7 Weekend Getaways Near Northern Virginia

From hot springs to art museums, these destinations are all within a 6-hour drive of NOVA.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:03pm

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Looking to plan a quick weekend trip from Northern Virginia? Check out these seven destinations, all within a 6-hour drive, including the historic town of Smithfield, the natural beauty of the Great Dismal Swamp, and the art and culture of Norfolk.

Why it matters

Northern Virginia residents have a wealth of weekend trip options just a short drive away, allowing them to easily explore new places, experience different activities, and discover unique local attractions without having to travel too far from home.

The details

The seven weekend trip destinations near Northern Virginia include Berkeley Springs, West Virginia (1 hour 45 minutes); the Chrysler Museum of Art and Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk (3 hours 30 minutes); the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (3 hours 30 minutes); Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia (4 hours); the town of Smithfield, Virginia, known for its ham (3 hours); Virginia Beach (3 hours); and the Virginia Creeper Trail in southwest Virginia (5 hours 30 minutes). Each location offers a variety of activities, from soaking in hot springs and hiking to visiting art museums and exploring historic sites.

  • The article was published on March 16, 2026.

The players

Berkeley Springs

A town in West Virginia known for its relaxing hot springs and high-quality tap water.

Chrysler Museum of Art

An art museum located in Norfolk, Virginia.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

An art museum and gardens located in Norfolk, Virginia, near the Elizabeth River.

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

A 113,000-acre wildlife refuge on the border of North Carolina and Virginia, home to over 200 bird species.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

A state park in Virginia featuring the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, as well as hiking trails and other amenities.

Smithfield

A town in Virginia known as the 'Ham Capital of the World,' with a museum that displays the world's oldest ham.

Virginia Beach

A popular beach destination on the Virginia coast.

Virginia Creeper Trail

A 32-mile trail in southwest Virginia popular for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.

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The takeaway

Northern Virginia residents have a wealth of weekend getaway options within a short drive, allowing them to easily explore new destinations, experience different activities, and discover unique local attractions without having to travel too far from home.