DC is known for its traffic so most people don’t associate driving with relaxation around here. But if you travel farther outside the city, you will enjoy peaceful winding back roads that will provide you with incredible views and an enjoyable trip! If you are looking for the best driving route around Washington DC these are the seven best back roads around DC.

1. GW Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway, George Washington Mem Pkwy, Alexandria, VA, USA
Ken Lund / Flickr
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the most gorgeous drives around the area. You can hop on the parkway just across the bridge from the District in Arlington and take it past gorgeous views of the Potomac to Great Falls.

Learn more about the George Washington Memorial Parkway in this video from Through My Lens:
2. Route 50 West
U.S. 50, US-50, Romney, WV, USA
J. Sibiga Photography / Flickr
The Route 50 West in Northern Virginia will take you out to the rolling hills of Middleburg. You’ll drive by stretches and stretches of countryside dotted by wineries and farms. Stop in at one of the many small towns along the way for shopping or a bite to eat.
3. Snickersville Turnpike
Snickersville Turnpike, Virginia, USA
Skip Steuart / Flickr
Out in Loudoun County, VA, Snickersville is a rural scenic byway that offers drivers a relaxing road set against beautiful scenery.

Take one of the best backroads near you from Aldie to Bluemont, VA in this virtual drive on the Snickersville Turnpike from Jason is Over Here!:

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4. Beach Drive
Beach Drive, Beach Dr, Washington, DC, USA
Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr
Located in Rock Creek Park, Beach Drive is a spectacularly beautiful drive. Whether you go in the fall when the leaves are turning colors or in the spring when you are surrounded by green, Washingtonians can escape the hustle of the city without going far.
5. Route 15
U.S. 15, US-15, Leesburg, VA, USA
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Another Virginia byway that is ideal for a country drive. This route will take you through the open and uncluttered Virginia landscape. In the fall, the views are breathtaking. There is even a hidden castle to spot along the way.
6. Route 673
State Route 673, State Rte 673, Vansant, VA 24656, USA
formulanone / Flickr
This ride, which you can get to by Route 15, takes you south toward the Appalachian Trail. You’ll pass cute towns, past farms, and vineyards with the outline of the mountain ranges in the distance.
7. Route 7
Virginia 7, VA-7, Falls Church, VA, USA
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Route 7 in Northern Virginia drives out to Loudoun County. Once out there, you can cruise by charming towns like Purcellville, gorgeous open land, miles of trees, hills, and endless countryside.

There are many scenic drives near Washington DC like this early fall drive along Route 7 in Northern Virginia that you'll see in this video from Trekker in USA:

The best driving route around Washington DC doesn’t have to be a boring interstate loop. These backroads are both beautiful and peaceful. What is your favorite scenic drive around Washington DC?

While you’re out exploring backroads, you might want to visit these charming 16 small towns near Washington DC! Why not rent an RV and take a small-town road trip?

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More to Explore

More scenic routes around DC

Chris Muras | August 23, 2023

What are some scenic drives near Washington DC?

 

There are plenty of nice drives that bypass Washington DC to get you out in the country and away from the city. Here are a few scenic drives near Washington DC to enjoy some quiet time away from busy roads:

  • Skyline Drive: This gorgeous drive through Shenandoah National Park is 105 miles long. It is one of the most scenic drives around DC with tree-lined roads and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive is especially beautiful in the fall and makes a fun road trip or weekend getaway.
  • Baltimore Washington Parkway: Taking this scenic route north to Baltimore from Washington DC is a lovely drive. It is a quiet two-lane highway that runs about 29 miles between the two destinations. It was actually the first limited-access two-lane roadway in Maryland that was conceived in the 1920s and finally built between 1947 and 1954.
  • Highland County Way: This is another Shenandoah National Park drive with tree-covered mountain views. It will take you from Southwest DC to Highland County Virginia. Highland County is a peaceful beautiful region often referred to as Virginia's Switzerland.

 

What is the best route around Washington DC going north?

 

The best route around Washington DC going north is to use the scenic US Route 301. It is a multi-lane highway that passes through a mix of urban and rural areas. Another option is to bypass the DC area entirely by using US Route 13 which runs along the coast and then cuts through Maryland and Delaware.

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