Washington DC. Pick and choose from the following, but remember that the best way to get a sense of place is to not just see the top sights, but to meet the people. Enjoy small restaurants and pop into the shops you see. You’ll be glad you did.

You’ll see there are a ton of both Revolutionary and Civil War historic sites. These are very good stops to make on a Virginia road trip, as they provide tons of information about the area and how it fits into the overall history of the United States.

Another type of stop you may find along the Washington DC to Virginia Beach route is historic or Antebellum home sites. I would approach these historic road trip stops with caution. Although the way history is presented is becoming more accurate and less whitewashed, plantation houses still tend to paint slavery or the Civil War as less evil than it actually was. You find this a lot if you do a North Georgia small towns trip and visit privately owned homes, but Civil War battlefields and National Park sites give a pretty accurate depiction of the history of the USA.

What is there to do in Washington DC near Virginia?

Washington DC is directly across the Potomac River from Virginia. You’ll find that you can actually walk into DC from Arlington, Virginia, or you can take the Metro trains from nearly anywhere else around Northern VA. From the Tidal Basin, which is the PRIME place to see cherry blossoms in Washington DC , to the west end of the National Mall, it’s easy to access some of the best of DC from Virginia.

If you’re staying in Fairfax or Vienna for your time visiting Washington DC, you’ll have lots of Metro stops to choose from depending on what things you choose to do each day. There are some wonderful hotels in Washington DC , but stay where is right for your budget.

THERE IS NO NEED TO DRIVE INTO WASHINGTON DC. There, I just saved you hours each day. Wherever you stay, you really don’t need a car in Washington DC. If you’re ending your Virginia/DC road trip here, you can even take boat down to Mount Vernon for a day trip. No car needed.

Washington DC & Historic Virginia Road Trip Itinerary

Alright, here we go. This road trip plan goes from Washington DC to Virginia Beach and then you make all the fun stops for things to do as you drive north. If you happen to be driving up to Virginia from the South, just start at Day 2 and work your way up, and visa versa if you’re driving down from New York or Pennsylvania or something.

This and many more road trip itineraries can be found in my book, The Road Trip Survival Guide . Get your copy HERE!

Start :  Fly into either Washington Regan (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore Washington International (BWI), as this is where your loop road trip will end. If you would like to do a straight shot, fly into Newport News (PHF) and then out of a Washington DC area airport.  Depending on your origin, Baltimore (BWI) may also be an option instead of DCA or IAD, as there seem to be more direct flights to BWI from Washington and Oregon for some reason.

Day 1:   Washington DC to Virginia Beach Drive

Drive from the Washington DC area south to the Newport News region of Virginia. It’s always best to get some beach time to start a vacation, so begin with Virginia Beach and begin your road trip with relaxation and fun. There’s a boardwalk and wonderful townsite to entertain you. So much fun stuff to do at Virginia Beach ! It’s the perfect way to start your trip feeling refreshed.  Virginia Beach with kids is a blast, especially in summer.

Sleep in:   Virginia Beach

Day 2:   Shark Tooth Hunting and Historic Jamestown

After breakfast, make your way to Chippokes Plantation State Park to do some kayaking or tour the Antebellum mansion and farm. This is also a place known for finding megalodon shark teeth, so keep your eyes out! Next, visit Bacon’s Castle, the oldest brick home in North America, before you drive onto the very small (free) ferry from Scotland to Jamestown.

Tip: if you have built extra days into your itinerary, enjoy some time in Norfolk, Virginia before heading to Jamestown and Williamsburg. There are lots of things to do in Norfolk !

At Jamestown Settlement, enjoy the very comprehensive museum detailing the history of the area and then wander through the settlement, including touring the sailing ships. Make a reservation for dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg for an historic meal by candlelight. 

Get your Jamestown / Yorktown 7 day passes here!

Sleep in: Williamsburg

Day 3:   Best of Colonial Williamsburg

Immerse yourself in living history with a full day at Colonial Williamsburg. Visiting the Governor’s Mansion, Capitol Building and the many smithing shops, this is a fun day full of unique experiences. If you finish Colonial Williamsburg early, you can drive over to Yorktown to visit the American Revolution Museum and stroll along the riverwalk.

Head back to the town of Williamsburg to find dinner, winding out your day with a ghost tour by candlelight.  Our favorite dinner spot in Colonial Williamsburg is the Kings Arms Tavern. Amazing historic food and you dine by gaslamp or candlelight.

Sleep in:   Williamsburg

Bonus: if you have the time, add a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It’ll be fun to mix a day of rollercoaster thrills to your Virginia / DC road trip!

Get Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets here!

Day 4:   Historic Homes and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s House

Head north to Westmoreland State Park (one of the prettiest Virginia state parks ) for exploring more of the coastal marsh area by kayak or look for shark teeth in one of the most concentrated fossil areas in Virginia. Plan a visit to Stratford Hall if you need another living history experience or if you just want to wander the grounds of this amazing estate.

After some lunch in Montrose, visit George Washington’s Birthplace National Historic Site. Leaving this rural part of Virginia, make your way to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, for one last historic tour. 

Book a Mount Vernon & Historic Alexandria tour here! this leaves from the Alexandria/DC area

Sleep in:   Fairfax or Alexandria

Day 5:   Raging Waterfalls and the Space Shuttle

Find breakfast in town before you head west to Manassas . Even though this Virginia / Washington DC road trip focuses on the Revolutionary War, the first major battle of the Civil War happened at Manassas, and it’s worth visiting for a different look into history.

By lunchtime, head north to Great Falls Park, where you’ll walk along the raging, epic rapids of the Potomac River. This is really gorgeous in the fall, a wonderful place to see some of the best fall colors in a National Park.

Your next stop is the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. Here you’ll get to see all kinds of aircraft and even a Space Shuttle! Head to downtown Alexandria to wander around Old Town and the waterfront, eventually getting dinner in the historic quarter. 

Sleep in: Fairfax or Alexandria

Day 6/7:   Explore Washington DC Sites and Museums

The next day or two is spent exploring Washington DC , the nation’s capital. You no longer need a car as you can take the Metro wherever you need to go, including back to the airport (DCA, IAD, BWI). Visit the greatest museums in the USA as you spend time in the many Smithsonians.  Top choices:

• Museum of Natural History
• Museum of American History
• Museum of African-America History and Culture
• Museum of the American Indian
• American Art Museum
• National Portrait Gallery

This is a lot of museums, so pace yourself and know that you don’t have to do or see them all. 

In addition to the museums, there are also fascinating sites and tours to do including Ford’s Theater, the National Capitol and the Washington Monument. Visit the United States Botanic Garden, walk the National Mall, and make your way to the Tidal Basin for the Jefferson Memorial. To do it all, you need three or four days, but two days is also plenty if you choose what’s most important to you. 

Sleep in:   either continue where you’ve been staying or switch to a hotel IN Washington DC.

Depart:  take the train to your departure airport. If you are continuing to explore the National Capital Region, it is easy to head north into Maryland or New Jersey, and Philadelphia is also rather close and an easy edition to your road trip.

We hope you have a great trip and discover some new aspects of US history you didn’t know about before. Drive safely and check back often for fresh road trip plans!

The post Virginia & Washington DC Road Trip: Awesome History, Famous Sights appeared first on 2TravelDads .

Road trips from Washington, DC, for every type of traveler

If you're unfamiliar with Washington, D.C. , you might think it's a city straight out of a scene of House of Cards or Veep. There's Washington, the city that makes laws, and then there's the District, a city-within-a-city that's rich in African-American history, food and culture (shoutout to mumbo sauce , halfsmokes and Go-Go !).

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But there's more to the region -- home to more than six million people -- than Washington. Just outside of the Beltway that circles the District, you can find excellent food and drinks, spend a relaxing day at a winery or spa, or even visit a beach. Best of all, this is all within 200 miles of the city; perfect for a long weekend or even a midweek jaunt.

