Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

This park will reorient your thinking about what a national park is. From late spring to early fall, it's one of the top venues for music and dance performances in the country. You'll find everything from opera to country and pop concerts.

Opt for seats on the lawn if you want to have a picnic, knowing that the acoustics here are superb no matter where you're seated. Be aware that you can only use lawn chairs on part of the lawn due to its steepness—you can rent lawn chairs if you forgot a blanket. Expect to see people getting up to dance during rock concerts.

If you want to buy an actual seat, don't be surprised to find that balcony seats are comfier than higher-priced orchestra spots. Some people find the indoor seats very hot (no fans, no AC, to keep the acoustics pure).

Parking is free and beautifully handled, so you won't spend as much time trying to leave as you spent at the concert. As you drive out, you can head straight to a convenient campsite on a farm, in a meadow, by a river, or even in a suburban backyard. Hipcamp helps you find just the right spot near your destination.