One of the great perks of living in our luxury apartments in DC is there are so many things to do within a two-hour drive. Maryland and Virginia offer many great attractions. If you’re wondering where to go outside of Washington, DC, here are some nearby destinations.
Things to Do in Maryland
Most of Washington, DC’s major roads are linked to Maryland, which surrounds the district on three sides, where you can visit:
Baltimore Inner Harbor
In under an hour (depending on traffic), you can reach Baltimore’s scenic Inner Harbor. Part of the bustling downtown area, it features miles of paths and many of the city’s top attractions. The National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and Historic Ships of Baltimore’s floating museums are located along the waterfront. Take a boat on the harbor if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re hungry, check out the many seafood restaurants, including Blackwall Hitch and, a popular Maryland chain, Phillips Seafood. Learn more about the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
The C & O Canal towpath runs from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, but there’s much to do closer to home. You can pick a favorite spot for hiking, biking, or fishing close by. Horseback riding is permitted starting at Swains Lock. Easily accessible visitor’s centers within a two hours’ drive include Great Falls Tavern, Brunswick, and Williamsport. Learn more at the C & O Canal website.
Brookside Gardens
Take 16th Street to Georgia Avenue and you can be at the gardens in just over half an hour. Located in Wheaton, Maryland, this 50-acre garden is a combination of outdoor gardens, including an aquatic garden, a butterfly garden, an azalea garden, and even a children’s garden, among many others. There are two indoor conservatories with tropical plants and special exhibits.
The facility hosts various programs for adults and children, seasonal events, and even weddings and private receptions. Learn more about Brookside Gardens.
Things to Do in Virginia
Virginia is a large state with many things to do. That means you don’t need to travel far from DC to have fun. Once you cross the Potomac River, you can get to:
Shenandoah National Park
Part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park is 105 miles long, but you can access Skyline Drive in under an hour-and-a-half. Scenic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley can be found along its entire length. Near the entrance are attractions such as Skyline Caverns, where you can tour a cave and ride a mini-train, and the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.
There are 500 miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, and opportunities for bicycling, horseback riding, and camping. Learn more about Shenandoah National Park.
Richmond, Virginia
The capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia is rich in arts and culture. There are numerous large museums near the Boulevard, in the city’s Museum District. Museums and battlefields of the American Civil War can be visited, as well, including the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitors Center and American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar.
In addition to many other historic points, monuments, and memorials, the city is home to many performing arts venues, while many of its restaurants feature traditional southern cuisine. Several city parks are located along the James River and offer a wide range of activities. Learn more about Richmond.
Arlington National Cemetery
This United States military cemetery is just outside DC. Covering 624 acres, it is where the dead from the nation’s major conflicts, beginning with the Civil War, are buried. Points of interest include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, and the eternal flame memorial to President John F. Kennedy. In all, there are 70 sections to the cemetery with room for expansion.
Thousands of ceremonies are held during the year at the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. Learn more about Arlington National Cemetery.
Find an Apartment Rental in DC
At Keener Management, we provide Washington DC apartment rentals in some of the city’s top neighborhoods. There’s much to do around our properties in Dupont Circle, 14th Street, Logan Circle, Columbia Heights, and other locations. To learn more or schedule a showing, call us at 202-249-0894 today!