Best spring break ideas from DC

Live in the Washington DC area and in need of some spring break ideas? On the blog, I will share a few spring break destinations that are just a short drive from our Nation’s Capitol.

I share some of the best spring break ideas from DC in Virginia, and Maryland, and some road trip ideas along the East Coast that are no more than a few hours drive, perfect for that weekend spring getaway from DC.

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Spring Break beach ideas from DC

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Nothing says spring break like a visit to the beach! It may not necessarily be beach weather, but a spring break beach trip is just what we need after the long winter.

There are so many wonderful beaches close to Washington DC, and I share a few that I believe are the best family beaches near DC!

Ocean City Maryland

• One of the most popular beach destinations near DC is the Ocean City beachfront, with miles of beaches, and a boardwalk filled with lots of entertainment and dining options. Plus spring is probably the best time to visit to avoid the summer crowds!

• Ocean City is the perfect base for your spring break road trip from DC. From there, you can explore nearby beaches in Delaware, like Cape Henlopen State Park Beach, and nearby Lewes Beach which is a charming little coastal town full of history, and the perfect beach for the littlest ones.

• Make sure to visit the Zwaanendael Museum near Lewes Beach and learn more about Delaware’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631. The museum also showcases Lewes’s maritime, military, and social history.

• We love the beaches at Fenwick State Park in Delaware as well. It’s a much more laid-back beach experience without the busy boardwalk beach crowds.

• The entrance fee costs $5 in-state/$10 for out-of-state residents. There are restrooms, shower facilities, and an accessible boardwalk.

Virginia Beach

• Virginia Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches, with a 3-mile-long boardwalk that you can explore on a Surrey bike ride, miles of beaches, and many beachfront dining options. There are many recreational activities for families, including boat cruises, kayaking, carnival rides, and more!

• Plus you can explore so many other hidden gems in the area, including a visit to the Cape Henry lighthouses situated near the “First Landing” site where the English settlers first set foot on their way to Jamestown VA.

• The lighthouse is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, and is located on a military installation on Fort Story at 583 Atlantic Avenue Fort Story, Virginia 23459

• Requirements for Base access are a valid ID card for visitors 16 and up, and must be able to produce a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance, and pass a background check. Once inside, you can only access the lighthouses and museum shops.

• Fort Monroe National Monument is also close to Virginia Beach and is a decommissioned military base in Hampton VA. You can visit the Casemate Museum and learn more about this historic Fort, which is part of the National Park Service.

• It is also home to the Old Point Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses here as well, built in the 1800s.

• The best part is that there are also miles of beaches along Fort Monroe and a boardwalk where you can go on a family bike ride.

Sandbridge Beach

• If you want to escape the busy boardwalk beaches, Sandbridge Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing beach getaway. The beach is free, and parking costs $5/day.

• Sandbridge Beach is located close to Virginia Beach, so you can easily stay in VA Beach, and drive down to enjoy a much quieter beach experience!

• Little Island Park is our favorite spot in the Sandbridge Beach area. There’s a beach, a fishing pier, restrooms and showers, a playground, picnic shelters and sports courts. Parking is also just $5, but come early because it gets packed later in the day!

• The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby. The barrier islands feature large dunes, freshwater marshes, ponds, and ocean beaches (although swimming is not allowed here).

• There is lots of wildlife to admire, and over eight miles of scenic trails to explore. We did a short hike along the Dunes and Seaside Trail that ended at the Beach.
  
• Entrance Fees: Vehicle Day Pass $5.00-Hiker/Biker Family Day Pass $2.00-FREE with your National Parks Pass.

• From the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, you can also take the Tram to visit False Cape State Park, which operates from April 1st-Oct. 31, and requires a reservation. (call the park office at 757-426-7128 to make your reservation).

• You can only reach this park on foot, bike, tram, or paddle craft. You can park at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and hike or bike your way to False Cape State Park.

• False Cape State Park offers an opportunity to experience nature in a unique and unspoiled natural setting. The park offers guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and 6 miles of pristine beaches.

• The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, while the visitor center is open daily from 9am to 4pm.

Cape Charles Beach

• Cape Charles is the perfect spring break getaway from DC. This hidden gem is about a 4-hour drive from DC but is so worth the visit.

