Capital region families are ideally poised to head north or south along the Atlantic coast for a variety of urban and beach getaways suited to every season.
If you and your family live near The Beltway, the ribbon of highway that ties residents of the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware area to the Capital, you probably lead a high-pressure life 10 months of the year. And when summer vacation arrives, the oppressively humid weather sets in. So it’s no wonder that families in this mid-Atlantic region are among the most active travelers in the United States.
While others dream of touring the Smithsonian Museums and seeing the White House, locals like to take long weekends and short school breaks to get away and tour the surrounding region’s many attractions.
Whether your family is looking for a short break holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last minute excursion to break up a road trip, or a weekend getaway from everyday routines, there are lots of options within a short radius of the District of Columbia metropolitan area.
Weekend Getaways from the Washington DC Beltway
The following weekend getaway roundup includes some of our family’s favorite kids’ destinations, for those who want big city action or a laid-back beach experience. There are, of course, many other choices for spending your time and money on a short break, so we’ll just highlight some of the top local attractions, kid-friendly festivals and events that suit all ages.
Urban Breaks Near Washington DC
Baltimore, Maryland Family Attractions
A family guide to historical, educational and fun places to visit, from the aquarium to Camden Yards, in this seafaring, mid-Atlantic port city.
Family Hotels and Resorts in Baltimore
A guide to the best family-friendly hotels in the waterfront city of Baltimore and why each one is convenient to sightseeing and the other attractions for your next family vacation.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
A lsit of favorite family restaurants in Baltimore serving everything from local seafood to international cuisines.
Ocean City is Fun and Adventurous
From adventures on the sea, to rides, games and explorations on the land, there’s “shore” to be something fun for everyone in Maryland’s beach town of Ocean City.
Visit Pittsburgh For Fine Arts and Fun
Explore galleries, theatres, museums and more with FTF’s guide to fine arts and fun attractions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Best Family Beach Getaways Near Washington DC
Rehoboth Beach Promises Family Fun
Not far from the metroplex, the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean coast — especially in Rehoboth, Delaware — provide the ingredients for the ultimate family beach getaway.
Beach Weekend in Ocean City, Maryland
From adventures on the sea, to rides, games and explorations on the land, there’s “shore” to be something fun for everyone in Maryland’s favorite Atlantic Ocean beach resort.
Bethany Beach is Delaware’s Quiet Beach Town
Bethany Beach is a small, family-friendly beach town that provides easy access to Delmarva’s big attractions.
Maryland Beach Resorts Along the Chesapeake Bay
Southern Maryland’s western shore offers a wide array of cultural attractions, historical and maritime sites, and unspoiled natural beauty.
Beach Weekend in Cape May
A guide to a peaceful family vacation, with some beach and picnic time included, on the shore in New Jersey’s historic Cape May
Relaxing Road Trips & Rural Weekend Getaways in the Mid-Atlantic
Navigating the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal
Your family can discover a B&B, fascinating local museum and other off the beaten path sites surrounding Maryland’s C&D Canal.
Wisp Mountain Ski Resort
One of Maryland’s little known ski and summer mountain resorts, Wisp Mountain makes a great getaway with younger kids.
Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
Enjoy learning about America’s history where colonial architecture and culture are served up on a silver platter.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia FTF explores the foothills of the Appalachians in this eastern national park and finds lodging and outdoor fun — spring, summer or fall — in Virginia.
Tidying Up at Virginia’s Tides Inn Join a Virginia family as they slow up and wind down at this sleepy, multi-generational, riverside family resort.
Fall Festivals in North Carolina
Autumn in North Carolina features festivals both big and small, focusing on a array of subjects — it’s a great basis for a quick family fall getaway.
History and Fun in Richmond, Virginia
Named a “Best City for Families” by Parenting magazine, Richmond has developed many fun tourist attractions.
Colonial Williamsburg Hotel and Resorts
Six hotels that all have convenient access to the 45-hole Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, various dining and shopping options, Historic Area, Art Museums and more.
Need a discount car rental for your Washington, DC getaway?
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