The iconic American road trip can be accomplished from any point A to point B. However, a road trip with a theme adds focus and purpose to your behind-the-wheel adventure. The thematic fabric of the itinerary is the thread that weaves a simple trip into a memorable experience. On this journey, we explore the historic sites, people and culture of the roads between Washington, DC, and Virginia Beach.

Immerse yourself in national parks, beautiful waterways, scenic drives, Colonial life, Civil War battle sites, World War II ammunition, national monuments and more throughout the cities and towns as you explore this Southern route from the comfort of your car or RV.

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Our nation's capital is jam-packed with one-of-a-kind experiences that will capture your attention and keep you on a busy itinerary. Many national buildings are free to the public but require a timed entrance ticket. With some planning, you can squeeze in everything on your must-see list in DC.

Most of us will only see the White House through the wrought iron fence. However, you can apply for free tour tickets through your congressional office. Plan ahead to order tickets; there's no guarantee, and the process takes several weeks. There are ubiquitous small protests in front of the White House but try to avoid days when a large rally is planned. Getting a good look at the White House with a massive crowd isn't easy.

One of the most popular DC exhibits is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The flagship museum on the National Mall is where you can see the history of the Wright Brothers along with their 1903 Wright Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 Command Module. At the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, you can view the Space Shuttle Discovery, the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay and other large exhibits in the sizable hanger-like facility.

Interesting spots to visit in the Capital include the Washington Monument, National Mall, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Ford's Theater, the International Spy Museum and many more. You could spend a week and not see half the DC sites.

On a beautiful night, you can enjoy a cocktail at the Top of The Gate, the rooftop bar at the Watergate Hotel. It's a picturesque spot to watch the sunset over the Potomac River while jets rhythmically dash across the horizon.

PRO TIP

Several national parks in the DC area have camping facilities.

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is a sobering event. Fields of white crosses meticulously positioned reflect military precision even in the soldiers' final resting place. It's a place of reverence where guests solemnly remember our heroes who stood watch over and protected our freedoms.

The graves of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis are predominantly placed on a crest with sweeping views of the grounds. Only one other president, William Howard Taft, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

PRO TIP

The King Street Trolley offers free rides along King Street when you wear out your sightseeing feet.

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA

Exuding classic Southern charm, Old Town Alexandria is a bustling center filled with beautiful old brownstones. Walking along well-trod brick sidewalks, you'll discover diverse restaurants, unique boutiques and eclectic art galleries.

The old Torpedo Factory Art Center houses galleries and artists' studios along the harbor. Built in the early 1900s, the factory produced Mark III and Mark XIV torpedoes. Several torpedos are displayed as you meander through the wide-open refurbished factory.

There are lots of beautiful spots to dine in Old Town Alexandria. Two of my favorites are Bistro Sancerre and Chart House. Bistro Sancerre offers elegant French cuisine and is lovely for a celebration dinner. Chart House is a waterfront restaurant where al fresco dining and excellent seafood come together for a perfect dinner.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON

PRO TIP

Enjoy lunch at the on-site Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant before visiting the charming gift shop.

The beloved home of first President George Washington majestically sits on the banks of the Potomac River. Sweeping picturesque views from the back porch allow you to envision lazy southern afternoons sipping lemonade and watching tall ships sail past.

Washington's grand Mount Vernon, an 18th-century plantation, was his retreat from the rigors of political life. He loved to garden, testing new and unusual plant varieties. The gardens are beautiful to explore on a sunny day. The meticulously restored manor showcases colonial life for the wealthy upper class while reflecting on the more arduous existence of the servants.

FREDERICKSBURG

Known as America's battle-ground, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is home to one of the bloodiest battlefields in the Civil War. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania were engulfed in the center of the battle between the North and South. Battlefield audio tours allow you to take in the grounds at your own pace, while a sad and compelling story of brother versus brother narrates your navigation.

JAMESTOWN

From the moment you begin your Jamestown adventure, you're immersed in 17th-century Virginia history. The documentary 1607: A Nation Takes Root sets the tone for your visit. Experience life in the early settlement of Paspahegh Town, or explore what ocean travel was like in the early 1600s aboard a replica of one of the English ships that delivered the settlers to their new home. Finally, wander James Fort to explore the trials and tribulations of these early settlers' day-to-day existence.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg. This living history museum has docents dressed in period costumes, horse-drawn buggy rides, day-to-day colonial living demonstrations, historic taverns and more.

Stroll the beautiful William & Mary University campus just steps away from Colonial Williamsburg. The student gathering spot, the Sunken Garden, is always filled with campus life happenings.

YORKTOWN

The Yorktown Battlefield is where British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington on October 19, 1781. Under the protection of the National Park Service, the preservation of the Yorktown settlement and surrounding encampment areas are available for guided and self-guided tours. The Continental Army encampment area showcases artillery demonstrations and the day-to-day life of American Revolutionary War soldiers.

NORFOLK

Norfolk is home to the world's most extensive naval base and NATO's (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Allied Command Transformation Headquarters. You can also tour the Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64), exploring the inner workings and life in a massive floating city.

A walk through the Granby Street neighborhood uncovers everything from casual oyster bars to finedining restaurants. It's a fun spot for a progressive dinner or pub crawl, where you can sample different local flavors.

PRO TIP

If you get overwhelmed by all the history, you can shake loose at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

VIRGINIA BEACH

With more than 30 miles of coastline, Virginia Beach is a stretch of beautiful beaches with options for every type of sunbather. Stroll the three-mile boardwalk for the perfect sweet treat, or rent a fat tire bike and explore on two wheels.

Camp at Kiptopeke State Park or First Landing State Park. These parks offer cabins, lodges, RV sites and tent-site camping. For a unique stay, rent one of their yurts, which have rocking chair-adorned decks and traditional cabin amenities.

A HISTORIC, EAST COAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

The drive from Washington, DC, to Virginia Beach is just under four hours, but the individual destinations couldn't be more different. This road trip is a must-do because of its rich history, beautiful natural scenery and exciting attractions.

Because the road trip focuses on American history, ending your adventure at a beach playground is an excellent way to switch up your agenda. Virginia Beach's relaxed coastal vibe and Southern hospitality make it a popular getaway destination and a wonderful way to end your Washington, DC, to Virginia Beach road trip.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Whether she is leaving on a jet plane or road tripping across the country, Sandi Barrett loves to visit destinations that offer cool and interesting activities, fabulous culinary creations and fun libations. Semi-retired from a long career in marketing, Sandi is making the most of her boomer traveling, go-go years, with a goal to visit as many places as possible. She has 35 states and territories, 26 countries, and a grand collection of national and state parks in her travel log. Her current goal is to visit all 50 states in the next 5 years. ■