10 Easy Road Trips Near Arlington, VA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside The County
If you live in or near
Arlington, Virginia, you already know it’s a great place to be. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll down the windows, and explore somewhere new for a few hours.
The good news? Within about 30–45 minutes of Arlington, you’ll find museums, river views, small historic towns, and some seriously good food. All of these road trips are
out of Arlington County, in nearby places like Washington, DC, Montgomery County (Maryland), Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, and the City of Falls Church.
Let’s dive into 10 easy
short road trips from Arlington that make perfect half-day or full-day adventures.
1. Explore the National Mall & Monuments (Washington, DC)
A classic, but still amazing. The
National Mall in Washington, DC is only a short drive or Metro ride from Arlington, and it never really gets old.
Walk between the
Lincoln Memorial,
Washington Monument, and
World War II Memorial. If you time it right, the glow at sunset over the Reflecting Pool is pretty unforgettable.
- Stroll the wide, flat paths – it’s easy walking for families.
- Pop into a few Smithsonian museums (they’re free!).
- Pack a simple picnic and eat on the grass with monument views.
I still remember my first evening walk here after work — I meant to stay 20 minutes and ended up staying two hours, just wandering and people-watching. It’s that kind of place.
Road trip tip: Go early in the morning on weekends to avoid crowds and find easier parking.
2. Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, DC – Northwest)
If you’re looking for a
family-friendly day trip near Arlington, the
National Zoo in DC is a go-to choice.
You’ll find:
- Elephants, big cats, and colorful birds
- A great kids’ area with farm animals
- Plenty of shady spots for breaks
The zoo is on a hill, so be ready for some uphill walking. Wear comfy shoes and bring water, especially in the summer.
Why it’s worth the drive: It’s one of the best free zoos in the country, and it feels like a little escape from city life, with lots of trees and winding paths.
3. Georgetown Waterfront & C&O Canal (Washington, DC)
Georgetown is one of those places that feels both historic and trendy at the same time. It’s an easy
short road trip from Arlington over the Key Bridge.
Down by the
Georgetown Waterfront
Walk along the Potomac River and watch the boats go by
Rent a kayak or paddleboard in warm weather
Grab ice cream and sit on the steps overlooking the water
Just a block or two away, the
C&O Canal Towpath offers a quieter, more peaceful walk. It feels a bit like stepping back in time.
Personal tip: I like to park once, grab a coffee on M Street, walk the canal, then end the trip with a snack by the river. Simple, low-stress, and relaxing.
4. Old Town Alexandria: Cobblestone Streets & Waterfront Charm (Alexandria City, VA)
Heading south from Arlington, in under 20 minutes you can be in
Old Town Alexandria, one of the most charming historic districts in the region.
Here’s what makes it special:
- King Street: Lined with shops, restaurants, and cute boutiques.
- Waterfront Park: Great river views, public art, and open space.
- Historic streets: Those cobblestones and brick sidewalks are perfect for photos.
If you enjoy history, you can visit places like
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum or just wander and read the historic markers on the older homes.
Road trip idea: Go for brunch, walk down to the waterfront, and take the water taxi across the Potomac (seasonal) for even more exploring.
5. Del Ray Neighborhood: Local Vibes & Great Eats (Alexandria City, VA)
A few minutes north of Old Town lies
Del Ray, a laid-back, artsy neighborhood in Alexandria that makes a great quick trip from Arlington.
On Mount Vernon Avenue (“The Avenue”), you’ll find:
- Independent coffee shops
- Locally owned restaurants and bakeries
- Colorful murals and small galleries
It’s the kind of place where you park once, walk the main street, and just see what calls your name. It feels very local and community-focused, less touristy than the big sights in DC.
Good for: Casual date days, dog walks, and slow Saturdays.
6. Falls Church City: Small-Town Feel Close to Home
If you want something close but different from Arlington, head to
Falls Church City, a small independent city with a cozy, hometown vibe.
A few things to check out:
- Downtown Falls Church: Small shops, local restaurants, and walkable streets.
- State Theatre: A historic live music venue with concerts and events.
- Farmers market (seasonal): One of the region’s best, with fresh produce and local goods.
It’s an easy, low-stress
short drive from Arlington when you don’t want to go far but you want a change of scenery.
7. Tyson’s Corner: Shopping & Entertainment (Fairfax County, VA)
Sometimes, a road trip is all about air conditioning, food courts, and a little retail therapy. If that sounds right,
Tysons Corner in Fairfax County is your spot.
Here you’ll find:
- Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria: two huge malls
- Plenty of dining options, from fast-casual to upscale
- Movie theaters and seasonal events
On hot summer days or cold winter weekends, this is an easy escape where you can wander indoors for hours without worrying about the weather.
Bonus: If you’re into cars or tech, there are plenty of specialty stores and showrooms around Tysons to explore.
8. Great Falls Park on the Maryland Side (Montgomery County, MD)
Most people know the Virginia side of
Great Falls Park, but the
Maryland side in Montgomery County offers a different view of the same dramatic waterfalls and rapids.
From Arlington, drive up into Maryland and head to the
C&O Canal National Historical Park near Great Falls Tavern. Once there, you can:
- Walk the boardwalk-style paths to powerful river overlooks
- Hike trails with both easy and more challenging sections
- Learn a bit about the history of the canal and lock system
The views of the Potomac River rushing through the rocky gorge are seriously impressive.
Safety note: The rocks can be slippery, so stay on marked paths and follow park rules.
9. Bethesda: Dining, Shopping & Nightlife (Montgomery County, MD)
Just across the border in Maryland,
Bethesda is a lively hub with lots of food, culture, and entertainment options.
In downtown Bethesda, you’ll find:
- Dozens of restaurants, from casual to fine dining
- Sidewalk cafes for people-watching
- Public art and seasonal street festivals
If you like to mix walking, eating, and exploring in one simple trip, Bethesda is an easy win. It’s popular, but it still feels relaxed compared to downtown DC.
Road trip idea: Go in the late afternoon, grab dinner, then take a stroll as the lights come on in the evening.
10. Mount Vernon Trail & Potomac River Views (Fairfax County, VA)
For an active, outdoorsy day just outside Arlington County, head to the
Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Virginia side of the Potomac River through parts of Fairfax County.
You can:
- Bike or walk with river and monument views
- Stop at viewpoints to see DC across the water
- Pack snacks and find a bench to relax and watch the boats
Even a 2–3 mile walk along this trail can feel like a mini-vacation from your normal routine. It’s close to home but feels surprisingly peaceful, especially on weekday mornings.
Tip: Bring a light jacket — breezes off the water can feel cool, even when it’s warm inland.
Planning Your Short Road Trips from Arlington
To make the most of these
day trips near Arlington, VA, keep a simple checklist:
- Check traffic before you go (rush hour can be rough).
- Look up parking options or Metro alternatives.
- Bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes.
- Have a “backup plan” nearby in case one spot is too crowded.
You don’t need a full week off or a long flight to feel like you’ve gotten away. Even a 3–4 hour outing to a nearby city or park can reset your mood and give you that little spark of adventure.
Share Your Favorite Arlington-Area Road Trips
Now it’s your turn.
- Have you tried any of these short road trips from Arlington?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in DC, Fairfax, Montgomery County, Alexandria, or Falls Church?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments — your ideas might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, neighbors, or anyone looking for fun things to do near Arlington, VA. The more we share our local favorites, the more everyone gets to enjoy this amazing region.
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