With the summer approaching, we found 5 fun day trip locations to explore this summer. Each location is only a day’s drive both there and back and has a multitude of activities to partake in. So if you are free this summer, here are some perfect ideas for you and your friends to enjoy.

1. Washington D.C.

Living this close to the nation’s capital has many advantages. So why not spend a nice summer day there.  DC is located 30 minutes away from Rockville, but is likely to change due to traffic patterns. 

DC does not have the best parking availability and you often will need to parallel park or pay to enter a parking garage. Sometimes it can take forever to find a spot to park and can be frustrating for drivers. Be sure to calculate finding a parking spot into your schedule and plans for traveling the city.

 Once in the city, there are tons of museums, monuments, and parks to visit. Most museums in DC are free of charge and a great place to both have fun and learn simultaneously. A few museums that are worth a visit include the American History Museum, Natural History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and African American Culture and History Museum. Each museum has its own story and shows the history that makes up our lives today. 

Not only does DC offer museums, but it also has monuments like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. After walking through museums and monuments, you can stop at one of the many restaurants located around the city.

 Want something more casual? Grab an ice cream cone from any of the dozens of food trucks – a perfect treat to cool you off on a hot day. One day might not be able to cover all of the activities above so pick the ones you are interested in and go explore them. 

2. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

Maryland’s largest city of Baltimore is another perfect place to spend a summer day. Located 40 minutes away, the Inner Harbor provides a plethora of enjoyable activities. For one, the National Aquarium, where you can view countless marine species such as the Atlantic Puffin, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Electric Eel. Tickets are $40 per person, and they even offer behind the scenes tours. 

For a more educational experience, visit Baltimore’s Science Center at $25 a person. Still craving more? Visit the planetarium, demo stage, and countless science experiment rooms. Local restaurants in the area include Kona Grill, Rusty Scupper, and Miss Shirley’s Cafe to complete a fun summer day. 

3. River & Trail Outfitters – Harpers Ferry Location

If you are interested in a relaxing day with a few adventures and lots of fun, then the Harpers Ferry River is a perfect day trip for you. Depending on when you are planning your trip, it is around an hour drive, give or take, to River Trail & Outfitters from Rockville High School. 

River tubing is a great way to spend a warm summer day with friends or family. Just float down the river while talking and spending time with your loved ones. The ride is smooth and the combination of the hot sun and cool water is sure to relax and unwind. Especially after a long and stressful school year.  

If river tubing is not for you, River & Trail Outfitters also offers a variety of different river activities including white water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. There are not many food options close by, but there are some on the way there and back. Be prepared with water-appropriate clothing, as well as snacks and drinks for the trip in case you get hungry or thirsty. If you want to look into booking a day you can register online. Depending on the day, prices will range from 31-39 dollars per person.

4. North Beach, Maryland

Located about an hour away along the western coast of the Chesapeake Bay, North Beach is the perfect place for a one-day beach trip. A cool dip in the ocean is a great way to spend a relaxing summer day. Aside from the beautiful beach, North Beach offers a boardwalk with fun shops and restaurants, as well as the  Bayside History Museum free of charge. All shopping, restaurants, and salons are within walking distance from the boardwalk, pier, and beach. 

Additionally, bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for hourly or daily rental at the Welcome Center. Alongside that, Artworks @7th is a free art gallery you can visit. Make sure to bring some spending money for a sunny day at the boardwalk + beach. 

5. Annapolis

If you have a summer day that is empty, another great location to visit is our state capital, Annapolis. Annapolis  is a cute little city with tons of shops and restaurants. One of the best locations to shop is located on the Main Street, where you can find adorable modest shops to enjoy. 

 As you walk around Main Street and West Street make sure to keep an eye out for the street art around the city. Annapolis is full of street art that was put together by many artists over time. While walking around you might get hungry so be sure to stop by Annapolis Ice Cream Company to grab a sweet treat to cool down. The ice cream is homemade and a delicious treat on a summer day.

Finally if you have time you can also stop by the US Naval Academy to walk around and explore. There are many different tours of the Naval Academy or you can just explore around on your own. Annapolis is a great spot to go with friends, your family, or honestly just by yourself.