This Historic Virginia Town Is A Charming Stop For Your Road Trip To Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., promises some of the best places for a day trip. It offers incredible restaurants, nightlife, political intrigue, as well as the best museums. Only 23 miles south of the Chocolate City lies an adorable riverfront town also bursting with activity, but at a much more relaxed and quiet pace. The town of Occoquan sits right next to its namesake river. Its history is almost as long as the state of Virginia's, with Jamestown leader Captain John Smith journeying down the Occoquan in 1608 to make contact with the Doeg Native American tribe.

If driving, you can reach this destination via Interstate 95. Otherwise, Amtrak and the Virginia Railway Express can get you there via the railway station in nearby Woodbridge. This is especially convenient if your next stop is the nation's capital — both trains can take you into D.C.'s Union Station when you're ready to move on.

Riverfront activities dominate in Occoquan, with a variety of options. River Mill Park is a beautiful place to go on a waterfront stroll, with a footbridge that dates back to 1800. Just a mile north is the 350-acre Occoquan Regional Park, where you can launch a kayak into the water or even sail to Belmont Bay or the Potomac. Birdwatching is another great way to connect with the region's nature. The entire town is designated as a bird sanctuary, and you'll likely spot osprey, blue herons, mallards, and eagles.

There's also over 200 years of history to explore in the town itself. The Mill House Museum is a great place to start, open daily (except on Wednesdays). Toward the end of the 18th century, Nathaniel Ellicott, a local Quaker, converted an old iron works complex into milling operations. His mill was super advanced for the era, and could be one of the first automated gristmills in early America. The mill was operational until a 1924 fire. Left unharmed was the small mill house, where the administrator operated. Today, the house holds exhibits on local history and is completely free to the public.

Occoquan's historic district is full of cute shops and restaurants, all offering stunning views of the water. You can explore local art at A La Carte Gallery, hunt for antiques at Man Overboard, or grab crystals and candles at 13 Magickal Moons. When all that works up an appetite, there are several restaurants on the riverfront. Make sure one of your meals is at Secret Garden Cafe, an adorable eatery housed in an 1840s home and surrounded by a lush garden.

When it comes to hotels, Occoquan simply doesn't have any, and there aren't many Airbnb options either. If you absolutely must stay the night, some budget hotels are in nearby Woodbridge. That said, D.C. is so close that it makes more sense to check into a hotel there. For more historic waterfront adventure, check out the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail that runs along the Chesapeake Bay Coast.