Richmond, Virginia

Distance from Washington: About 109 miles (~2-hours drive)

I've often heard of Richmond described as "the end of the North and the gateway to the South," and I couldn't agree more. In Richmond, you'll find the Southern Hospitality, the sweet tea, the "yes ma'ams" combined with a kind of electricity and hustle you'd find in Northern cities. When I think of Richmond, I think of history -- the 76th mayor of the city was also the U.S.' first African-American governor -- and food.

What to do: I hinted at it above, but Richmond is known for history. From federal-style mansions to the Old City Hall to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia , you will be sure to learn something new about Virginia and the U.S. RVA is also a great city for families, as it's affordable to explore and walkable if you don't want to bring a car. If you're looking for an option to keep the kids entertained, giant insect and art exhibits at The Science Museum of Virginia will keep them busy.

Where to stay: You'll find some lower-category Marriott Bonvoy properties in the city, from the Westin Marriott to the Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown, starting around 25,000 Marriott points a night. If it's something smaller you're after, try the pet-friendly Graduate adjacent to Virginia Commonwealth University that also has a rooftop pool and bar.

Where to eat and drink: The West Coast is famous for its burger chain In-N-Out. The South has its own version: Cook Out. It's nothing fancy, but if you're looking for something quick to eat, I recommend the Cook Out tray : cheeseburger, a corndog or hush puppies and a Cheerwine float, all for under $10. If you want something better than fast-casual, Stella's is known for its Greek food, while Rappahannock Restaurant is the place to go if you want seafood. Richmond also has an incredible beer culture, so definitely check out some breweries in the area, like Hardywood Park Craft Brewery , a 12,000 square-foot warehouse with outdoor seating and food trucks, or Canon & Draw Brewing Company .

Related: The best hotel credit cards for 2021

Eastern Shore, Maryland

Distance from Washington: About ~150 miles (~3-hour drive)

The Eastern Shore of Maryland is massive -- there's also an Eastern Shore of Virginia -- and is a great way to get out of the city and decompress. It's definitely much slower-paced than you'll find in D.C., but that's what makes the Eastern Shore so charming.

What to do: Even if you're not that familiar with the Maryland Eastern Shore, you've probably seen videos of horses frolicking on the beach. That's in Assateague (you'll also see ponies at Virginia's Eastern Shore ). Folklore says the horses arrived on the Eastern Shore after surviving a shipwreck off the coast of Virginia. They're beautiful in person, but make sure you don't get too close -- they're known to kick at humans! If you're looking for a beach with a bit more action, Ocean City is extremely popular in the summer.

Where to stay: There are a couple of points hotels in the area, but if you really want the full Eastern Shore experience, I recommend staying at a bed-and-breakfast, like Crow Farmstay B&B, Vineyard & Winery , a top-rated B&B on TripAdvisor, or the Oaks Waterfront Inn in Easton.

Where to eat and drink: The Eastern Shore is close to the water, so you'll find tons of seafood restaurants, like The Narrows Restaurant or 1 Fish 2 Fish Crabs & Seafood . Sobo's Wine Beerstro in Salisbury is also a solid choice if you're a craft beer lover.

Fairfax, Virginia

Distance from Washington: About 29 miles (~40-minute drive)

First things first: there's Fairfax, Virginia, the city, and then there's Fairfax County, Virginia. The City of Fairfax is an independent city surrounded by the separate political entity Fairfax County. I know, it's confusing. Anyway, the area is chock full of things to do, see, eat and drink.

What to do: If you're into nature, I can't recommend Great Falls Park enough. You can spend the entire day hiking and white-water rafting. If you want something more low-key, then the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a relaxing option. Fairfax County is also home to a ton of history, so you might want to stop by Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of the Civil War's first major clash or Mount Vernon.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner is perhaps best known for its amazing spa. You can laze the day away with a hemp-infused CBD pedicure, a cherry blossom mani/pedi, or with a couple's massage. The Tysons Corner area is pretty far from Washington, however, several rooms and suites have D.C. skyline views, so you'll want to pick those if possible. As a Category 5 hotel, rates start at 30,000 for off-peak dates, 35,000 for standard and 40,000 for peak dates.

Where to eat and drink: The Winery at Bull Run is a working farm vineyard that crafts Virginia wines and is the closest winery to D.C. The Eden Center in Fairfax is home to some of the best Vietnamese food in the state. With over 30 authentic restaurants to choose (note that all are takeout only at the moment), you're bound to find something that suits your palate.

Baltimore, Maryland

Distance from Washington: About 40 miles (~1-hour drive)

What to do: You can't visit Baltimore without visiting some of its most popular neighborhoods—Inner Harbor, Fells Point or Little Italy. For modern and contemporary art, head to the Baltimore Museum of Art . If you're a sports buff, stop by M&T Bank Stadium, home to the Baltimore Ravens, or Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Where to stay: The quaint neighborhood Federal Hill has several Airbnb options if you want to stay in one of the town houses the neighborhood is known for . Otherwise, there are several points hotels in and around Baltimore. The Hyatt Regency (at 12,000 World of Hyatt points a night) is close to the popular Inner Harbor. If you're low on Hyatt points, you might then want to consider the Hyatt Place Inner Harbor or Hotel Revival Baltimore, both for 8,000 points a night. You'll also find some lower-tier Marriott and Hilton hotels scattered around the city starting around 20,000 points a night .

I also want to note here that it's pretty easy to get from Washington to Baltimore if you don't want to drive. You can hop on the Amtrak, which shouldn't cost more than $15 for a one-way ticket to Baltimore-Penn Station. The $7 one-way MARC train is also an option from D.C. if you're looking for something even cheaper. It's about a 45-minute trip from Washington's Union Station, and also makes stops at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).

Related: 7 Reasons Baltimore Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Where to eat and drink: When you think of Baltimore, the first thing to come to mind: crabs and crabcakes. You can find some of the best crabs at Bo Brooks Crab House and if you want crabcakes, check out Faidley's Seafood .

Seafood isn't the only thing Baltimore is known for, either. You can also grab some excellent soul food in the city, a nod to Baltimore's rich African-American culture. I strongly recommend stopping by Ida B's Table , a beautiful warehouse restaurant with a modern take on soul food.

TPG's resident Baltimore expert Benet Wilson recommended several additional restaurants: "[You can find] great Afghan food at The Helmand, a spot owned by the brother of former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Cafe Zen has some of the best Chinese food in the city. Paper Moon Cafe is a great breakfast stop. R. House has a rotating group of great eateries from poke to tacos."

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The perfect two-week road trip from washington dc: itinerary and tips.

The Mid-Atlantic is one of the U.S.’s best travel destinations. You can bounce from cities to small towns to national parks to beaches — all within a couple hours’ drive. A two-week road trip from Washington DC might be just the getaway you need this summer.

This Washington DC road trip takes you to some of the East Coast’s greatest cities, national parks, small towns and beaches. It’s affordable — you can camp everywhere except in the big cities. And you won’t have to spend too much time in the car.

Read on for the full DC road trip itinerary!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I receive a percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.

FAQ’s to plan the best Road Trips from Washington DC

I lived in Washington, DC for nearly eight years and Richmond, VA for four years. I want to share all my local knowledge about the region with you — including what not to do. Below are some of the most common questions I get about road tripping in the Mid-Atlantic.

When should you go on a Washington DC road trip?

The DC area has beautiful springs and falls, blazing hot and humid summers, and mild (but still quite chilly) winters.

Autumn is the ideal time for this road trip itinerary. You’ll get stunning fall colors in Virginia at destinations like Shenandoah and Charlottesville, and fewer tourists everywhere else. It’s warm enough to camp through the end of October.

Spring would be my second choice — the wildflowers in Shenandoah are beautiful, but it rains a lot throughout the region. You can camp as early as April. The Appalachian Trail thru-hiker bubble hits Harpers Ferry in June, so the small town gets very crowded at that time.

