Best Holiday Retreats Close to Washington, D.C.
Explore Festive Holiday Activities in Washington, D.C.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Explore Festive Holiday Activities in Washington, D.C.
Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, is a beautiful historical seaport situated along the Chesapeake Bay. It is an easy day trip from Washington, DC, located in Anne Arundel County, approximately 32 miles from Washington and 26 miles from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Annapolis boasts more 18th-century buildings than anywhere else in the United States, including the homes of all four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. This charming city is a delightful place to explore, featuring numerous museums, shopping opportunities, and restaurants.
Williamsburg, Virginia, also known as Colonial Williamsburg, is America’s largest interactive history museum, located just a few hours south of Washington, DC. The 301-acre restored 18th-century capital city of Virginia transports visitors back in time to the period of the American Revolution. Beating drums, trilling fifes, firework displays, theatrical programs, and interpretive characters are just a few of the entertainment elements that are designed to spark your interest in 18th-century Virginia.
Chincoteague is a small town on the Virginia Eastern Shore and the gateway to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. World-famous for its wild ponies, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and forest, providing a protected habitat for hundreds of species of animals and migratory birds. Visitors appreciate the peaceful environment and recreational activities such as hiking, biking, boating, swimming, fishing, crabbing, clamming, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The town features unique shops, museums, fine restaurants, and a variety of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rental homes, and campgrounds.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear is a haunted Halloween attraction located in Centreville, Virginia. This event features a Cornightmare, a night-time hayride, and a giant slide illuminated by torchlight. Additionally, guests can enjoy outdoor classic horror movies, bonfires, and snacks. The spooky Imaginature Trail transforms into the terrifying Forest: Back 40, which doubled in length for the 2016 season, now covering half a mile of chilling surprises. The Forest is paired with two other haunting experiences: the Dark Side Hayride and the Cornightmare. The Firegrounds are the heart of excitement, equipped with several bonfires, a six-lane slide, live entertainment, delicious treats, and a variety of Fear Games, including the dark maze known as Nyctophobi. Remember, Fields of Fear is not recommended for children under 12 years of age; those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Union Market is an artisanal food market in NE Washington DC featuring over 40 local vendors, and it’s a godsend for groups who all want to eat something different (and try something new). This hip DC market is home to all sorts of businesses run by up-and-coming entrepreneurs to well-known restaurateurs. Plus, you can shop for groceries and unique gifts to take home.
Washington, DC is one of the most disabled accessible cities in the world. This guide provides information about transportation, parking, access to popular attractions, scooter and wheelchair rentals, and more.
Deep Creek Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Maryland, extends 12 miles and has a surface of 3,900 acres with 65 miles of shoreline. The four-season resort, located in Garrett County, Maryland, offers a wide range of activities such as boating, fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding in the summer. In the winter months, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and snowmobiling. Consequently, Deep Creek Lake represents a quiet and relaxing getaway destination, regarded as one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
The memorial to Albert Einstein is set at the entrance to the headquarters of the National Academy of Sciences, a private, non-profit society of distinguished scholars, in Washington DC. The memorial offers an intimate experience, allowing visitors to get up close and take memorable photographs (children can even sit in his lap). Built in 1979 to honor the centennial of Einstein’s birth, this impressive 12-foot bronze figure depicts him seated on a granite bench, holding a paper filled with mathematical equations summarizing three of his pivotal scientific achievements: the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity, and the equivalence of energy and matter.
The movie theaters in Maryland, situated in the suburbs of Washington, DC, provide a diverse array of cinematic experiences. From expansive multi-screen stadium-style theaters to cozy independent cinemas, the capital region encompasses every type of film venue. Below is a guide detailing the unique features of each location, what films are currently playing, showtimes, and additional information.
Searching for the best restaurants in Crystal City? This trendy neighborhood in Northern Virginia offers a variety of dining options suitable for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. Below is a guide to the top restaurants in Crystal City, Virginia, each providing something unique to enhance your dining experience.
Explore the vibrant culinary scene ofAlexandria, Virginia, where a rich variety of restaurants awaits. From casual dining to fine cuisine, this historic town makes for an ideal destination for food enthusiasts.
Dulles Town Center Mall is the largest shopping and dining destination in Loudoun County, Virginia. This expansive center is situated within a 554-acre mixed-use development crafted by Lerner Enterprises, strategically located in the heart of the region’s technology corridor. The two-level shopping mall spans approximately 1.4 million square feet of retail space, featuring popular anchor stores like Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. Furthermore, it boasts over 185 specialty shops including Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and many others. Dining options are plentiful, with restaurants such as Benihana, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, alongside a food court that offers diverse culinary choices.
Ski Liberty is one of the closest ski areas to Washington, D.C., providing an exceptional winter getaway destination. The Liberty Mountain Resort, alongside its recently opened Highland Lodge, offers a plethora of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating. Managed by Snow Time, Inc., Ski Liberty is part of a network that includes other top-notch resorts in the region, enhancing the skiing experience across Pennsylvania and New York.
Ski Roundtop, located near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Activities available at Ski Roundtop include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and even Revolution Paintball. Moreover, it is the sister ski area to Ski Liberty. Ski Roundtop is managed by Snow Time, Inc., which also oversees Whitetail Mountain Resort in Mercersburg, PA, Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, PA, and Ski Windham in New York. Consequently, season passes are valid at all three Pennsylvania ski resorts, with additional benefits for Ski Windham.
The revitalization of the region around Nationals Park in Washington, DC, has led to an exciting array of restaurants and bars. Most notably, this area is seeing significant growth, with new entertainment venues anticipated to open over the coming years. Moreover, Eastern Market, Washington, DC’s largest public market, is conveniently located within a 20-minute walk and offers a plethora of food options. The Yards Park neighborhood, situated just steps from the ballpark, boasts a diverse range of dining establishments. Below, you will find a curated selection of restaurants located near Nationals Park.
Oktoberfest is a beer-friendly celebration originating in Germany that is recognized and celebrated around the world.
Terrapin Adventures is an outdoor adventure center located in Savage, Maryland, just 30 minutes from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. This unique tour company offers exciting activities like ziplining, ropes courses, a giant swing, and a climbing tower. They also host custom tours, birthday parties, fundraising events, and team-building experiences. Set on nearly 2 acres within the grounds of the historic Savage Mill, a 19th-century textile mill, visitors can explore antique shops, craft galleries, restaurants, and more.
Gaithersburg’s Water Park at Bohrer Park, operated by the City of Gaithersburg, offers a vibrant summer experience for families. The main swimming pool is ideal for fun and relaxation, featuring a large mushroom water umbrella and ample space for shallow water activities. With its zero-depth entry, the pool ensures accessibility for everyone. The park’s standout attractions include a thrilling 38-foot tall double water slide and two unique slide options: an enclosed slide measuring 250 feet for those seeking excitement, and an open flume slide for a more tranquil descent of 336 feet. To use the slides, swimmers must be at least 48 inches tall.
The U.S. Botanic Garden, or USBG, established by Congress in 1820, is a living plant museum on the National Mall. The Conservatory reopened in December 2001 after a four-year renovation, showcasing an impressive state-of-the-art indoor garden with approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical, and subtropical plants. The U.S. Botanic Garden is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.