Feeling like you need a weekend away? Fortunately, there are quite a few destinations within a short drive of Washington, D.C. that are perfect (and safe!) for families seeking a winter getaway. From indoor water parks to ski resorts, here are six of our favorites.
Where: Note: As is to be expected, attractions may look a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic—especially as state mandates continue to change. Be sure to call a location before you head over to double-check that everything is running as planned.,
1. Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, VA
Where: 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, VA
Salamander is an easy escape for D.C. families. Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountain range and surrounded by horse country, this luxury resort welcomes families with activities like meeting the horses, hot chocolate bars and free daily events ranging from scavenger hunts to crafts.
If the weather’s not horrendous, enjoy the scenery with hiking, biking and horseback riding. Or just stay inside and visit the spa and dine at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. Head off the resort to pop into a family-friendly local winery (like Barrel Oak) or take a leisurely stroll down Middleburg’s charming Main Street.
Due to the coronavirus, reservations for activities will be required in advance in order to ensure social distancing, which can be made online. Masks and social distancing will be required, and turndown service is temporarily suspended. Learn more about their commitment to health and safety here.
Distance from D.C.: 47 miles
2. Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg, VA
Where: 549 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, VA
If you’d rather skip the winter weather entirely, head to Great Wolf Lodge, a massive indoor water park where you can pretend like it’s summer. Kept at a balmy 84 degrees, the water park offers exhilarating entertainment like a surf simulator, a four-story-tall tandem tube ride, and a water fort tree house with plenty of slides.
Parents can kick back in the more relaxing hot springs area, or have fun with the kids with activities like a bowling alley, theater, and arcade, which are on site along with restaurants. Colonial Williamsburg is just down the road, too, so you can balance out all of that wet and wild fun with something a bit more educational.
Due to the coronavirus, masks will be required for all guests over the age of five when not in the pool. Completion of a guest wellness questionnaire will be required upon check-in, and guests will be asked to social distance at least 10 feet from others not in their party. Learn more about their commitment to health and safety here.
Distance from D.C.: 148 miles
3. Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD
Where: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD
For a ski vacation close to home, Wisp Resort in western Maryland fits the bill. Its wide-open trails and soft, natural snow make it ideal for newbie skiers and snowboarders. There’s even the Wisp Kids Program, which offers lessons for ages three to 14. Tubing, snowshoeing and the mountain coaster round out the snowy offerings.
Due to the coronavirus, reservations for activities will be required in advance in order to ensure social distancing, which can be made online. Masks and social distancing will be required, and you will be asked to only ride the chairlift with people in your own group. Learn more about their commitment to health and safety here.
Distance from D.C.: 175 miles
The beach may seem like an odd suggestion for a winter weekend getaway, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. With the summer crowds long gone, Virginia Beach becomes a peaceful destination where you can enjoy long walks beside the surf (bundled up, naturally), fresh local oysters, and crowd-free access to indoor attractions like the Virginia Aquarium.
Notably, winter is the best time to catch sight of some whales, which tend to migrate to our warmer waters in January and February. Sign up for a whale-watching cruise to get a closer look at the creatures along with other sea life like dolphins and seals.
Due to the coronavirus, reservations for the aquarium and whale-watching cruise will be required in advance in order to ensure social distancing, which can be made online. Masks and social distancing will also be required for both. Check their websites for more info.
Distance from D.C.: 209 miles
5. Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA
Where: 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA
Combat winter’s chill by heading to the Allegheny Mountains for a soak in some natural hot springs. A scenic four-hour drive along the Shenandoah mountain range will bring you to Bath County, where you can check into the historic, upscale Omni Homestead Resort. Their claim to fame is accommodating at least 23 United States presidents over their 250-year history.
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and ice-skating are all popular wintertime activities, but the resort also offers horseback riding, golf, and an indoor pool fed by the naturally warm spring waters on the property. Normally, children between the ages of three and 12 can hang out in the Kids’ Club while you enjoy some self-care at the spa, but, unfortunately, it is currently closed due to the coronavirus.
The coronavirus has also impacted the resort’s hours, so please check them before you go. Masks and social distancing will be required. Learn more about their commitment to health and safety here.
Distance from D.C.: 214 miles
6. Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Snowshoe, WV
Where: 10 Snowshoe Dr, Snowshoe, WV
A four-and-a-half-hour drive may be pushing the limits of a weekend getaway for some people, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stay at one of the mid-Atlantic’s biggest ski resorts. Snowshoe offers skiers and snowboarders a huge array of terrains and trails, with something for all skill levels. If your kids are new to the slopes, the resort offers lessons for all ages (though limited lessons will be available this year). Winter sleigh rides and tubing are offered, too. Sick of snow? The Village at Snowshoe has an Alpine feel to it and is chock full of restaurants and shops.
Due to the coronavirus, reservations for all activities will be required in advance in order to ensure social distancing, which can be made online (many dates are already sold out, so plan in advance). Masks will be required for all guests over the age of nine, as will social distancing, and you will be asked to only ride the chairlift with people in your own group. Learn more about their commitment to health and safety here.
Distance from D.C.: 229 miles
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