The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Arbutus, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia
Arbutus, Maryland, and Arlington, Virginia, are two beautiful cities located just 45 minutes apart from each other. Both cities are rich in history and culture, and there is so much to see and do along the way. A road trip from Arbutus to Arlington is a great opportunity to explore the area's many attractions, including museums, parks, and historic sites. College Park, MD, serves as the halfway point of the trip and offers a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in aviation and space exploration. The museum houses the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, including the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 Command Module, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Visitors will marvel at the size and significance of these objects while learning about the stories behind them.
Interesting fact: The museum's first artifact was a wooden propeller from the Wright brothers' plane.
2. Take a stroll through Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens was the home of George Washington and is now a living museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the first president of the United States. Visitors can tour the mansion, explore the gardens, and visit the slave quarters and other museum exhibits. The estate also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
Interesting fact: George Washington's famous dentures were not made from wood, but were instead crafted from a combination of human and animal teeth.
3. Explore the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a 184.5-mile-long national park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The park includes a visitor center, hiking and biking trails, and boat tours along the canal. Visitors will learn about the canal's importance in the region's history and marvel at the natural beauty of the area.
Interesting fact: The canal was constructed to compete with the Erie Canal and transport goods from the Midwest to the East Coast.
4. Tour the United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year undergraduate college that trains future officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Visitors can take a guided tour of the academy, which includes visits to the main chapel, the crypt of John Paul Jones, and Bancroft Hall, the largest dormitory in the world. Visitors will also see midshipmen in training and learn about the academy's rigorous academic and physical programs.
Interesting fact: The academy first opened its doors in 1845 and has been training naval officers ever since.
5. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a Smithsonian museum that tells the story of African Americans in the United States. The museum's exhibits cover slavery, civil rights, entertainment, sports, and more. Visitors will learn about the contributions that African Americans have made to American history and culture and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they have faced.
Interesting fact: The museum's collection includes items such as Harriet Tubman's shawl and Michael Jackson's fedora.
Conclusion
The road trip from Arbutus, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, science, or culture, there are plenty of attractions to explore and enjoy. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, but there are many opportunities to stop along the way and make the most of your journey. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a trip filled with adventure and discovery!