• The beaches at Cape Charles are perfect for families with calm waters, plus the town is a nice place for a stroll. The beach is Free, and so is parking, but is very limited so come early.

• You can also visit the nearby Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve which features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and explore the habitat in the area.

• There is also a fishing pier and lots of dining and shopping options at Cape Charles. Make sure to stop by the Brown Dog Ice Cream shop and sample some of the best ice cream flavors, like vanilla salted caramel brownie, and black raspberry.

• Since it’s located on the Eastern Shores of VA, make sure to explore other beaches and towns in the area.

• Chincoteague Island is one of our favorite destinations on the Eastern Shores and is another place you can add to the list of spring break ideas from DC!

READ NEXT: Things to do with kids this summer in DC

Kiptopeke Beach State Park

• Another hidden gem in the Eastern Shores of Virginia is Kiptopeke Beach. This place is the perfect spring break getaway if you want to get away from it all.
  
• It’s such a nice and peaceful beach, perfect for families who want a relaxing day just lounging on the beach.

• You can also go fishing and crabbing here along the fishing pier, which is open 24 hours a day, and costs $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

• Kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent so you can explore the concrete ships that now serve as a migratory bird habitat.
  
• There are hiking and biking trails, restrooms, and showers. Entrance fees are $7/vehicle.

READ MORE: Best Family Beaches near DC

Spring break National Park Ideas from DC

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Harpers Ferry 

• One of the best spring break day trip ideas from DC is a visit to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Harpers Ferry is only about an hour’s drive from DC and is the perfect spring break destination for families.

• There are lots of family-friendly hiking trails, and many other outdoor recreational activities such as biking, kayaking, and white water rafting. Plus, Harpers Ferry connects to other trails as well including the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal.

• You can also explore the historic Harpers Ferry town, and learn more about the history here since it was once used as a strategic location during the Civil War, and was also the site for the United States Armory and Arsenal.

• Make sure to let the kids participate in the Junior Ranger programs here. You can pick up a booklet at the Visitors Center and get their Junior Ranger badge.

• Don’t forget to get your National Park book stamped as well. You can find the stamps at the gift shop at the entrance to Harpers Ferry!

READ MORE: How to spend the day at Harpers Ferry with kids

Assateague Island National Seashore 

• Another spring destination from Washington DC is a visit to the Assateague Island National Seashore. Spring is a great time to visit this National Park. There are fewer crowds, especially at the beach, and the weather is milder (plus no mosquitoes).

• There are also a few spring festivals to look forward to, like the Spring Pony Round up on Chincoteague, where the wild ponies get corralled for the annual vet checkup. Spend a spring break weekend here admiring the wild ponies.

• Visit Chincoteague Island and go for a hike, visit the Assateague lighthouse, or spend the day lounging on the beach.

• You can’t miss a stroll around this charming little town, which you can easily explore by bike. Make sure to stop by the Waterfront park and enjoy the beautiful sunsets here!

• There are also some Junior Ranger-guided programs to encourage visitors to enjoy and learn more about the barrier island environment.

• Don’t forget to let the kids earn their Junior ranger badge by completing the activities. You can pick up an activity book at the Assateague Visitors Center, or at Toms Cove. You can even download the booklet online here.

• I suggest staying at the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites when planning your spring break visit from DC. Its location along the bay is just so beautiful, and the rooms and amenities are perfect for families.

READ MORE: Guide to visiting Chincoteague Island

Shenandoah National Park 

• Another one of our favorite National Parks to visit in the spring, close to Washington DC is Shenandoah National Park. There’s nothing like an outdoor hike in the spring, seeing the forest in bloom.

• Shenandoah is only a couple hour’s drive from Washington DC, and spring is the best time to visit! There are many kid-friendly trails with amazing vistas and waterfalls to admire, or you can simply enjoy the views along Skyline Drive.

• A visit to Shenandoah is the perfect spring getaway from Washington DC if you need a city break!

• There are two Resorts you can stay in at Shenandoah NP, Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge. We loved our stay at the Skyland Resort with the most amazing mountain views. Make sure to reserve your stay in advance to beat the crowds!

• Don’t forget to let the kids join in on the Junior Ranger programs here as well, and let them get their National Passport books stamped!

• Luray Caverns is close by and is the perfect attraction to add to your Shenandoah NP visit.

