10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From McLean, Virginia
If you live in or around
McLean, Virginia and you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in the perfect spot. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit historic towns, riverfront boardwalks, wineries, hiking trails, and some surprisingly quirky museums.
The best part? All of these
road trips from McLean are outside Fairfax County, so you truly feel like you’ve “gotten away,” even if you’re back home by dinner.
Below are 10 short, fun, and easy
day trips near McLean, VA that take you into nearby counties and independent cities in Virginia and Maryland.
1. Old Town Alexandria & Waterfront (Alexandria City, VA)
Want cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and great food all in one place? Head to
Old Town Alexandria, just across the river from D.C.
Stroll along King Street, duck into small boutiques, and watch street performers by the waterfront. The vibe is relaxed but lively—kind of like a mini vacation in a historic port town.
Don’t miss:
- Alexandria Waterfront Park – Walk along the Potomac River and check out public art installations.
- Torpedo Factory Art Center – A converted munitions factory that now holds artists’ studios and galleries.
- Waterfront dining – Grab seafood or a burger with river views.
It’s close enough that you can go on a weeknight, but charming enough for a full weekend day trip.
2. Arlington National Cemetery & Surroundings (Arlington County, VA)
Just south of the Potomac lies one of the most powerful and moving places in the country:
Arlington National Cemetery.
Plan a few quiet hours here. The rolling hills of white markers, the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the
John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame are all deeply memorable.
Highlights:
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Watch the Changing of the Guard. It’s precise, respectful, and unforgettable.
- JFK Gravesite – With a beautiful view back toward Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) – A short drive away for another iconic stop.
If you have kids or teens, this is a meaningful way to connect history and sacrifice to real, physical places—not just textbook pages.
3. National Harbor & MGM (Prince George’s County, MD)
If you’re in the mood for bright lights, waterfront fun, and maybe a little nightlife, drive over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to
National Harbor in Prince George’s County.
This area feels like a mini resort town, right on the Potomac River.
What to do:
- Ride the Capital Wheel – A giant Ferris wheel that gives you sweeping views of the river and skyline.
- Walk the Waterfront District – Shops, restaurants, and a fun, walkable boardwalk-style strip.
- MGM National Harbor – Casino, shows, restaurants, and a huge atrium. Even if you don’t gamble, it’s worth a walk-through.
It’s an easy half-day or evening trip from McLean when you want a more “Las Vegas-lite” feel without catching a flight.
4. Bethesda & Downtown Silver Spring (Montgomery County, MD)
Looking for a city vibe that’s not quite D.C.?
Bethesda and
Silver Spring in Montgomery County are great choices.
Bethesda has a trendy, urban feel with tons of restaurants and bars, while
Silver Spring leans artsy and multicultural.
Try this combo:
- Start with brunch or coffee in Bethesda Row.
- Walk or bike a stretch of the nearby Capital Crescent Trail.
- Head to Downtown Silver Spring for live music, festivals, or an indie movie.
This is a great road trip if you want food, culture, and people-watching more than monuments and museums.
5. Battlefield History & Hiking in Manassas (Prince William County, VA)
About 30–45 minutes from McLean, you can step right onto Civil War ground at
Manassas National Battlefield Park in Prince William County.
Even if you’re not a big history buff, the open fields and wooded trails make for an easy outdoor escape.
Things to do:
- Walk the Henry Hill Loop or other short trails.
- Visit the visitor center for exhibits and a quick overview of the battles.
- Drive the self-guided tour route and stop at scenic overlooks.
On a clear day, the park feels calm and peaceful, which is especially powerful when you remember what happened there over 160 years ago.
6. Winery Hopping in Leesburg & Beyond (Loudoun County, VA)
If you picture rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns when you think “weekend getaway,” Loudoun County is your spot.
Start in
Leesburg, which has a classic small-town main street feel—brick sidewalks, antique shops, and cozy restaurants—then venture out to the countryside.
Ideas for your Loudoun day trip:
- Explore Historic Downtown Leesburg and grab lunch.
- Visit a couple of Loudoun wineries for tastings and views—many have outdoor seating and live music.
- Stop at local farm stands or small breweries on your way back.
If you time it right in fall, the foliage plus a glass of Virginia wine is a hard combo to beat.
7. Charming Downtown & Breweries in Falls Church (Falls Church City, VA)
Just east of McLean, but outside Fairfax County, you’ll find the tiny yet lively
City of Falls Church.
It’s small, but it packs in good food, independent shops, and a relaxed, walkable downtown.
What to check out:
- Walk along Broad Street and explore local cafes and bakeries.
- Grab a pint at a local brewery or beer hall.
- Catch a show or community event if your timing lines up.
This is a simple, low-stress outing—perfect when you want to get out of McLean but not spend all day in the car.
8. Historic Fairfax City (Fairfax City, VA)
Don’t confuse this with Fairfax County—
Fairfax City is its own independent city with its own personality.
It’s an easy drive from McLean and offers a nice mix of history, food, and small-town charm.
Make time for:
- Old Town Fairfax – Walk the historic streets and check out local shops.
- Historic Blenheim – A Civil War-era site known for soldier graffiti.
- Seasonal events like street fairs, parades, and outdoor concerts.
If you like low-key history and a quieter vibe than Old Town Alexandria, Fairfax City is a great alternative.
9. Scenic Drive to Charles County & Small-Town Maryland (Charles County, MD)
For a more relaxed, rural-feeling day trip, head southeast into
Charles County, Maryland.
This area is less touristy than some of the others, which can be a nice break from crowds.
What to do:
- Take a scenic drive through small towns and farmland.
- Stop at local diners or roadside spots for classic comfort food.
- Explore waterfront areas along the Potomac or smaller rivers and creeks.
If you just want open space, slower roads, and a change of scenery from Northern Virginia traffic, this is a solid pick.
10. Arlington’s Urban Fun: Pentagon City & Crystal City (Arlington County, VA)
For a more urban-style getaway without going into D.C. proper, spend an afternoon in
Pentagon City and
Crystal City in Arlington County.
These neighborhoods give you high-rise views, easy walking, and tons of places to grab a bite.
Ideas for your visit:
- Shop and snack at Pentagon City’s mall and nearby streets.
- Walk through Crystal City and check out public art and pop-up events.
- Plan your timing so you can watch planes take off and land at nearby Reagan National from riverfront viewpoints.
It’s a quick, low-planning trip when you just want to get out, people-watch, and explore somewhere new.
Tips for Planning Your McLean Road Trips
To make these
day trips from McLean smoother and more fun, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Aim for off-peak hours – Northern Virginia traffic is real. Late mornings or early afternoons usually work best.
- Check parking and hours – Especially for museums, historic sites, and wineries.
- Pack a small “day trip kit” – Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a portable charger.
- Mix and match – Pair a historic site with a great restaurant or a short hike with a local brewery.
One of the best things about living in McLean is how quickly you can change your surroundings—city, countryside, riverfront, or battlefield, all within about an hour’s drive.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From McLean
Have you done any of these
short trips from McLean, VA? Maybe you have a favorite winery in Loudoun, a go-to brunch spot in Old Town Alexandria, or a hidden gem in Charles County?
- Drop a comment with your favorite out-of-county day trip.
- Share this post with friends or family who live in McLean or nearby and need fresh ideas for weekend plans.
Your tips and stories help other readers discover new places—so don’t be shy. Where should we head next?
Comments
Post a Comment