Road trips from Washington, DC, for every kind of explorer

If you're new to Washington, D.C., you might envision it as a backdrop from House of Cards or Veep. Here’s Washington, the lawmaking hub, alongside the District, a vibrant city filled with rich African-American heritage, delicious food, and cultural gems (let’s not forget mumbo sauce, halfsmokes, and Go-Go!).

However, the region -- home to over six million residents -- offers much more beyond Washington. Just beyond the Beltway encircling the District, you can discover fantastic dining and drinks, enjoy a leisurely day at a winery or spa, or even head to a beach. Best of all, all this is within 200 miles of the city, making it ideal for a weekend escape or a spontaneous midweek trip.

Richmond, Virginia

Distance from Washington: Approximately 109 miles, which is about a 2-hour drive.

Richmond is often described as "where the North ends and the South begins," a sentiment I wholeheartedly support. Here, you can experience true Southern hospitality, with sweet tea and friendly "yes ma'ams," all while enjoying the vibrant energy typical of Northern cities. When I think of Richmond, I envision its rich history — notably, the city’s 76th mayor was also the first African-American governor of the U.S. — as well as its diverse food scene.

Activities to consider: As mentioned earlier, Richmond is steeped in history. You can explore everything from classic federal-style mansions and the Old City Hall to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, where you’re guaranteed to learn something new about both Virginia and the nation. RVA is family-friendly and affordable, making it easy to explore on foot if you prefer not to drive. For entertaining the kids, don’t miss the giant insect and art exhibits at The Science Museum of Virginia.

Accommodation options: In Richmond, you'll find a range of Marriott Bonvoy hotels, from the Westin Marriott to Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown, with prices starting around 25,000 Marriott points per night. If you prefer something more intimate, consider the pet-friendly Graduate Hotel, located next to Virginia Commonwealth University, which features a rooftop pool and bar.

Dining and Drinking Options: While the West Coast boasts In-N-Out, the South has its equivalent in Cook Out. It may not be gourmet, but if you're in the mood for a quick bite, try the Cook Out tray — it includes a cheeseburger, a corndog or hush puppies, and a Cheerwine float for under $10. For a more refined meal, head to Stella's for delicious Greek cuisine, or visit Rappahannock Restaurant for fresh seafood. Richmond is also home to a vibrant beer scene, so be sure to explore local breweries like Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, a spacious 12,000 square-foot venue with outdoor seating and food trucks, or Canon & Draw Brewing Company.

Eastern Shore in Maryland

Distance from Washington: Approximately 150 miles, which translates to about a 3-hour drive.

Maryland's Eastern Shore is expansive — it also includes an Eastern Shore in Virginia — and offers a perfect escape from city life to unwind. This area has a much more relaxed pace compared to D.C., which adds to its unique charm.

Things to do: Even if you're not well-acquainted with the Maryland Eastern Shore, you might have seen videos of horses playing on the beach. This can be observed at Assateague (you'll also find ponies at Virginia's Eastern Shore). According to local lore, the horses came to the Eastern Shore after surviving a shipwreck off Virginia's coast. They are stunning to see, but be cautious — they can be aggressive if approached too closely! If you prefer a livelier beach atmosphere, Ocean City is a summer hotspot.

Accommodations: While there are a few hotel chains in the region, to truly immerse yourself in the Eastern Shore experience, I recommend staying at a charming bed-and-breakfast. Consider Crow Farmstay B&B, Vineyard & Winery, a highly-rated B&B on TripAdvisor, or the Oaks Waterfront Inn located in Easton.

Dining and drinking options: Being near the coast, the Eastern Shore boasts a variety of seafood restaurants, including The Narrows Restaurant and 1 Fish 2 Fish Crabs & Seafood. If you appreciate craft beer, Sobo's Wine Beerstro in Salisbury is a fantastic choice.

Fairfax, Virginia

Distance from Washington: Approximately 29 miles, which is about a 40-minute drive.

To clarify, there’s the city of Fairfax, Virginia, and then there’s Fairfax County, Virginia. The City of Fairfax is an independent city entirely surrounded by the distinct political area of Fairfax County, which can be a bit confusing. Regardless, this area is brimming with activities, sights, dining, and nightlife.

Activities to consider: If you enjoy the outdoors, Great Falls Park is a must-visit. You can easily spend an entire day hiking and enjoying white-water rafting. For a more laid-back experience, consider the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Fairfax County is rich in history, so you might also want to visit Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of the Civil War's first major battle, or Mount Vernon.

Accommodation options: The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner is renowned for its exceptional spa services. Indulge in a hemp-infused CBD pedicure, a cherry blossom mani/pedi, or a couples massage for a relaxing day. While the Tysons Corner area is quite a distance from Washington, several rooms and suites offer stunning views of the D.C. skyline, which are worth selecting if available. As a Category 5 hotel, rates begin at 30,000 points for off-peak days, 35,000 for standard, and 40,000 for peak times.

Dining and drinking options: The Winery at Bull Run is a functioning vineyard that produces Virginia wines and is the nearest winery to D.C. Meanwhile, Eden Center in Fairfax boasts some of the best Vietnamese cuisine in the state. With over 30 authentic restaurants to choose from (note that all are currently takeout only), you’re sure to find something that pleases your taste buds.

Baltimore, Maryland

Distance from Washington: Approximately 40 miles, or about a 1-hour drive.

Things to do: No trip to Baltimore is complete without exploring its iconic neighborhoods—Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Little Italy. For those interested in modern and contemporary art, the Baltimore Museum of Art is a must-visit. Sports fans should check out M&T Bank Stadium, the home of the Baltimore Ravens, or catch a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Accommodation options: The charming Federal Hill neighborhood offers several Airbnb choices if you wish to experience the iconic townhouses the area is famous for. Alternatively, there are numerous hotel chains in and around Baltimore. The Hyatt Regency, located near the popular Inner Harbor, is available for 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. If you're low on Hyatt points, consider the Hyatt Place Inner Harbor or Hotel Revival Baltimore, both priced at 8,000 points a night. You'll also find various lower-tier Marriott and Hilton hotels throughout the city, starting at approximately 20,000 points per night.

If you prefer not to drive from Washington to Baltimore, it's quite convenient to travel by train. You can take the Amtrak for no more than $15 for a one-way ticket to Baltimore-Penn Station. Alternatively, the $7 one-way MARC train is a cheaper option from D.C., taking about 45 minutes from Washington's Union Station, with stops at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).

Dining and drinking options: When you think of Baltimore, crabs and crabcakes likely come to mind first. You can find some of the finest crabs at Bo Brooks Crab House, and for delicious crabcakes, head to Faidley's Seafood.

However, seafood isn't the only culinary highlight in Baltimore. The city is also known for its fantastic soul food, reflecting its vibrant African-American heritage. I highly recommend visiting Ida B's Table, an elegant warehouse restaurant offering a contemporary twist on traditional soul food.

TPG's Baltimore expert, Benet Wilson, has also recommended several other dining spots: "[You can find] excellent Afghan cuisine at The Helmand, which is owned by the brother of former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Cafe Zen serves some of the best Chinese dishes in the city. Paper Moon Cafe is a fantastic breakfast spot, and R. House features a rotating selection of great eateries, from poke to tacos."