Now that USC has joined the Big 10, we took a fun trip to Maryland to catch their game against the University of Maryland. Sadly, they lost by a field goal—whomp, whomp. It just happened to be the same week as our son’s fall break, and he needed to write a report on Jackson Pollock. So, we thought it was the perfect chance to check out Jackson’s art in Washington, D.C., and also explore some nearby areas.
We flew straight from San Diego to Baltimore and spent two nights in Laurel, MD. After that, we headed to Alexandria, VA, where we stayed for another couple of nights since it was close to D.C. For our last night, we found a nice spot near the Baltimore airport at the BWI Airport Marriott, and I can’t recommend it enough—it’s such a lovely hotel!
If you’re up for some adventures beyond the nation’s capital, these spots will make excellent day trips. All these places are kid-tested, and get two enthusiastic thumbs up from my then seven-year-old son!
Map of places to visit and drive times
| Attractions | City | Drive time from D.C.* |
|---|---|---|
| Patuxent Research Refuge | Laurel, MD | 40 minutes |
| Dinosaur Park | Laurel, MD | 40 minutes |
| Great Falls Park | McLean, VA | 30 minutes |
| Old Town Alexandria | Alexandria, VA | 25 minutes |
| National Air and Space Museum | Chantilly, VA | 40 minutes |
*Approximate time without traffic
| Restaurants | City | Approximate drive time from D.C.* |
|---|---|---|
| LongHorn Steakhouse | Laurel, MD | 40 minutes |
| Remingtons Restaurant | Beltsville, MD | 35 minutes |
| Dogfish Head Alehouse | Gaithersburg, VA | 40 minutes |
| Alexander Bier Garden | Alexandria, VA | 20 minutes |
| Chevys Fresh Mex | Arlington, VA | 15 minutes |
*Approximate time without traffic
Day Trips around the DMV area
Patuxent Research Refuge
Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland, is an ideal spot to escape into nature, explore beautiful landscapes, and check out all sorts of wildlife. Spanning 13,000 acres, it’s one of the largest wildlife refuges near a city, making it an excellent getaway for outdoor lovers and families. The drive into the refuge is an incredible experience as you find yourself winding through tall, colorful trees. It’s magnificent in the Fall!
The Visitor Center has fun and interactive exhibits about conservation, wildlife research, and endangered species. Our son had a blast participating in a scavenger hunt, searching for different animals and items throughout the exhibits.
There’s lots to explore outside along the trails. Whether you’re into hiking photography or want a leisurely stroll, and if you love birdwatching, you’re in for a treat! The refuge is home to many migratory birds and other critters, including deer and foxes. The North Tract is known for its birding opportunities, complete with trails and observation stations where you can soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park is a fun little spot for anyone who loves dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. Nestled in a business park in Laurel, Maryland, this treasure lets you explore real fossils from the Cretaceous Period, including dinosaur bones, teeth, and even marine fossils. We popped over on a Saturday morning after breakfast, and our son had a blast on the small playground!
When you arrive, stop by the canopy near the entrance to meet the staff and sign up for some fossil hunting. The excavation area is a hands-on experience where you and your family can dig for real fossils.
There’s also a variety of educational events, such as talks from knowledgeable paleontologists, demonstrations on identifying fossils, and hands-on activities.
After all the digging and exploring, you can relax in the wooded trails and picnic spots surrounding the park.
Great Falls Park
On our way from Alexandria, Virginia, to Baltimore, Maryland, we stopped at Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia. It quickly became one of my favorite places on this trip! The park offers stunning views of the Potomac River cascading over rocky cliffs, along with lush green trails and picnic areas.
It’s suitable for all activity levels, whether you just want to take a scenic walk or go on a hike with a bit of rock climbing to reach the riverbank.
Luckily, all the spectacular viewpoints are easily accessible and aren’t far from the parking lot. If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy the best views of the powerful waterfalls and rapids. It’s definitely worth it!
If you’re into adventure, you’ll spot kayakers navigating the rapids, which looks thrilling! While that’s not my cup of tea, it’s an option if you’re looking for excitement.
As you explore the trails, you can also learn about the park’s historical significance, including its role in early transportation and the C&O Canal, which runs alongside the Potomac River.
Old Town Alexandria
My parents fell in love with Alexandria, Virginia, and I couldn’t be happier that they recommended we stay there! This adorable city hugs the Potomac River and is just a quick 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. If you’d rather not drive, you can easily hop on public transit!
Old Town Alexandria is the cutest place! You’ll find beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and waterfront views. King Street, the main hub, is full of adorable boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafés, and delicious restaurants. Plus, a trolley runs up and down King Street, making it super easy to get around!
For anyone who loves history, you won’t want to miss Gadsby’s Tavern Museum or the Carlyle House. Both places offer a fascinating peek into Alexandria’s colonial past.
The waterfront is awe inspiring, especially with the U.S. Capitol glowing in the distance. You can grab a bite to eat and enjoy the scenery or visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where you can see working artists in their studios. It’s such a great place to explore!
National Air and Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center)
If you’re an aviation and space enthusiast, you’ve got to check out the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia This fantastic place, part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, has some of the most amazing aircraft and spacecraft you can imagine. We also really loved the architecture, and our son was fascinated by the unique outdoor fountain!
