I live in Washington D.C. I love these 14 nearby charming small towns & think you will too. (2024)

Many people don’t realize that there are so many cool towns near Washington, DC just waiting to be explored. Some make great day trips and others are ideal if you want to move to the DC area but not necessarily into the city.

I’m a Washington, DC local who loves discovering all the best things to do in DC and beyond. In this guide, I’ll tell you the best places to visit around Washington DC whether you’re a local like me, or just visiting the Washington, DC area.

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14 Best Towns in Washington DC

Alexandria, Virginia

A historic town on the water right outside of Washington DC.

🏠 Population: 159,467 |📍 Google Maps | Alexandria, VA Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Alexandria on Booking

Alexandria, Virginia is a city in Northern Virginia just a 20-minute drive or a quick metro ride away from Washington DC. Old Town Alexandria is the central business district which features boutique shops and restaurants along the Potomac River. The Creamery is a great place to grab ice cream after dinner.

Old Town Alexandria also has plenty of unique shops, such as bookstores and yarn stores. I can’t suggest visiting Old Town Alexandria without stopping by Fibre Space if you’re a fiber artist like me!

Alexandria has a mix of a suburban and an urban feel. The city features townhouses, single-family homes, and apartments, which are good for young people and families.

Leesburg, Virginia

A quaint town with a historic downtown in the county seat of Loudoun County, Virginia.

🏠 Population: 48,250 |📍 Google Maps | Leesburg Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Leesburg on Booking

Leesburg, Virginia is a picturesque town with a historic downtown area about an hour outside of Washington, DC.

You’ll find a variety of boutique stores, restaurants, and cafes. There are also plenty of bars, breweries, and wineries nearby to grab a drink at. Stone Tower Winery is nestled in Northern Virginia’s wine country and is a great place to spend a weekend.

Leesburg is a quaint suburb that’s a comfortable place to raise a family. It’s close enough to Washington, DC that you can easily visit the city for special occasions. Or, if you live in DC, you can escape to Leesburg to enjoy quaint, small-town life.

Federick, Maryland

A charming town with small businesses and art galleries.

🏠 Population: 78,171 |📍 Google Maps | Frederick Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Federick on Booking

The town of Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland has a charming small-town feel. It’s just an hour from DC and makes for a great day or weekend trip.

Main Street has great restaurants. I especially love Brewer’s Alley—it’s my favorite place to dine and have a drink in town. Boutique shops also line the main street, selling clothes, tea, vintage maps, and yarn. Check out The Map Man Jim Tam to find a variety of historic maps and atlases.

Frederick is also renowned for its art galleries, many of which feature local artists. The Delaplaine Art Gallery and the FAC Art Center feature many Maryland-based artists.

Annapolis, Maryland

The capital of Maryland offers a quaint city atmosphere on the water.

See Also

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🏠 Population: 40,812 |📍 Google Maps | Annapolis Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Annapolis on Booking

Although it’s a large city, Annapolis feels quaint. The historic downtown is marked by the State House and a main street that leads to the harbor. Here, you’ll find many locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. I recommend taking a sunset harbor cruise to enjoy drinks and music while cruising down Severn River.

In the summer, you can see a show at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, an open-air local theater. There are many casual and fine dining waterfront restaurants set around the harbor.

Overall, Annapolis is a great weekend getaway from Washington, DC. This beautiful city is great for families and young people who want both a city and a small-town feel.

Bethesda, Maryland

An upscale suburb right outside of Washington, DC.

🏠 Population: 68,056|📍 Google Maps | Bethesda Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bethesda on Booking

Bethesda, Maryland is a town near Washington, DC just over the Northwest line. It’s often considered a suburb of DC because of its proximity.

Many people live in Bethesda and work in DC. The area is populated by both families and young adults. Nearby Chevy Chase and Silver Spring are other nearby urban suburbs of the city.

The town of Bethesda has a thriving arts and entertainment center. A show at the Bethesda Blue & Jazz Supper Club makes the perfect evening out. The town is an ideal place to spend a weekend evening outside of DC. And living in Bethesda, you will have close access to Washington, DC.

Rockville, Maryland

A vibrant town near Washington DC with a cozy hometown feel.

🏠 Population: 67,117 |📍 Google Maps | Rockville Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Rockville on Booking

Rockville is an urban suburb in the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area. Rockville is a little less than an hour north of Washington DC and is accessible by driving or on the DC metro. Many young couples and families settle down in Rockville, with some commuting into the DC area to work.

Rockville Town Square has shops and restaurants, creating a central area for residents to congregate. The town hosts plenty of family-friendly events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts in the summer and holiday festivals.

The city of Rockville is also about an hour away from Baltimore. This makes it a great central location between two large, metro cities.

Reston, Virginia

A comfortable planned community in Northern Virginia with dining and shopping options.

🏠 Population: 63,226 |📍 Google Maps | Reston Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Reston on Booking

Reston, Virginia is a suburban town located in Fairfax County near Washington D.C. It’s just an hour’s drive outside of DC, making it a popular suburb in the DMV area.

Reston Town Center is the main entertainment district, with popular area restaurants Barcelona Wine Bar and bartaco. It’s also near the famed Tyson’s Corner, which offers more shopping and dining.

