Days are getting longer, school’s almost out and the smell of BBQ is in the air! This could mean only one thing….summer is nearing in the DMV. And if you’re like so many, you’re anxious to hit the road to make fun memories during these warm months.

To help you plan your weekend voyage, Jennifer Young has put together her list of family favorite destinations, all within an hour’s drive of DC! Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Jennifer knows the DMV! Happy roadtrippin’!

1. Watch the planes at Gravelly Point

Gravelly Point is a park in Arlington, Virginia located north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the George Washington Parkway, and across the Potomac River. Its unique location, just a few hundred feet from the north end of Reagan’s runway makes it one of the best spots in the United States for airplane-spotting. Plus, it’s close proximity to DC makes for a scenic bike ride to downtown DC. Once there, reward yourself with a delicious meal on the waterfront.

Visit: https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/GravellyPoint/

2. Tubing or kayaking along the Shenandoah River

Just an hour west of DC and against the backdrop of historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, you can challenge the whitewater where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet. The swift water flows through a mile-long course of rapids called the Shenandoah Staircase and continues through Class I and II rapids. Or, if you prefer something more relaxing kick back and enjoy the wonders of a natural “Lazy River” as you tube along the tubing Shenandoah River. 

Visit: https://frontroyaloutdoors.com/tube-rentals/

3. Bike ride or stroll through Old Town Alexandria

There’s so much to do in Alexandria. Full of history and energy, Old Town Alexandria defines Northern Virginia. See the beauty of cobblestoned streets and historic buildings just minutes from DC! Experience the vibrant arts & culture scene. One of my personal favorites is to rent a bike or simply stroll the streets then enjoy fresh seafood by the waterfront.

Visit: https://www.visitalexandriava.com/old-town-alexandria

4. Soar the skies on the Capital Wheel at National Harbor

Located just 20 minutes from the National Mall, The Capital Wheel offers amazing views of the Nation’s Capital 180 feet above the Potomac River, all from the inside of your fully enclosed,private gondola. Enjoy waterfront restaurants, a classic Carousel, shops and even an 8,700 square foot “beach.” The Beach is home to “The Awakening,” a J. Seward Johnson sculpture of a 70′ giant emerging from the sand.

Visit: https://thecapitalwheel.com/

5. Rent a Matoaka beach cabin in Southern Maryland

My children just love Mataoka Beach! Matoaka is a privately owned and operated bay-front getaway in Calvert County, Maryland. There are 8 rustic cabins for rent nestled quietly on the west shore of the Chesapeake Bay with hundreds of feet of bay views and a one third of a mile private sandy beach for visitor access.

Spend your day swimming, fishing, crabbing, picnicking, birdwatching or event fossil hunting!  My boys favorite activity here is shark tooth hunting!

Visit: https://www.matoakabeachcottages.com/

6. Visit DC monuments and museums

Even as a Northern Virginia native I still love visiting the monuments and museum hopping! Family favorites are the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History. And of course, you can’t go wrong with the Natural History Museum.

And when family and friends are visiting from out of town, or on those extra hot summer days, we love sailing the Potomac on a guided monument tour. During the 45-minute tour, you’ll see famous monuments and landmarks including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Monument, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and more.

Visit: https://americanindian.si.edu/ and https://nmaahc.si.edu/

7. Tour Mount Vernon Estate

Only eight miles south of Old Town Alexandria lies the most visited historic estate in America: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the general’s former home that continues bustling centuries later.

George Washington’s former estate has been transformed into a museum filled with documents and historic belongings once owned by some of the key players in American history. Today, visitors tour the meticulously-preserved grounds, viewing Washington’s farm, gardens and even his final resting place, discovering life in colonial America first hand.

Visit: https://www.mountvernon.org/

8. Enjoy a glass of local wine

Virginia is for wine lovers. Visit a Virginia winery with your friends and family to discover exceptional, award-winning wines. Many wineries are family friendly so you can make a day out of it. For a special occasion check out the wine trails or tours. No matter where you are in Virginia, you’ll be sure to find one.

Visit: https://www.virginia.org/wine

9. Spend a day in Annapolis, Maryland

If you haven’t visited Annapolis yet, you’re in for a treat.

Annapolis is small and beautiful with lots of colonial architecture to take in. Situated along the Chesapeake Bay, the sprawling waterfront is home to the United States Naval Academy including a naval history museum. Annapolis is known for its lush gardens, beautiful hiking trails art and even a beach – Sandy Point. The mile-long public swimming beach provides hours of fun and beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Visit: https://www.visitannapolis.org/

10. Ride the Train at Burke Lake Park

Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia offers many activities that make each visit different!  Attractions include a miniature train, an old fashioned carousel, ice cream parlor, several playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, a frisbee/disk golf course, hiking/biking/jogging trails, fitness trail and even an amphitheatre with an “Arts in the Parks” program during June, July and August.

And if camping is your thing, Burke Lake Park features 100 shaded campsites, bathhouses with sinks, toilets, dump stations, camp store, ice and firewood, picnic tables, fire rings and grills.

Visit: https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/BurkeLakePark/

11. What would YOU add to the list?

Got a favorite destination or hidden getaway? Tell us in the comments or post it on our Facebook with a few photos for a chance to be featured on our blog.

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