Please help - flights to and from Dulles booked

Question

I’ve booked return flights from London to Washington DC for 8 nights with my husband and 2 teenage daughters. I’m starting to panic regarding if 8 days is going to be too long. I was planning on spending 5 nights in DC but I’m struggling to see how and where to spend the last 3 nights as we have to get back to Dulles to fly back to London

I’m actually thinking of cancelling the flights as im

Struggling with an itinerary - I have looked at Williamsburg as the girls would like Busch Gardens but would 3 days be too long down here as it’s a long drive and we would need to hire a car plus there doesn’t seem to many good hotels down there.

Philly too far away to get back to DC for a flight? Or should we spend another 3 days in another part of Washington?

Answer

Eight days in the DC area can be a very comfortable trip, allowing you to see the highlights of the capital without feeling rushed. Five nights in Washington DC is a solid plan, giving you enough time to explore the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, monuments, and some neighborhoods like Georgetown, Capitol Hill, or Dupont Circle.

For the remaining three nights, it makes sense to consider destinations within a 2-3 hour drive to keep your travel time reasonable and ensure an easy return to Dulles for your flight.

Option 1: Extend your DC stay with day trips

If your family prefers to avoid long drives and car rentals, staying in DC and taking day trips is a good solution:

Mount Vernon: Visit George Washington’s estate (about 30 minutes from downtown DC).
Alexandria, VA: Charming historic district with shops, restaurants, and waterfront views (15-20 minutes from DC).
Great Falls Park: Scenic outdoor spot for hiking and picnics (20-30 minutes from DC).

This approach allows you to enjoy new experiences without changing hotels and reduces stress before your flight.

Option 2: Short trip to a nearby city or town

If you want a change of scenery, consider destinations within a reasonable driving distance:

Williamsburg, VA: About 2.5-3 hours from DC. You could visit Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, and enjoy a historic town atmosphere. Three days may feel long if the main focus is just Busch Gardens, but you could break it up with historic tours and walks through the colonial area.
Annapolis, MD: About 45 minutes from DC. Historic waterfront, Naval Academy tours, sailing, and charming streets. One or two nights here could be relaxing without needing a car if you mostly explore on foot.
Harper’s Ferry, WV: About 1.5 hours from DC. Small historic town with hiking and scenic views at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Ideal for 1-2 nights.

Option 3: Baltimore, MD

Approximately 1 hour from DC, Baltimore has attractions like the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and vibrant neighborhoods. Staying 1-2 nights allows a change of scenery with minimal driving stress.

Tips:

Since your flight is from Dulles, avoid destinations that are more than a 3-hour drive to reduce stress on your last day.
Car rental is recommended for Williamsburg or Harper’s Ferry but not necessary for Annapolis or Baltimore.
Staying closer to DC gives more flexibility and lets you use Uber, Metro, or taxis to get around without worrying about parking.

In summary, five nights in DC is perfect for sightseeing, and the remaining three nights could either be spent in nearby scenic or historic towns for a relaxed getaway or split into short day trips while staying in DC. Williamsburg is feasible but may be more appealing if your family wants a dedicated theme park experience combined with history.