Annapolis, Maryland is known as America’s Sailing Capital
Segway tour around the Maryland State House in Annapolis
Arlington, Virginia is located across the Potomac River from Washington, DC
The US Air Force Memorial in Arlington
Frederick, Maryland's historic downtown district
One of the many covered bridges in Frederick County, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland is known as America’s Sailing Capital
Segway tour around the Maryland State House in Annapolis
Arlington, Virginia is located across the Potomac River from Washington, DC
The US Air Force Memorial in Arlington
Frederick, Maryland's historic downtown district
One of the many covered bridges in Frederick County, Maryland
Destination Spotlights
These locales are worth a special day trip — or longer — from Washington, DC to delve into more Capital Region highlights.
Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland’s capital city is the gateway to North America’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. A bustling port town in the 1800s, the home of the US Naval Academy is recognised as one of the top waterfront destinations in the United States and is world-renowned as America’s Sailing Capital. It also boasts more 18th-century brick buildings than any other city in the country.
Photo Ops: Maryland State House, US Naval Academy, boats along Ego Alley, colourful homes on Pinkney Street and throughout the historic district
What the Locals Love: Wednesday Night Sailboat Races, Dinner Under the Stars events, Navy football games, fresh-from-the-bay seafood
Distance from DC: 31 miles, 50 km
Arlington, Virginia
Synonymous with the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery — the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy — Arlington is just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. There are also plenty of urban features to take advantage of, including Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, entertainment and dining complex Ballston Quarter and hip neighbourhoods.
Photo Ops: Planes taking off and landing at Gravelly Point, US Air Force Memorial, springtime tulips at the Netherlands Carillon
What the Locals Love: Arlington Farmers Market, free outdoor summer movies at Gateway Park, dancing the night away at Clarendon Ballroom
Distance from DC: 5 miles, 8 km
Frederick, Maryland
A prominent part of Maryland’s involvement in the Civil War, the area is home to several battlefields, heritage sites and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Downtown is a vibrant, walkable 50-block district with more than 200 boutique shops and restaurants. Just outside the city, discover covered bridges, scenic wineries and picturesque national and state parks.
Photo Ops: The Community Bridge Mural, the top of Chimney Rock, your dessert creation at the North Market Pop Shop
What the Locals Love: Antique shopping on Carroll Street, Frederick Festival of the Arts, jogging along Carroll Creek in Baker Park
Distance from DC: 50 miles, 80 km