Ever since moving back from D.C I thought I better do a little round up of my favourite places to visit in and around the city. Washington D.C. is a great city to visit, even though is it the Capital of the United States it is a pretty tiny city that is so easy to explore in a few days. The surrounding suburbs of Maryland and Virginia are equally as beautiful and I have my favourite gems from both states to share also. I have a lot of info to throw at you so I thought I would split it up, today we're talking about the best places to visit in and around the city.
D.C.-
Of course you have the obvious like the White House, Capitol Building, The Washington Memorial and a whole host of historical buildings but DC also hosts a range of wonderful museums. As you walk along the National Mall from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial you can take in a whole plethora of sights and pop into most of the great (and free) museums along the way including the Natural History and and American History. At the top of Capitol Hill you have a wonderful view all along the Mall which is one of my favourites. But to get the best view of the city you should probably go up the Washington Monument its self, I personally haven't done it but I wish I had. Georgetown is probably my favourite area of DC, and even though it is always chaotic, there is nowhere nicer to spend a summers day. You can go shopping down the main street (that holds one of the best Sephora's) or head down to the waterfront for a bite to eat and some serious yacht watching. If you love the great outdoors then Theodore Roosevelt Island is a really beautiful place to spend an afternoon, explore the many trails and be in awe of the river views. If you have young kids or you just an animal obsessive like me then the National Zoo is the place to go, again it has free entry and it is one of the very few zoo's that are famous for their Giant Pandas outside of China. If you visit this beautiful city during the easter time then you'll be lucky to see the wonderful Cherry Trees all along the Mall, and what a sight it is. For me though, if you can brave the cold February would be my favourite time, clear blue skies and maybe even a little snow although if you want to get into the Thanksgiving mood November is also a lovely time and you can't beat the view of the Appalachians in red as you fly into Dulles airpot.
Virginia-
I actually lived in Virginia so it is probably the area I know best. I have a ton of favourite places close and a little further away from the city that are totally worth visiting while you're there. My first would be Great Falls Park in Great Falls, VA. This national park doesn't only have wonderful woods to wonder though with tons of wildlife and a great area to picnic but the most stunning water fall. The 'Great Falls' tumble over the rocks at a breath taking speed and it was always one of my favourite places to photograph from season to season. The very moving sight of the United States National Cemetery in Arlington is a must see, it is one of the most humbling places but somewhere that I have felt is always so peaceful. If shopping is your thing then you should hop on the Metro to Tysons Corner. The two Malls there are some of the biggest in the US and have pretty much every store imaginable, from Gucci to Forever 21. If you're happy to jump in a car and head a bit further out, the town of Middleburg is beautiful. It is built like the cotswolds and is complete horse country. The small town is full of individual shops and surrounding wineries, also in the middle of town is the stunning Salamander Resort and Spa where I could totally recommend staying a night or two. The 340 acre estate houses a beautiful spa, equestrian centre and cooking studio. If you're willing to go even further and don't mind a drive of a few hours then head out to the Shenandoah National Park and specifically the Sky Line Drive for incredible mountain views and even the occasional black bear, you can also get a real feel for what the rustic Virginia is like out there.
Maryland-
My knowledge of Maryland is limited compared to that of DC and Virginia but I still have and know of a few special places that are worth visiting. If your out in the summer then a trip to the beach and arcades at Ocean City might be in order, I've never been myself but I've been warned it can get pretty busy so make sure you head out early. If you want a beach but no where near as busy then the Chesapeake Bay is ideal, there are hundreds of little beaches off the estuary from Baltimore to the ocean depending on how far out you want to go. Annapolis on the bay is an old naval city that is full of wonderful charm. The waterfront holds quaint boutiques and charming crab shacks. If you're a horse lover and don't mind travelling that little bit further then Assateague Island is the place to go. This island off the coast in the atlantic is best know for its herds of wild horses that roam the beaches, while a third of the island is classed as Virginia the majority is in Maryland and a real jewel in its crown. You can camp in the wilderness for the night or simple head over for a day trip to observe (not touch) the beautiful wild ponies. Every summer the Virginian side of the island (Chincoteague) island hold the annual pony penning day to move a number of horses to stop overcrowding, the wild pony swim is a fantastic sight to watch; hundreds of horses swimming between the islands.
Below you can check out the map which has all the places mentioned pinned on it, and make sure you come back next week to see my guide on where to eat in the area. If I've missed anything or you have some favourite spots in the DC area them please do comment them below for everyone to see.
Love...
