One of the most popular is cruising Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Nature is the main appeal, with activities on land and in the water. Luray, Virginia, may only be about two hours from Washington, DC, but your family getaway will feel worlds away.

If that’s not enough excitement during your Memorial Day Weekend getaway near DC with kids, Kings D ominion, with Soak City Water Park, is just 30 minutes away. End your day on the small boardwalk, with several restaurants, mini golf, and an arcade. Want to strike it rich? Park programs like Stampmill Sam’s Gold Adventure bring kids and parents to the Goodwin Gold Mine and discover how gold was mined in Virginia in the late 1800s. Lake Anna State Park offers a wide range of attractions for adventurers, young and old, including 12 family-friendly hiking trails, a beach, fishing, swimming, boating, playgrounds, and more. No wonder it’s one of the best Memorial Day Weekend getaways near Washington DC for families! Of course, summer on the lake is undoubtedly a highlight for visitors of all ages. It’s a popular destination for mid-Atlantic visitors looking to experience a little “lake life.” Virginia’s second-largest lake spans three counties and offers year-round activities. Lake Anna offers 200 miles of shoreline, just an hour and a half from Washington, DC. Lake Anna, VA Photo Courtesy: Virginia State Parks

Gold strike inn