Millions flock to DC for their annual getaway, so we know it is the perfect spot for a family vacation. With museums, national parks, and small towns nearby, why not plan a staycation this year? Skip the long road trip, and book a family-friendly escape right in your own backyard. Keep reading to find the best places to relax, recharge and make some fantastic spring break memories right here (or near) Washington, DC.
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In the City
Mandarin Oriental
It's officially cherry blossom season and possibly the best place to surround yourself with nature's brilliance is the Mandarin Oriental, conveniently located within walking distance of DC's Tidal Basin. Splash in the hotel's indoor 50-ft. pool while taking in the pink flowers blooming right outside! This family friendly hotel goes above-and-beyond to not only help you carve out special moments with your kiddos, but offers childcare amenities that make it easy to squeeze in some self-care at the spa or savor a special date brunch with your partner. For $35/hour ($50 on holidays), the Panda Club will keep your little cubs entertained with crafts and hands-on activities.
Fun fact: All young guests get a cute keepsake panda at check in.
1330 Maryland Ave. SW
Southwest Waterfront
Online: mandarinoriental.com
Viceroy DC
Viceroy DC brings glamping to new heights with an Urban Campout Family Package. No need to pitch a tent on this adventure; upon arrival, your room will already be set up with all you need for a cozy indoor camping experience. A tent, s'mores and a free streamed movie complete this family outing. They are also offering curated picnic baskets for those that want to pack a meal and explore the city's parks. Steps away from 14th St. & Logan Circle, you may also want to explore this foodie 'hood which is home to Le Diplomate, Bresca and Compass Rose. Kid-friendly favorites include Ted's Bulletin and near-by P St.'s Commissary. On Sunday, be sure to check out Dupont Circle's Farmers Market.
1430 Rhode Island Ave NW
Logan Circle
Online: viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/washington-dc
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
This 5-star hotel, perched on the edge of Georgetown, is perfectly situated for families looking to explore the surrounding areas on foot. The Kennedy Center, REACH, the National Mall and the Georgetown Waterfront are all within walking distance of this lux property. Family amenities abound at this kid-friendly hotel; borrow pool toys to use in the hotel's indoor heated pool, request glow-in-the-dark tents for your suite, borrow kids books for tuck in and enjoy complimentary products and services like free swim diapers and the use of high-end strollers.
2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Georgetown
Online: fourseasons.com
The River Inn – Washington, DC
Tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street, this Foggy Bottom district hotel offers stunning views of the Potomac River. Don’t worry; the local sights are all just a few blocks away. The National Mall and Georgetown are a short walk, and you’ll get to skip the busy streets in this residential neighborhood. What this hotel lacks in nearby restaurants and nightlife, it makes up for with in-suite kitchens and dining areas. A true home-away-from-home, you can play tourist in your city during the day and head back for that homey feel at the end of a long day of fun. The best part? The living and sleeping spaces are separate so that the grown-ups can stay up for a nightcap while the littles sleep.
924 25th St NW
Foggy Bottom
Online: theriverinn.com
Hotel Madera – Washington, DC
Located on a quiet section of New Hampshire Avenue, this newly renovated hotel pulls out all the stops for your family. Book the ultimate family room with two queen beds, plus a sofa bed. Not enough? They offer cribs and rollaway beds to sleep your entire crew. Bring your fur baby along too. It's a pet-friendly hotel. You won't have to take the elevator for some fresh air either. The balconies overlooking Dupont Circle are the perfect way to start the day. You’ll love the free wine hours hosted daily inside the on-site restaurant, Firefly. And any kids' menu with chicken and waffles is OK by us. Don't forget a family photo op in front of one of the brand new mural walls. You'll need Instagram proof, right?
1310 New Hampshire Ave NW
Dupont Circle
Online: hotelmadera.com
Virgina
Salamander Resort & Spa – Middleburg, VA
If you live downtown, this "staycation" will give you real faraway vibes. Just a 50 minute drive from DC, the Salamander Resort is a sprawling property in the heart of Middleburg, VA. You can walk to all the town has to offer, including quaint restaurants, micro cideries, mom & pop shops and a well-curated museum of equine art. You don't need to ever leave this property to enjoy your vacation. Onsite you'll find both an indoor and outdoor pool, life-sized chess, horse stables (and, naturally, trail rides), walking trails and more. Take advantage of Camp Salamander, an activity-filled adventure camp serving kids 4-10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Sign up for two-hour increments ($60), and your kids can explore the barns, take a dip in the pool, or identify stars in the night sky. For even more thrills, tack on a zip lining adventure ($50). Looking for a date night dinner? On Fri. & Sat. nights, Kids Night Out ($75) keeps kids coupled between the hours of 5:30-8:30 p.m.
500 N Pendleton St.
Middleburg, VA 20117
Online: salamanderresort.com
Lansdowne Resort and Spa – Leesburg, VA
Visit this kid-friendly town, and enjoy all the adult fun too. The resort’s seasonal Explorer’s Club offers fun-filled activities for your kids to enjoy while you make the most of the incredible on-site amenities. With a craft every session, snacks, movies, kids’ yoga, storytime, games and outdoor fun, your kids will quickly forget about you and enjoy some awesome vacation time. Don’t forget to explore outside the resort too. Outdoor-loving families will love Leesburg hikes, biking trails and waterfront attractions too.
44050 Woodridge Pkwy
Leesburg, VA 20176
Online: lansdowneresort.com
Wilderness Presidential Resort – Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
Try your hand at family glamping with nightly marshmallow roasting around a bonfire and tons of kid-friendly activities to enjoy after a day splashing in the pool. Sign your little ones up for the ropes course or climbing wall. Take a canoe out on the lake for a lazy afternoon. Recently, the resort added archery, a fantastic way to build strength, focus and self-confidence. The friendly instructors will guide your kids through the process. The budget-friendly Lakeside Camp Cottages have all the comforts of home. Some even offer hot tubs if you need a little extra in your life right now.
9220 Plank Rd
Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553
Online: wpresort.com
Maryland
Non Sea-Quitter – Annapolis, MD
Ready to try something way out of the ordinary? Book your “bed & boat” experience in this quaint waterfront town. Surprisingly comfortable, this classic yacht offers a full bed, single bed and forward “v-berth” for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll love waterfront glamping with a sunset sail, yacht races, historic lighthouses and a secluded cove. Captain Paul (your private host) knows the Chesapeake Bay as few sailors do, and from the moment he welcomes you aboard, your family will be delighted by his hospitality and silly sense of humor. His commitment to safety, comfort and fun will make for a family staycation you won’t soon forget.
721 Chester Ave
Annapolis, MD 21403
Online: nonseaquitter.com
Club Wyndham National Harbor – National Harbor, MD
Book a spacious one, two or three-bedroom condo, and you’ll get access to two swimming pools, a kids’ club and a theater with free daily movies. The full-sized refrigerators and ovens make meal prep a breeze even for the pickiest eater. Located 10 miles south of DC, this family getaway is a short walk from fun shops, delicious restaurants, a waterfront park and a giant Ferris wheel. Take a family-friendly sightseeing cruise, boating excursion or fishing trip. Give your kids an extra special treat, and book the nighttime tour of the Washington monuments. The bus will pick you up right by the hotel.
250 Mariner Passage
National Harbor, MD 20745
Online: clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com
—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Angelica Kajwara
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