10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Germantown, Maryland
If you live in
Germantown, Maryland in Montgomery County, you’re in a sweet spot for quick, fun road trips. Within an hour or so, you can hit historic towns, big-city museums, waterfront views, and epic hiking trails—all without hopping on a plane.
This guide covers
10 short road trips from Germantown to nearby counties and D.C., with ideas for what to do, where to park, and how to make the most of a simple day off.
1. Washington, DC – Museums, Monuments, and City Vibes
Distance from Germantown: about 25–30 miles (roughly 45–60 minutes, traffic depending)
It’s hard to beat a day trip to
Washington, DC. Even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to see.
- Walk the National Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.
- Visit free museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.
- Check out the World War II Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
On my last DC day trip, I parked near the Mall and just walked until my feet gave up. If you go, wear comfy shoes and bring a water bottle—you’ll be surprised how many miles you rack up without even noticing.
Tip: Traffic into DC can be rough during rush hour. If you don’t want to deal with it, you can drive to a Metro station in another county and ride the train in.
2. Frederick, MD – Historic Downtown and Craft Beer
Distance from Germantown: about 25 miles north (around 30–40 minutes)
If you’re craving old brick streets, cute shops, and good food,
Frederick is your spot.
- Stroll along Carroll Creek Park with its bridges, fountains, and murals.
- Browse the boutiques and antique shops along Market Street.
- Sample local brews at one of the many craft breweries around downtown.
Frederick has that small-town charm without feeling sleepy. You can grab coffee, wander in and out of stores, then end the day with dinner at a local restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you can park the car once and just roam.
Perfect for: Date days, relaxed Saturdays, or showing off “small town Maryland” to out-of-town friends.
3. Catoctin Mountain & Cunningham Falls – Quick Mountain Escape (Frederick County)
Distance from Germantown: about 40–45 miles (roughly 50–60 minutes)
Looking for a nature fix? Head north to
Cunningham Falls State Park and
Catoctin Mountain in Frederick County.
- Hike to Cunningham Falls, one of Maryland’s most popular waterfalls.
- Pack a picnic and relax by the lake.
- Explore the wooded trails for a taste of the mountains without a long drive.
The hike to the falls is fairly short and not too hard, so it’s great for families or casual hikers. After a week of staring at screens, hearing the sound of water and wind in the trees feels like a reset button.
Tip: Weekends can get busy, especially in warm weather, so aim for earlier in the day for easier parking.
4. Columbia, MD – Family Fun and Lakefront Strolls (Howard County)
Distance from Germantown: about 30 miles east (around 40–50 minutes)
Columbia in Howard County is a planned community that actually feels pretty chill and green.
- Walk or bike around Lake Kittamaqundi or Wilde Lake.
- Grab lunch at the restaurants near the lakefront.
- Check out events and concerts at the nearby venues (especially in summer).
If you like easy walks and people-watching, the lake paths are perfect. You’ll see joggers, families with strollers, and folks just sitting on benches taking it all in.
Good to know: This is an easy, low-stress day trip—no big itinerary needed. Just drive over, walk, eat, relax, repeat.
5. Ellicott City, MD – Historic Main Street Charm (Howard County)
Distance from Germantown: about 35–40 miles (around 45–60 minutes)
Old
Ellicott City has tons of character. Think stone buildings, hills, and a main street that looks like it belongs in a movie.
- Wander the historic Main Street with its quirky shops and cafes.
- Check out antiques, candy stores, and local art.
- Enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the local restaurants or pubs.
The town has dealt with some serious flooding over the years, but it’s bounced back with heart. It feels like stepping into a little time capsule, but with good coffee and dessert.
Parking tip: There are lots and street parking, but it can fill up on nice weekends. Plan to circle once or twice.
6. National Harbor & MGM – Waterfront Lights and Nightlife (Prince George’s County)
Distance from Germantown: about 35–45 miles (roughly 45–60 minutes)
Want a waterfront vibe without driving to the beach?
National Harbor in Prince George’s County is a fun option.