Believe it or not, I’d rather be on a road trip from DC in winter than summer. Yes it’s cold, but you can snowshoe to White Oak Canyon and you’ll have Harpers Ferry to yourself. Outside of the mountains, snow is unlikely to disrupt your trip.

Summer is the season of last resort. Baltimore, Philly, and Richmond are hot and sticky in July and August. Even the mountains are uncomfortably warm. Crowds are at their peaks. That being said, this itinerary includes plenty of options to cool off in rivers and the ocean.

Shorter alternatives to this road trip itinerary

If you’re looking for a week long road trip from DC, you can easily modify this itinerary. If you like cities, focus on the first half (through Gettysburg) and then cut down to Richmond. For nature fans, start with Harpers Ferry and continue the itinerary from there.

Many of the destinations on these road trips around Washington DC are also good weekend getaways. You could split this itinerary into a couple shorter trips over the course of a summer if you live in the area.

If you can really only afford a couple days off, my favorite weekend road trips from DC are to Shenandoah and Richmond. Both can be thoroughly explored if you leave on Friday night and return late Sunday.

Mid-Atlantic road trip driving times, gas and accommodation

I designed this road trip planner so you never have to be in the car for more than half a day at a time. On longer driving days, I include small towns to stop for lunch (so you never have to resort to highway fast food). One of the biggest advantages of a road trip to DC is that everything is super close together.

You’ll have no problem finding gas along most of this itinerary. The one exception is in Shenandoah National Park. Fuel up in Front Royal before hopping on Skyline Drive. From there, you’ll have to make it to Warrenton after you leave the park. The only option in between is the  very expensive gas station at Big Meadows Lodge.

This road trip involves a mix of cities and more rural areas, so you’ll use a mix of camping and hotels. Most places where I’ve recommended camping have a hotel option if you prefer it — the one exception is Assateague. You could use a campervan or tent-camp, but I would not recommend an RV for this trip. You’ll need to drive downtown in several cities and parking would be a nightmare with a large vehicle.

What to pack for your road trip from Washington DC

Packing for a road trip is super fun if you’re normally a minimalist traveler. You don’t need to fit everything into a carry-on — you have all the space you want in your car!

Here are a few of the essentials:

• Weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are best — the weather changes regularly.
• Good shoes that you can hike in for the mountains and sandals (with a strap for tubing in Harpers Ferry — no flip-flops).
• Rain jacket and/or umbrella.
• Swimsuit and lots of sunscreen.
• Camping gear if you plan to camp.
• Cooler with snacks and camping meals.
• Camera and portable charger.
• Day-pack that you can take on hikes.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Entertainment for the car: a mix of your favorite tunes, audiobooks and podcasts.

Washington DC Road Trip Itinerary – Day One: Baltimore, Maryland

Start your road trip from Washington DC in the closest major city. While Baltimore is larger than DC, it feels much more low-key. Its neighborhoods have character. It has quirky museums and one of the best aquariums in the country. The food is great. And yet is has a (wildly overstated) reputation for being dangerous and boring. Don’t believe the rumors — Baltimore is a great stop on your mid-Atlantic road trip! Get an early start and aim to arrive in the city by 9 am.

Morning: Inner Harbor and the Baltimore Aquarium

The Inner Harbor is the center of Baltimore’s tourist kitsch. It has all the usual bad chain restaurants and ice cream stands. But it also has a few attractions worth seeing.

The first thing you’ll notice is the giant floating museum: the U.S.S. Constellation. This ship is the last surviving ship of the Civil War. Today, it’s a  museum . It’s not worth paying the entrance fee unless you’re a real history buff, but seeing it from the shore is pretty cool.

But the real reason you’re here is to visit the Baltimore Aquarium, one of the finest in the country. It has everything from a massive shark exhibit to a fully reconstructed Australian rainforest. Other highlights include the enormous jellyfish display, the coral reef with sharks and rays galore, and the exhibit where you can touch rays, flounder, crabs and even jellyfish!

You need about three hours to fully explore the aquarium. Book tickets online in advance so you can skip the line. Adult admission is $40 — I know it seems steep, but it is 100% worth it.

Lunch: Cocina Luchadoras

Walk about 10 minutes from the aquarium toward Fell’s Point to find this hidden gem. Cocina Luchadoras has the best, most authentic tacos and Mexican food in Baltimore.

Order from the counter and grab one of the seats in the tiny interior, or sit on the sidewalk if you prefer. Your food arrives within minutes, making this a great quick lunch stop. The tortillas are all handmade and everything is super-fresh.

You’ll spend about $10 on lunch at Cocina Luchadoras. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will find something appealing. Check out the menu here .

Afternoon: Baltimore’s best art museums

DC may have the Smithsonian, but Baltimore gives it a run for its money with two phenomenal art museums. One of them showcases classical and Egyptian art; the other features modern and eclectic works.

Start at the  Walters Art Museum   in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. This museum is totally free to visit and will keep you occupied for two or more hours. Unless you  really  like medieval European art, skip those displays and head for the exhibits on ancient Greece, Egypt and Ethiopia. The museum even has a fully intact mummy!

Next, check out the American Visionary Art Museum . You never know what you’re going to find here, but it’s guaranteed to be interesting. When I visited, highlights included a multimedia piece inside a gigantic clown’s mouth and a massive collection of early 20th century toys. Allow two hours to see the whole thing. Admission costs $16 for adults.

Dinner: Afghan food

Baltimore’s standout ethnic cuisine is Afghan food. Think Indian with a little less heat, but no less flavor. Pumpkin features prominently, as do cinnamon and cardamom.

The classic spot to indulge in Afghan food is The Helmand in Mount Vernon. The naan is pillowy, the palaw is flavorful. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit pricey and it can be hard to get a table at peak dinner hours. Budget $25 for dinner here.

If you want to stick with something cheaper, check out  Maiwand Grill . It’s counter-service but the quality of the food is top-notch. Try one of the combo platters and definitely splurge on the Afghan ice cream. Maiwand is also better for vegetarians than The Helmand. A meal here runs $10-15.

Baltimore practicalities

Driving time from DC:  90 minutes

Where to stay:  There are a bunch of cheap hotel chains around the Convention Center. The Hampton Inn is a good balance of price and quality.  Book here .

Safety:  Baltimore has a reputation for being dangerous. Parts of the city are pretty dodgy, but everywhere in this itinerary is safe. Be careful around the Convention Center late at night.

Where to park:  You can find free street parking in some of the side roads in Mount Vernon. Hotels all have parking lots, and affordable garages abound near the Convention Center. Whatever you do, steer clear of the Inner Harbor unless you want to pay through the nose.

How to get around:  You can walk everywhere in this itinerary. Baltimore also has scooters. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the free  CityLink buses . The routes are not all that useful for tourists unless you’re willing to transfer.

Days Two-Three: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Next on this Washington DC road trip itinerary is Philadelphia — one of the most historic cities in the United States . After breakfast in Baltimore and a two-hour drive north, spend two days exploring the Founding Fathers’ legacy.

Explore the Old City

Philadelphia is where the United States was formed. It was the capital in the first years of the republic, before the pro-slavery states of the South objected to locating the seat of government in an anti-slavery state. A stroll around the Old City’s cobblestone streets will give you a feel for what life was like here in the late 1700’s.

Start out with a visit to Independence Hall , where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Hour-long tours take you through the building and explain its history. Book tickets in advance. The tour is free, but you have to stay with the guide the whole time.

Next, walk across the street to check out the Liberty Bell . Exhibits detail the bell’s history as a symbol for abolishionists fighting slavery. You can also learn how the Park Service has preserved the bell, despite its enormous crack. Honestly the bell itself is rather underwhelming (and impossible to get good photos of), but the exhibit is worth visiting for the historical context.

The Betsy Ross House is next on the agenda. Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. Her home is now a museum dedicated to the flag’s history and Ross’s role in the American Revolution. It does a good job of contextualizing women’s roles specifically. Admission is $5 for a self-guided tour or $8 with an audio guide.

