Atlanta to DC 1-Day Itinerary with Overnight Stop

  1. Start: Atlanta, GA
    8:00AM

    Begin your journey in Atlanta and head north for a breakfast stop in Asheville, NC. Asheville's vibrant downtown has a diverse array of breakfast options to fuel your adventure.

  2. 9:45AM: Biltmore Estate
    15 minutes (10 miles) from Downtown Asheville

    Visit the iconic Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned house in America. Explore the house, gardens, and winery while taking in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  3. 12:00PM: Natural Bridge State Park
    2 hours (118 miles) from Biltmore Estate

    Take a scenic drive through the Virginia countryside to Natural Bridge State Park. Walk through the natural wonder of a 215-foot tall limestone arch and explore the hiking trails and caverns.

  4. 3:00PM: Shenandoah Caverns
    45 minutes (30 miles) from Natural Bridge State Park

    Experience the magic of the underground world at Shenandoah Caverns. This underground wonderland features breathtaking natural formations and a unique collection of historic objects.

  5. 5:00PM: Staunton, VA
    45 minutes (29 miles) from Shenandoah Caverns

    End your day with a stroll through the historic town of Staunton, VA. Explore the quaint shops, galleries and restaurants of this charming small town.

  6. Overnight Stop: Staunton, VA
    Estimated cost: $120 per night

    Rest up for the night at one of the many cozy inns or bed and breakfasts in Staunton.

  7. 9:00AM: Monticello
    30 minutes (25 miles) from Staunton, VA

    Visit the home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello. Take a tour of the house and gardens and learn about the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers.

  8. 11:00AM: Skyline Drive
    45 minutes (40 miles) from Monticello

    Take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, the scenic byway that runs through Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the colorful autumn foliage.

  9. 1:00PM: Harper's Ferry National Historical Park
    1.5 hours (73 miles) from Skyline Drive

    Explore the site of John Brown's raid and one of the most important sites in the Civil War. Take a guided tour, hike the trails, or go rafting on the Potomac River.

  10. 3:30PM: Antietam National Battlefield
    45 minutes (27 miles) from Harper's Ferry

    Learn about the bloodiest one-day battle in American history at Antietam National Battlefield. Take a self-guided tour of the battlefield and cemetery or visit the museum.

  11. 6:00PM: Washington, DC
    1 hour (64 miles) from Antietam

    End your journey in the nation's capital, home to many famous landmarks and attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Breakfast in Asheville, NC (1 hour, $10-20)
  • Biltmore Estate Admission (2-3 hours, $70-85)
  • Natural Bridge State Park Admission (2 hours, $8-15)
  • Shenandoah Caverns Admission (1.5 hours, $20-25)
  • Staunton, VA Accommodation (1 night, $120)
  • Monticello Admission (2-3 hours, $25-30)
  • Harper's Ferry National Historical Park Admission (2-3 hours, $15-20)
  • Antietam National Battlefield Admission (2-3 hours, $5-10)
Total Estimated Costs: $273-325
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