Washington DC Area Vacation Ideas?

[PattiCake$]

I live in DC and am looking for day trip or local vacation ideas. I don't have much of a budget at all, but I'm burning out at work and just need to get away from daily distractions. I've taken a few days off of work in September, and would like to get out in nature, or just out of my house and away from all of the cleaning/organizing that I'll be tempted to do, and clear my mind a bit. Anyone have any ideas?

[tralfamadorian]

...would like to get out in nature...

Hike Shenandoah National Park?

[newton]

...would like to get out in nature...

Hike Shenandoah National Park?

+1  I agree.  Beautiful area. 

[GuinnessPhish]

What dates did you take off?

[yachi]

National Zoo
Smithsonian Museum
We've been to Harper's Ferry in the fall.  Nice to walk around and hike for a beautiful overlook

[aspiringnomad]

The Billy Goat Trail to Great Falls. Nice views, some fun rock scrambling, and just a 10 minute drive from the DC/MD border or bike to it on MacArthur Blvd. Takes about 4 hours for the full loop if I recall. I recommend going during the week to avoid the crowds.

[PattiCake$]

Thanks so much to everyone for your ideas! I'm new to DC and all of these sound like a great way to spend time off and explore the area!!

[starguru]

Natural bridge is pretty awesome if you can get out there.


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[BlueHouse]

Roosevelt Island

[sufjork]

My fiancé and I love going to Gravelly Point to have a picnic and watch the planes come in/take off. It's just north of DCA. The planes land/take off (depending on that day's patterm) right above you - it's so cool to witness! Then I'd suggest taking a bike ride down the Mt. Vernon trail for a few miles. If you go far enough south, you can get to Mt. Vernon!

Other ideas (sorry if some of these are repeats):
Great Falls ($10 for entry in car, less for on foot/bicycle)
National Arboretum
Old Rag

[Dee18]

D.C. has cycling clubs for all levels if you are a cyclist and it's a great way to meet people.  I especially loved riding all over the city on Sunday morning....often taking a themos of coffee to have at Arlington cemetery.

[EmFrugal]

I've been dying to be in nature too and thought I needed to plan a trip to Colorado to get it but, as others have mentioned, the Billy Goat trail is incredible. My DH and I did it on a date afternoon while a sitter kept the kids recently. Be prepared for some boulder climbing though. It's not an easy stroll in the park. Well worth it in my opinion, however! Free.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah is breathtaking. Skyland area has a nice place to sit out on the rocks and enjoy mountain views. Entrance fee to Skyline drive (maybe around $20 or less - can't recall). We did it in a day so you could pack food and not spend anywhere else.

I also have been enjoying walks through the Long Branch Nature Center trail in Arlington off Carlin Springs. It's a simple walk where the stream runs through and there is a bench where you can sit and meditate; or just climb out on some of the rocks and sit in the stream. Free.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna is also very beautiful and a nice, easy stroll. $5 entrance fee.

Great Falls National Park. Park entrance fee.

[Fomerly known as something]

Like Fossils head out to Calvert Cliffs State Park and hunt at the beach.

[Tetsuya Hondo]

If you're a cyclist, you can bike the W&OD trail from Georgetown to Harper's Ferry and beyond, camping along the way. It's scenic, it's paved, and there are camping spots along the trail.

[davisgang90]

If you like hiking, I recommend www.hikingupward.com  Free topo maps and detailed discussions of hundreds of hikes in VA/MD/WV/NC.  Plenty in the DC area to keep you busy a while. 

[StarBright]

A bit farther, but still good day trips:

Falling Water: https://www.fallingwater.org/
We just hiked the grounds and looked at the building from the outside. I've heard the tour is worth it if you are into that sort of thing but it is pricey.

Amish Country in PA - we basically made a trip once a fall and hit the farmer's markets, orchards etc.

Winthertur Gardens in Delware - gorgeous!

Longwood Gardens in PA (they have their amazing fountains running through early fall!)

Annapolis is worth spending a day too.

Basically you have daytrips for days when you live in the Mid-lantic :)