Washington, D.C. may be packed with iconic landmarks, but some of the best destinations on The Great American Road Trip are actually just a short drive away.
Created as part of a nationwide celebration of America’s culture, history, landscapes, and transportation heritage, The Great American Road Trip highlights hundreds of notable destinations across the U.S. for travelers looking to explore more of the country by car.
If you’re based in the DMV, you’re in luck: several featured stops are within easy driving distance of the nation’s capital, making them ideal for weekend getaways, day trips, or a longer Mid-Atlantic road trip.
From presidential estates to mountain overlooks and quirky roadside attractions, these stops combine history, nature, and classic Americana in one route.
What Is The Great American Road Trip?
The Great American Road Trip is a nationwide tourism initiative spotlighting destinations across the U.S. that celebrate American history, culture, natural beauty, and transportation.
Designed to encourage travelers to explore the country ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, the route includes iconic landmarks, scenic byways, national parks, museums, and historic towns.
Rather than being one single route, it functions more like a curated collection of stops that travelers can mix and match depending on the region.
For those near Washington, D.C., that means easy access to some of the East Coast’s most historic and visually stunning destinations.
Great American Road Trip Stops Near Washington, D.C.
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Located where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet, Harpers Ferry blends Civil War history with postcard-worthy mountain scenery. Explore historic streets, hiking trails, and panoramic overlooks of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
• Colonial Williamsburg
Step back into 18th-century America at Colonial Williamsburg, one of the country’s best-known living history museums.
Costumed interpreters, restored buildings, and immersive exhibits make it feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
• Monticello
The historic home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello offers tours of the estate, gardens, and grounds overlooking Charlottesville, Virginia.
It’s a must for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.
• Mount Vernon
Just outside D.C., Mount Vernon lets visitors tour the home of George Washington along the Potomac River.
The estate includes the mansion, gardens, museum, and Washington’s tomb.
• Dinosaur Land
Need something delightfully weird? Dinosaur Land in Virginia is a retro roadside attraction featuring dozens of giant dinosaur statues—perfect for families or anyone chasing classic Americana vibes.
• Shenandoah National Park
One of Virginia’s crown jewels, Shenandoah National Park is famous for Skyline Drive, hiking trails, waterfalls, and sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Fall foliage season here is particularly stunning.
• Arlington National Cemetery
Just across the river from D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is one of the nation’s most significant memorial sites.
Visitors can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. Kennedy’s gravesite.
• Blue Ridge Parkway
Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway offers miles of scenic overlooks, hiking access, and mountain views stretching through Virginia and North Carolina.
• Historic Annapolis
Maryland’s capital city is packed with colonial architecture, waterfront dining, and maritime history.
Historic Annapolis makes for an easy day trip from D.C. with serious charm.
