Guide
Best Day Trips from DC
DC's a great base for exploring the region — mountains, rivers, and history are all within about an hour and a half. Here are the four that are actually worth the trip, with honest notes on how to get there, because "just take the train" isn't true for all of them.
Local's Take
Most guides list day trips by driving distance and stop there. The transportation reality matters more — Harpers Ferry and Mount Vernon are easy without a car, Annapolis and Shenandoah really aren't. Plan around that, not just the mileage.