Day Trips and Excursions

Washington, D.C. is central to many of the United States’ most important historic attractions. Attendees who come early or stay late can visit the places where the fight for freedom began. Bring the family, and let them learn about the founding fathers and settlers who came to the shores of the Atlantic, looking for new frontiers and horizons. Select from one or more of the locations we recommend for your added enjoyment and enrichment.

Alexandria, Virginia

Right across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. you will find Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1749 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Alexandria is nationally recognized for its abundance of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, historic attractions, award-winning restaurants and eclectic shopping. Once George Washington’s hometown, Alexandria was a Colonial seaport and the city’s roster of historic sites underlines how historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained at Gadsby’s Tavern on North Royal Street, which is still open today, and Robert E. Lee worshipped at the historic Christ Church on North Washington Street. For more information about visiting Alexandria, go to www.thefunsideofthepotomac.com.

Annapolis, Maryland

Just drive 30 miles (45 minutes) east on Route 50 at Exit 24, and you will find yourself at the Capital of the great state of Maryland. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, the quaint and historic old town of Annapolis will take your breath away. The harbor view alone is worth the effort. Ships of all sizes and types bob up and down in their moorings, providing an opportunity to use up many rolls of film. This quaint village is alive with activity all year round, offering shopping opportunities, fine dining on the water, and rustic homes and buildings dating back to the early 1800s. The historic state capitol building overlooks this peaceful gem of a city, buttressed by the U.S. Naval Academy. You will find there are so many things to see and do that you will wonder why you didn’t take more days off to enjoy the area.

If you prefer to stretch your legs and see the most significant places, there are many tours to accommodate your desires. Guides dressed in colonial garb will help you discover the history of Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy. Daily tours run from April through October starting at 10:30 a.m. from the Visitors Center located at 26 West Street and at 1:30 p.m. from the Information Booth located at the City Dock. The Naval Academy Guide Service located at Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center provides walking tours of the Academy from March through November, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, 52 King George Street, (410) 263-2344, www.navyonline.com.

If you prefer to view the area from the water, Watermark Cruises offers narrated boat tours and “Day on the Bay” cruises to St. Michaels, Rock Hall and Baltimore that leave from Annapolis Harbor. Contact Tour Information at (410) 268-7600 or visit the website at www.watermarkcruises.com.

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

If your wanderlust wants to take you from one bustling city to another, drive 45 miles from D.C. north on Interstate 95. Spend the day in the exciting Inner Harbor, which offers 100s of shopping opportunities, fine dining and great views of the water. Harborplace and The Gallery rank as this city’s number one tourist attractions. Points of interest include the American Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore Maritime Museum, Fort McHenry National Park/Monument, the newly-expanded Maryland Science Center, the Museum of Industry, the National Aquarium, the Marine Mammal Pavilion, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the Pride of Baltimore II, a schooner replica. Tours of visiting tall ships and navy vessels are also available at this seaboard location.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

For all of you Civil War buffs that have never visited these historic places, please take the effort to drive to the battlefields. The first of these four is Gettysburg, which is about a 80 mile drive on US 15 from downtown Frederick, MD into Pennsylvania. If you decide to take this trip, plan on leaving early in the morning so that you can absorb all of the Gettysburg Civil War Trail to the somber battlefield. Note that this National Park closes at 5 p.m. Your visit should also include a tour of the town of Gettysburg, the Rupp House and other interesting shops and attractions. Visit these websites for updated information: CivilWarTraveler.com, www.friendsofgettysburg.org, www.nps.gov/gett, and www.gettysburg.com.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

The small and picturesque Harpers Ferry area, 70 miles from Washington, D.C., has served in a pivotal role in several events that impacted the nation’s history. This city, on the border of Maryland and West Virginia, was made famous by John Brown’s raid on the U.S. Arsenal here. Brown believed if he captured enough guns and armed slaves, they would unite into an army and throw off the yoke of what he called “Southern Oppression.” Brown was caught and most of his band of men was killed. Since the 1950s, the National Park Service has tried to rehabilitate and restore the town while at the same time interpret its historical importance to the nearly 2 million people who visit it each year.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Only an hour and a half away from the Capital Beltway, Lancaster County, Pa., is a favorite destination for families in the Mid-Atlantic. And it’s no wonder – there is so much to experience in “The Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch County.” Visitors will find miles of scenic roads, farm-fresh cuisine, nearby amusement parks, historic towns, Amish markets and a friendly welcome always.

Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the county includes the towns of Lancaster, Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand, Manheim and Lititz. While there, take advantage of Amish buggy rides, an historic train trip through the countryside, tours to nearby factories including those that produce anything from pretzels to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, eat at a traditional smorgasbord, shop for homemade crafts and baked goods, and enjoy a simpler way of life.

In addition to Lancaster County, those visiting the area might also want to venture further into Pennsylvania. Hershey and Hershey Park are only nine miles to the northwest; Gettysburg is 43 miles west; and Philadelphia is 51 miles east. For more information, go to www.padutchcountry.com.

Mount Vernon, Virginia

Just outside of Washington and only 14 miles away, this historic mansion of our first president is remarkable, due to its colorfulness and original heirlooms. The view of the Potomac from this site will align your thoughts with George Washington’s and confirm his rationale for choosing this prime spot as his estate. Your visit should include the Greenhouse, Slave Quarters, the George Washington Museum, Archaeology and Restoration Museum, Slave Memorial and Washington’s Tomb. Outdoors, you can experience a tour of the gardens, hike the Forest Trail and visit the Pioneer Farmer site. The newest additions include a working 18th century mill at George Washington’s Gristmill, and the new Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds’ Museum and Education Center.

Exploring the Chesapeake Bay

The Bay is only 70 miles away and can be reached in about an hour and a half by car. Travel to the east means exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Day cruises are available from the Baltimore’s Harbor Place docks and should not be missed. Make sure you take time to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. From learning the oyster trade to the art of ship building, this museum makes the bay accessible through real people, real work and original exhibits. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel like a native.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore

With spots as close as an hour away and as far as almost four, the shore along the Chesapeake Bay can offer just about anything. Whether you crave a day of some of the nation’s best deep sea fishing, or want to relax on a quiet beach, the Chesapeake and Eastern shore have definitely got it. The Eastern Shore is probably most famous for its crabs. With the Chesapeake once again producing some of the biggest and most delicious blue crabs, a stop by a classic Maryland crab shack is a must if you visit the region. The Eastern Shore is also very well known for its wildlife. With several wildlife refuges, there are tremendous concentrations of rare animals, especially birds.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is located 120 miles from D.C. on the Delaware shore of the Atlantic. This beautiful summer get away is less than a three hour drive due east from D.C.. Rehoboth stakes claim to one of the nation’s most well known boardwalks. With boardwalk fries, funnel cake, games, amusement parks, and anything else you can imagine, this boardwalk is home to some great beach characters. Rehoboth is a favorite escape for Washingtonians with the beach bug. It is a great spot to escape the humidity and hustle and bustle of the city and relax on a beautiful beach.