#Day trips from dc free

#Day trips from dc free

Visitors can also learn about the free and enslaved people that worked the plantation, including the Hemings family. The furnished rooms and colorful gardens provide a glimpse into the life of the third president. You can enjoy guided tours of the house and grounds. to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national historic landmark is the only residence in the U.S. The historic home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello is located in Charlottesville approximately a 2.5-hour drive southwest of the District. Bike the scenic Mount Vernon Trail that stretches along the Potomac River from the president’s home to Roosevelt Island. Visitors can explore the smokehouse, slave quarters, kitchen and stables. Several outbuildings dating from the mid-18th century are on the grounds of the 500-acre estate that includes a 14-room mansion filled with restored and original period pieces. Home to George and Martha Washington, Mount Vernon is a scenic attraction on the banks of the Potomac River near DC. Part of the capital’s defensive works, the Civil War-era Fort Ward is a 40-acre historic park chronicling military life during the period. A former munitions depot, the three-story Torpedo Factory has been transformed into a vibrant arts space filled with working studios and galleries. Tour the George Washington Masonic Memorial that includes a 17-foot-tall bronze statue of the first president and a collection of interesting artifacts. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride and travel back in time as you learn the history of the city. Check out this interactive Arlington map to learn more about the cemetery.Ī former Colonial-era river port, Old Town Alexandria features a number of historic buildings, including Gadsby’s Tavern and Robert E. Explore the Theodore Roosevelt Island wilderness preserve and observe a wide range of flora and fauna along the 2.5 miles of footpaths. The grounds are the setting for a moving memorial to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The headquarters of America’s military, the iconic Pentagon also offers public tours.

The monuments and memorials inside and surrounding the cemetery are a journey through the country’s military history. A guided tour is a solemn reminder of their selflessness and sacrifice. The remains of more than 400,000 active duty service personnel, veterans and other distinguished Americans are buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Consider adding one of these destinations near DC to your itinerary. These charming locales make wonderful day trips from DC. In addition to this treasure trove, the District is also situated in close proximity to many other places offering wonderful things to see and do. Washington, DC is filled with numerous fascinating attractions and family-friendly museums as well as abundant fine dining and entertainment options.