I was blown away by how huge the exhibition space is! We wandered through different rooms and levels, getting up close and personal with legendary artifacts like the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, and even a Concorde jet.
There are many interactive exhibits and aircraft you can walk through and explore. My son was all about the flight simulator—it was so much fun!
To cap off our visit, we took a trip up to the museum’s observation tower, and let me tell you, it’s a must-see! The views are incredible, giving you a great look at the area and Dulles International Airport—optimal for spotting planes. You won’t want to miss it!
Delicious restaurants to try
Dogfish Head Alehouse
If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ve got to check out Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg, Maryland! This lively spot, a satellite of the famous Dogfish Head Brewery, has an impressive selection of bold and creative brews and a menu full of delicious pub food. And don’t worry if beer isn’t your thing—they’ve got a nice range of wines and cocktails, too! For the kiddos, the pup’s menu is packed with tasty options!
They have their standard 60 and 90 Minute IPAs on tap. They also usually have some of their more special beers like World Wide Stout and 120 Minute IPA, and other seasonal beers you won’t find elsewhere. I had a Festina Peche with a mouthwatering cheesesteak sandwich, and it was a match made in heaven! The Moscow Mule I tried was yummy, too!
Remingtons Restaurant
After checking into our hotel in Laurel, Marylyand, we headed over to Remington’s Restaurant in Beltsville for a late dinner. What a great choice! Even though the place was packed with people, we were lucky enough to snag a long, high table. It was so lively, and the ’90s music playing in the background brought back all those fun high school memories!
Remington’s is a beloved local spot with a menu that’s full of delicious options and a fantastic drink selection. We decided to try a couple of their pizzas, and they did not disappoint! With several TVs, it’s also a great spot for catching the big game. If you’re in the area, check it out for a casual meal, some drinks, and a good time. Plus, they stay open late for those who are trying to grab a later dinner after a long day of travel or sightseeing!
LongHorn Steakhouse
We ended up at LongHorn Steakhouse in Laurel, Maryland, after tackling a traffic jam in one of the parking garages at the University of Maryland. Let me tell you, if you’re thinking of going there for their homecoming football game, steer clear of the garages! We were stuck for over an hour without moving an inch, so we decided to escape the chaos, walked off campus, and grabbed an Uber to LongHorn. We were really hoping the traffic would ease up by the time we finished our meal. But enough about that—let’s talk about our experience at LongHorn!
The LongHorn Steakhouse has a cozy Western style, making it a great place for a satisfying meal. We’re big fans of steak and absolutely loved the filet and ribeye! And if you’re not in the mood for steak, no worries—they have tasty options like Parmesan Crusted Chicken and LongHorn Salmon, too.
What also stood out was the friendly and attentive service, even late at night! We rolled in a little after 10 pm on Saturday, and surprisingly, it was still pretty busy. Overall, it was a delightful experience!
Chevy’s Fresh Mex
You’re probably thinking, “Chevy’s, really?” We’re suckers for Chevy’s, and the Arlington, Virginia, location was even more delicious than the other locations we’ve been to! It’s also kid-friendly, and our son likes it.
This Chevy’s is in the Pentagon Centre shopping mall. It offers a vibrant, colorful atmosphere with plenty of seating options, including a patio for outdoor dining where you can enjoy signature margaritas, cocktails, and tasty Mexican cuisine.
Alexandria Bier Garden
We recently had the chance to explore Germany, and while strolling down King Street in Alexandria, Virginia, we couldn’t resist popping into Alexandria Bier Garden. I’m so glad we did! The warm indoor bier garden and the charming rooftop bar really gave off that wonderful Bavarian vibe. We managed to grab a spot right at the edge of the rooftop, which offered an overhead view of King Street all lit up—it was just perfect!
The place feels like an authentic German beer garden, complete with hearty food and a delightful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. We decided to order some German beer and ended with a tequila soda!
Even though we just stopped by for drinks after dinner, the menu was full of tempting options like giant Bavarian pretzels, schnitzels, and a mouthwatering variety of sausages.
Alexandria Bier Garden also has a bunch of fun events each week, from stein-holding contests to live music and trivia nights. We were especially hooked on the hook and ring game at our table—so much fun! Of course, our son couldn’t leave without playing the old-school video games on the way down from the rooftop!
Where to Stay Near the Baltimore Airport
We originally planned on driving from Alexandria to BWI Airport on the morning of our flight, which would have taken about an hour. But then we figured it would be much easier to stay closer to the airport! The BWI Airport Marriott is just a mile away from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and honestly, it’s one of the nicest Marriott line hotels I’ve experienced.
We settled into a corner room on the 8th floor of this 10-story hotel, and it exceeded our expectations. The room was elegantly decorated, offered stunning views of colorful tree groves, and was incredibly quiet! It also featured plush, comfortable pillows and bedding, a workstation, a large bathroom, and a small refrigerator.
For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at Chesapeake on the first floor. If you need a morning pick-me-up, the lobby bar serves delicious Starbucks® coffee. We also loved the M Club Lounge for platinum members and above—it was fully stocked with tasty evening snacks and breakfast treats that really hit the spot.
If you’re looking to stay active, the hotel has a heated indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
For anyone with early flights or late arrivals, the hotel’s close proximity to the airport makes it super convenient! They even offer a complimentary shuttle to transport you to and from the airport. Staying here really made our stay smooth and hassle-free!