As the weather starts to warm up, you and your family might be ready to travel out of your Virginia hometown in search of the next adventure. Whether it’s a day in the woods, on the beach, or in a historic city, you’ll make new memories that will last a lifetime when you take one of these six day trips from Port Potomac in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Surround Yourself With Nature

A man and a child hiking on a trail on a hill near Woodbridge, VA

Man and Kid Walking on Downhill by Yogendra Singh is licensed with Pexels License

Take a break from your busy schedule and get some fresh air in the great outdoors. Virginia is home to lush forests and breathtaking mountain ranges, perfect for a day trip with the family. Here are some natural areas you should explore:

Shenandoah National Park

Pack your hiking boots and spend the day at Shenandoah National Park, just under one and a half hours west of Port Potomac, Virginia. From impressive waterfalls to serene wooded areas, this park boasts over 500 miles of trails, offering some of the best hiking in America. There are several child-friendly hikes throughout the park where you can trek easy trails. Try the Stony Man for an incredible view of the Shenandoah Valley or Fox Hollow Trail for a look into the park’s history with a self-guided brochure designed for children.

If you’d rather drive through the park, there are over 75 incredible scenic overlooks where you can pull over and take it all in. The scenic route takes about three to four hours, so plan accordingly. The Shenandoah National Park entrance pass for a single vehicle is $30. The Byrd Visitor Center is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the park itself remains open all day unless there’s inclement weather.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Near Roanoke

If you and your family love outdoor adventures, take a day trip to the Roanoke, Virginia, area. Here you’ll find America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital in Virginia’s section of the Blue Ridge mountains. This region presents over 400 miles of biking trails ranging from easy to challenging, so everyone can enjoy a course catered to their skill level. 

Bring your mountain bikes or visit a local bike shop to rent equipment for the day. You can keep your excursion small and visit Falling Creek Park and its 10 miles of biking trails, or go big and ride through the wild backcountry of Jefferson National Forest. Check out Roanoke’s self-guided bicycle routes to soak up more scenic views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Explore American History

Spend time with your family in a historical place for a unique educational opportunity. You’ll get to marvel at houses and buildings that are hundreds of years old. Learn something new about the past by planning a day trip to one of these nearby historic cities:

Colonial Williamsburg

Step back into the 18th century and visit Colonial Williamsburg, one of America’s first planned cities. This living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia, spans 301 acres and features historic buildings such as a courthouse, jail, and tavern. Stroll through the brick-covered streets of Merchants Square to shop for sweets and souvenirs or through the neighborhood of 18th-century houses to admire each property’s history.

Exploring the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg is free, but some historic sites, guided tours, and museums require a paid admission ticket. General admission for adults is $49.99 and $28.99 for children ages 6 to 12. Some Colonial Williamsburg events are open to the public and provide a glimpse into what life was like before the American Revolution. 

Washington, D.C.

Just under one hour northeast of Woodbridge is our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Established in 1790, this city presents many historic areas for you to spend a day exploring. Wear comfortable walking shoes to stroll through the 2-mile National Mall and pose for pictures next to such iconic monuments as the Lincoln Memorial. This park ends at the U.S. Capitol, where you can discover Capitol Hill, which also features the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.

Washington, D.C., visitors can take in the sights on their own or book a guided tour to learn more about the area’s history. If you prefer to be indoors, there are several fascinating museums in the area, such as the Smithsonian Institution or the National Children’s Museum, which is great for any little ones craving entertainment.

Spend a Day on the Coast

Port Potomac is only a few hours away from various captivating waterways. Consider driving out to the water’s edge and visiting one of these coastal cities for some salt-rich air and sunshine:

Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland

Relish in the cool atmosphere along the relaxing shores of the Chesapeake Bay in the port city of Annapolis, Maryland. This charming city features pleasant ways to enjoy the water, such as a two-hour sailing cruise on the 74-foot Schooner Woodwind. Stop by Capital SUP to rent a kayak or paddleboard to launch from Quiet Waters Park, or go for a swim at Sandy Point State Park.

The Annapolis Maritime Museum is an excellent spot to wind down and discover the city’s heritage through fun exhibits and aquariums. Be sure to cruise along City Dock, the historic heart of Annapolis, to watch the yachts parade around the basin at Ego Alley and have a seafood meal at one of the outdoor dining establishments.

Ocean City, Maryland

For a fun day trip in a beach town, visit the 10-mile sandy beach of Ocean City, Maryland. Situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, visitors from around the globe come to meander along Ocean City’s famous 3-mile boardwalk. From arcade games to fun rides, including the Ferris wheel and the looping rollercoaster, everyone in your family will have a blast at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park at the pier.

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the thrill of casting a line at the Ocean City Pier or Route 50 Bridge because this town is known as the White Marlin Capital of the World. If you want to relax on the beach, pack an umbrella and chairs and sit back in the shade while the children play in the sand. Bring a kite or buy one from a local store and watch as it flies magnificently through the Atlantic winds.

Which one of these day trips are you looking forward to trying? Our Crème de la Crème of Port Potomac (Woodbridge) team wishes you a safe and exciting family adventure. We can’t wait to hear about all the new things you discovered on your trip. Let us know if you have other day trip suggestions, and we’ll book a visit there soon.