Posted in D.C. June 24, 2017 by

12 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take From Washington DC

While we love DC, 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 makes for a great day trip! These are the 12 best summer day trips from DC!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Spend the day splashing at Great Waves.
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 in Alexandria features a wave pool, slides and a fun splash pad!

Find more information and directions here.
2. Take a chance at a haunted beach.
Yelp/Keith E.
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 sight that has known to be the place of many hauntings.

Find more information and directions here.
3. Take a train ride through the mountains.
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.

Find more information and directions here.
4. Slide down this epic natural waterslide.
YouTube/Rowen Perry
Have an adventure with thrills and nature at this amazing natural waterslide. Cedar Run Falls is two hours outside of DC in Shenandoah Valley. It’s the perfect reward after a long hike to slide into the cool water on a natural waterslide.

Find more information and directions here.
5. Relax in a natural spring-fed pool.
TripAdvisor/Nina K.
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.

Find more information and directions here.
6. Hike an amazing trail in Catoctin Mountain Park.
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!

Find more information and directions here.
7. Take a swim in the gorgeous sapphire lake.
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.

Find more information and directions here.
8. Float your worries away on the most amazing lazy river.
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.

Find more information and directions here.
9. Enjoy amazing animals at the National Zoo!
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, 1,800 animals from 300 different species. There are lions, tigers, panda bears and many more exotic animals. The best thing is, it’s free!

Find more information and directions here.
10. Visit this gorgeous beach with the prettiest sand.
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.

Find more information and directions here.
11. Paddle out to this delicious aquatic food truck.
Yelp/Robin O.
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!

Find more information and directions here.
12. Experience history and adventure in Williamsburg.
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!

Find more information and directions here.

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