Road Trip from Chantilly, VA to Dundalk, MD
Are you looking for a fun road trip adventure that includes museums, parks, and landmarks? Look no further! This road trip from Chantilly, VA to Dundalk, MD has it all.
Did you know that this route takes you through the heart of the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia)? You'll have plenty of opportunities to see iconic American landmarks and beautiful natural scenery.
About halfway through the trip, you'll reach Silver Spring, MD, a vibrant community full of restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks. Make sure to stop and explore the area before continuing on your journey.
The distance from Chantilly to Dundalk is approximately 70 miles, which can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Without further ado, here are the top five places to visit on this road trip:
1. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Udvar-Hazy Center
Located in Chantilly, VA, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Udvar-Hazy Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or space travel. The museum features hundreds of artifacts, including planes, spacecrafts, and satellites. You won't want to miss the Space Shuttle Discovery or the Enola Gay, the infamous plane that dropped the first atomic bomb.
Point of Interest: After visiting the museum, take a stroll around the nearby Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to enjoy beautiful views of airplanes taking off and landing at Dulles International Airport.
2. Great Falls Park
Drive 30 minutes east to Great Falls Park, just outside of Washington, DC. This park is a nature lover's paradise, featuring hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful views of the Potomac River. Take a picnic and spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Great Falls.
Point of Interest: The park is full of historical landmarks, including a reconstructed colonial-era canal and lock system.
3. National Aquarium
Located in Baltimore, MD, the National Aquarium is a world-renowned facility that features a vast collection of marine life. Highlights include the dolphin and shark exhibits, as well as the 225,000 gallon Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit.
Point of Interest: After exploring the aquarium, take a stroll around Baltimore's Inner Harbor for fantastic views of the city skyline and to sample some local cuisine.
4. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Located in St. Michaels, MD, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers a unique look into the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region. The museum features multiple exhibits including a working boatyard, historic structures, and a collection of boats, both historic and contemporary.
Point of Interest: After visiting the museum, take a walking tour of St. Michaels, a charming waterfront town full of boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries.
5. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Located in Baltimore, MD, Fort McHenry is a vital piece of American history. It is the site of a pivotal battle during the War of 1812 and is best known as the place where Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner". Visitors can tour the fort and view exhibits that highlight the important role the fort played in American history.
Point of Interest: Make sure to time your visit with one of the many interpretive programs offered at the fort, including the popular flag-raising ceremony.
In conclusion, this road trip from Chantilly, VA to Dundalk, MD is a fantastic way to explore the DMV region while also experiencing some of America's most iconic landmarks and natural wonders. The trip takes roughly 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, but it's worth the journey to see all that this area has to offer. Happy travels!