Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Arlington, Virginia and Friendly, Maryland

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington, Virginia to Friendly, Maryland? There are plenty of great places to stop and explore along the way. Whether you're interested in history, natural beauty, or just good food, you'll find something to enjoy on this route. Here are five of the best places to visit on your trip.

Exploring Washington, DC

Halfway between Arlington and Friendly lies the nation's capital, Washington, DC. There's so much to see and do here that it's hard to know where to start, but here are a few highlights.

The National Mall

The National Mall is a huge park in the center of DC that's home to many of the city's iconic monuments and memorials. You can spend a whole day here exploring the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, just to name a few. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water!

Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution operates 19 museums and galleries in DC, and they're all free to the public. Whether you're interested in art, history, science, or culture, there's a museum for you. Some of the most popular are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History.

The Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is a beautiful man-made lake that's surrounded by cherry blossom trees. If you time your visit right (usually in late March or early April), you can see the trees in full bloom and attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Even if you miss the festival, the Tidal Basin is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic.

Visiting Mount Vernon

Just a few miles south of Arlington is Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. This historic estate is now a museum that's dedicated to preserving Washington's legacy and educating visitors about life in colonial America.

The tour of Mount Vernon will take you through the mansion, the gardens, and the outbuildings where Washington's slaves worked. You can also visit the tombs where Washington and his family are buried. The museum has many interactive exhibits and programs for children, as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

Hiking in Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is a beautiful natural area along the Potomac River, just north of Arlington. The park has many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the river and the falls. You can also go kayaking, fishing, or rock climbing in the park.

One of the most popular trails is the Billy Goat Trail, which is a challenging 4-mile hike that involves scrambling over rocks and boulders. If you're not up for that, there are several easier trails that still offer great views.

Sampling Crabs in Annapolis

Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and a charming historic town that's famous for its seafood. The town is situated on the Chesapeake Bay, which is known for its blue crabs. There are many restaurants in Annapolis that serve crabs in various forms, from crab cakes to crab soups to whole steamed crabs.

In addition to the seafood, Annapolis has many historic sites and museums to explore. You can tour the Maryland State House, visit the Naval Academy, or go on a ghost tour of the town.

Learning About Black History in Baltimore

Baltimore is a major city in Maryland that's known for its museums and cultural attractions. One of the most important museums in Baltimore is the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating black history.

The museum has many lifelike wax figures of famous black Americans, as well as exhibits on slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and African culture. This is a great place to learn about history that isn't covered in most textbooks.

Conclusion

There you have it - five great places to visit on your trip from Arlington, Virginia to Friendly, Maryland. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just good food, this route has something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, hit the road, and have a great time exploring the Mid-Atlantic region!