There is no lack of beauty in and around the DC area. We have breathtaking parks, beautiful historic homes, incredible monuments and so much more. If you are looking for more beauty outside and around Washington DC, visit these 13 most beautiful places around Washington DC.
- Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
Facebook/Oatlands Historic House and Gardens Oatlands is a historic old mansion in Leesburg , Virginia. The mansion dates back to the 1700s and features absolutely gorgeous gardens. Oatlands is open April - December for mansion and garden tours. You can visit them at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln, Leesburg, VA 20175.
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Flickr/Ron Cogswell The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a Masonic building decimated to the memory of George Washington. It is located just outside of DC at 101 Callahan Dr. in Alexandria Virginia. Head up to the ninth floor Observation Deck and enjoy 360-degree view of Alexandria and DC.
- Sugarloaf Mountain
Flickr/Mike Procario Sugarloaf Mountain is the highest point in Montgomery County, MD. It’s a beautiful drive out to the mountain and the views from the top are breathtaking. You can head to the small town of Burnsville, which is located at the foot of the mountain.
- Harpers Ferry
Flickr/Robert Historic Harpers Ferry is a charming town and national park in West Virginia that offers shopping, dining, hiking and beautiful views of the Potomac River.
- Mount Vernon
Flickr/smilla4 Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George and Martha Washington. This iconic landmark includes the mansion, gardens, farm, museum and Martha and George’s tombs. You can visit Mount Vernon at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Great Falls
Flickr/ephien Great Falls Park borders both Maryland and Virginia. The Maryland side is part of the C&O Canal National Historic Park. It’s a favorite hiking spot, especially for it’s incredible waterfall views.
- Ladew Topiary Gardens
Flickr/Susan Smith Ladew Topiary Gardens is in Monkton Maryland and was called one of the top 10 incredible topiary gardens around the world by Architectural Digest. You can visit the charming manor house, which dates back to the 1920s, tour the gardens and take a nature walk.
- Annapolis
Flickr/Michael Foley The port town of Annapolis offers visitors plenty of things to do. You can enjoy water activities on the Chesapeake Bay, stroll past 18th century brick homes and experience fine dining, great shopping and much more!
- Old Rag
Flickr/Ryan Somma Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Scramble over rocks to enjoy panoramic views of the Shenandoah area.
- Havre de Grace
Flickr/Patrick Nouhailler Havre de Grace is two hours outside of Washington DC in Harford County, Maryland. This quaint town sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and has one of the most charming lighthouses in the area.
- Skyline Drive
Flickr/Jim Lukach Skyline drive is a 105 mile road runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge. It’s one of the most picturesque drives in the entire state.
- Calvert Cliffs
Flickr/alliecat1881 Calvert Cliffs in Calvert County Maryland is known for its fossils. Visit here to enjoy freshwater marshes, sandy beaches, miles of hiking and unique history.
- Assateague Island
Flickr/m01229 Seeing the ponies at Assateague Island is a must-do for anyone in the DC area. This national seashore is beautiful all on its own but when you add in the incredible sight of “wild” horses running on the beaches, it’s an amazing thing to see.
Which of these stunning places will you visit? If you are looking for more natural beauty, visit these 10 incredible places in nature in Washington DC!
Facebook/Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
Oatlands is a historic old mansion in Leesburg , Virginia. The mansion dates back to the 1700s and features absolutely gorgeous gardens. Oatlands is open April - December for mansion and garden tours. You can visit them at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln, Leesburg, VA 20175.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a Masonic building decimated to the memory of George Washington. It is located just outside of DC at 101 Callahan Dr. in Alexandria Virginia. Head up to the ninth floor Observation Deck and enjoy 360-degree view of Alexandria and DC.
Flickr/Mike Procario
Sugarloaf Mountain is the highest point in Montgomery County, MD. It’s a beautiful drive out to the mountain and the views from the top are breathtaking. You can head to the small town of Burnsville, which is located at the foot of the mountain.
Flickr/Robert
Historic Harpers Ferry is a charming town and national park in West Virginia that offers shopping, dining, hiking and beautiful views of the Potomac River.
Flickr/smilla4
Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George and Martha Washington. This iconic landmark includes the mansion, gardens, farm, museum and Martha and George’s tombs. You can visit Mount Vernon at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Flickr/ephien
Great Falls Park borders both Maryland and Virginia. The Maryland side is part of the C&O Canal National Historic Park. It’s a favorite hiking spot, especially for it’s incredible waterfall views.
Flickr/Susan Smith
Ladew Topiary Gardens is in Monkton Maryland and was called one of the top 10 incredible topiary gardens around the world by Architectural Digest. You can visit the charming manor house, which dates back to the 1920s, tour the gardens and take a nature walk.
Flickr/Michael Foley
The port town of Annapolis offers visitors plenty of things to do. You can enjoy water activities on the Chesapeake Bay, stroll past 18th century brick homes and experience fine dining, great shopping and much more!
Flickr/Ryan Somma
Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Scramble over rocks to enjoy panoramic views of the Shenandoah area.
Flickr/Patrick Nouhailler
Havre de Grace is two hours outside of Washington DC in Harford County, Maryland. This quaint town sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and has one of the most charming lighthouses in the area.
Flickr/Jim Lukach
Skyline drive is a 105 mile road runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge. It’s one of the most picturesque drives in the entire state.
Flickr/alliecat1881
Calvert Cliffs in Calvert County Maryland is known for its fossils. Visit here to enjoy freshwater marshes, sandy beaches, miles of hiking and unique history.
Flickr/m01229
Seeing the ponies at Assateague Island is a must-do for anyone in the DC area. This national seashore is beautiful all on its own but when you add in the incredible sight of “wild” horses running on the beaches, it’s an amazing thing to see.
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