7 Weekend Getaways from Washington D.C. Rich in History, Seafood, and Relaxation

Home to the Maryland State House—the oldest U.S. capitol in legislative use till date—and the state capital of Maryland, Annapolis is located at the point where the Severn River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Commonly referred to as America’s Sailing Capital, the city is host to world-famous sailing championships, including the country’s largest sailboat show held every October.

From your historic hotel right down to where you choose to dine—I recommend Reynold’s Tavern, which dates back to 1747, or Cantler’s Riverside Inn, one of the city’s best crab houses—the streets of Annapolis are steeped in history. The Banneker-Douglass Museum offers a comprehensive look into the state’s rich African-American heritage from the 1600s right up until today.

A short, 30-minute Amtrak train ride from Washington D.C. takes you to Penn Station, a prominent Beaux-Arts building, and one of many historic sites in Baltimore. Founded in the early 17th-century by Lord Baltimore, the city—Maryland’s largest—is known for its Inner Harbor neighborhood along the Patapsco River, as well as a burgeoning arts and culinary scene.

With over 200 distinct neighborhoods, Baltimore has something to offer everyone. From the free contemporary exhibits at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the summer concert series at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater to the fresh seafood festivals and street art murals scattered across the city, it’ll be a while before you run out of things to do.

On the border of Maryland and West Virginia lies the quaint town of Harpers Ferry, a 90-minute drive from Washington and a haven for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Founded in the 18th-century, the town played an important role in the Civil War, serving as a site to the United States Armory and Arsenal. Today, Harpers Ferry is known for its impressive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains—the Appalachian Trail passes right through town—and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Part of the National Park Service, the park is where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. It is best viewed from either Harpers Cemetery, a historic burial ground for the townspeople, or from Jefferson Rock, a landmark of slabs made of Harpers shale named after Thomas Jefferson who once stood atop it.

If history is what you’re after, check out one of the park’s most famous sites: John Brown’s Fort, where in 1859 an abolitionist revolt was held to end slavery in the United States. Interested in learning a new skill? Their year-round trade workshops offer a variety of skills you never knew you needed, from learning how to make cherry pie the 19th-century way or knowing how to forge your own metal like a blacksmith.

While D.C. is the country’s capital, Philadelphia is considered to be its birthplace, where the Founding Fathers met and formed a new country. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 at Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell, a popular symbol of the abolitionist movement, the city is dotted with historical elements.

But not everything is in the past; today the city boasts a restaurant scene that represents Philadelphia’s diverse population. If you’re struggling on deciding where to dine, head to one of the city’s many food halls—Chinatown Square, the Bourse Building or even Franklin’s Table food court at the University of Pennsylvania—for your own personal around-the-world food tour.

While the waterfront areas of Georgetown, Capitol Riverfront, and The Wharf provide an escape from the summer heat, what the district does lack is a good ole white sand beach. Thankfully, it’s only a few hours drive from Rehoboth, a bustling Delaware beach town known for its laid-back atmosphere and mile-long boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean.

Start the day early with one of my favorite things to do: watching the sunrise over the water at Cape Henlopen State Park followed by breakfast, a New York-style bagel from local favorite, Surf Bagel. Spend the afternoon soaking up the summer rays before casually strolling along the beach boardwalk. Don’t forget to try some famous Dolle saltwater taffy and Thrasher’s French Fries with a side of vinegar, of course.

Less than 80 miles from the district you will find the closest non-city national park, Shenandoah National Park, with over 500 miles of lush trails, serene forests, and infinite landscape views. Spend the day cruising along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile long scenic byway or hiking its numerous trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail which passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Your getaway isn’t complete without a stop to see the impressive underground limestone formations at Luray Caverns located just outside the park. First discovered in 1878, the caverns are home to an underground lake and the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which uses stalactites to produce music that can be heard all throughout the cavern.

The quiet town of St. Michaels along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay makes for the perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the hectic city life and indulge in some much needed R&R. Named after Michael the Archangel, the town was founded in the mid-1600s with shipbuilding as its primary industry before the switch to oyster and crab harvesting.

Today, most visitors come to bask on its tranquil shores or sail calmly along the Miles River. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which covers an impressive 18-acre waterfront location, is dedicated to preserving the Bay’s history and culture, and provides visitors with a chance to experience the town’s boat building and seafood harvesting ways.