Finally, walk another few blocks over to Elfreth’s Alley. This historical street is almost perfectly preserved. It’s Philly’s best Instagram spot, with colorful doors, cute gardens, and lots of cobblestones. Just remember these homes are still peoples’ private residences, so please be respectful when taking photos.

If you need a coffee break while exploring the old city, La Colombe Coffee Roasters is Philadelphia’s best third-wave coffee shop.

Happy hour: 2nd Story Brewing

Philadelphia has plenty of good craft beer places, but this one is right around the corner from the Old City. Yes, the neighborhood is touristy, but the beer is fantastic and the snacks are even better.

Duck into the cool air conditioning and order one of the trademark IPA’s. Or go for something a little more adventurous — a Mexican chocolate stout or a key lime blonde. Better yet, try a flight.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the delicious pretzel bites with Philly cheese steak sauce. You can also order burgers and other full meals, and everything looked good, but you have other dinner plans tonight.

Dinner: Classic Philly Cheese Steak at Gino’s or Pat’s

Now that you’ve had a bit of alcohol, it’s time to indulge in the classic Philadelphia tradition: the cheese steak.

For those who aren’t familiar, cheese steaks are sandwiches with sliced or chopped steak and cheese wizz, served on a hoagie-like bun. You can add toppings like onions, peppers and mushrooms if you like. It’s all horribly unhealthy and extremely delicious.

Gino’s and Pat’s are two of the original cheese steak shops. They set up shop across the street from each other in a South Philadelphia neighborhood. They dish out more or less equal cheese steaks to hungry tourists and buzzed locals.

You can order a few varieties of sandwich, but be prepared to get the stink-eye if you go with anything other than Cheese Wizz. Sandwiches run $10-12.

If you’re a vegetarian, this experience is entirely skippable unless you want fries for dinner. You can find vegan cheese steaks all over the city instead.

Now that you’ve seen what the Old City has to offer, spend your second day in Philadelphia exploring its more modern areas. Before you get started, drop in to Luna Cafe for a delicious and cheap breakfast.

Hop on the subway to City Hall and spend a few minutes exploring one of the U.S.’s most memorable government buildings. You can walk through the courtyards and visit the tourist information office inside.

Next, walk across the street and check out the “Love Park.” This is another must-visit Instagram spot in downtown Philly.

Spend the rest of the morning on a self-guided walking tour with  MuralArts . You can download a map from their website. The walks are about a mile long and take you past street art that leans into the city’s history and politics beyond the basics.

Lunch: Reading Terminal Market

By now it’ll probably be lunchtime, so pop over to Reading Terminal Market . This enormous public market has been running out of the same building downtown since the late 1800’s. It prominently features Amish vendors.

The market has everything from fruit and veggie vendors to farm-fresh cheese to coffee roasters to souvenirs to take-away food stalls. You can eat at the counter at a few of the restaurants, but on a crowded day, you’ll need to grab your food to-go and find a table in the central food court area.

Spend half an hour perusing the market before deciding on a lunch spot. To help narrow your options: Dutch Eating Place’s apple dumplings are to-die-for, and save some room for Basset’s Ice Cream.

Afternoon: Rocky steps and Eastern State Penitentiary

Once you’ve filled up, take the long walk down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Along the way, you’ll pass flags from every country in the world lining both sides of the street. Your destination is the iconic steps from the movie Rocky — another classic Instagram spot. Here you’ll find a few of Philadelphia’s best museums, but you won’t have time to visit them. Instead, continue into the Fairmount neighborhood to Eastern State Penitentiary.

Eastern State Penitentiary’s claim to fame is that it once housed Al Capone. More broadly, it was one of the most feared prisons in the U.S. during its heydey. Today it’s a museum focused on the criminal justice system.

Your admission ticket includes an audio guide that takes you through a few of the main cell blocks. You’ll learn about the history of the American penal system and why Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the most feared institutions in the U.S.

After you cover the main tour, you can branch off and explore more on your own. Some of the exhibits touch on inequity in the criminal justice system, how women are treated in prison, and the juvenile detention system. You could spend hours listening and reading in these exhibits.

Admission to Eastern State Penitentiary costs $15 if you purchase tickets online in advance (buy them a few minutes before you arrive or you’ll pay an extra $2 at the door per person). You can take photographs throughout the facility, and the dim lighting and eerie corridors lend themselves to great photos.

Dinner: Hip City Veg

You could spend a small fortune of your budget for this road trip from Washington DC on a night out in Philly. Save yourself a few bucks and stick with a casual meal instead.

Hip City Veg is an all-vegan fast-casual eatery. It has a few locations throughout the city, including one right near City Hall.

Literally everything on the menu is awesome. Even meat eaters will have no problem finding something that appeals to them. But the biggest treat is the vegan “chicken” — it’s the only mock-chicken I’ve had that even comes close to the real thing. Delicious house-made buffalo sauce is the go-to sauce. And definitely don’t skimp on the sweet potato fries.

Dinner at Hip City Veg costs around $10.

Philadelphia practicalities

Driving time from Baltimore: 2 hours

Where to stay:  The best budget pick is  Apple Hostel . It’s central, clean, on a quiet side street, and has great facilities. Staff organize activities like bar crawls and walking tours a few times a week.

Safety:  I’ve always felt very safe in Philadelphia. There are some dodgy neighborhoods for sure, but you’re unlikely to visit them as a tourist.

Where to park:  Parking in Philly is pricey. Your best bet is the Ritz East parking lot, which charges $22 for every 24 hours.

How to get around:  Philadelphia is very walkable — you can walk everywhere in this itinerary. But if you want to get around more quickly, the weather is bad, or you can’t walk 1-2 miles at a time, take advantage of the outstanding public transportation system. The SEPTA  subway and trolley network can get you within a couple blocks of any destination downtown or in the Old City. Single fares cost $2.50, but if you plan to use it a lot, invest in a $9 one-day-unlimited-rides card. Not all stations are accessible to people with limited mobility.

Day Four: Philadelphia – Gettysburg – Harpers Ferry

Today, it’s time to escape the big coastal cities and head to some of the Mid-Atlantic’s most prominent historical sites. Your destination is Harpers Ferry, WV. But the historic battlefield of Gettysburg makes a good lunchtime stop. Get on the road by 9 am — this is one of the longer driving days on this road trip from Washington DC.

Morning: Gettysburg Battlefield

The  Battle of Gettysburg   is considered by many historians to be the turning point in the U.S. Civil War. The three-day battle marked Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s second failure to invade the north. It was also the bloodiest battle in the war, killing more than 50,000 people — nearly a third of the two armies. Today, you can visit the battlefield to learn more about the Civil War and the battle itself.

Most people visit independently — you can pick up a brochure at the Visitor Center. (Or rely on the history buff in your travel group — a.k.a. your dad — to tell you all about it.) If you want a little more context, the Visitor Center and museum have a few good displays. You can also choose to hire a guide if you really want to dig deep. The battlefield is free to visit and takes about two hours for people with a casual interest in history. You could spend half a day or longer here if you really want to learn more.

After you explore the battlefield, grab a quick lunch in the cute town of Gettysburg. Gettysburg Baking Company is a great option — it has a handful of sandwiches, soups, and deli items for affordable prices. Top it off with a pecan sticky bun or fresh-baked cookie.

Afternoon: Harpers Ferry

Like Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry is steeped in 19th-century history. It’s strategically situated on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, at the intersection between Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia, and alongside the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. It was the site of  John Brown’s Raid   and a military football during the Civil War.

Today, the National Park Service has preserved the historic center and turned it into a living museum of sorts. You can visit model shops and homes, and even go to a traditional candy store.

Spend the afternoon exploring the town center and learning about the history. Don’t miss the old cemetery (which the Appalachian Trail crosses through) and John Brown’s Fort. All the attractions in this area are free.

