5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Arlington, Virginia, My Favorite Included

Arlington, Virginia, is a fantastic day trip destination for those living in the mid-Atlantic region. Not only is it home to Arlington National Cemetery and several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, but it's also a very walkable and scenic city, due to its location along the Potomac River. While Arlington has a lot to offer, you may need a day trip away if you're from here. I have traveled around this region my entire life, so here are my suggestions for easy day trips from Arlington. And, of course, I had to include my favorite!

1. Mount Vernon

My dad is a history buff, and when he visited my young son and me when we were living in Baltimore, we decided to take a day trip to Mount Vernon. Home to our first president, Mount Vernon is a must-see attraction in Virginia, and it's easy to see why. Spending a few hours here, we toured the mansion, walked along trails through the vast acreage, and checked out the gardens and tombs. It is a fascinating place for those who love history and a family-friendly historic site that kids can even enjoy. Mount Vernon is only 40 minutes from Arlington, making it an ideal day trip destination.

2. Luray Caverns

Less than two hours away, this next Virginia day trip will take you underground. As the largest cavern in the country, Luray Caverns is a remarkable natural wonder in Virginia that provides a unique adventure through large rooms with 10-foot-high ceilings. Lighted pathways lead the way through the caverns as you marvel at how something this extraordinary can even exist. In addition to the caverns, admission includes additional attractions on the property: The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction.

3. Shenandoah National Park

Less than an hour and a half away is one of the most beguiling parks in our nation. With over 200,000 acres, Shenandoah National Park is filled with natural beauty from mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls to wildflowers and wildlife. Hike some 516 miles of trails or take a scenic drive along the 105-mile Skyline Drive — this national park should be at the top of your bucket list! Remember to bring your national parks pass for entry.

4. Old Town Alexandria

An easy day trip destination from Arlington, Old Town Alexandria is less than 10 miles away. As one of Virginia's most walkable small towns, Old Town Alexandria is a nationally designated historic district filled with historic buildings, museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants. The district is along the Potomac River, so you can enjoy stunning views as you explore.

5. Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

If you want to know my favorite day trip destination from Arlington, it's none other than Georgetown! I fell in love with this D.C. neighborhood years ago on a day trip and even thought of moving there at one point. The row homes, historic landmarks, views of the Potomac, and the ability to walk across the Key Bridge between D.C. and Arlington were alluring to me. While I love spending time in nature, I am a city girl at heart and love areas with a high walkability score like Georgetown.

Have you taken a day trip to any of the places on this list? If you have any other suggestions for easy day trips from Arlington, please send us a note through our nomination page.