A road trip around the Capital Region

If you're looking for a USA road trip with a dash of history, culture, and seaside charm, then this fly-drive itinerary through the Capital Region is your next adventure. From the iconic monuments of Washington, DC to the sands of Virginia Beach and the cobbled streets of Annapolis, here's how to spend 11 unforgettable days on the road.

Touchdown in Washington, DC

Acclimatise yourself with a wander through the National Mall. Washington, DC doesn’t just deliver on the grandeur – think the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Hill – it’s also home to 17 incredible (and free!) Smithsonian museums. Whether you’re lost in the vastness of outerspace or losing yourself in art, there’s only-in-DC experiences waiting for around every. Come evening, head to a rooftop bar in the buzzy 14th Street U Street NW corridor or tuck into oysters at one of the city’s waterfront restaurants.

VUE Rooftop: Credit - Destination DC

Skyline Drive to Charlottesville

Pick up your hire car and head towards the majestic Shenandoah National Park. You’ll wind your way along Skyline Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway where sweeping views and photo stops abound. Your destination today is Charlottesville – a charming university town that once counted Thomas Jefferson as a local. Think leafy streets, independent boutiques and cosy cafes.

Skyline Drive: Credit Virginia Tourism

Monticello & Richmond

Before you leave Charlottesville, take a step back in time at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – a stately home with breathtaking gardens. Then, on to Richmond, Virginia’s capital with bags of Southern swagger. It’s a place where historic charm meets modern energy. Explore Scott’s Addition, a once-industrial neighbourhood now transformed into a vibrant hub of craft breweries, rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, and reimagined industrial spaces. Then step back in time in Church Hill, one of the nation’s oldest neighbourhoods, where cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved 19th-century homes, and iconic spots like St. John’s Church bring America’s rich history to life.

Richmond: Credit Scott Brown, Virginia Tourism
 
Time Travel in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is like stepping into an 18th-century painting. Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living museum with costumed townsfolk, cobbled streets and candlelit taverns. You might just forget it’s the 21st century. Fancy a thrill? Busch Gardens is nearby – think white-knuckle rides and entertaining shows, all with a European twist.

Coastal Calm in Virginia Beach

Before hitting the coast, pop into Jamestown and Yorktown – pivotal spots in America’s colonial and revolutionary story. Then roll into Virginia Beach, boasting the world’s longest pleasure beach. Whether you’re up for jet-skiing or just lounging with a good book, the Atlantic is calling. By evening, sip a cocktail at Waterman’s Surfside Grill while the sun dips below the waves.

 
Chesapeake Charm in Annapolis

Today’s a longer drive, but Annapolis is worth every mile. This quaint maritime town is the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, and it oozes old-world charm. Wander the historic streets, explore the U.S. Naval Academy, and tuck into blue crab at a waterfront eatery. The air smells of salt and sails, relax in the coastal ambience.

Baltimore Bound

A short hop brings you to Baltimore, aka “Charm City” It’s lively, colourful, and brimming with personality. The Inner Harbor is great for sightseeing and the National Aquarium is a must. Head to Fells Point for cobbled streets, vintage pubs and a plate of famous Maryland crab cakes.

Farewell via Mount Vernon

Before catching your flight, swing by Mount Vernon – George Washington’s beautifully preserved riverside estate. It’s a fitting end to a journey that’s blended the best of America’s history, culture, and coast.