Dinner: The Canal House

Harpers Ferry’s dining options are geared toward tourists, so you can easily spend a small fortune on dinner in this town. But the Canal House Cafe has an affordable sandwich menu (and a much less affordable main menu) where you can grab dinner in homey surrounds for cheap.

Settle in around the roaring fireplace at one of the handful of tables in the dining room. Chat with the friendly staff while they take your order. You can’t go wrong with the pulled pork or blackberry grilled cheese, but you can find veggie options as well. All sandwiches and burgers are in the $8-15 range.

The Canal House is right on the main strip, so you can easily walk from your accommodation. After dinner, head to your hotel for an early night (or enjoy some wine on the balcony). Harpers Ferry doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife.

Day Five: Hiking and Tubing in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is one of the favorite weekend trips from DC. Today, spend the morning in the mountains and the afternoon on the river to get a taste of what this town has to offer. Pack a picnic lunch today so you don’t have to spend time stopping in town.

Morning: Hike to Maryland Heights Overlook

Most hikes in Harpers Ferry take you to historical sites rather than scenic mountain views. But the hike to Maryland Heights Overlook is the best of both worlds. This short, moderate trail takes you to the best view over the town and the rivers and hills beyond.

Start in the center of town and follow the C&O Canal Towpath 0.3 miles. Here you’ll see the Maryland Falls trailhead. It’s a straight 2.25-mile shot ( complete directions here ).

The trail starts out wide and moderately steep before narrowing and leveling off about a mile in. It’s extremely well-maintained and you certainly won’t be the only person on it, but it’s not overwhelmingly crowded either.

You’ll see a couple social trails on the way up, which take you to views over the Potomac. The final turnoff takes you half a mile down for the iconic overlook. This is a great snack stop.

If you like history, consider adding the Stone Fort Trail loop on your way back. It adds a little less than two (flat) miles to your hike and takes you past a crumbling Civil War fort.

Otherwise, go back the way you came for a total of 4.5 miles. It took my family about two hours.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and NPS visitor center staff rate this hike “difficult.” But they’re overcorrecting for the flat surrounding areas. If you compare it to hikes in more mountainous regions like New England, Southern Appalachia , or out West, it would earn an “easy-moderate” rating.

Afternoon: White-water tubing on the Potomac

Harpers Ferry offers one of the most adventurous river trips in the region — the opportunity to go tubing through Class III whitewater rapids! It’s not as scary as it sounds (you won’t flip over, nor will your beer cooler), but it’s definitely more of a thrill than the usual flat-water tubing you might have done before.

The trip starts a couple miles out of town. You get in the water and immediately paddle to the opposite river bank — the most athletically intense part of the whole experience. Then, you sit back, relax, and enjoy the thrills of riding down fast-moving rapids. You get some nice long breaks between rapids to give you time for a drink or a snack and enjoy the scenery.

The whole river run takes anywhere from 3-6 hours, depending on how much you paddle vs. how much you let the river determine your speed. At the end you take a short shuttle back to your car. You can change into dry clothes at the tubing company’s base.

For safety reasons, you may not go on the river barefoot or wearing flip-flops — you must wear shoes with a strap. I recommend bringing dry shoes to change into at the end of the day, in addition to clothes. And don’t forget sunscreen — there’s no shade on the river!

You can  book your whitewater tubing adventure here . It costs $23 on weekdays and $33 on weekends. You can rent an inflatable cooler or a float to attach your own cooler to for $10. If you’re traveling with kids, note that only people age 12 and older can do the whitewater route (young kids can still go flatwater tubing a couple miles away).

After tubing, grab dinner at whatever spot in town looks appealing. You’ll be too tired to go hunting for the perfect spot.

Harpers Ferry practicalities

Driving time from Philadelphia: 3.5 hours, including the detour to Gettysburg.

Where to stay:  Harpers Ferry is a great spot for a splurge on a boutique B&B. I like  Ledge House Bed and Breakfast . The owner makes fantastic eggs Benedict in the mornings and you can see the trains rumbling through town. A cheaper option would be to  camp — KOA is within walking distance of town.

Safety:  Harpers Ferry is very safe.

Where to park:  NPS manages a handful of parking lots around town. They provide free shuttles to the center. Don’t try to drive into the center unless your accommodation has parking. If you visit on a weekday in off-season, you may be able to find parking on a side street within the center (but I once drove around for an hour looking for a space only to give up and end up in an NPS lot).

How to get around:  The town center is about 3 blocks x 5 blocks, so you can walk everywhere. You’ll need your car to reach the tubing company.

Days 6-9: Shenandoah National Park

Ahhhh, Shenandoah. One of my favorite parks in the entire U.S. park system. Where you can wake up above the clouds in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hike to hidden waterfalls, and drive to Skyline Drive’s epic overlooks. Three days is the bare minimum to explore this epic national park.

Shenandoah National Park is split into northern, central and southern districts. The northern district, near Front Royal, and the southern district see very few visitors. Most of the crowds stick to the central district, but that’s because this district has most of the park’s best hikes and views.

Rather than giving you an exact itinerary for these three days, I’ll lay out a few activities that you can mix and match however you like.

Shenandoah has the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls galore, and one of the region’s only balds. You can find rewarding hikes to suit every experience level.

I have an entire post on the  best hikes in Shenandoah National Park , but here are a few you should not miss:

• Little Stony Man: Short, easy hike to a great view
• Lewis Falls Trail: Steep going down, but you can take a longer and more gradual route back up
• Big Meadows – Rose River Loop – Dark Hollow Falls Loop: A little-visited overlook, beautiful river, and two gorgeous waterfalls. Not crowded.
• Hawskbill Mountain: The highest peak in Shenandoah
• Big Devil’s Stairs: Very remote hike to a gorge along the park boundary. You likely won’t see another person the whole time. Great autumn hike.

And then there are my two all-time favorites, which deserve special mention. The first is Old Rag — the hike  everyone  will tell you to do in Shenandoah. The summit is a rocky bald with panoramic views. But the reason everyone loves this hike is the long and intense rock scramble to the summit. It’s not for the faint of heart (or for parents with small children, and  definitely  not for dogs). You only have to scramble one way before taking the fire road back down. Crowds near the summit mean you can experience waits of up to an hour in some sections during peak weekends.

While Old Rag is beautiful, it loses to White Oak Canyon in my list of most-beloved Shenandoah hikes. White Oak Canyon is the harder hike, because you spend the first 3/4 of it going downhill, only to need to climb back up on the way back out. The highlights are the seven waterfalls along the way.

The classic 8-mile hike descends the Cedar Run Trail. Come back up the White Oak Canyon trail and turn left on the fire road after the final waterfall. A shorter and easier alternative starts at Limberlost and descends the White Oak Canyon trail as far as you want to go, before you go back the way you came. The most epic variation is a shuttle hike (i.e. you need two cars), and runs from Hughes River Gap to Crescent Rock Overlook — crossing five streams (including one unmarked, wide river crossing) and ascending 1,500 feet in half a mile at the end of an 11-mile hike.

Cool off at the natural water slide

This one’s great for families. Shenandoah has a few good swimming holes. But you can do even better to cool off on a hot day.

The rock formations at Cedar Run Falls are perfect for creating a natural water slide. Jump in at the top and slide down the rock face into the pool below.

You can, of course, take a dip in the swimming hole if you don’t feel like sliding around. But it’s overall very safe and not all that crowded on weekdays.

Cedar Run Falls is the first waterfall on the Cedar Run Trail — about a mile in. The hike is steep, so you should wear proper shoes and clothes (i.e. not flipflops and your swimsuit).

Walk around the big meadow

Don’t feel like hiking, but still want to get outside? No problem! An easy walk starting from Big Meadows Lodge will give you a glimpse into Shenandoah’s biodiversity.

You can’t miss the big meadow, on the east side of Skyline Drive across from the gas station. A flat, paved path takes you far into the bush. Signs explain the flora and fauna.

This is also a fantastic sunrise/sunset spot if you want something a little different than mountain vistas.

