The Best National Parks Near Washington, D.C.

The Best National Parks Near Washington, DC can give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. These are wonderfully fun and educational places to visit. Use your American the Beautiful Annual Pass or 4th Graders Free pass to enter those parks at no cost. They are sure to be great additions to a Cheap Trip to Washington DC.

1. Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is one of many units of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It spans 800 acres and is only 15 minutes from DC. The Potomac River Travels over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Maryland side of the falls is part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

There are of course hiking trails but the highlight of the park is 3 viewing platforms that overlook some of the most beautiful falls in the US thanks to the rugged stone water traverses over the falls. If you are lucky you may catch some kayakers braving the rapids which is a lot of fun to watch. You can ride your bikes on the old carriage trail but it’s not much for views. You can scope out all their trails on the website. the Potowmack Canal Trail is a nice easy trail for beginners or young kids. Highlights include 3 scenic viewpoints of the falls and watching kayakers brave the rapids.

2. C&O Canal National Historical Park

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Stretching 185 miles alongside the Potomac River. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, aqueducts, and lock houses were part of the river which was a primary transportation system during the 1800s. The canal’s towpath provides a continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley.

3. Manassas National Battlefield Park Virginia

Two battles were fought here in 1861 and 1862. on the fields overlooking Bull Run. The park offers hiking and historical information. Stop by the Vistors center to get information and grab a juniors ranger booklet to complete as you explore the park.

The Winery at Bull Run

The closest winery to Washington, D.C., The Winery at Bull Run offers a family area with picnic tables which makes for the perfect spot for a picnic with some wine. You are welcome to bring your own picnic and wine as well as tastings are available for sale onsite. There’s also live music on the weekends so check the website for their schedule.

4. The Chesapeake Bay and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The Chesapeake Bay’s 64,000-square-mile watershed has so many things to learn, see, and do. Learn to kayak, pick crabs, go fishing, tour a lighthouse, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake.

Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608 and documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Sites on his map which you can explore, are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens.

Hyatt Chesapeake Bay Resort

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake is a great Hyatt family resort to stay at while exploring the Chesapeake Bay only 2 hours from DC. The Resort has many family activities and offers access to all the Chesapeake has to offer including fishing kayaking and biking along the bay.

Hyatt Place Dewey Beach

Located on the Chesapeake Bay across the street from Dewey Beach in Deleware. This hotel provides easy access to the Chesapeake for kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. It’s an easy walk across the street to the ocean side so you have the best of both worlds.

5. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, located in the northwestern part of Virginia, is about 4.75hours from NYC and 5.75 hours from Albany, NY. It is a nice park to explore as a family. There are tons of hiking trails including kid-friendly hikes. In addition, you can drive the length of the park through Skyline Drive for wonderful viewpoints. This park was the first time our kids got to enjoy a real rock scramble. We didn’t quite make it over the top of the trail but it’s an experience they will never forget and are constantly looking for comparable hikes.

You can head to the park’s website under short hikes which they deem to be under 2.9miles you can find some great family hikes. We chose the Dark Hollow Falls and Bear Fence Rock Scramble Hikes. Don’t forget to stop at the Visitors Center for the Junior Rangers Program. Highlights include Skyline Drive, Bear Fence Rock Scramble, and Dark Hollow Falls.

6. Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore. is about 3 hours from Washington DC, but only 1 hour from the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay if you are looking to do a day trip it’s possible. This is a great place to view wild horses. The lines to enter the park can be long so it’s best to go early or late afternoon. Highlights include seeing the wild horses and the expansive beach, although the current/waves are often rough. There are always plenty of fun activities at the beach even if you don’t swim.

7. Harper’s Ferry National Park

Harper’s Ferry National Park is located in West Virginia and is about 1.5 hours from DC. The hike down from the visitors center takes you by a small waterfall. I recommend hiking it down and then taking the shuttle back up after visiting the village.

The village is a preserved village that has buildings that you can walk into and learn about history. It’s fun to be transformed back in time and helps to engage the kids while learning about the history of Harpers Ferry. Highlights include entering the historical buildings full of information and the hike down from the visitors center includes a small waterfall.