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Virginia: D.C. to the Blue Ridge Foothills: 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
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The 3-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 2-day plan · 3-day plan · 4-day plan · best time to go.
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3
days
240 km
distance
6.0 h
driving
17
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- ~14.1 hours of daylight in May — the plan keeps days inside a realistic window.
- Cherry blossoms then vineyard green: Monticello's gardens at their Jeffersonian best, and Virginia's wine country pouring viognier on every ridge.
Day 1 Washington, D.C. → Staunton
- Transit
- 4h00
- Finish
- ~17:20
- Temperature
- 10.5°C–21.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~16
- Daylight
- 14.1h
09:00
Marvel at the iconic dome and rich history of the legislative center.
50 min · Washington, D.C. · Free
open: M-Sa 8:30AM-4:30PM
10:00
Discover iconic American artifacts and stories from war to technology and pop culture.
50 min · Washington, D.C.
open: 10AM-5:30PM daily
11:00
16:30
Step back in time with costumed interpreters at historic farms.
50 min · Staunton · $12 adults, discounts available for children/students/seniors
Day 2 Around Staunton
- Transit
- 1h00
- Finish
- ~16:55
- Temperature
- 10.5°C–21.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~16
- Daylight
- 14.1h
09:00
Discover trench warfare exhibits and Wilson's presidential history.
50 min · Staunton · $20 adults
10:05
Trinity Episcopal Church trinitystaunton.org
Admire stunning stained glass windows in a historic church.
50 min · Staunton · Free, donations appreciated
open: M-Th 10AM-2PM
11:10
Camera Heritage Museum cameraheritagemuseum.org
Browse over 7000 cameras, many antiques, in the largest public camera museum in the USA.
50 min · Staunton
open: M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-2PM
12:15
Antique Fire Engine Museum ci.staunton.va.us
See vintage fire engines, including a 1911 Robinson, in a functioning fire station.
50 min · Staunton · Free
open: Daily 8AM-7PM
13:20
Praise in the Park ci.staunton.va.us
Enjoy uplifting Christian concerts in a beautiful park setting.
90 min · Staunton
open: Tuesdays in July/August 7-9PM
15:05
Downtown stauntondowntown.org
Explore unique shops and restaurants in the heart of the city.
50 min · Staunton
15:55
Hot Wok hotwokstaunton.com map ↗
Enjoy familiar Chinese entrees and daily specials at a counter-serve restaurant.
60 min · Staunton
Overnight here
Day 3 Around Staunton
- Transit
- 1h00
- Finish
- ~17:15
- Temperature
- 10.5°C–21.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~16
- Daylight
- 14.1h
09:00
American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse americanshakespearecenter.com
Watch Shakespeare performed in an exact replica of his theatre.
50 min · Staunton
10:05
Gypsy Hill Park ci.staunton.va.us
Enjoy the annual Jazz in the Park festival in a beautiful setting.
50 min · Staunton
11:10
Landes Park search
Capture photos of beautiful stone arches in a small, hidden park.
50 min · Staunton
12:15
Watch the glassblowers at Sunspot Studios search
Observe skilled glassblowers create beautiful blown glass objects.
90 min · Staunton · Free
14:00
Virginia Scenic Railway virginiascenicrailway.com
Ride a historic train on a scenic three-hour tour through beautiful landscapes.
90 min · Staunton
15:45
Sears Hill Bridge search
Enjoy panoramic views of downtown from this charming bridge over the train tracks.
90 min · Staunton
🔍 Check before you book
Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.