6 Caves Near Washington DC That Are Like Entering Another World

There are many fantastic destinations and attractions to visit around DC that are above ground, but what about what’s below the surface? A hidden world of gorgeous winding caves lays underneath the surface and from DC, you can visit six of these caves! Prepare to be enchanted at these six caves near Washington DC.

Flickr/Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns is two hours west of DC in Luray, Virginia. This cave was originally discovered in 1878. Some of the "rooms" in this cavern have ceilings that are 10-stories high! You can take a guided tour down one of the well-lighted walkways and enjoy the incredible formations, including the popular Stalacpipe Organ.

Flickr/Donnie Gladfelter

Shenandoah Caverns is the only Virginia cavern with elevator service, which makes it one of the easiest caverns to visit. There are 17 exquisite rooms that you can visit during an hour long guided tour. There are a variety of unique formations inside the caverns.

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Flickr/A.Currell

The Crystal Grottoes Caverns has more formations per square foot than any cave known to man. The caves were founded in 1920 and is the only show cave in the state of Maryland. It’s not far from the quaint town of Boonsboro, making it a perfect weekend excursion.

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Facebook/Skyline Caverns

Skyline Caverns is the closest cave to Washington DC. The caves were discovered in 1937 and have been open to the public since 1939. Today, you can take a one hour tour of the cavern, exploring its nine different unique areas and the 37 foot Rainbow Waterfall.

Flickr/James St. John

Endless Caverns is a six mile long cave at the foot of Massanutten Mountain in Virginia. Visitors will enjoy the unique history during a 75 minute guided tour through tunnels and channels featuring gorgeous rock formations.

Flickr/Braz Brandt

Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 and was opened to the public in 1806. It is the oldest continually operating show cave in the country. The cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers and there are over 200 verified civil war signatures in the cave.

Which cave will you explore first? There truly is no shortage of natural wonders in and around Washington DC!