Road Trips from McLean, VA
From McLean, VA, you have a solid range of day trip options, mostly within a couple of hours. Most of the closer drives are under an hour and offer park access, with a few longer hauls that push into the 2-3 hour range for more substantial exploration. You've got a mix of drive types, from highway-focused to surface roads, but no mountainous terrain to worry about. If you're looking for a quick escape with park access or a longer drive to a different part of the state, there are several routes to consider.
Total Routes
9
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
8
Under 2 hours
Fairfax Station, VA
28m15.5 mi one way
For a short, 15.5-mile trip, Fairfax Station, VA, is just 30 minutes away. This drive primarily uses surface roads and scores a 7 for its drive quality. You'll also find access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, making it a very accessible park-focused outing.
Fort Hunt, VA
38m24.8 mi one way
This 24.8-mile route to Fort Hunt, VA, will take about 0.6 hours. It's characterized as a turn-heavy local drive with a drive score of 6. You'll have access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, offering a chance to explore near the water.
Broadlands, VA
31m21.3 mi one way
Broadlands, VA, is a 21.3-mile drive taking approximately 0.5 hours. This route involves a lot of turns and has a drive score of 6. A key feature here is access to both the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, offering significant historical and natural exploration.
Merrifield, VA
14m7.7 mi one way
Ashburn, VA
34m21.7 mi one way
Full-day getaway
Richmond, VA
2h 11m107.3 mi one way
This longer drive takes you 107.3 miles to Richmond, VA, in about 2.2 hours. It's a mixed drive with a high score of 9, offering a more substantial trip. You'll have access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Petersburg National Battlefield, providing historical depth.
East Highland Park, VA
2h 11m106.8 mi one way
East Highland Park, VA, is a 106.8-mile destination reachable in 2.2 hours. This mixed drive scores a 9, similar to Richmond, and also includes access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Petersburg National Battlefield for historical context.
Portsmouth, VA
3h 56m199.7 mi one way
The longest option, this 199.7-mile trip to Portsmouth, VA, takes about 3.9 hours. It's a mixed drive with a top score of 9. You get access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, making it a rich historical and coastal destination.
Weekend trip
Browse by Mood
Richmond, VA
2h 11m107.3 mi one way
East Highland Park, VA
2h 11m106.8 mi one way
Portsmouth, VA
3h 56m199.7 mi one way
Christiansburg, VA
4h 52m257.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good conditions for exploring the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and other parks accessible on the shorter drives, with mild weather for driving.
Summer
Summer is ideal for longer drives to coastal areas like Portsmouth, VA, with ample daylight for exploring historical sites and trails.
Fall
Fall foliage can enhance the mixed drives to destinations like Richmond or Brandermill, VA, complementing visits to historical battlefields.
Winter
Winter drives are feasible for all destinations, though park access might be limited on shorter, more local routes.
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 McLean, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.