Road Trips from Arlington, VA
Planning a quick getaway from Arlington? You've got options for day trips that are mostly flat, with a few longer drives offering gently rolling terrain and access to significant parks. Most routes are under four hours, making them perfect for a spontaneous escape. You can hit up historical battlefields and scenic trails on shorter hops, or venture further to national parks and monuments if you have a bit more time. These trips are primarily set up for a single day, but the variety means you can tailor it to your mood.
Total Routes
29
Shortest
2.2h
With Parks Nearby
29
Full-day getaway
13 total in this range
Lawrenceville, VA
3h 34m174.2 mi one way
This is a straightforward 3.6-hour drive, predominantly on highways, making it an efficient option if you want to maximize time at your destination. It's a shorter and more direct route than the longer drives to Chatmoss or Bassett, and shares park proximity with several other close-by destinations.
Franklin, VA
3h 50m186.9 mi one way
A 3.8-hour trip that balances highway and surface roads, this route offers a familiar driving experience. Like many of the closer options, it provides access to Petersburg National Battlefield and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, but at a slightly longer distance than Lawrenceville.
Blackstone, VA
3h 22m157.4 mi one way
At 3.4 hours, this is one of the quicker escapes, using a mix of highway and surface roads. It’s more direct than the longer routes to southwestern Virginia and offers the same nearby park access as several other destinations within a similar driving time frame.
Bracey, VA
3h 48m193.3 mi one way
This 3.8-hour drive is mostly highway, similar to the Lawrenceville route, meaning a relatively quick journey. It’s a bit longer than the trips to Blackstone or Franklin, but still well within a day-trip range, with access to Petersburg National Battlefield and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
Bellwood, VA
2h 20m114.9 mi one way
The shortest option at 2.3 hours, this drive uses a mix of highway and surface roads. It's a convenient choice if you're looking for a quick escape to areas near Petersburg National Battlefield and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, significantly less driving than the longer trips.
Weekend trip
15 total in this range
Chatmoss, VA
5h 42m252.2 mi one way
This is your longest day trip at 5.7 hours, featuring gently rolling terrain and a mix of highway and surface roads. It stands out for its proximity to Shenandoah National Park and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, destinations not accessible on the shorter, flatter routes.
Cedar Bluff, VA
4h 27m235.8 mi one way
Bassett, VA
5h 36m283.7 mi one way
At 5.6 hours, this is a longer drive primarily on highways, offering a different terrain with gently rolling hills. It provides access to parks like Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park and Booker T Washington National Monument, making it a more involved trip than the closer, flatter options.
Blacksburg, VA
5h 4m263.7 mi one way
Covington, VA
4h 13m225 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Lawrenceville, VA
3h 34m174.2 mi one way
Chatmoss, VA
5h 42m252.2 mi one way
Franklin, VA
3h 50m186.9 mi one way
Blackstone, VA
3h 22m157.4 mi one way
Franklin, VA
3h 50m186.9 mi one way
Blackstone, VA
3h 22m157.4 mi one way
West Point, VA
2h 43m127.3 mi one way
Blacksburg, VA
5h 4m263.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Enjoy the blooming scenery on the flatter terrain routes, with easy access to Petersburg National Battlefield and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail for pleasant day trips.
Summer
Escape the heat with drives towards areas near Shenandoah National Park or Booker T Washington National Monument, appreciating the gently rolling terrain on longer excursions.
Fall
Experience the changing leaves on the longer drives through gently rolling terrain, particularly those offering access to national parks and historical sites.
Winter
Opt for the shorter, mostly flat terrain routes to Petersburg National Battlefield or the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail for manageable day trips in cooler weather.
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 Arlington, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.