The 5 Best Day Trips From Washington DC

Washington, DC is the pulsing hub of the federal government, what with emblematic landmarks such as the White House and Supreme Court taking center stage. Named after America’s first president and founding father, the capital city has a current of political and historical energy flowing throughout its streets that draws over 20 million visitors annually. If you’re looking to escape the crowds for the day, you can easily do so with the seaside and sun-dappled wine country located just a matter of hours away by car.

Annapolis

Jutting out into the mouth of the Severn River, Annapolis has a rich maritime history. Its thriving shipping industry attracted many wealthy merchants who lay down roots with grand mansions – and many of these 18th-century structures still stand today. The Maryland capital is peppered with prestigious sites, including the red-brick Maryland State House, Romanesque St Anne’s Church and Beaux-Arts Naval Academy that sits on the waterfront.

1. Original Annapolis Seafood Crawl

Tours, Activities

Home of the oyster-roasting and sock-burning traditions – where locals celebrate the spring equinox with a feast of oysters (and by burning their worn winter socks) – Annapolis is the perfect place to tuck into the renowned seafood of Chesapeake Bay. On this tour, you’ll be whisked round the city on an e-cruiser, learning about its absorbing history and sibling rivalry with the community of Eastport. You’ll also stop at a number of local restaurants along your journey, giving you the chance to sample seasonal seafood such as oysters, clams, mussels and crabs – all locally caught.

Baltimore

Known as Charm City to some and the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner to others, enchanting Baltimore is a patchwork of diverse neighborhoods. Many famous figures have called the city home, including master of the macabre Edgar Allen Poe, and jazz icon Billie Holiday. The city’s jaw-shaped coastline bites into the Patapsco River, lined with the fashion boutiques of Fells Point (as seen in Sleepless in Seattle) and the aquarium, planetarium and buzzing bars of the Inner Harbor.

Chesapeake region

In fictional terms, the Chesapeake region has a less than savory reputation – being the setting of the famous Hannibal book, film and TV series. In reality, however, the coastal region is better known for its mix of busy ports, dense forests and native wildlife and flora. Most notable among these are the blue crabs and oysters that have transformed it into a hub of the seafood industry.

3. Chesapeake Region Wine Tour

Tours, Activities

Quench your thirst and curiosity on this wine-fueled exploration of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Taking you around the best wineries that Chesapeake has to offer, the tour delves into the inner workings of vineyards and introduces you to the local vintners who run them. As you learn about the craft of winemaking, you’ll also get the chance to sample some of the reds and whites. Upgrade to include a cheese plate or charcuterie board to enhance the taste even more (and soak up some of the vino).

Frederick

The striking skyline of Frederick looks like the zig-zag of a heart monitor, set with the pointed spires of its historic churches. The city is filled with fragments of its Civil War past – immortalizing the conflict with sites such as the Monocacy National Battlefield and National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Go for a rummage in the old-world treasure trove of the city’s 200 antique stores to find grand mementos, including grandfather clocks and authentic armoires.

4. Walking Tour of Frederick – the Crossroads of Maryland

Tours, Activities

History buffs will be entirely in their element as they follow historian guide Don through a city awash with evidence of its battle-worn past. The semi-professional photographer will demonstrate his passion for the subject as he leads you, rain or shine, round Frederick’s most historic sites. Stops include an Evangelical Lutheran church, the bucolic stretch of Carroll Creek Park and colonial City Hall – a storied structure with a collection of legend-has-it mysteries to delve into. As the rich heritage of the city is chronicled in engaging detail, you’ll learn of its transformation from German settlement to revitalized city.

Mount Vernon

Named after the sprawling estate of George Washington, Mount Vernon is one of Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods and a designated National Historic Landmark District. Its towering centerpiece is the original Washington Monument, set among manicured Beaux Arts parks lined with stately homes. The area offsets an affluent suburban culture with historical institutions such as the Neo-Renaissance Peabody Library and a vibrant LGTBQ nightlife scene.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.