Alexandria, Virginia, is a beautiful, historic, and vibrant community. If you live in the area, you probably appreciate its’ rich character, close proximity to our nation’s capital, Washington, DC, and the many fun events that occur in the region throughout the year. Even though you may adore living in Alexandria, perhaps you want to get out of town for the day and explore something new. We have a few ideas for you to consider if you are looking for a day trip destination that promises to have many things to do and interesting things to see. 

If you want to visit a large metropolis, then you may want to drive north to Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore can be reached in about an hour and a half by car. The city has much to offer, including many outdoor recreational activities, wonderful dining destinations, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities, too. The Inner Harbor area of Baltimore is a well-known sightseeing spot. In this popular section of Baltimore, you can stroll along the banks of the Patapsco River and see the magnificent views of the harbor and the buildings in the area. You may also want to visit the nearby Maryland Science Center, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, the National Aquarium, or the USS Constellation. You can also take in the amazing panoramic views at the Top of the World Observation Level. Baltimore is an impressive city that certainly has much to see on your day trip from Alexandria.

Perhaps you are more interested in a small, quiet, and quaint place to explore on your day trip from Alexandria. If so, then you may want to drive east for about 2 hours and explore the beautiful town of St. Michaels, Maryland. St. Michaels is just across the Potomac River from Alexandria. This small community is home to around 1200 residents, but many more visitors come to explore the gorgeous town throughout the year. St. Michaels offers amazing views of the harbor, as well as many quaint stores to explore, delicious cafes, and quiet places to sit, relax, and take in the sights around you.

Lastly, you may want to drive south towards Richmond, Virginia, to see a city rich in history and unique character. Richmond is about a two-hour drive from Alexandria. As the state capital of Virginia, it is a frequently visited community that caters to visitors throughout the year. The capital building and surrounding area are nice places to explore. You may also want to visit the White House of the Confederacy Museum, an interesting site to learn about the history of the city and the formation of the United States. Richmond has many beautiful, walkable districts and is a nice place to spend a day seeing and learning new things.

Alexandria is in a wonderful location because it is near many interesting communities that have much to offer throughout the seasons. In just a little bit of time, you can reach new destinations and learn about the area’s rich history, or you can enjoy the wonders of a unique boutique, a delightful café, or soak in the views of the open water. The options in the region are immense.