DC is known for its traffic so most people don’t associate driving with relaxation around here. But if you travel farther outside the city, you will enjoy peaceful winding back roads that will provide you with incredible views and an enjoyable trip! These are the 7 best back roads around DC.
- GW Parkway
Flickr/bankbryan The George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the most gorgeous drives around the area. You can hop on the parkway just across the bridge from the District in Arlington and take it past gorgeous views of the Potomac to Great Falls.
- Route 50 West
Flickr/J. Sibiga Photography The Route 50 West in Northern Virginia will take you out to the rolling hills of Middleburg. You’ll drive by stretches and stretches of countryside dotted by wineries and farms. Stop in at one the many small towns along the way for shopping or a bite to eat.
- Snickersville Turnpike
Flickr/Skip Steuart Out in Loudoun County, VA, Snickersville is a rural scenic byway that offers drivers a relaxing road set against beautiful scenery.
- Beach Drive
Flickr/Dion Hinchcliffe Located in Rock Creek Park, Beach Drive is a spectacularly beautiful drive. Whether you go in the fall when the leaves are turning colors or in the spring when you are surrounded by green, Washingtonians can escape the hustle of the city without going far.
- Route 15
Flickr/Bill Herndon Another Virginia byway that is ideal for a country drive. This route will take you open and uncluttered Virginia landscape. In the fall, the views are breathtaking.
- Route 673
Flickr/formulanone This ride, which you can get to by Route 15, takes you south towards the Appalachian Trail. You’ll pass cute towns, past farms and vineyards with the outline of the mountain ranges in the distance.
- Route 7
Flickr/Doug Kerr Route 7 in Northern Virginia drives out to Loudoun Country. Once out there, you can cruise by charming towns like Purcellville, gorgeous open land, miles of trees, hills and endless countryside.
While you’re out exploring backroads, you might want to visit these charming 16 small towns near Washington DC!
Flickr/bankbryan
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the most gorgeous drives around the area. You can hop on the parkway just across the bridge from the District in Arlington and take it past gorgeous views of the Potomac to Great Falls.
Flickr/J. Sibiga Photography
The Route 50 West in Northern Virginia will take you out to the rolling hills of Middleburg. You’ll drive by stretches and stretches of countryside dotted by wineries and farms. Stop in at one the many small towns along the way for shopping or a bite to eat.
Flickr/Skip Steuart
Out in Loudoun County, VA, Snickersville is a rural scenic byway that offers drivers a relaxing road set against beautiful scenery.
Flickr/Dion Hinchcliffe
Located in Rock Creek Park, Beach Drive is a spectacularly beautiful drive. Whether you go in the fall when the leaves are turning colors or in the spring when you are surrounded by green, Washingtonians can escape the hustle of the city without going far.
Flickr/Bill Herndon
Another Virginia byway that is ideal for a country drive. This route will take you open and uncluttered Virginia landscape. In the fall, the views are breathtaking.
Flickr/formulanone
This ride, which you can get to by Route 15, takes you south towards the Appalachian Trail. You’ll pass cute towns, past farms and vineyards with the outline of the mountain ranges in the distance.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Route 7 in Northern Virginia drives out to Loudoun Country. Once out there, you can cruise by charming towns like Purcellville, gorgeous open land, miles of trees, hills and endless countryside.
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