Did you know that within under an hour’s drive you can enjoy some of the best day trips in Washington DC? Well, you can! As much as we love the city, we also love being able to get out and experience something different every once in a while. DC is so perfectly located that you can find plenty of adventures that make for a great day trip! So without further ado, here are 12 of the best of the best!

1. Spend the day splashing at Great Waves.
Great Waves Waterpark, 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, USA
Facebook/Great Waves Waterpark/Cameron Run Regional Park
Bet you didn’t know there’s a secret waterpark just outside of DC? Great Waves Waterpark features a wave pool, slides and a fun splash pad!
2. Take a chance at a haunted beach.
Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USA
Max E/Google Maps
Point Lookout State Park in Maryland is a beautiful beach and campground that is an absolutely beautiful place to visit. It’s also a historic site that has known to be the place of many hauntings.
3. Take a train ride through the mountains.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Eagle Drive, Romney, WV, USA
Facebook/Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is a fantastic train ride through the West Virginia mountains. You’ll enjoy charming towns, beautiful scenery and you might even spot some bald eagles. If you're looking for "great getaway spots near me," a ride on the rails is definitely one for your summer bucket list!
4. Slide down this epic natural waterslide.
Cedar Run Falls, Virginia 22743, USA
YouTube/Rowen Perry
Have an adventure with thrills and nature at this amazing natural waterslide called Cedar Run Falls. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, it is one of the most unique things to do around Washington DC (its just two hours outside of the city). The perfect reward after a long hike is to slide into the cool water on a natural waterslide.
5. Relax in a natural spring-fed pool.
TripAdvisor/Nina K.
One of the best day trips in Washington DC, Jefferson Pools have attracted visitors from all over the country for centuries. It’s a charming natural mountain spa with crystal clear waters will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed!
6. Hike an amazing trail in Catoctin Mountain Park.
Catoctin Mountain Highway, Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Frederick, MD, USA
Flickr/MudlfapDC
Hiking the extended loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park will give you an incredible experience. On the trail, you’ll see wildlife, beautiful vistas and amazing views of the surrounding area. It’s an amazing hike everyone in DC should try!

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7. Take a swim in the gorgeous sapphire lake.
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, USA
Facebook/Deep Creek Lake Area
Deep Creek Lake is a stunning lake in Garrett County, Maryland which is three hours away from DC. It is one of the prettiest lakes in the entire area and visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters, rent kayaks, boat, tube and explore the surrounding wildlife. Yep, you guessed it...another one of the best day trips in Washington DC!
8. Float your worries away on the most amazing lazy river.
Shenandoah River, United States
Facebook/River Riders
The Shenandoah River is the ideal place to escape the heat and humidity in DC. There are multiple tubing companies where you can rent tubes and float down the Shenandoah. Bring a picnic and your friends for an amazing trip.
9. Enjoy amazing animals at the National Zoo!
National Zoo Drive Northwest, National Zoo Dr NW, Washington, DC, USA
Facebook/Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The National Zoo is one of the best free activities in DC! Explore acres of land where some 1,800 animals from 300 different species reside. There are lions, tigers, panda bears, and many more exotic animals. The best thing is, it’s free! And that alone makes it one of the best day trips in Washington DC!
10. Visit this gorgeous beach with the prettiest sand.
Cape Henlopen State Park Public Beach, 15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Flickr/Jukie Bot
Cape Henlopen State Park is a beautiful quiet beach on the Delaware coast. You can swim in the ocean, rent a kayak or a bike or simply just lay out on the gorgeous white sand that makes up the beach.
11. Paddle out to this delicious aquatic food truck.
Potomac River, United States
Nauti Foods Facebook Page
Nauti Foods is the Potomac River’s only and best floating food truck. Spend a day on the water and whether you boat, kayak or paddle board, you can get a great snack at Nauti Foods! They serve local favorites like bagels, coffees, ice cream, Nauti Dogs, and even local brews! Betcha never thought a search for "day trips near me" would lead to a floating food truck!
12. Experience history and adventure in Williamsburg.
Williamsburg, VA, USA
Facebook/Visit Williamsburg
Williamsburg is an ideal day trip for Washingtonians! There’s history with historical reenactments and famous historic sights. You can bike and hike around the area, paddle board or boat and visit Busch Gardens or Water Country USA to really round out your day!

Which day trip will you be enjoying this summer? And if you want to explore farther outside of DC, then hop on a train!  Here are some great easy train trips you can take from Washington DC!

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Best day trips in Washington DC

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