Nicest Small Towns To Visit Near Washington
Six small towns sit within a two-hour drive of the nation's capital, each with a different identity. Annapolis holds colonial weight as Maryland's capital. Harpers Ferry sits where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. Sperryville opens onto Shenandoah National Park's eastern boundary. Sykesville runs along the Patapsco River with a Sunday market on Main Street. These six towns ahead reward the short drive from Washington.
Havre de Grace, MD
Located just around two hours from Washington D.C. is this small town named after the port city of Le Havre, France. Havre de Grace, Maryland, is widely known for its incredible waterfront views as it sits right where the Susquehanna River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Start your day at the Tidewater Marina, where you can catch a sunset and watch sailboats drift by or even set out on a scenic charter of your own. The town's Market Street is home to dozens of local shops, favorite spots like Bomboy's Candy, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with handmade chocolate, or grab a drink with a view at Market Street Brewery, where the taproom overlooks the Susquehanna River.
Harpers Ferry, WV
This 19th-century town is well worth the 1.5-hour drive from Washington, DC. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a historic river town home to some key moments of American history and has been listed as one of the best underrated travel destinations to visit by Reader's Digest.
Explore "The Point" at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and gaze upon West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia from where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. Find endless options of hiking, biking and outdoor recreation nearby or stop by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitors Center to learn more about one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, the Appalachian Trail.
Don't leave before checking out the nation's only research-based historic candy store specializing in chocolate and gummy candy from the first in history through the mid-1900s at True Treats Historic Candy.
Saint Michaels, MD
Head west from Washington D.C., about an hour and 45 minutes over the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge and you'll run into the small town of Saint Michaels, Maryland. This Chesapeake Bay town features a lively mix of maritime history, shopping, waterfront views, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Visit The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which opened in 1965, where you can board historic boats, watch shipwrights at work, and climb the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse for water-level views. For a close-up of the water, wander down to the harbor of the Miles River, where you can sit lakeside and watch the sailboats glide by and catch a beautiful evening sunset. Don't forget to check out the town's seafood restaurants, including Foxy's Harbor Grille, where you can enjoy patio seating and dozens of fresh seafood dishes.
Sperryville, VA
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only an hour and a half from the nation's capital, Sperryville, Virginia, stands as the gateway to Shenandoah National Park. Sperryville offers an abundance of outdoor adventure and beautiful scenery in nearly every direction.
The quiet Main Street features locally owned spots like Before & After, an espresso cafe and wine bar in Sperryville, and nearby Griffin Tavern in Flint Hill. Grab a freshly brewed coffee before setting out on a day of hiking. Shenandoah National Park features waterfalls, open vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands and home to dozens of animal species, there is so much waiting to be explored.
Annapolis, MD
Maryland's capital sits less than an hour from Washington, D.C. With its brick-lined streets, waterfront harbor, and rich history around every corner, Annapolis is easily one of the state's most attractive small towns. Right in the heart of downtown, visitors can explore the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the country and the site where the Treaty of Paris was ratified.
After taking in the history, stop by Annapolis Ice Cream Company for a scoop of ice cream paired with a slice of pie or cobbler before heading down to the Annapolis City Dock for beautiful waterfront views. From the dock, watch sailboats glide through Ego Alley and out into Spa Creek while taking in the relaxing sounds and scenery along the water.
Sykesville, MD
Head inland through Maryland for about an hour and a half from Washington DC and you'll arrive in the small town of Sykesville. Named Budget Travel Magazine's "Coolest Small Town in America" in 2016, this community sits right along the Patapsco River and is known for its welcoming hometown feel.
Visit the town's local shops like Patapsco Distilling Company for a locally crafted spirit, or grab a coffee at Firehouse Creamery, located inside a repurposed building that once housed the town's fire trucks. Bring home a souvenir from the Sykesville Farmers Market, where handmade goods, fresh local produce, and community events fill Main Street every Sunday morning.
Towns Worth Visiting Near Washington D.C.
Havre de Grace's waterfront, Sperryville's gateway to Shenandoah National Park, and Harpers Ferry's pivotal American history sit conveniently close to Washington, D.C. Each town and its notable landmarks can be visited on a fun day trip within a two-hour drive of the city. Whether you are interested in a small town with nature views or wanting to check out Chesapeake Bay, these six towns are waiting to be explored.
