10 Day Trip Destinations To Explore This Summer

School is officially out for summer, and while calendars are already dotted with camps and vacations, there are plenty of fun things to do regionally that can be enjoyed as day trips as well. Below is a list of 10 destinations in Maryland and neighboring states that offer an entertaining experience for adventurers of all ages.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Maryland – 20 miles) – Visit the historic battle site that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the lyrics that would become America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” following an attack during the War of 1812.

Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo (Washington, D.C. – 40 miles) – Admission is free to Smithsonian museums in the nation’s capital, including the African American History and Culture Museum, the American History Museum, the American Indian Museum, the Hirshhorn, the Portrait Gallery, the Natural History Museum and others. Entry to the National Zoo is free as well, and flight enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in nearby Chantilly, Virginia.

Old Town, Alexandria (Virginia – 45 miles) – Situated along the Potomac River across from National Harbor, the charming historic district known as Old Town, Alexandria, is home to great restaurants, boutique shopping, numerous ice cream parlors, a collection of open artist studios known as the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and more. Arrive by car or metro and enjoy a stroll down King Street or along the riverfront.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Virginia – 55 miles) – Discover the story of the nation’s first president at the residence he shared with his wife, Martha, in Northern Virginia. Tour the mansion and learn about Washington and the people who shaped the famous historical estate in the onsite museum.

Harpers Ferry (West Virginia – 80 miles) – History, natural beauty and small-town charm converge where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet in Harpers Ferry. Learn about the Civil War, hike along 22 miles of trails, and enjoy food and shops in this quaint West Virginia town that offers views of neighboring Maryland and Virginia.

Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania – 90 miles) – One of the premier gardens in the country is located southwest of Philadelphia and welcomes over 1 million guests each year. Longwood Gardens offers 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows. Linger in the conservatory to take in the beauty of nearly 1,000 types of flowers and plants, and enjoy numerous fountain gardens and shows. Timed admission tickets are required.

Lancaster (Pennsylvania – 95 miles) – Known for outlet shopping, smorgasbord-style dining featuring Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, and historic sites, Lancaster offers entertainment for visitors young and old. The whole family can enjoy one of the area’s hidden gems, Village Green’s two miniature golf courses set among lush gardens across 13 acres. Sight & Sound Theatres brings biblical stories to life onstage with professional actors and stunning set designs, drawing nearly 1 million guests each year.

Delaware Beaches (95 miles) – Located along Delaware’s small but scenic Atlantic coastline, each of the state’s familiar beaches has a personality of its own. Visit Rehoboth for outlet shopping, cruising the iconic boardwalk, enjoying local restaurants and more. Known as one of “The Quiet Resorts,” Bethany Beach is a family-friendly small town with plenty of mini golf courses, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors and a short boardwalk. Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island are popular nearby destinations as well.

Assateague Island (Maryland – 120 miles) – Located primarily in Maryland, extending into Virginia, Assateague Island National Seashore is a national park that is home to wild horses and is popular among campers. The park is a great place to explore the outdoors. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy shopping in nearby Berlin – once named the “Coolest Small Town In America” – or West Ocean City.

Ocean City (Maryland – 120 miles) – Ready to head “downy oshun, hon?” Marylanders flock to Ocean City every year for fun in the sun ranging from a relaxing beach day to fishing competitions, the annual air show (August 24-25) to boardwalk cruising, and more. The coastal town offers entertainment in the form of amusement parks, mini golf courses, outlet shopping, countless dining options and other activities.