You have your reasons to change things up.
Perhaps the students at your school do not travel often and you want them to see and experience as much as possible.
Maybe you’re looking for a trip that’s multi-dimensional, combining science and history.
You want to dig deeper into more specific areas of your curriculum, such as the battle of Gettysburg.
You feel that travel should be fun! You’re interested in adding a “fun day” to the end of the trip.
Perhaps you’ve taken students to D.C. for 10 years in a row, and you want to do something different to keep it exciting.
Whatever your reason, there are many great options available. We recommend selecting an add-on destination that is en route to Washington D.C., so that your school can visit on your way to or from our nation’s capital without adding extra travel time. We’ll get you started with the suggestions below. Let us know if you have questions about any of these add-on cities.
Baltimore
Explore science, history, literature and more in nearby Baltimore!
Distance from Washington D.C.: 41 miles
City Highlights:
- National Aquarium
- Fort McHenry
- Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum
- The Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
- Camden Yards
- B&O Railroad Museum
Gettysburg
Nothing makes a history lesson come alive more than walking on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Expert guides will lead your students through the three days of battle and the historic town.
Distance from Washington D.C.: 80 miles
City Highlights:
- Gettysburg Museum and Visitor’s Center
- Battlefield Guided Tour
- Gettysburg National Cemetery
- Gettysburg Cyclorama
- The David Wills House
Rehobeth Beach, Delaware Beach State Park
Delaware Beach State Park is a great add-on city for teachers looking to add a science component to their trip. Students will get hands-on with science, seining the bay for sea creatures and dissecting squid.
Distance from Washington D.C.: 125 miles
City Highlights:
- Seining the Bay
- Marsh Walk
- Estuarine Ecology Boat Tour
- Beach combing
- Birding Bingo
- Life of a Surfman Program
- Squid Dissection
- Stargazing
- Lantern Tour of the Museum
Philadelphia
Dive into history in Philadelphia. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and many other national icons.
Distance from Washington D.C.: 143 miles
City Highlights:
Williamsburg
Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg for an immersive history experience.
Distance from Washington D.C.: 153 miles
City Highlights:
- Wythe House
- Capital
- Jamestown Settlement
- Paspahegh Town
- James Fort
- Governor’s Palace
- Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant Sailing Ships
- Busch Gardens
Ready to plan your school trip? Click the button below to get started!