5 Weekend Trips And Getaways From Washington DC

As the capital of the United States of America, Washington DC is brimming with prestigious marble monuments and fascinating museums. Decades of presidential history seeps from the bones of its emblematic White House, but it takes a trip outside the city limits to discover the diverse natural landscapes of its bordering states, Maryland and Virginia. The region is rife with cascading waterfalls, undulating dunes and a wild ocean, all of which promise days of exploration and adventure. Escape the city by road or railway to find yourself in a fresh and bucolic setting.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a serpentine stretch of road that weaves for more than 460mi (740km) through North Carolina and Virginia. The concrete route carves its way past the colossal Appalachian Mountains, gentle waves of verdant farmland and the Pisgah National Forest – the untamed wilderness chosen as the setting for The Hunger Games (2012). The route also offers a glimpse into the region’s Cherokee history, and you’ll find its distinctive influence immortalized in the crafts, music and art you see along the way.

Outer Banks

A string of barrier islands sitting off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks were once inhabited by Native American tribes who used to fish in the Atlantic Ocean. In more recent years, the area has become a hive for vacationers who flock to its golden beachfront, quaint campgrounds and untouched landscape that’s home to herds of wild horses. The islands are awash with legends, owed in part to their treacherous seas that destroyed enough ships for the area to be nicknamed Graveyard of the Atlantic. There are plenty of calmer coves, however, that are perfect for water sports.

Philadelphia

Not to be confused with the decadent cream cheese, this sprawling Pennsylvania city has found on-screen fame as the setting for numerous films and TV shows. Channel your inner Rocky Balboa with a triumphant run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, relive the heart-wrenching courtroom scenes of the Oscar-winning film Philadelphia (1993) in City Hall or see what inspired the wild-card antics of the gang from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with a pint of Guinness in Paddy’s Pub Old City.

2. The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Tours, Admission

Delve into the pivotal past of Philadelphia on a walking tour that gives you a behind-the-scenes peek into America’s birthplace. The city has no shortage of historic stops to swing by, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court and the Betsy Ross House, along with many others. As you stroll, a passionate guide will paint a picture of America’s inception and how Philadelphia played a significant part (as the meeting place of the Founding Fathers). By the end, you’ll be well acquainted with the city’s colonial architecture and rich history.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach hugs the southeastern coast of Virginia at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Veined with rivers that spill into the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant city is also fringed by a golden ribbon of beach that has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest pleasure beach in the world. The resort city is infused with a creative spirit, which is evident at its annual Boardwalk Art Show and weekly Old Beach Farmers Market.

3. Small-Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour

Tours, Activities

See dolphins thriving in their natural habitat on this engrossing eco-tour that takes you up close to the playful creatures without interference. After an initial safety introduction, you’ll be paddling out from North End Beach. Keep an eagle eye out for a friendly bottlenose peeking up through the waters. Follow your guide along the coast to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and learn about the magical marine life that lives both above and below the cobalt surface. If you’re lucky, you may spot a sea turtle gliding below or have a dolphin play alongside your kayak.

Williamsburg

Not to be confused with the New York neighborhood, the city of Williamsburg in Virginia made its mark in history as a political hub preceding the American Revolution. Plunge into the city’s past at Colonial Williamsburg, a frozen-in-time living-history museum (and private foundation) with restored 18th-century buildings and actors in period costumes. Elsewhere, Virginia’s largest winery lures you in with refined tastings, while kids can get their adrenaline kicks at one of two major theme parks.

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.