Next USA trip
 

My family and I will be hiding to Washington DC this September for a short visit this year, from September 16 to September 28, we will be renting a car for the full 11 days.
we love to drive across towns and states,
would you please advise the best places to drive through and visit,
Thanks in advance

First, there are literally 100's of things to do/see in Washington, DC itself so plan on spending some of your time there.

Second, there are dozens of interesting/historic places you can visit within a few hours drive of DC so destinations like Mount Vernon, Monticello, Gettysburg, Colonial Williamsburg, Annapolis, Alexandria, dozens of Civil War battle sites,, Harper's Ferry, Shenandoah National Park an many many more make excellent day trips. Google "Day Trips from Washington, DC for more details and suggestions.

You can also take longer drives to parts of Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia would be a good place to visit), etc.

Good luck planning your trip.

The ages and interests of your family would be helpful to know. In addition to RoamsAround's comments and suggestion s above, the Atlantic Ocean beaches can be wonderful in late September.

You may want to avoid Philadelphia for a while. Check out the flooding damage and cleanup before going.

Roams Around has nailed it. Washington is so often "dismissed" as a primary destination in the US because of the big glitzy cities, but it is treasure trove of Amerca.

We lived in D.C. for 19 years before moving overseas for nearly a decade; and now that we have returned to D.C., it seems that everything old is new again. With all due respect, you really need to do some research before your visit. The D.C. area has so much to offer; you need to decide on your interests and "must-see" before you arrive. And then return to the forum to fine tune your plans.

Suggest dinner at Gadsbys Tavern that has been open since 1770.
This is where the father of our nation, and 1st President, George Washington ate before US was a nation.
Gadsbys Tavern Restaurant | Fine Dining since 1770

The tourist areas in Philadelphia are fine now. The streets are clear.

ask about the Blue Ridge Parkway, OP

Blue ridge parkway is a good idea,
any suggestions regarding where to stay and where to stop?
thanks in advance

You asked about the BRP on a 4 year old thread and I suggested you add it to this thread which you already had posted.

Are you flying out of Washington? If so, that of course means you'll be backtracking, right?

Anyway, here's a random list of recommendations.
Plenty to do and see in DC (and much of it is free). Suggest you budget a few days there.
Asheville NC and the Biltmore Estate.
Charleston SC
(Personally not a fan of Williamsburg)
Coastal areas like Lewes and Rehobeth DE -- crowds should be gone
Philadelphia, including historic sights and the Constitution Center. (If you're a Brit, beware. Much of it centers on events of 1776.)

Hi all! I'm writing an article about the most underrated places to visit in the US so would love to know your suggestions! Again, I'm looking for UNDERRATED places/HIDDEN GEMS so please don't suggest LA or New York unless you know a really cool spot there that not a lot of people know. Thanks in advance! Hoping to get some really nice tips! :)

You should probably post under a new heading rather than this poster's questions.

Washington DC comes to mind.