My Photography & Travel Guide to the Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park is a gem, like most of the national parks in the United States. For those living in the Washington DC area, it’s only 2 hours away, making it a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway.
When to Go
Initially, I thought the only time to go to the Shenandoah was in the Fall for the Fall colors. But I have returned in the Summer, Spring, and Winter, and it is a location that is beautiful all year long. So I would highly encourage you to visit anytime you have a chance. It is a special place.
Where to Stay
I have 2 recommendations for hotels in the area, and both are located in Washington, Virginia. Washington, Virginia, was founded in 1769 and claims to be the only community named for George Washington before he became the first President of the United States.
The Inn at Little Washington
The first recommendation is the Inn at Little Washington. This is a bucket list hotel where you will find many of the guests have come to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday.
Washington, Virginia revolves around the Inn at Little Washington owned by Patrick O'Connell. The hotel currently has 23 rooms & suites that are located in different buildings next to the main hotel. The hotel also offers an incredible restaurant, a large shop, a ballroom, a new bistro restaurant and a bakery.
All the guest rooms are luxurious with nice touches such as the Bulgari bath products. Once you arrive at the property, you will be offered afternoon tea. This is a nice way to get acquainted with the hotel. We also took a hotel tour, which was very interesting. On the tour, we heard the story of how Patrick O'Connell started and slowly transformed the hotel and restaurant into the iconic Inn at Little Washington. I did not know that he is a self-taught chef who began by reading the books of Julia Childs. It is an amazing story!
The hotel is currently in the process of expanding its amenities with a Spa, Swimming Pool, and more guest rooms. You really feel like you are on campus since everything (art galleries, shops, theaters) in the town revolves around the hotel.
The White Mouse Inn
My second recommendation is the White Mouse Inn, which is located just a few steps from the Inn at Little Washington. We have never stayed at the White Mouse Inn, but my friend Nano has stayed here. She wrote a nice review, which I have linked here. The White Mouse Inn is a less expensive option but also very nice.
Where to Eat
Most people who come to Little Washington are coming to try the 3 Michelin Star Restaurant in the Inn at Little Washington. This is the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in the Washington DC area. The kitchen is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Patrick O'Connell. Yes, it is expensive, and so most people will come for a special occasion, but it is an incredible experience that you will not forget.
The restaurant offers 2 menus: a Gastronaut Menu (with Meat) and a Vegetarian Menu called the Good Earth Menu.
A few photos of the incredible dinner and breakfast we had in the hotel.
Patty-O
Recently, the Inn at Little Washington opened a more casual restaurant called Patty-O. This is such a great idea because if you eat at the Inn at Little Washington for dinner it might be too much to eat there the next night. So having another option is a game changer.
The Bakery at the Inn at Little Washington
They have also just opened the Patty O’s Bakery. This is a great spot to grab a coffee, bread, or a large assortment of baked goods.
What to Photograph
1. Little Washington
My first recommendation is to just walk around Little Washington. It’s a very cute town and has lots of quaint spots to photograph.
2. Old Barns Around Little Washington
Once you leave Little Washington and take the smaller farming roads in any direction, you will begin to see older barns. I love how the color of these barns has faded over time.
3. Shenandoah National Park
There is so much to photograph in the Shenandoah National Park. The drive through the park is more than 100 miles long. There are trails, waterfalls, overlooks, and plenty more options to photograph.
It is well worth getting a National Park Pass before going to any National Park. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a single entry. But an annual pass for all the National Parks in the United States is just $80. You can buy the pass in advance or from the Park Ranger once you arrive.
The good thing about Shenandoah is that there are plenty of places to pull over and take photos. I usually prefer to enter through the Thornton Gap Entrance. I then like to drive south to Mileage Marker 50. Once you reach Big Meadows, there is an Information Center, Bathrooms, a Gas Station, Picnic Tables, and a Restaurant.
Shenandoah is also beautiful to visit during the Spring and Summer. During this time of year, you will see plenty of flowers, wildlife, and beautiful views.
Astro-Photography
If you love Astro-Photography then you will love taking photos of the Milky Way or other Astro events such as the Perseids. The Park even organizes a Night Sky Event in August of each year, where they offer presentations, guest speakers, and telescopes.
Final Thoughts
Shenandoah Valley reminds me that I do not need to cross an ocean to create meaningful work.
Just a couple of hours from Washington, DC, I can find layered mountain light at sunrise, quiet overlooks along Skyline Drive, waterfalls that reward patience, and seasons that completely transform the landscape inside Shenandoah National Park.
For you, this means opportunity.
You can practice reading light.
You can refine your long exposures.
You can test your telephoto skills on wildlife.
You can return again and again and build a cohesive body of work without complicated logistics.
That accessibility matters. It removes excuses. It allows you to focus on what actually improves your photography, observation, timing, and patience.
Shenandoah is not about dramatic extremes. It is about rhythm, atmosphere, and subtle beauty. And if you slow down and let the valley reveal itself, it will reward you.
If you have been waiting for the perfect trip to sharpen your landscape skills, start here. Pack your camera, arrive before sunrise, and give yourself time.
If you are interested in joining one of my photography workshops, you can find the details through the link. You can also follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or subscribe to my newsletter for more travel photography tips and behind-the-scenes insight.
Join Me for a DC Evening Monuments Photography Workshop!
📸 Washington, DC Evening Monuments Photography Workshop
$99 per person | Max 6 participants or $199 Private
Love photography and iconic views? Then grab your camera and join me for a golden hour photo walk through Washington, DC’s most breathtaking monuments—right as the city lights up!
Throughout the year, I host small group workshops and offer private walking photo tours (1–6 people) tailored to your style and pace. But this group workshop is a crowd favorite: a two-hour guided adventure as we chase reflections, long exposures, and those postcard-perfect twilight shots.
What You’ll Learn:
Getting to Know Your Camera and Settings
Creative composition tricks to elevate your shots
How to work with changing light, reflections, and motion
Long exposure tips for amazing nighttime images
We’ll Photograph DC Icons Like:
• Jefferson Memorial
• WWII Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument
• and a few other locations
Where We Meet:
We’ll start near the Tidal Basin. Parking is available at the lot near Floral Park (by the paddle boats on Maine Ave—click here for the map).
Recommended Gear:
Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses (think 24-70mm or 24-105mm), a sturdy tripod, and if you have them, an ND filter and remote shutter release. I’ve got one tripod to lend—just email me ahead of time to reserve it.
All Skill Levels Welcome!
Whether you're just getting comfortable with your camera or looking to take your skills to the next level, this workshop is designed with you in mind. I’ll guide you step-by-step—from finding the right settings to composing striking shots—so you can feel more confident behind the lens and come away with photos you'll be excited to share.
Fitness Level: Easy Breezy
No hills, no hustle—just a relaxed stroll on paved paths with plenty of photo stops.
What’s Included:
• Personalized instruction in the field
• Follow-up Zoom image review session for feedback and editing tips
Cancellation Policy:
• Full refund if canceled 48+ hours in advance
• No refund for late cancellations unless your spot is filled
Have Questions or Want to Book a Private Tour?
Email me directly at vito@chasinghippoz.com
