There’s a lot to see in the fall, especially near DC.  Many parks and scenic drives exist in and around the area.  If you’ve got an afternoon free, why not take a drive through some of these areas and check out the beautiful oranges, red, and yellows.

Just outside of the city is Theodore Roosevelt Island.  This park (it’s not really an island) features elm, maple, ash, oak, and other trees.  It’s 88 acres of amazing fall foliage.  If you want, you can even park the car and explore the area or have a nice picnic lunch.

Another great scenic drive is to take the George Washington Parkway from Form Marcy, then go south down interstate 123.  The trees along these highways are amazing, especially during the fall.  Just note that during rush hour, many people use the Parkway to commute to and from their offices in DC.

One interesting scenic drive opportunity that exists in the DC area is the Thomas Jefferson Country Tour.  This 11 hour bus tour goes from Charlottesville, Virgina, to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson.  It also stops at the University of Virginia and at Michie Tavern for lunch.  It’s a great historical adventure as well as a nice scenic drive.  What’s even better, you don’t have to do any of the driving!

If you take Skyline Drive, you can see some of the best parts of Shenandoah National Park.  This road twists and turns along Blue Ridge Crest.  You’ll see the Shenandoah Valley on the west side and the Piedmont on the east.  If you’re looking to see the many colors of fall, you’ll find few better places to do it.  Park at one of the many stops along the way and enjoy a picnic lunch before it gets too cool.

If you don’t want to drive, there are a lot of bus, bicycle and walking tours that take in the many sights of the city.  While these tours don’t always get you out of the city limits, they still take you by a number of places where you can see some amazing fall foliage.