Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Alexandria, VA
Alexandria sits on the Potomac River with access to the Old Town, Mount Vernon, and the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
The Old Town waterfront and Mount Vernon are essential Alexandria experiences.
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or browse all12 destinations near Alexandria
Black-Coffey Caverns
Greencastle, PA 17225
Why this destination?
Recommended because: highly rated (5.0 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 47 min from Alexandria
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Devil's Den
Sickles Ave, Gettysburg
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 2.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 34 min from Alexandria · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 31.5k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 13 min from Alexandria · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Maymont
Richmond, VA 23220
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 10.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 45 min from Alexandria · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore, MD 21230
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 6.8k+ visitors) · 60 min from Alexandria · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Henrico, VA 23228
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 35 min from Alexandria · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Skyline Caverns
Front Royal, VA 22630
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from Alexandria · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Codorus State Park
Hanover, PA 17331
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 4.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 47 min from Alexandria · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Luray Caverns
Luray, VA 22835
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 26.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 46 min from Alexandria · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Henricus Historical Park
Chester, VA 23836
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs from Alexandria · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Top of the World Observation Level
Baltimore, MD 21202
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 1 min from Alexandria · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Crystal Grottoes Caverns
Boonsboro, MD 21713
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.5 by 1.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 24 min from Alexandria · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Alexandria, VA?
The best day trips from Alexandria include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Alexandria?
Most great day trips from Alexandria are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Alexandria?
Many of the best day trips near Alexandria are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Alexandria?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Alexandria, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Alexandria?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Alexandria make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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