Some Reston residents commute to DC for work, but Northern Virginia is a hub for many technology companies and government contractors, which provide a variety of job options. The suburb attracts young adults, families, and established adults to live.

Arlington, Virginia

A vibrant urban city across the river from Washington, DC.

🏠 Population: 238,643 |📍 Google Maps | Arlington Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Arlington on Booking

In Arlington, Virginia is located across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Here, you can enjoy all the benefits of city life.

Arlington is ideal for young people, singles, and couples, as it’s filled with apartments and townhouses. With easy access to DC, especially with the metro, many people live in Arlington and commute to DC. Plus, you’re close to cities in Northern Virginia and Alexandria.

There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options in Arlington. I like Big Buns in the Ballston neighborhood. It’s a delicious, fast-casual restaurant.

👉 Pro Tip: Arlington shares some of the same safety concerns as Washington D.C. when it comes to cars. Be cautious about leaving valuables in the car or leaving your car running.

Berlin, Maryland

A quaint, historic town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

🏠 Population: 5,026 |📍 Google Maps | Berlin Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Berlin on Booking

Berlin is a small historic town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Kent County. This is one of the best places to settle down if you enjoy a quiet life. Main Street in Berlin has many locally-owned shops and restaurants, including Burley Oak Brewing. The Mermaid Museum is a fun place for kids to explore.

Berlin makes a great weekend getaway from Washington D.C. Not only can you small town life, you can spend time by the Atlantic Ocean. The historic town is just seven miles from Ocean City and eight miles from Assateague Island National Seashore. It’s near other charming small towns on the Eastern Shore, such as Cambridge, Easton, and St. Micheals.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

A picturesque nature lovers’ paradise in the Shenandoah Valley.

🏠 Population: 284 |📍 Google Maps | Harpers Ferry Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Harpers Ferry on Booking

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a beautiful small town that outdoor enthusiasts will love. The town sits between the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The surrounding mountains offer outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, rafting, and canoeing.

The Jefferson County town is great for history buffs. Harpers Ferry has many historic buildings, antique shops, and a Civil War Museum. It also has a rich history with historic landmarks, including the site of the 1859 abolitionist raid.

For anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in Washington D.C., Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a must-visit.

Harrisonburg, Virginia

A small college town in the Shenandoah Valley.

🏠 Population: 51,814 |📍Google Maps | Harrisonburg Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Harrisonburg on Booking

Harrisonburg is a quaint college town in the Shenandoah Valley about two hours from Washington D.C. It’s mainly known as the home of James Madison University (my alma mater), but it’s a worthwhile visit even if you aren’t a college student or alumni.

Downtown Harrisonburg has plenty of shops and local restaurants. Billy Jack’s is a dive bar that serves a great brunch, but you have to get there early. At the Shops at Agora, you can support local artists, go thrifting, or grab a cup of coffee.

Lastly, Shenandoah National Park is only a short drive away and a great place to go hiking and camping.

👉 Pro Tip: Be cautious of major school events like homecoming, parents’ weekend, and graduation, as the small town can become busy. Summer is a great time to visit because that’s when Harrisonburg feels more like a small town rather than a college town.

Columbia, Maryland

One of the best places to live in Maryland and the United States.

🏠 Population: 104,681 |📍 Google Maps | Columbia Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Columbia on Booking

Columbia is a comfortable suburb between Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Columbia was recently voted one of the best places to live in the United States. Many people live in Columbia and commute to DC or Baltimore for work.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a popular concert venue and one of the most popular attractions in Columbia. The city center draws many residents to its local restaurants and boutique shops as well.

Columbia is a safe town with good schools. This makes Columbia an especially great place for families and young people looking to settle down.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

A small town with an important Civil War history.

🏠 Population: 7,106 |📍 Google Maps | Gettysburg Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Gettysburg on Booking

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is one of the most famous sites of the Civil War. This small town is a day trip from Washington D.C. and a wonderful place for history enthusiasts to spend the weekend.

Tour the Gettysburg Museum of History and check out the Cyclorama at Gettysburg National Military Park to immerse yourself in the battle. There are also historical reenactments on the anniversaries of the battle each year.

Fredericksburg, Virginia

An independent city with historical connections to the Civil War.

🏠 Population: 27,982 |📍 Google Maps | Fredericksburg Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Fredericksburg on Booking

The town of Fredericksburg, Virginia is about an hour south of Washington D.C., which makes a great day trip from the city. Fredericksburg is located on the Rappahannock, so it’s a great place to go kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Downtown Fredericksburg has art galleries, restaurants, shops, and bars for visitors and residents to explore. Plus, there are four Civil War battlefields nearby where history buffs can immerse themselves.

Fredericksburg is located about halfway between Richmond, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Some residents commute to either city for work, but the city itself has plenty of opportunities. Many families settle down here to enjoy the small-town suburban feel.

FAQs about Washington D.C. Towns

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These towns near Washington D.C. offer unique experiences for day trips and can be really cozy places to live. There is truly so much to explore throughout Washington, D.C., and beyond. Next, read my guide on where to stay in DC for more helpful travel information.