• This is the largest cavern on the East Coast, and you can take a tour along lighted pathways and admire the towering stone formations, crystal-clear pools, and other natural wonders.

• Luray Caverns is open daily, and tickets cost $34 adults- $17 (kids 6-12)- $32 seniors 62 and up. General Admission includes the Caverns, the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village.

READ MORE: Guide to Shenandoah National Park with kids

City Spring break ideas from DC

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Annapolis MD

• One of the best cities to visit during spring break near DC is Annapolis, MD. During the spring, this historic town is so beautiful with all the spring blooms, especially along the Maryland State House.

• There are also a few spring events to look forward to here which include the Spring and Earth day festival, and the annual Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show along the City Dock.

• Don’t miss a stroll along Main Street and peruse through the many boutique shops and restaurants. You can also stroll along the historic streets and take in all the charming homes and museums.

• When planning a visit to Annapolis for a spring weekend, I recommend staying at the Graduate Annapolis Hotel, which is just a short walk away from the historic city center.

READ MORE: Weekend visit to Annapolis Maryland

Philadelphia

• One of the best cities to visit in the spring near DC is Philadelphia! There is so much history to explore here, including a visit to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

• You can also look forward to a few spring events in Philly which include the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival in the historic Fairmount Park.

• The Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event and will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

• There are so many other places to explore just outside of Philly. Explore the history at Valley Forge and Washington Crossing Park which is just a short drive away.

• There are also lots of fun attractions that the kids will love like the Legoland Discovery Center, Sesame Place, and Fonthill Castle, which is one of the most unique and amazing places that the kids will surely love!

READ MORE: Day trip ideas from Philadelphia

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New York City

• One of the best spring break ideas from DC is a visit to New York City! NYC is an amazing place to visit at any season, but during the spring the city comes alive, and the spring blooms make it extra pretty! Plus NYC in the spring means fewer crowds and milder weather!

• There are also a few events to look forward to in the spring including the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and the Macy’s Flower Show, which is a two-week exhibition of exotic flowers & plants from around the world located at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City.

• Don’t miss a stroll along Central Park in the spring to take in all the spring blooms. Explore Central Park on foot, rent a bicycle, or take a horse carriage ride!

• Don’t forget to add a row boat ride along Central Park Lake. Rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse, which seats up to 4 people.

• Boats are available from April to November, from 10am until dusk, and costs $25 per hour (Cash only) and $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $20 cash deposit. Reservations are not accepted for boat rentals.

• Planning to stay in NYC for the weekend? We recommend the Sheraton Times Square with its central location close to Central Park. Plus they have a parking garage, which makes it convenient when driving to NYC.

READ MORE: Guide to New York City with kids

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Gatlinburg Tennessee

• Another great spring break destination is Gatlinburg Tennessee which is about an 8-hour drive from DC. Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Smoky Mountains and is a great base when exploring the area. It’s a pretty touristy place and gets pretty crowded during the summer but it’s worth the visit in the spring to avoid the crowds.

• Take a stroll along Main Street and explore this charming, but busy town. There is so much to do including lots of touristy attractions like Ripley’s attractions, mini golf, and more.

• There are also lots of adventurous things to do including a scenic gondola ride up to the Anakeesta Adventure Park where you can enjoy lots of recreational activities such as a zipline adventure, a ropes course, a skywalk, and more.

• You can also visit the Ripleys Aquarium, and enjoy scenic views up the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in North America. Get on the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and enjoy panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

• Of course, you can’t miss a visit to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Entrance is free but you do have to purchase a parking tag which is required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes. Parking tags are available for purchase both online and onsite.

• Go on a hike and enjoy scenic Mountain views. Clingmans Dome is one of the best spots to enjoy the views and is the highest point in the park. This 0.5-mile hike is pretty moderate and goes uphill on a paved path but it’s doable with kids. Just make sure to take lots of breaks.

• There is plenty of parking for this trail but it does get busy later in the day. Come early to ensure you have a spot! Also, make sure to dress in layers, we visited in the spring and it was beyond freezing!

READ NEXT: How to spend the day at Biltmore Estate

Historic Spring break road trip ideas from DC

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Colonial Williamsburg VA

• Another must-see place during the spring is the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. There are so many little gardens to explore, and they’re all just so picture-perfect with all the spring blooms including tulips, wisterias, and more!

