Say sayonara to summer with one last hurrah this Labor Day weekend. Whether you want a quick staycation or a mini road trip, nearby resorts have options to accommodate all ages and interests. Here are eight within a five-hour drive of Arlington.
Salamander Washington DC
Drive time: About 15 minutes
Formerly the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C., this hotel is a sister property to the popular resort in Middleburg, which is almost sold out for Labor Day weekend. So, rather than make the hourlong drive to horse country, head to this spot a stone’s throw from the Wharf and the Spy Museum. Bonus: It’s offering a Labor Day weekend package that includes a free third night when you book two, daily parking for one vehicle and a $200 hotel credit. Spend that at the spa, which offers massages and facials, or on the Summer Afternoon Tea event, which ends Sept. 1. For the full staycation experience, take advantage of the hotel’s Gem Car, which provides complimentary service to the National Mall and the Wharf, or set your own pace with a free-to-use cruiser bike. If you’ve been meaning to check out ARTECHOUSE DC’s Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds exhibit, do it that weekend; the show closes Sept. 8 and is located a few steps from the hotel’s entrance. // 1330 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.
MGM National Harbor
Drive time: About 25 minutes
Snag one of the resort’s 308 rooms, but plan to spend lots of time elsewhere on the property, such as in the two-level casino, 13 eateries, spa or the pool with views of the Potomac River. Sample the Voltaggio Brothers Steak House’s new menu, which pays homage to Bryan and Michael Voltaggio’s childhood in Frederick, Maryland, and features the Blue Crab Pop Tart, Potato Chip Caesar Salad, Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese, and VoltaggiOs, a take on SpaghettiOs with chicken parm meatballs. On Aug. 30 and 31 at 8 p.m., laugh at comedian Earthquake’s show, and then smooth those laugh lines with a new spa special, such as the 100-minute Total Wellness Body Ritual, which includes a foot scrub, body wrap and massage ($364). Venture off property to stroll National Harbor’s shopping, go for a spin on the Capital Wheel, watch outdoor movies and take fitness classes. // 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland
Lansdowne Resort
Drive time: About 40 minutes
Situated on 500 acres overlooking the Potomac River Valley, this AAA Four-Diamond property feels like it’s a zillion miles away. Partake in activities such as tennis and pickleball, hiking, biking, group fitness classes, golf and swimming (or floating—no judgment here) in one of the three outdoor pools or the indoor one. The resort’s Labor Day weekend calendar has guided nature walks, yoga classes, a complementary wine tasting and live music in The Great Room. After all that activity, you might want some R&R. A new spa promotion called “For the Love of Spa” includes overnight accommodations for two, a $200 spa credit, $100 dining credit, $50 breakfast credit, a round of drinks at Cotton & Rye, and champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. // 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg
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Massanutten Resort
Drive time: About 2.25 hours
If getting away is music to your ears, this Virginia resort kicks off the holiday weekend Aug. 30 with its MASS Bash, complete with a silent disco and live tunes. The next day, play in a pickleball tourney and catch a concert (5-9:30 p.m.) starring Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels and the Low Water Bridge Band. Close out the visit on Sept. 1 with a cornhole competition and more live music. Or consider a package that covers everything plus a hotel room Aug. 29-Sept. 3. It comes with an option to add on discounted tix to the indoor and outdoor water parks for $55. There’s also an outdoor adventure course, zip lining and summer tubing with two 600-foot lanes. // 1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Drive time: About 2 hours
For a beach vibe without the schlep to the ocean, head to Cambridge, Maryland, to feel the sand beneath your toes. This family-friendly resort offers lots of opportunities for togetherness, including glow parties at the indoor pool, sunset cruises and private evening fire pits on the shore that include s’mores for eight. Get a little adults-only time by signing kids up for a half–or full–day camp or evening camp for children ages 4-12. Activities include pool time, nature walks, mini golf, arts and crafts and more. Note that dogs are welcome, too. // 100 Heron Blvd., Cambridge, Maryland
Tides Inn
Drive time: About 3 hours
Send summer off from the historic town of Irvington, Virginia, on a picturesque tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The fun starts Aug. 30 with an evening barbecue on the lawn. The next night, listen to live music by Mercy Creek before watching a movie on Sunset Bluff, popcorn in hand. Bid a final adieu at the Beachfront Oyster Roast on Sept. 1. // 480 King Carter Drive, Irvington, Virginia
Omni Homestead Resort
Drive time: About 3.5 hours
If it’s good enough for 24 U.S. presidents to visit in its 250-year history, it’s probably suitable for your last-minute escape. Situated in the Allegheny Mountains, this Virginia resort offers a host of activities such as zip lining, fly fishing, hiking the Cascades Gorge and horseback riding. There’s also a 2-acre water park fed by nearby natural springs and featuring a 400-foot lazy river and two 100-foot waterslides. If you’d prefer a more relaxed vacation, soak in the warm springs pools using either the 19th-century Gentlemen’s or Ladies’ Bathhouses. Book the hotel’s private soak and enjoy prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries as part of your 50-minute dip. Although it’s not offering any holiday-specific deals, the resort is hosting a sommelier wine tasting from 4-5:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 ($75). // 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia
Adventures on the Gorge
Drive time: About 5 hours
Inspired by Olympic athleticism? Test your own stamina with activities such as treetop canopy tours and high-ropes courses, whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers (including some Class V rapids and a 14-foot waterfall), rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking and caving. Stay near the fun in deluxe cabins with kitchens and a private hot tub, hotel-style cabins with private bathrooms, loft-style cabins, and camping or glamping. // 219 County Route 60/5, Lansing, West Virginia