3 Days of Outdoor Adventures around the Nation's Capital

Day 1: Urban Adventures in the Nation's Capital

Begin your adventure in Washington, DC where the National Mall (one of the nation's most visited National Parks) and the Potomac River provide numerous ways for urban adventurers to explore the city. 

Bike or Segway Tour
Discover the most unique, dynamic and fun way to enjoy Washington, DC's historic monuments and architecture with a professionally guided bicycle or Segway tour of the city's landmarks. After your tour, get an in-depth look at the city's top museums with a tour of the National Geographic Museum or at one of the Smithsonian's collection of museums, including the National Air & Space Museum. 

Paddle the Potomac River 
Enjoy kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding at Key Bridge Boathouse. Experience the tranquility of floating on the water combined with breathtaking views of Washington, DC's monuments, Teddy Roosevelt Island's wildlife and the Georgetown Waterfront. Bring a picnic and use our grills for a post-paddle lunch by the water. 

Monuments at Night Photography Safari 
Tour the city's iconic monuments and memorials at night and pick up some skills to capture the experience on one of Washington Photo Safari's Monuments at Night Tour. Your guide will take you on a 2.- hour walking tour of some of the most photogenic memorials, providing photography tips to perfectly capture your experience. 

Day 2: Explore the Mountains & Waterways of Maryland

Travel an hour west into Maryland to explore the region's rivers and mountains. 

Whitewater Raft Through Three States 
Experience class I-III rapids as you paddle through three states along the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. River & Trail Outfitters in Knoxville, MD takes you on a guided paddle along the Shenandoah River as it meets the Potomac River in Harper's Ferry, WV, carving a spectacular 6.5-mile watercourse through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Fly Through The Trees 
Book River & Trail Outfitters Zip & Splash package to include a trip along their 840-foot-long zip line after your whitewater adventure. It's the perfect way to keep your adrenaline running and to dry off after your rafting adventure. 

Cycle the C&O Canal
Rent a bike from C&O Bicycle to explore the Western Maryland section of the 184.5-mile-long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park. 

Day 3: Under & Above the Mountains of Virginia

Drive about two hours south to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. 

Go Underground at Luray Caverns 
From Titania's Veil to the Stalacpipe Organ (the world's largest musical instrument), you'll quickly discover why Luray Caverns is the largest and most popular cavern in the eastern US. The hourlong guided walking tour along paved walkways explores 1.25 miles of the caverns underground.

Hiking in Shenandoah National Park
With more than 500 mile of trails, including 105 miles of the renowned Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah Park is home to nearly endless hiking opportunities. Visit the park's website to find your perfect hike.

Stargazing in the Mountains
Finish your journey of the Capital Region's outdoors taking in the crystal-clear night sky with one of Shenandoah National Park's astronomy programs, including twilight hikes or their annual Night Sky Festival.