Road Trips from Alexandria, VA
Heading out from Alexandria, VA? You've got options for day trips that keep you mostly on highways with flat terrain, perfect for a quick escape. Several destinations put you within a few hours' drive and offer access to significant historical parks. If you're looking for something a bit longer, there are also routes that extend to over five hours, incorporating more varied terrain and even national parks. This list covers shorter drives with historical sites nearby, as well as longer hauls with more extensive park access.
Total Routes
57
Shortest
1.4h
With Parks Nearby
55
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
18 total in this range
Blackstone, VA
3h 17m155.6 mi one way
This 155-mile drive to Blackstone, VA, is a straightforward 3.3-hour trip. It's a mostly highway route with flat terrain, making it an easy day trip. You'll have access to Petersburg National Battlefield, one of the parks highlighted for these southern Virginia routes.
Farmville, VA
3h 25m163.2 mi one way
A quick 3.4-hour drive, this 163-mile route to Farmville, VA, is primarily highway. Like many options from Alexandria, it offers access to Petersburg National Battlefield and also includes Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, adding another layer of historical exploration.
Franklin, VA
3h 46m185 mi one way
This 185-mile option to Franklin, VA, takes about 3.8 hours. It's a mix of highway and surface roads, and the terrain remains mostly flat. Petersburg National Battlefield is accessible from this route, similar to other southern Virginia destinations.
Victoria, VA
3h 38m169.5 mi one way
At 169.5 miles and 3.6 hours, the drive to Victoria, VA, is a solid day trip. It’s a mostly highway route across flat terrain. Petersburg National Battlefield is the park closest to this destination, offering historical context for your drive.
Waverly, VA
2h 59m151.1 mi one way
Weekend trip
36 total in this range
Halifax, VA
4h 23m211 mi one way
For a longer excursion, consider the 211-mile drive to Halifax, VA, which takes 4.4 hours. This route uses mixed highway and surface roads and passes through mostly flat terrain. It offers access to Petersburg National Battlefield and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
Mountain Road, VA
4h 28m214.5 mi one way
This 214.5-mile trip to Mountain Road, VA, requires 4.5 hours of driving. It features a mix of highway and surface roads with mostly flat terrain. You'll have opportunities to visit Petersburg National Battlefield and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
Danville, VA
5h 7m243.1 mi one way
The longest direct option on this list, the 243.1-mile drive to Danville, VA, takes 5.1 hours. It's a mixed highway and surface road route across flat terrain. Petersburg National Battlefield is the park accessible from this particular trip.
Concord, VA
4h198.1 mi one way
This 198.1-mile drive to Concord, VA, is a 4-hour trip. The route mixes highway and surface roads with mostly flat terrain. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is nearby, making it a good choice for history buffs.
Altavista, VA
4h 30m200.4 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Blackstone, VA
3h 17m155.6 mi one way
Halifax, VA
4h 23m211 mi one way
Farmville, VA
3h 25m163.2 mi one way
Mountain Road, VA
4h 28m214.5 mi one way
Blackstone, VA
3h 17m155.6 mi one way
Farmville, VA
3h 25m163.2 mi one way
Danville, VA
5h 7m243.1 mi one way
Franklin, VA
3h 46m185 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild weather for exploring the historical parks like Petersburg National Battlefield and Appomattox Court House, accessible on these mostly flat, highway-focused routes.
Summer
Summer drives to destinations like Rushmere, VA, allow access to multiple historical monuments and parks, ideal for longer daylight hours.
Fall
The fall season is suitable for exploring the historical parks near routes like the one to Concord, VA, with its primarily flat terrain and highway profile.
Winter
Winter travel on these mostly highway routes with flat terrain to destinations like Blackstone, VA, is feasible, though park access might be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Alexandria, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.