• One spring event to look forward to at Colonial Williamsburg is the CW lights-Magical Glow Event which usually happens from late March to early April.

• The Governors Palace gardens are transformed into an illuminated garden which is just so cool. Take a stroll around the gardens as you enjoy 18th-century entertainment. It’s something fun to do during the spring at Colonial Williamsburg.

• A few other things to look forward to at Colonial Williamsburg are a horse carriage ride around the historic town, haunted ghost tours, a short hike along the Bassett Nature trail, and more.

• A stay at Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect base when exploring the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which includes Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestown, and Yorktown VA. It’s the perfect weekend spring break idea from DC for families!

• And if you’re planning to spend the weekend in Williamsburg, I highly recommend a stay at one of the Williamsburg Resort hotels.

• One of our favorite hotels for families is the Griffin Hotel with its location just a walk away from Colonial Williamsburg plus the rooms are bigger than most in the area.

READ MORE: How to spend the weekend in Williamsburg Virginia

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Yorktown VA 

• Yorktown Virginia is another fun place to visit during spring break. It’s such a charming town with beaches, history, and more!

• Yorktown Historic Garden Week is one event to look forward to in the spring which usually happens sometime in April.

• Spring is also the opening of the Yorktown Market Days along the Riverwalk Landing, which runs weekly on Saturday’s April through October.

• Don’t miss a visit to the Yorktown American Revolutionary Museum, which is an interactive museum, that’s perfect for kids, and explore the Yorktown Battlefield.

• There are FREE shuttles that take you from the American Revolutionary Museum, into Main Street, and to the Yorktown Battlefield as well.

READ MORE: How to spend the day at Yorktown Virginia

Gettysburg 

• Gettysburg is another fun spot to visit during spring break in the DC area. The drive is less than two hours and is the perfect day trip from DC.

• Your first stop should be at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. This is where you can purchase tickets for bus tours and get to know more about this battle at the museum.

• A bus tour is a great idea if you want to learn more about the history, or go on a self-guided tour instead and go at your own pace. You can download the Gettysburg app to help guide the way.

• Don’t miss a stroll along the charming town and take in the history at the museums. You can also visit the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave the famous Gettysburg Address located at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

• There are lots of dining options and local boutiques for that special souvenir. If you’re planning to spend the night, I recommend the Gettysburg Hotel, which is one of the most historic hotels in the area and located centrally in Gettysburg.

READ MORE: How to spend the day at Gettysburg PA. 

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Spring break Theme Park ideas from DC

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You don’t need to plan an elaborate spring break trip to keep the kids happy. A visit to a theme park is one of the best spring break ideas from DC that the whole family will love.

Luckily we have a few theme parks close to Washington DC. Here are some of our favorites:

Kings Dominion

• Kings Dominion is one of the closest theme parks to DC, only an hour and a half away. Spend the day getting your thrill on with all the giant coasters, and the kids will love Planet Snoopy and all the kid-themed rides and shows.

• Tickets start at $42, and kids ages 3-5 get a FREE Pre-K Pass which includes unlimited visits to the park, including Soak City the whole year!

Busch Gardens 

• Busch Gardens is one of our favorite theme parks in the area, and when you visit in the spring the whole park is just so pretty with all the spring blooms. Spring is one of the best times to visit with fewer crowds and milder weather.

• The kids will love the Sesame Street Forest of Fun-themed area with lots of kiddy rides and fun shows. We love all the fun shows and seasonal events that happen year-round. One-day tickets start at $47.50

HersheyPark

• Hershey Park is another fun theme park to visit in the spring. Take the kids on a spring day trip to the Sweetest place on earth and enjoy a day of rides, chocolates, and zoo animals at Zoo America, which is included with your admission.

• Don’t miss a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World as well, and enjoy the free Chocolate tour, the biggest Hershey Chocolate gift shop, and lots of other fun Hershey attractions!

• There are so many other fun attractions outside of Hershey Park as well, including Hershey Gardens, Hershey’s Chocolate Museum and more!

• You can even explore an underground cavern as well at the Indian Echo Caverns at nearby Hummelstown. Tickets are timed entry, and the guided tour lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets costs $20/adults-$12 ages 2-11-FREE 2 and under!

READ MORE: Best Amusement Parks for Families near DC