10 Best Scenic Spots in Washington DC
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With a total area of just 68 square miles, travelers may miss out on scenic drive opportunities in Washington DC. However, this would be a mistake, since there are so many places of historical interest in this compact place. Many bypass roads run through the heart of the nation's capital and then extend into neighboring states where natural wonders await. Here are some of our favorite routes that, while not limited to a small region, are located in or through Washington:
No. 10 - Highland County Way
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Highland, VA
Length: Mile 202
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This winding road southwest of DC is perfect for a weekend getaway to Highland County, Virginia for camping or an overnight stay in one of the area's romantic lodges. It passes both through the Shenandoah National Park, known for its mountain views, and through the George Washington and Jefferson National Park. Highland County is known as the "Switzerland of Virginia" where sheep and cattle graze freely in the area's wide valleys.
#9 – Moose Detection
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Elkton, Maryland
Length: Mile 126
Best driving season: All
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If you have a pocket full of toll change, this route through Queenstown to Elkton is especially beautiful. The water views are as plentiful as the green hills, and travelers should definitely stop off to explore historic Kent Island along the way. Once in Elkton, home to moose, feel free to head to the Elk Neck State Forest for outdoor adventures.
No. 8 - Annapolis
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Annapolis, Maryland
Length: Mile 32
Best driving season: All
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Enjoy a relaxing ride between Washington DC and Annapolis with the opportunity to stop and connect with the nature that's always there. This route passes through numerous parks and the Globecom Wildlife Management Area, where there are plenty of photo opportunities. In Annapolis, check out the quaint downtown shops or simply watch the various boats in the harbor.
No. 7 - GW Parkway to Great Falls.
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Great Falls, Virginia
Length: Mile 18
Best driving season: All
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This ride on George Washington Boulevard is one of the few ways out of Washington that isn't always packed with traffic, giving any driver a chance to truly unwind. The route passes numerous mansions off the side of the winding road, and there are opportunities to get out and walk along the Mount Vernon Trail or see the Potomac River up close. Great Falls Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, from bird watching to white water rafting.
No. 6 - Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Baltimore, Maryland
Length: Mile 48
Best driving season: All
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This trip north on Route 95 is the perfect combination of city and country attractions. Travelers start and end their journey in two very different metropolitan areas and enjoy the beauty of rolling green hills along the way. Once in Baltimore, visit the historic Domino Sugars factory and M&T Bank Stadium, where you might even see a member of the Baltimore Ravens. At Oriole Park in Camden Yards, you'll get a taste of nature right in the middle of town.
#5 - Race Day
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Charles Town, Virginia
Length: Mile 65
Best driving season: All
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This route crosses the Shenandoah River and lush hills before arriving at its final destination, Charles Town, West Virginia. Until then, however, travelers may want to stop and stretch their legs in the 200-year-old town of Hillsborough. Once in Charles Town, horse racing and games take place XNUMX hours a day, XNUMX days a week, keeping the excitement high and creating an atmosphere very similar to Vegas, but on a smaller scale.
#4 - Miles of hills and wine
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Middleburg, Virginia
Length: Mile 43
Best driving season: All
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While it's not the fastest way to get to riding and hunting in Middleburg from the capital, Route 50 is by far the most beautiful route between the two points. It passes through rolling countryside that seems to last for several days, and wine connoisseurs can stop at one of the dozens of wineries along the way. Once in Middleburg, quirky specialty stores line the brick streets for those in need of shopping therapy.
#3 – Washington D.C. Outskirts Tour
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Washington
Length: Mile 3.6
Best driving season: All
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This short driving tour takes you through three of the region's most famous and beloved neighborhoods - Downtown, Pennsylvania Quarter and Chinatown. Each of these areas has its own personality and exemplifies the diversity not only of Washington, DC, but of the country as a whole. Travelers are encouraged to park and explore attractions such as the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museum of Art.
#2 – Journey through sacred ground
Start Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Final location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Length: Mile 305
Best driving season: All
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The entire length of this historic road is 305 miles, but Washington, D.C. is in the middle of the route, so the actual length from D.C. in either direction is actually much shorter. Travelers who decide to head north can see the Potomac River and the battlefield of Gettysburg. A trip south brings such pleasures as the vineyards in Barboursville and Jefferson's house in Monticello.
#1 – DC Monuments Tour
Start Location: Washington
Final location: Washington
Length: Mile 3.7
Best driving season: All
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Normally, a trip less than three miles doesn't top the list of scenic routes, but this trip is anything but typical. It starts at the Capitol building and ends at the Lincoln Memorial, which in itself is enough to spend a day with stops to explore. However, this D.C. Monuments Tour also includes the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Only Washington DC could have so many places of historical significance in just a few square miles!
