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| Home > Washington D.C. > Visiting D.C. > Day Trips |
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The capital of colonial Virginia offers an experience of 18th century American life, from its food, furnishings, and architecture, to its transportation and various crafts. The Governor’s Palace and the College of William and Mary are two sites of particular interest.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg was recorded as the bloodiest battle of American history. Adjoining the park is Gettysburg National Cemetery in which the veterans of the Civil War and subsequent wars are buried. At the dedication of this cemetery on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous "Gettysburg Address."
(717) 334-1124 Visitor Center
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily June to August.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily September to May.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year ’s Day.
Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
The site of John Brown’s futile attempt to seize the U.S. arsenal, this community was captured and recaptured by Union and Confederate forces eight times during the Civil War.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Boyhood home to George Washington, Fredericksburg traces events from the colonial days to the Civil War. Four major Civil War battles took place here and buildings from the 18th and 19th century have been restored including Mary Washington’s home, James Monroe’s law office, and the circa 1752 plantation house Kenmore.
Antietam, Sharpsburg, Maryland
The Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg) on September 17, 1862, climaxed the first of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s two attempts to carry the war into the North. When the fighting ended, the course of the American Civil War had been greatly altered.
(301) 432-5124
Summer hours:
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Regular hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year ’s Day.
Annapolis, Maryland
This charming seaport city is the capital of Maryland and also served as America’s capital city under the Articles of Confederation. The U.S. Naval Academy is located here and tours of its facilities are available.
Harbor-Place Baltimore
The Inner Harbor in Baltimore features a sparkling waterfront with ethnic festivals, art shows, concerts, and many other forms of entertainment.
Maryland Science Center, Baltimore
Maryland Science Center has been educating young and old since 1976. The center houses an IMAX theater, planetarium, three floors of hands-on exhibits, and live demonstrations throughout the day.
(410) 685-2370
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Columbus Center, Baltimore
The Columbus Center is a private, non-profit institution of marine research. An interactive public exhibition and science education has a unique focus on the use of leading-edge technology for both research, on-site and distance learning.
(410) 576-5700
National Aquarium, Baltimore
The National Aquarium in Baltimore houses many exhibits ranging from a Seal Pool to a Rain Forest. It contains a diverse collection of animals representing more than 600 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals from all over the world.
(410) 576-3800
(410) 625-0720 TDD-TTY
(410) 576-3833 Groups of 15 or more
November to February:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m..
March to June, September and October:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Fridays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m..
July and August:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday).
Baltimore Zoo
Visit the Baltimore Zoo to witness the daily feedings, the lush Chimpanzee Forest or to ride a Dromedary Camel.
(410) 366-LION (5466)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and June 11th.
Hampton National Historic Site, Maryland
Hampton, a Georgian mansion settled amid gardens and shade trees, tells a 200-year story of a family business, early American industry and commerce, the cultural tastes of the times, the deprivations of war, and the economic changes that rendered such estate life obsolete. Tours available.
(410) 823-1309
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year ’s Day.
Fort McHenry – National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore
Fort McHenry is best known for its role during the War of 1812. The Fort withstood a grueling 25-hour bombardment by the British fleet. In spite of the rockets and bombs, Francis Scott Key saw the fort’s 30’ x 42’ flag waving after the battle. He penned a poem that would later become the national anthem for the United States of America.
(410) 962-4290
(410) 962-4299 Group tours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Extended summer hours:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily June 5 to September 6.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year ’s Day.
Fort Washington Park, Maryland
Fort Washington is the accumulation of events, ideas, and the physical remains of several forts rather than of one climatic act or one structure. On weekends park interpreters, dressed in authentic U.S. Army uniforms, recreate the life of a l9th-century military garrison. Admission charged.
(301) 763-4600
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily April to September; park grounds open until dark.
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily October to March.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year ’s Day.
Monticello, Virginia
The home of America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, was designed by him and is filled with his inventions. In nearby Charlottesville is the University of Virginia, founded and designed by Jefferson. The view of the Shenandoah Valley from nearby Skyline Drive is also worth seeing. Admission charged.
(804) 984-9822
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily November to February.
8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March to October.
Grounds tour available from April to October.
Closed Christmas.
Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
The 1,050 acres of gardens and conservatories provide seasonal displays and a variety of educational programs. Admission charged.
(610) 388-1000
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily January, February, and March.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily April to May 28 and September 5 to October.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday May 29 to September 4.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily November 1-24.
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily November 25 to January 2.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Easter and Mother ’s Day weekend.
Winterthur Museum and Gardens, Delaware
Henry Francis DuPont’s estate is the home of one of the preeminent collections of American antiques as well as fine and decorative arts. Call in advance for tours and special events. Admission charged.
1-800-448-3883
(302) 888-4907 TDD-TTY
For Museum and Garden:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays.
For Library:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year ’s Day.
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