The Summer Getaway Guide

While DC is a perfect spot for that “summer-in-the-city” energy with its lively streets and vibrant nightlife, there are so many ways to beat the heat just a short jaunt outside the city limits. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend escape, the DMV is brimming with summer destination opportunities, and we’ve hand-picked some of the best spots in the region for your most luxurious summer yet.

 

A short one-and-a-half-hour drive away, St. Michael’s is a celebrated Maryland destination not to be missed. A coastal town known for its rich history in shipbuilding and oyster fishery, it is now considered a haven for foodies and boat lovers alike. The Inn at Perry Cabin offers contemporary accommodations with impressive amenities – a Sailing Academy, twenty-six acres of gardens, tennis courts, and a therapeutic spa to indulge your senses and unwind in style. Enjoy their on-site dining options or grab a bicycle and pedal into town for a day of wandering the upscale boutiques and exploring the many historic sites and local museums.

 

Yacht lovers, this one’s for you: The Inn at Perry Cabin offers a “Skip the Bridge” package departing from Edgewater on their 55-foot Hinckley Yacht. A short 45-minute drive from DC, park your car and climb aboard, unwinding with the ocean breeze while indulging in charcuterie and champagne as you slowly cruise the scenic waterway to St Michael’s.

 

For the boat-lovers and sailing aficionados, choose from a variety of state-of-the-art luxury yachts to cruise the Bay from Sailtime, from modern yachts perfect for a romantic sunset cruise to a boat perfect for a weekend getaway with the whole family. Browse their multiple membership options or take lessons at their prestigious Sailing School and become a sailing expert yourself. 

 

Stay and play this summer at Queenstown Harbor, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from DC. Their grand cottages and thoughtfully designed bungalows offer a variety of booking options to suit every party size, and their customizable menus feature a variety of chef-made seasonal meals delivered right to your door.

 

Choose from one of two 18-hole courses – the River Course or the Lakes Course – both offering spectacularly manicured grounds with stunning water views. (Overnight booking guests are also provided access privileges to their fully private, prestigious sister course The Golf Club at South River, just outside of Annapolis, MD.) You can also take a virtual fly-over tour of the property to catch a glimpse of the breath-taking views.

 

Famous for its sightings of over 300 wild horses and its ever-changing coastline, Assateague Island is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway – or a day trip if you’re an early riser and enjoy a scenic drive. At just over 140 miles from DC, the Island is accessible by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge offering half a mile of skyline and ocean views. Straddling the Virginia/Maryland border, the Island boasts diverse terrains to explore, from salt marshes and coastal bays to maritime forests and sandy beaches. Horseback riding, guided tours, crabbing and fishing are just a few of the many activities in this unique and adventurous locale. Cyclists and boaters alike flock to the area for the impressive views along the four bike paths and multiple boat launch areas, perfect for canoes and kayaks (and swimming, of course!). For accommodations, explore the many Bed and Breakfasts and hotel accommodations in the nearby Ocean City.

 

Wine-lovers rejoice! With a host of private guided (and chauffeured) wine tours from DC, forget driving and leave the planning to the experts. Round up a group of friends and take a day-trip with a private tour company like Black Hawk, offering wine tours with luxury transportation throughout Virginia, to some of the best wineries in the region.

If you’re more of a DIY-excursion type, you’ll want to add these favorite local wineries to your list. Windridge Vineyards (less than an hour North-west of DC) and Walsh Family Wine (an hour from DC).

Windridge offers intimate, unique experiences from small groups of up to 8, with a philosophy of celebrating the unique terroir of Maryland. Walsh Family Wine hosts a series of incredible summer events you won’t want to miss, from live music and performances to farm-to-table meals with celebrity chefs and fresh blue crab fests.

 

Keswick Hall is not only one of Virginia’s most beautifully curated luxury resorts – it also features nationally recognized chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s distinctive cuisine at their signature restaurant Marigold. Expect casual elegance, an ever-changing menu to reflect what is in-season, hand-crafted cocktails, and discerning design features throughout.

 

Spend your mornings enjoying a latté at The Counter while browsing luxury goods in their on-site boutique, and opt for a chic and comfortable lunch at Crawford’s.

 

Keswick’s luxury accommodations have them highly sought-after, but it’s the resort’s amenities that truly add to the unforgettable experience. The Spa features nature-inspired, cutting-edge products in all their services, and is a perfect way to unwind. Enjoy a round of golf on their award-winning 18-hole course designed by the legendary Pete Dye; play a game of tennis on their European red clay courts; or enjoy the Horizon Pool’s cascading waterfall and temperature controlled waters.

 

A private retreat with ultra-luxe accommodations, Waterperry Farm is located just twenty minutes from historic Charlottesville. With over one hundred acres of lush property to explore, take in the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as your scenic backdrop and wander the ten acres of elegant gardens and woodland paths. Enjoy a swim in their luxury pool, a game of tennis, or kick back with a book in one of the many outdoor patios. Their impeccably designed collection of custom guest houses host up to fourteen guests, featuring immaculate finishings and thoughtful touches to provide you and your guests with a truly peaceful and nourishing stay. Add a custom wine tour, yoga class, private tour of Monticello, or hire one of the farm’s expert personal chefs; relax in the hammocks or take in the sights and sounds of the pond and waterfall on site. Car service is available. Book directly on their website.