Watch wildlife

Shenandoah has well over 300 species of animals. With three days in the park, you’ll have an opportunity to spot lots of them.

You’ll surely spot deer on your visit to Shenandoah — they’re everywhere. They’re also surprisingly friendly. Don’t be surprised if they let you come within a few feet.

You have to be a little luckier to spot the gray foxes and red foxes. Your best bet is dawn and dusk in the meadow.

The one animal everyone wants to see is a black bear. I’ve seen three at campsites in Shenandoah, two along the side of the road, and two on hiking trails in over two dozen visits to the park. Dawn and dusk are the best times. See the ‘safety’ section below for details on hiking in bear country.

Birds are another highlight of Shenandoah. The park has 196 species.  Get the checklist here .

Shenandoah National Park practicalities

Driving time from Harpers Ferry:  2 hours

Where to stay:  Camp at  Big Meadows Lodge . You’ll get all the benefits of a central location, it’s affordable, and you can choose between cooking over the campfire or eating in the cozy lodge restaurant.

Safety:  Skyline Drive is the main road through the park. Stick to the posted speed limits — wildlife and cyclists come out of nowhere on the hairpin turns. Make lots of noise when hiking to let bears know you’re around — black bears aren’t aggressive unless you surprise them. If a bear approaches your campsite, bang pots and pans together while slowly backing away. Hang all food at night or store it in a locked vehicle.

Where to park:  All hikes and attractions have ample free parking areas, with the exception of Old Rag. You may have to pay a small fee to park in an overflow lot on private property here.

How to get around:  Driving is the only realistic way to explore Shenandoah National Park.

Days 10-11: Richmond via Charlottesville

Once you’ve gotten your fill of nature, it’s time to head back to the city. The next stop on this Washington DC road trip is Richmond.

Today you’ll drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in the region — rolling hills, endless farms, and cute vineyards abound. Charlottesville, a charming college town and the home of Thomas Jefferson’s estate, provides the perfect opportunity to break up your trip.

I went to college in Richmond, so my recommendations there are based on local knowledge.

Day 10 Morning: Drive to Charlottesville and go wine tasting or apple picking

Get on the road by 10 am for the one-hour drive to Charlottesville. Let the time of year dictate your destination in town.

If it’s spring or summertime, head for one of the area’s wineries . That link provides you with a number of options, but I’ll save you the decision-paralysis and just recommend Jefferson Vineyards , where Thomas Jefferson himself once produced wine.

Tastings cost $12 for the basic or $25 to include some of the premium wines. You get to keep your glass. After you’ve tried everything, grab a glass of your favorite and head out onto the vineyard grounds for a shady spot. You can bring your own picnic snacks or buy cheese plates and simple sandwiches on-site. The views out to the Blue Ridge Mountains are lovely.

Alternatively, in fall, head for  Carter Mountain Orchard for apple and pumpkin picking. This hilltop orchard offers more varieties of apples than you will have heard of in your life. When you arrive, you’ll receive a guide explaining what’s ripe and how to use each type of apple (i.e. baking, eating, cooking). Wandering around is free, and you can definitely get away with snacking on a few apples while you pick. The apples themselves start around $8 for a half-peck.

After you’ve picked your fill, head to the country store and pick up a package of their legendary apple cider donuts and hot apple cider. You’ll have a sugar hangover for days, but it’s so worth it!

Optional stop: Visit Monticello

If you have a special interest in history, at this point in the road trip itinerary you can extend your stop in Charlottesville to visit Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello .

The mansion is a classic Southern estate, with all the racist legacies that go along with it. (I.e. this is not a place to pose for cute Instagram photos.) If you choose to visit, the best option is the self-guided tour through the mansion followed by a walk through the gardens and grounds.

The ticket price for Monticello is pretty steep — at $29, you have to really care about the history for it to be worth it. Allow at least two hours to visit.

On your way out of Charlottesville, stop for lunch at  Wayside Chicken . You won’t find a more delicious meal for under $6 anywhere in the South.

Day 10 Afternoon: Drive to Richmond and have dinner

By the time you leave Charlottesville, it’ll probably be 2 or 3 pm. The drive to Richmond takes another hour. So you’ll arrive just in time for happy hour or an early dinner.

One of the best places in town for pre-dinner drinks is  Capital Ale House downtown. It has dozens of local and regional beers and a selection of craft beers from around the country. Truly the best beer list in the city.

The food at “Cap Ale” is good too — go for the giant soft pretzel. But if you want something a bit more substantial for dinner, make your way over to the VCU campus and drop in to Edo’s Squid . Yes, this place looks sketchy AF from the outside. Yes, you will think you’re walking into a serial killer’s lair on your way up the stairs. But it’s still the best Italian food Richmond has to offer, and for very reasonable prices ($11-20 mains).

Day 11 Morning: Breakfast, Canal Walk and Belle Isle

Richmond has SO many great breakfast options, it’s hard to choose one. So don’t! Pick up pastries from the city’s best bakery and coffee from its most charming cafe.

Subrosa , in the revived Church Hill neighborhood, is pretty much the greatest bakery on the planet. The pastries are  perfect . Flaky, perfect blend of sweet and savory, big enough to fill you up without feeling gross, and above all, fresh. You literally can’t go wrong here, so you might as well try them all. If they have bear claws when you visit those are a must. (Note many of their pastries have ham or salami in them, so vegetarians should ask about ingredients.)

Once you’ve got your pastries, drive to Shockoe Slip and grab one of the sidewalk tables at Shockoe Espresso. Grab a cappuccino or iced coffee and a board game from inside. This is a great people-watching spot on a quiet, historic street.

I know, you’re not just in Richmond to eat. So next it’s time to head to the Canal Walk. You can walk here from Shockoe Espresso — it’s just a few blocks away.

The Canal Walk goes, well, along the city’s old canals. You’ll see the old locks and weave between historic tobacco warehouses. The architecture is great, but even better is the incredible street art you’ll see along the way. My favorite is the giant legs sticking out of the wall!

Follow the Canal Walk all the way to the James River and keep going in the direction of Belle Isle. This river island has a dark history — it housed a slave and POW prison during the  Civil War . You can follow a history trail marked with clear signs around the perimeter (about an hour).

But if there’s one thing native Richmonders love to do, it’s reclaim the city’s Confederate history and turn monuments of oppression into beautiful public spaces . So no one will be offended if you skip the history tour and instead enjoy the natural scenery. Find a sunny spot to take in the river views, sunbathe, or swim (the safest swimming spots are on the opposite side of the isle from the bridge).

Afternoon: Lunch and Carytown

Dry off and walk back to Shockoe Slip to pick up your car. Drive about two miles north into the heart of the Fan district — where the streets ‘fan’ out as you travel west. This charming neighborhood was my home for four years and is still my favorite part of the city.

Stop for lunch along Lombardy St. at longtime favorite Kuba Kuba. There will probably be a line, but it’s 100% worth it. The affordable sandwiches and mains are filling and lick-your-plate delicious. Don’t forget to try the Cuban coffee. You can walk the rest of the way into Carytown from here, or drive the remaining mile west.

Carytown is Richmond’s eclectic shopping strip. These are a few of my favorite spots:

• Plan Nine Music: Named for Plan 9 from Outer Space (possibly the worst cult sci-fi movie ever made), this place is a treasure trove for music lovers. Find old-school records for $1 in the basement.
• Bygones Vintage Clothing: Try on a 1920’s cocktail dress or a mask from a legit masquerade ball.
• Galaxy Diner: Stop in for fried Oreo’s while you shop.
• World of Mirth: The world’s coolest toy store that pretends it’s for kids but has secret hidden gems for adults. Try to find the Jesus action figures.
• Goodwill: This branch features tons of vintage clothing. Great spot to find the same stuff as Bygones for a fraction of the price.
• Chop Suey Books: Wall-to-wall used books in the $5-8 range.
• The Byrd Theater: Second-run movie theater and centerpiece of RVA culture. Watch a typical film for $4, or go to one of the silent movie specials where a live organist accompanies the film. Organ performances at every Saturday evening show.

