If Alexandria, VA is home base and you’re looking for a quick getaway, there is no shortage of wonderful day trips you can consider. From Alexandria’s next-door neighbor, Washington, DC, to exploring Virginia wine country or enjoying the great outdoors in Shenandoah National Park, this region is road-trippers heaven.
1. Washington, DC
Visiting the nation’s Capitol is the easiest trip you can take from Alexandria. In fact, you may not even need a vehicle. Take the Metrorail there or, if the weather is nice, hop on the water taxi, which will ferry you to the area around the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. You’ll want to hit the National Mall, which offers miles of park space and is lined with Smithsonian museums, all of which are free. Another good bet? Catching a baseball game at Nationals Park.
2. Virginia Wine Country
Another easy trip from Alexandria is Loudoun County, where dozens of wineries are based. This beautiful and pastoral area is only an hour’s drive from Alexandria. If you drink responsibly, it doesn’t get much better than sipping a glass of wine while looking out over mountains and valleys. And if brews are more your scene, this area boasts a blossoming craft beer industry.
3. Shenandoah National Park
If you’re craving natural beauty and a taste of the outdoors, Shenandoah National Park is an excellent choice. Located just 90 minutes from Alexandria, this park offers hiking, biking, climbing, and scenic drives. Catch the wildflowers during the spring and return for breathtaking fall foliage later in the year.
Another great option for outdoor lovers is Great Falls National Park, located 40 minutes from Alexandria. Hop the rocks, walk the trails, and enjoy the falls, where the Potomac River bounces over rocks into a gorge.
4. Mount Vernon
For history lovers, there’s no better place than Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington. A mere eight miles from Alexandria, Mount Vernon is a spot where visitors can tour Washington’s home, farm, and resting place. Expect to see plenty of historic artifacts that George Washington and other leaders from the era possessed.
5. Annapolis
There’s a lot to love about the charming seaside city of Annapolis, which is a mere 45 minutes from Alexandria. The U.S. Naval Academy calls Annapolis home, and you can tour the campus while you’re there. There are also several historic sites and museums and numerous trails that you can hike, bike, or run on.
But Annapolis is best known as a mecca for sailing. If you don’t own your own boat, hop aboard one of the numerous sailing charter trips or rent a vessel for the day. Kayaking and canoeing are also available. You won’t regret your decision to spend time on the water here.
If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll want to have a great car, truck, or SUV at the ready. Head to Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria and pick out your next vehicle today!
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