Four great day trips from Washington DC

Virginia is home to several 18th and 19th-Century plantations, many of which are open to visitors to give them a glimpse into the life of Southern plantations, slavery and aristocratic landowners. One of the most famous estates, just 30 minutes from Washington DC, is Mount Vernon — George Washington’s plantation house.

The public has been allowed to view the estate since Washington’s time, as the first President welcomed curious visitors to take in the grounds and buildings. Guests can stroll through the original 18th-Century home, the tombs of Martha and George Washington, the Pioneer Farm, and the distillery. Washington was once the largest whisky producer in the US, and whisky is still distilled here today.

Getting there: Guided bus tours are available from Washington DC. Travel by road is about 30 minutes and from April to October, the Potomac Riverboat Company offers river cruises from Mount Vernon.

As the stately buildings and iced-coffee-clutching pedestrians of Washington DC peel away on your exit from the city, the landscape gets greener. Amid this beautiful Virginia countryside are expanses of vineyards, with charming stone buildings and sprawled seating overlooking the bunches of grapes. While California is considered the heart of American wine country, Virginia and New York also have pockets of vineyards, which include President Trump’s winery in Charlottesville. Take your pick along the way — like at the Stone Tower Winery. You can opt for a sampling menu at the bar, where you are served a succession of whites, reds and roses — all produce of the vineyard. If you feel light-headed after being in haste to sample the menu, you can settle down in the sunshine overlooking the beautiful spread of green. Visitors, sunglasses firmly in place, chat happily over their wine, with picnic baskets spread out on the wooden tables. You may even get to see a wedding, the groomsmen and family posing for pictures while a roof of stringed bulbs lights up as a starry canopy over their party.

Getting there: Wine tours from Washington DC offer a chance to sample the wine, engage with the winemaker and take in the beautiful countryside.

The most visited part of Harpers Ferry is the quaint town, a 19th-Century industrial hub and the setting of abolitionist John Brown’s seizure in 1859 of the US armory when he tried to lead a rebellion against slavery. Brown failed, but it lit the spark for the Civil War. The streets are lined with restored buildings that house museums. Wander into the old smithy, or the dry goods store or learn more about Brown at a museum dedicated to him. The Potomac and Shenandoah rivers converge here, and there are also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, white water rafting, tubing and boating. Do stop to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Getting there: Trains from Washington DC into Harpers Ferry take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Just a half hour from Washington DC, is the picturesque National Harbor area along the Potomac River, with shopping, hotels and restaurants. A spin on the Capital Wheel provides great views of the area or you can choose to do some kayaking or paddleboating along the river. For those looking for a good deal, the Tanger Outlets have a range of over 80 stores to choose from. The MGM National Harbor is a Vegas-style resort, where you can try your hand at the slot machines and gaming tables, or catch a show at their theatre. Kids will enjoy the Urban Pirates cruise, where passengers can dress up like pirates, fight with water cannons and look for hidden treasure.

Getting there: Accessible via metro and bus services from Washington DC, though it is quicker and easier to take a cab.