- Walk along the Potomac River and check out the public art and shops.
- Ride the Capital Wheel for sweeping views of the water and DC area.
- Visit MGM National Harbor for dining, shows, and casino gaming.
At night, the harbor lights up in a way that makes you forget how close you are to home. It’s a nice “mini-getaway” feel, especially for a date night or friends’ outing.
Heads-up: Parking garages are plentiful, but there’s usually a fee—factor that into your budget.
7. Arlington, VA – Arlington National Cemetery & Pentagon Area
Distance from Germantown: about 30–35 miles (around 45–60 minutes)
Cross the river into Virginia and spend a day in
Arlington.
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and changing of the guard.
- Pay your respects at the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame.
- Explore nearby Pentagon City for shopping and food.
The cemetery is peaceful and powerful. Walking the grounds gives you a whole different appreciation for history and service. It’s not a “light” outing, but it’s deeply meaningful.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; the cemetery covers a lot of ground and has some hills.
8. Old Town Alexandria, VA – Cobblestones and Waterfront (Fairfax County area)
Distance from Germantown: about 35–40 miles (around 50–65 minutes)
Just south of DC,
Old Town Alexandria offers one of the most walkable historic downtowns in the region. While Alexandria is an independent city, it neighbors
Fairfax County and makes an easy combo with other Fairfax stops.
- Walk the King Street corridor with its shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- Head down to the waterfront for river views and street performers.
- Hop on the free King Street trolley if you don’t feel like walking the whole way.
On a nice day, you can easily spend hours just browsing and snacking. It has that “vacation town” feel without the long drive.
Parking tip: There’s street parking and garages, but it can get busy on weekends. Arrive earlier if you can.
9. Great Falls Park (VA side) – Epic River Views (Fairfax County)
Distance from Germantown: about 35–40 miles (around 45–60 minutes)
If you love dramatic scenery,
Great Falls Park in Fairfax County is a must.
- Walk to multiple overlooks to watch the Potomac River crash through the rocks.
- Hike some of the trails along the river and through the woods.
- Pack snacks or a picnic and hang out for a few hours.
Standing at the overlooks, you can feel the power of the river in a way that photos just don’t capture. It’s one of those places where everyone stops talking for a second and just stares.
Important: There’s an entrance fee per vehicle, and the parking lot can fill up on busy days. Try going earlier in the morning or on weekdays if your schedule allows.
10. Leesburg, VA & Loudoun Wine Country
Distance from Germantown: about 35–45 miles west (around 50–65 minutes)
Head out to
Loudoun County and you’ll find rolling hills, wineries, breweries, and historic Leesburg.
- Explore Historic Leesburg with its shops, cafes, and brick sidewalks.
- Visit a local winery or brewery in the surrounding countryside.
- Drive the back roads for classic Virginia farm views.
If you enjoy sipping a glass of wine while looking out over the hills, this area is perfect. Even if you’re not into wine, the scenery alone makes it worth the drive.
Plan ahead: Some wineries require reservations on weekends, and many are family-friendly but have rules about outside food, so check their websites before you go.
How to Make the Most of Your Germantown Road Trips
To keep your trips from feeling stressful, a little planning goes a long way:
- Pick a theme: Nature day, history day, food tour, or date night.
- Check traffic: Around DC, timing matters. Avoid rush hours if you can.
- Pack a “go bag”: Water, snacks, phone charger, light jacket, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit.
- Wear comfy shoes: Almost all of these spots involve walking.
When you think about it, Germantown is like a hub with spokes leading to history, culture, nature, and nightlife—all within about an hour’s drive.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Germantown
Have you tried any of these out-of-county road trips from
Germantown, Maryland?
Do you have a hidden gem in Frederick, DC, Northern Virginia, or Prince George’s you think more people should know about?
I’d love to hear from you.
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway or a tip I missed.
- Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “We should do something this weekend,” but never know where to go.
The next great day trip might be just a short drive away—and your idea could be the one that inspires someone else to hit the road.
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