If you have some extra time before dinner, pop into the  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts . It’s free to visit and while it’s a bit heavy on 19th century hunting portraits, the upper floors have some interesting modern exhibits.

Dinner: Buz and Ned’s Barbecue

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from walking and shopping, grab your car again. It’s a short drive to tonight’s dinner spot: Buz and Ned’s Barbecue on Boulevard St.

This old-school barbecue joint is no-frills, but you can get an enormous meal for $10. The meat is tender and flavorful (go for the pork), the service is friendly, and the hush puppies are the perfect crispy-chewy texture. If you’re not sure how to order, go for one of the full meals. It’s the most authentic barbecue you’ll find on this road trip from Washington DC.

While Buz and Ned’s looks close to Carytown on the map, it’s not a great idea to walk here unless you know the area. The couple blocks between Broad St. and the Flying Squirrels stadium are dodgy.

Bonus: First Fridays in Richmond

If you timed your visit to Richmond on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss the chance to explore one of the East Coast’s best art walks. Two gallery-dense sections of the city open to the public each First Friday. You can visit any of the galleries for free and purchase pieces directly from the artists.

The first section runs through the Fan along Main St., concentrated around Lombardy. This area is heavy on more traditional works — lots of painting and photography. A couple of these galleries also showcase works from VCUArts students.

The more interesting area is along Broad St. downtown. You’ll find lots of contemporary artists on display here, along with street performances like music and fire dancers. ADA Gallery is a good bet for multimedia, and Anne’s shop has always has fun and affordable works to take home.

Richmond Practicalities

Driving time from Shenandoah National Park:  3 hours

Where to stay:  Richmond has my favorite bed and breakfast anywhere in the world — the  Museum District Bed and Breakfast . The host is super-friendly and makes a breakfast to remember. Bonus: Free wine and cheese on your balcony every day! If you want to save money, stay at the HI Hostel   downtown instead.

Safety:  Richmond’s crime rates have improved dramatically over the last decade. The areas I cover in this itinerary are all very safe. Don’t wander south of the James River unless you know where you’re going, steer clear of Broad St. north of the VCU campus, and avoid Grace St. on weekend evenings, but otherwise you should be fine. Your biggest risk is swimming in dangerous rapids at Belle Isle.

Where to park:  You can  usually  find free street parking in Richmond if you’re willing to circle the block a few times. Secret free parking spots can be found on Byrd St. around the corner from Shockoe Espresso in the Slip, on Franklin St. downtown, and on Kensington, Hanover, Stuart and Boulevard Streets in the Fan. In Carytown you’ll need to park on Boulevard and walk or try to snag one of the handful of spots in the plaza with Can Can.

How to get around:  A mix of driving and walking. Richmond has a bus system, but it’s not practical for short-stay visitors to figure out the routes. Renting a bicycle is also a great option, but it’s not much fun to climb the hill between Shockoe and downtown.

Days 12-14: Assateague National Seashore

On this road trip from Washington DC, you’ve been to cities, historical sites, and national parks. Now, it’s time to hit the beach.

Before you leave Richmond, grab a quick breakfast from Lamplighter Cafe, or linger over brunch at The Daily.

Assateague National Seashore is the best beach in the region. This narrow barrier island has miles of untrammeled coastline. Plus: wild horses!

Spend the last couple days of your DC road trip relaxing and having barbecues on the beaches and swimming in the sea. There isn’t much to do on the island besides go to the beach and walk or ride a bike along the flat paths.

Be extra-careful with your food here, since the horses are attracted to it (please don’t feed them!). Additionally, Assateague is legendary for its mosquitoes, so bring plenty of bug spray.

Assateague Practicalities

Driving time from Richmond: 3.5 hours

Where to stay:  Camp at the federally managed campground . Note that very few campsites have shade — the island simply doesn’t have very tall trees.

Safety:  Assateague is very safe.

Where to park:  Park at your campsite.

How to get around:  The island is only two miles wide at its widest point, so you can walk or bike pretty much everywhere.

Last day: Drive back to Washington DC

It’s about a 2.5-hour drive back to DC from Assateague Island. Allow extra time for traffic if you have a flight out.

I hope this DC road trip itinerary gives you some ideas for your next close-to-home getaway!

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Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. For more than seven years, she's been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore -- from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond. When she's not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world's best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC.

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Wow this road trip looks incredible!

I like your itinerary since it has information on some cities and places that I wanted to see. I really want to go to Shenandoah NP, Harpers Ferry, and Gettysburg. Seems like I got pretty much all of the basic information needed for first timers. We stopped for an hour at Harpers Ferry last Christmas Break (it’s not enough at all!) and drove through Shenandoah. I know I have to come back.

Nice! Shenandoah is definitely worth repeat visits.

This list is absolutely incredible. It must’ve been a huge labor of love! There are quite a few places I’ve been meaning to go, like Shenandoah, and some I hadn’t considered, like the Seashore! Thank you for all these ideas.

Thanks so much MacKenzie! Oooo Assateague is one of my favorite beaches anywhere. I hope you get t ocheck it out someday!

This is indeed the perfect road trip from Washington DC! I absolutely love Philly and Monticello and Philly old town is one of my favourite sites in the entire US! I am yet to visit Harpers Ferry, but am definitely adding to to my east coast list after this post of yours!

Totally agree with you about Philly Old Town. I’ve been to Philly probably a bunch of times and it never gets old.

OMG – this is so helpful!! Using this for a future roadtrip!

Thanks Lisa!

Love that you included Assateague . I used to live out in DC and then Maryland, and that was a weekend trip for us one summer…mainly because a friend of mine loved the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague. 🙂 Great list!

Hahaha that’s exactly what drew me there the first time!! Did the mosquitoes drive you insane too?

This is incredibly detailed and made me so much more excited to move to Philadelphia in a couple years and explore all of these places!!!

Oooo yeah if you’re living in Philly, this will all be in your backyard.

I love this road trip! So much to see and do within driving distance of Washington DC. I would highly recommend this as a great vacation and people can follow your advice vs spending weeks and weeks trying to come up with a schedule which probably wouldn’t be half as good. Loved your photos and thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much Arielle!

Such a detailed guide. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps this fall my family and I will go to the Washington DC. Awesome photos!

I hope you get a chance to visit someday!

Seems like the perfect road trip! I hope I get to go one day and I will definitely use some of your tips:)

I hope you get a chance to go someday!

• Destinations

Local Strolls: A self-guided walking tour of Georgetown, Washington, DC

Apr 27, 2024 • 4 min read

Follow this writer's favorite walking route through Georgetown, Washington, DC © DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

Delve into Local Strolls, a series where writers reveal their favorite walks in their hometowns. Each route offers a snapshot of urban life, guiding you to lesser-known attractions and cherished local spots. Here, Alexa Moore takes us on a two-mile-long amble through the historic streets of Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Washington, DC , is not simply cherry blossoms and politics. It's a city with complex and diverse stories, expertly dissected into four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast, and at the center of it all lies the US Capitol . DC's oldest stories hide amongst the historic streets of Georgetown, in DC's Northwest. US presidents and Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor once called this place home. It was also home to an African-American community. Resident numbers have dwindled, but remnants like the First Baptist Church of Georgetown , founded by a former enslaved man, still stand firm. 

So, let's begin our walk.

Distance: Approx 2 miles Total walk time: 45 minutes at a leisurely pace

Any good stroll in DC must start with coffee. I'm the kind of gal who needs a little motivation to get my steps in, so I stop into Baked and Wired . The pink window panes beckon me into the split bakery and coffee shop. A dirty chai with house-made horchata is what I order – it's only 9am and I can't justify my usual red velvet cupcake this early in the day.

