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Updated by Kathryn McKay

Within an hour of D.C. are getaway destinations connected to the nation’s first president, naval history, and colonial events. Alexandria was once a bustling colonial port, and Old Town preserves this flavor with its cobblestone streets, taverns, and waterfront. Cycle 7 miles downriver along the banks of the Potomac to get here, or hop on the Metro for a quick 30-minute ride.

Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation, is a mere 16 miles from D.C. on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Make a day of it, and visit the two other interesting plantation homes—Woodlawn and Gunston Hall—that are nearby.

Another option is to get out on the water in Annapolis, a major center for boating and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Feast on the Chesapeake Bay’s famous crabs, then watch the midshipmen parade on campus at the academy.

Kid Tips

No matter the ages of your children or the weather, Mount Vernon can keep everyone amused with activities that delight the senses. See where George and Martha Washington and their slaves lived, hear the Revolutionary rifles fired in animated movies, taste hoecakes, and smell the herbs in the garden. A dress-up room in the education center gives children the chance to look like colonial kids.

Find out what it takes to become a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy’s new exhibit in the visitor center.

TIP Even kids who don’t “dig” history might like sifting through dirt for artifacts in Alexandria during Family Dig Days at the archaeology museum in the Torpedo Factory.

Top Reasons to Go

Walk in Washington’s Shadow: The minute you step onto the grounds of Mount Vernon, you’ll be transported back in time to colonial America.

Time Travel: Delve into colonial history in Old Town Alexandria, then fast-forward to the 21st century with funky shops, artist’s galleries, hot restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Don’t miss Alexandria’s farmers’ market, held every Saturday, year-round, from 5:30 am to 11 am. Believe it or not, it has been around since George Washington’s produce was sold here.

Get Crabby: Head east to Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay and feast on a Maryland specialty: blue crabs by the bushel (the bib is optional).

Getting Oriented

There’s no question that Washington, D.C., has enough sights, sounds, and experiences to keep you busy for a week or more without seeing everything on your itinerary. The three destinations highlighted here help enrich your experience whether you’re a history buff, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or boater. With just a bit of planning, any one of these trips can be done in a day or even an afternoon. Follow the locals’ example and escape the heat of the capital with a trip to the countryside.

Alexandria. Alexandria is across the Potomac and 7 miles downstream from Washington. As a commercial port, it competed with Georgetown in the days before Washington was a city. It’s now a big small town loaded with historic homes, shops, and restaurants.

Mount Vernon, Woodlawn, and Gunston Hall. Three splendid examples of plantation architecture remain on the Virginia side of the Potomac, 16 miles south of D.C. Mount Vernon, the most-visited historic house in America, was the home of George Washington; Woodlawn was the estate of Martha Washington’s granddaughter; and Gunston Hall was the residence of George Mason, a patriot and author of the document on which the Bill of Rights was based.

Annapolis, Maryland. Maryland’s capital is a popular destination for seafood lovers and boating fans. Warm, sunny days bring many boats to the City Dock, where they’re moored against a background of waterfront shops and restaurants. The city has one of the country’s largest assemblages of 18th-century architecture. Its nautical reputation is enhanced by the presence of the U.S. Naval Academy.

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