Beautiful Towns To Visit Near Washington D.C.

For an urban metropolis, Washington, D.C. is quite aesthetically pleasing; it’s one of the nation’s greenest cities, and its low-lying buildings permit plenty of sunshine. Yet astoundingly scenic towns also await outside District limits, offering original colonial architecture and a wealth of history – coupled with that small town charm.

Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

The quaint colonial town transports tourists to the late 1700s, the time when George Washington resided in Alexandria’s town center. Established in 1749, Old Town is known for its historic homes, past residents, antique shops, and art galleries. But these grounds, the iconic cobblestone streets, and brick sidewalks have a tumultuous past. The town marketplace, which still operates, was the sight of the nation’s second-largest slave market, and an audacious Confederate soldier statue still stands tall in the town center.

Annapolis, Maryland

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

The scenic town offers 360 views of sweeping, vibrant foliage during autumn. Its lower end is nestled in Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, and the town is a dream for nature enthusiasts; spectacular hiking trails wind across Harper’s Ferry, and the Appalachian Trail passes through it. The town offers plenty of history to match its outdoors excellence – Harper’s Ferry was the sight of a historic Civil War battle.

Lewes, Delaware

The charming beach town rests on the banks of the Delaware Bay, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. With a population under 3,000, the truly small town welcomes hoards of Washingtonians each summer for vacation. Lewes houses multiple iconic lighthouses that are a popular destination, and the town offers a wide array of water activities, fishing, fresh sea food, but also some entertainment on land – like wine tastings at nearby vineyards.

Ocean City, Maryland

This oceanfront, resort town provides endless sources for both adventure and relaxation. Tourism is the main revenue of Ocean City, and the town caters to tourists with colorful entertainment and boundless shopping. The famed, three mile long Ocean City Boardwalk is a quintessential summertime stop, offering carnival games, artisan ice creams, two amusement parks, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, and beachfront views.

Winchester, Virginia

Winchester hosts the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which dates back to 1934. The springtime festival celebrates all things apple with a carnival, parade, fireworks show, and a colossal party where an Apple Blossom Queen is crowned. Winchester was also a prominent Civil War battleground, and General Stonewall Jackson’s original headquarters still stand there.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip 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 — and this is still in our DNA today. 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 certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.