With long and slow strides, I stroll down picturesque Canal Street briefly. It's adjacent to the currently semi-barren C&O Canal , and the loveliest little brick houses juxtapose its dry, muddy banks. I resist the temptation to search for their property value on Zillow. 

I turn right to head up M St, Georgetown's famous shopping promenade. All the buildings are different hues, yet there's a subtle uniformity. The storefront windows are like portals into wild worlds of fashion I cannot afford. I pass the oldest unchanged structure in the city, the tan-colored relic aptly named the Old Stone House , built in 1765.

Approaching the intersection of M St and Wisconsin Ave, I meet my favorite golden-domed Neoclassical building. I adore how the dome's reflective golden hue brightens up Georgetown's streets. Built in the 1920s, it now operates as a PNC bank branch. My mind can't help but wonder how it shined in its heyday, so to Google I go. Turns out, even a century ago, it was still a bank , a reassuring reminder that while things evolve in the rest of DC and the wider world, things tend to stay the same in Georgetown.

I do a quick heel stretch before turning right and starting my ascent up Wisconsin Ave. If you continue this path, you'll eventually pass green areas like Book Hill Park and the Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Garden . However, on this particularly chilly (and lazy) spring day, I ditch my usual hike and swing left onto N St, gazing at the manicured gardens of homes and the ruby-red-brick sidewalks that lay below.

I find myself at 3260 N St, uncovering a slice of presidential (and very romantic) history. President John F Kennedy rented this home while running for Senate and met Jackie Onassis, the future First Lady, at a nearby Georgetown dinner party in 1952 .

Turning down 35th St, I arrive at Georgetown University's campus. I spot the controversial Transformers -decorated house and can't help but giggle. The burly machines juxtapose the manicured brick facade, and the "Robots in Disguise" are the stars of an ongoing legal battle between the homeowner and the city on whether the statues can stay.

I'm searching for something I haven't seen before – the infamous steps used in the climactic ending of the 1973 film The Exorcist . They're steep. There's something a bit eerie about this tucked-away staircase, so I use the handrails and focus carefully as I descend.

I continue this journey down through the Francis Scott Key Memorial Park , cross the Alexandria Aqueduct Bridge , and eventually find my way back to the C&O Canal Towpath . What a difference a few blocks make, as this side boasts mossy-green grass and pools of water reflecting the fluffy clouds above.

Finally, I head towards the river and my favorite sitting spot at the Georgetown Waterfront Park . I end my nearly two-mile saunter on a bench near the twisting path of the park's Labyrinth , a bit regretful that I didn't buy that red velvet cupcake after all.

Keep planning your trip to Washington, DC:

Explore  these top neighborhoods  after your stroll through Georgetown These experiences  should be on your DC itinerary  Find the  best times to visit Getting around DC is easier than you think –  here's how  

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The driving time from Houston, Texas to Washington, District of Columbia is:

20 hours, 39 minutes.

Average driving speed: 68.2 mph Kilometers per hour: 109.8 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Map of driving directions from Houston, TX to Washington, DC

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Houston to Washington with full directions.

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Driving time from Houston, TX to Washington, DC

How long is the drive from Houston, TX to Washington, DC? The total driving time is 20 hours, 39 minutes .

Your trip begins in Houston, Texas. It ends in Washington, District of Columbia.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Houston, TX to Washington, DC .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Houston, TX to Washington, DC based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Houston, TX and Washington, DC .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Houston, TX to Washington, DC.

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Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

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We are visiting Washington DC for a few days then driving to Atlanta ( for Nascar)

Doing this journey over 2 days with just one night stop.

Looking for suggestions of a nice scenic route and where to overnight.

15 replies to this topic

Thanks for all the information...really appreciate it.

It’s a 10:32 min trip wheels turning no stops going the fastest way which is I-85 through Charlotte. If you were to detour to West Virginia that is going to add another two hours. It is beautiful there and through the Shenandoah National Park but only you can decide how much you want to go out of your way.

It’s clear that adding on the NASCAR element was a last minute idea, which is unfortunate as, with a bit more time you could have made more of a road trip of the journey rather than a mad dash.

Do bear in mind compared to the previous road trip you mentioned, this trip will mean far more traffic on most roads, and a far more urban trip rather than the wide open scenery of the west side of the country. Owing to speed limits Shenandoah NP will be a challenge to include. Charlotte is a modern city but the NASCAR museum is well north of the main city and thanks to interstate highways you can drive through and past the city itself for the most part.

If you also like NASCAR the Hall of Fame in Charlotte is worth a visit. If you are not into it might be NASCAR overload. Going to a race is quite the spectacle of Americana. Lots of people camp in RVs/caravans and make a whole weekend+ of it.

The races are very loud, hot, smelly. I’d rather go to the HOF myself. You may want to bring hearing protection for the race. A lot of people bring their own or rent “scanners” so they can listen to the sportscasters call the race because you can’t hear it otherwise.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NASCAR/comments/16wrs18/first_time_at_a_nascar_race_do_we_need_hearing/

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/6/28/23773189/nascar-street-race-chicago-noise-sound-level-ear-protection

Since the OP has two days, one night to do this trip, they would have time to do a slight detour off the direct route.

Shenandoah NP is in Virginia, while the New River Gorge National Park is in WV.

I-77 has moderate traffic compared to 81, until you get close to and go thru Charlotte. But that would be a good place for the OP to stop if they love NASCAR.

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Washington, DC to Houston drive

Washington, dc to houston road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Washington, DC to Houston. If you're planning a road trip to Houston, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Washington, DC drive for about 2.5 hours

1:20 pm   Charlottesville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:20 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 4.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Roanoke drive for about 4 hours

2:00 pm   Asheville stay for about 2 hours and leave at 4:00 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Chattanooga drive for about 2.5 hours

12:16 pm   Birmingham (Alabama) stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 1:46 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 4.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Meridian drive for about 4 hours

1:55 pm   Baton Rouge stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:55 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

7:18 pm  arrive in Houston eat at Uchi stay at Hotel ZaZa

day 4 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Charlottesville   (19 answers)     Monticello   (2 mentions)     questions about Charlottesville:         Any recommendations for hikes, good food and wine for a long-weekend trip?         Trip with husband Roanoke   (26 answers)     questions about Roanoke:         What is your favorite restaurant in Roanoke? Asheville   (94 answers)     Biltmore Estate   (13 mentions)     Wicked Weed Brewing   (6 mentions)     Highland Brewing Company   (4 mentions)     Wedge Brewing Company   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Asheville:         Tupelo Honey Cafe         Wedge Brewing Co         French Broad Chocolate Lounge         Cúrate         Asheville Brewing Company     questions about Asheville:         Short weekend in Asheville         Dining and lodging on a budget?         Bachelorette Party         Where to stay and what to do in Asheville N. Carolina?         Things to do and places to eat/drink during girls weekend? Chattanooga   (41 answers)     Ruby Falls   (5 mentions)     Rock City   (3 mentions)     Tennessee Aquarium   (2 mentions)     Creative Discovery Museum   (2 mentions)     Lookout Mountain   (2 mentions)     questions about Chattanooga:         Is April a good month to visit Chattanooga?         Activities in Chattanooga for families with active kids Birmingham (Alabama)   (60 answers)     questions about Birmingham (Alabama):         locate a good breakfast or coffee shop on the west side of Birmingham Meridian   (3 answers) Baton Rouge   (29 answers)     Chelsea's Cafe   (4 mentions)     The Varsity Theatre   (3 mentions)     questions about Baton Rouge:         Great music spots in Baton Rouge?         What is your favorite restaurant in Baton Rouge?         Must Eats in Baton Rouge?

Where's the best place to stay in Houston?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Houston .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel ZaZa , which was mentioned 4 times on Trippy.

Want to research more popular hotels in Houston? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Houston?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Uchi , which was mentioned 10 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Houston? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Houston?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Houston. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Houston.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Houston to Washington, DC drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Washington, DC to Houston . Or get a full Washington, DC to Houston flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Washington, DC well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Washington, DC!

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