The DMV is the perfect destination for Autumn adventures. Explore DC or get out of the city with easy day trips to Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia!
Maryland
One of the best spots to visit on the coast during the Fall is Assateague Island. Assateague Island is a beautiful part of the Maryland and Virginia coast that is home to wild horses, beautiful beaches, and salt marshes.
Fall is a great time to see the wild horses that live on the island. There are about 325 horses that roam the island. You can frequently find them in the marshes, along the beach, or roaming through the campgrounds. Another commonplace to see them is near the Verrazano Bridge.
The Assateague State Park is a great place to spend the day at the beach. You can surf, play at the beach and swim. On the sound side of the island, you can canoe or kayak through the marsh area. Here you are likely to see the wild ponies, deer, and local birds.
Another fun thing to do in the fall is explore the Chincoteague side of the island. Here you can visit the Assateague Lighthouse and explore the 3-mile wildlife loop. You can drive this road after 3 pm. Before 3 pm, it is open to only walkers and bikers. There are lots of beautiful birds to spot during your drive.
Recommended by: Candice at CS Ginger
Virginia
If you are looking for adventure and a beautiful destination to visit, you must explore Shenandoah National Park. Catch a glimpse of wonderful wildlife including deer, songbirds, and the elusive black bear. Drive the crest of the mountain along Skyline Drive and stop at the stunning overlooks! Learn about the park at the visitor centers and spend the weekend camping in the many excellent campgrounds.
Shenandoah National Park is found along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state of Virginia. One of the most famous mountain drives is Skyline Drive. It runs from top to bottom of the park and has 105 miles of access to stunning overlooks of the Virginia countryside. Shenandoah also has extensive trails as well as sections of the Appalachian Trail. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia.
There are a total of five campgrounds throughout the Shenandoah. There is no better way to enjoy nature than sleeping under the stars! All campgrounds are open seasonally and some sites require reservations. (I highly recommend reserving a site. Especially if you plan to visit during peak season, the sites fill up quickly).
Fall weekends bring two things: gorgeous fall foliage and large crowds. As the weather begins to cool and the trees exchange their leaves of green for reds, oranges, and yellows, visitors come from all over to experience all that Shenandoah National Park has to offer.
West Virginia
Harper’s Ferry is only about an hour drive from DC. It is such a fun place to visit! They have the historical town you can explore; filled with fun shops and live historical demonstrations
Fun Fact: The historical town of Harper’s Ferry is in West Virginia, once you cross that bridge, you are in Virginia! Also it’s where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet!
If you want a gorgoeus view of the town below, try hiking! The start of the hiking trail is across the bridge. The hike is a steep one, so bring lots of water! It is well worth the climb though. Such gorgeous views!
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
If hiking is not you thing, thats ok! Harper’s Ferry is still for you!
- You may have to travel a little farther down from Harper’s Ferry; if the weather is still warm enough, there is canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafter, and tubing on the Potomac or Shenandoah Rivers.
- Shopping, dining, and cafes in the historical part of Harper’s Ferry.
Other great location in West Virginia is Lost River!
Lost River is the ultimate hidden gem. this lovely little park has everything you need for an outdoor adventure! Picnic areas with tables, grills, and a park to play at. Cabins, if you plan on staying for more than a day. Plus the hiking trails double as a horse trail. Take the Miller’s Rock trail and hike to an elevation of 3,200 feet. At Cranny Crow Overlook you will enjoy a scenic panorama of five counties!
Washington, DC
When you are traveling to DC during the Fall, there are a many places to add to your bucket list!
Thomas Jefferson Monument – you will see this as you walk around the Tidal Basin. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and it is free to enter!
Washington Monument – The Washington monument is directly in front of the Jefferson Monument. There are some great viewpoints near the base of the Monument; sadly you are no longer able to climb to the top (due to damage caused by an earthquake back in 2011).
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial – As you walk around the Tidal Basin, you will pass the Roosevelt Memorial. It is a small but lovely park to walk through, especially when all the foliage is in bloom!
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Past the Franklin D. Roosevelt is the MLK Memorial, this is another fabulous park to walk through, enjoy the scenery and gorgeous foliage!
Lincoln Memorial – When you are in DC, you cannot miss the Lincoln Memorial. A short walk from the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial stands magnificently in front of the reflection pool. Be sure to take the iconic photo with the penny!
White House – A must when you are in DC, visiting the homes of our great presidents since the 1800s. Most times you are only allowed behind the gate of the front lawn. If you are wanting to book an inside tour, you must do so through your Member of Congress.
Capital Building – You may have to put on your walking shoes for this one, but the Capital Building is not something to miss. A tour inside is around $18 per person. The tour is just amazing and so fun to see the big dome!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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