The 13 Best Day Trips from Washington DC

1.Small Group Max 12 Gettysburg National Military Park Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $149Our pick

Travel from Washington DC or Falls Church to Gettysburg in a group of up to 12. Expect a guided battlefield drive, time for the museum and Cyclorama if selected, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address site, and lunch time downtown. Guides such as Galen, Amy, and Alper have earned praise for careful driving and useful commentary.

“Great way to learn all about the civil war and this piece of American history. Would thoroughly recommend. Tour guide at site very knowledgeable and passionate about subject.”

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2.Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Small Group Max 12 Day Tour from D.C

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 88 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $88

Leave Washington, DC at 8 a.m. for Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park. You’ll ride with up to 12 people, stop at overlooks along Skyline Drive, and take an easy 45-minute trail walk. Guides such as Johnny, Galen, Thomas, and Alfred lead the day.

“It was a marvelous trip to both Shenandoah National Park & Luray Caverns!! The tour guide, Thomas, was helpful and stopped at amazing overlooks on the Skyline Drive. Wish there was more time in the day to see more of Shenandoah. This tour, highly recommend to anyone you enjoys the scenery of nature!!”

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3.Gettysburg National Military Park Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 1 day · from $199

Travel from Washington DC or Falls Church to Gettysburg in a small group of up to 12. A tour guide and park guide lead you through the battlefield, museum, and Cyclorama, followed by free time in town. Alper, Galen, Amy, Gary, Jack, and others have guided recent departures.

“Everything was as advertised. Our tour guide was personable and knowledgeable. The Gettysburg museum was very interesting and we had a good amount of time to explore. The battlefield site guide was excellent as well. He really knew his stuff. I recommend the tour to anyone.”

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4.2-Day Best of Niagara Falls USA Tour from D.C.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $49Best value

Travel from Washington DC to Niagara Falls with a guide such as Thomas, Galen, Jason, or Emi, then see the falls by day and, with the right option, at night. Add Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and Corning Museum of Glass, but check each package carefully before booking.

“Galen was our tour guide and driver. He was wonderful throughout and I really appreciate him for his support and kindness towards my elderly parents. He did not rush them but instead helped me/them get through all the difficult wheelchair accessible situations. He has become part of this memorable trip with our family. Thank you, Galen! Good luck 👍”

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5.Virginia Wineries Guided Tour and Tastings from Washington DC

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $230

Leave Washington DC with a licensed wine guide and visit two Virginia wineries for tastings, countryside views, and wine-making lessons. The route can change, with wineries confirmed a few days before departure. Light snacks are included, while lunch is available to buy at the estate.

“Nicole was our tour guide. She is knowledgeable and was very nice. It was a pleasure to meet her. Both wineries were wonderful and totally different vibes. Highly recommend this tour.”

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6.Private Loudoun County Wine Tour from DC with 3 Winery Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $495Top rated

Leave Washington DC in a private luxury vehicle for a six-hour Loudoun County wine day. Your driver takes you to Stone Tower, Fabbioli Cellars, and Casanel in the Leesburg area, with one hour at each. Jorge, Pedro, Mo, and Marcelo have all driven this service, though your assigned driver is confirmed later.

“We had a wonderful girls day! I strongly recommend this company. They go above and beyond in communication and ensuring your needs are met. Our driver, Pedro, was excellent. We will be booking again.”

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7.Shenandoah and Luray Caverns Small Group Tour from DC

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 1 day · from $120

Travel from Washington, DC, to Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park in a group of up to 12. Guides such as Johnny, Alper, and Galen lead the day, with cavern access available when selected, Skyline Drive overlooks, bottled water, and pickup from central DC or Falls Church.

“Fun trip. Caves are impressive and lots of beautiful viewpoints in Shenandoah. Our guide Alper shared a lot about the area. It was great!”

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8.Niagara Falls,NY 2-Day Trip from Washington DC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1 hour - 2 days · from $49

Travel from Washington DC to Niagara Falls with an English-speaking guide such as Thomas Chiu or Galen Ren. Choose options that add the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Whirlpool Park, and Corning Museum of Glass. Expect a tightly timed trip, one hotel night, and a spectacular night view.

“This trip was a once in a lifetime experience! Mr Thomas (Yeehang) Chiu is a fantastic tour guide! Everything planned out to the minute which works out so well to do so much in 2 days. He is an excellent driver and stopped frequently to make it more comfortable. The price is actually great considering how many activities are included plus you don’t worry about driving, parking etc. Overall must do activity thanks to Mr Chiu!”

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9.Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $255

Leave Washington DC at 10 a.m. for a private Virginia wine day with Spirited Tours. Taste at Gray Ghost Vineyards and Narmada Winery, hear from winery owners, enjoy country views, and let your guide handle the driving. Private tours require at least six people.

“I paid for a tour and picked the more expensive one as it had the winery I wanted to visit. I was instead on the cheaper one, and not the winery I wanted to visit. Next time I’ll book directly with spirited and get it cheaper with more options”

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10.Private Day Trip to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Estate

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 10 hours

Spend a private day traveling from Washington DC to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello with hotel pickup, a guide, and luxury air-conditioned transport. Tour Jefferson’s hilltop home, gardens, and mountain views, then stop for lunch at historic Michie Tavern. Guides have included Elvis and Dion.

“My mom and I had a Monticello tour with our guide Elvis and the awesome driver Leonard. Elvis was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot. We had a fun time with Elvis and Leonard!!”

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11.Small Group Washington DC to Thomas Jefferson Monticello Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $168

Travel from Washington, DC to Monticello in a small group of up to 14. Explore Jefferson’s home, gardens, plantation grounds, museum, and exhibits, with a 45-minute official house tour and guidance from a professional driver-guide.

“Pleasant drive from DC. Our driver was great, very nice and accommodating. While it’s a 2.5 hour drive, it didn’t feel like it.”

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12.Northern Virginia Private Custom Wine Tour and Tasting from DC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Travel from Washington, DC, to Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery and Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi. Your driver, including highly praised Andrew when assigned, handles the roads while you set the pace within the six-hour limit.

“Andrew was an excellent driver! He was super nice. I would highly recommend a trip from dc to wineries in Virginia.”

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13.Premium Virginia Wine Country Tour with Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · from $200

Leave Washington DC by van for two Virginia wineries, with guided tastings, snacks, vineyard tours, and a history lesson along the way. Guide Will leads the day, while Gray Ghost may offer 11 wines and Narmada a three-wine flight with countryside views.

“We had a wonderful time on our wine tasting tour. Will, our guide, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about wine, full of stories and happy to answer any questions. It was so interesting to hear about the history and characters of wine in the region. Our first stop was at Gray Ghost Vineyard, which was brilliant. Al, the owner, gave us a tour of the vineyard, including the impressive wine library, before taking us through to the tasting room to sample 11 !!!!! wines. The Chardonnay reserve was my favourite but it was a treat to sample the range of wines available. Our second stop was at Narmada winery for…”

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