Planning a weekend trip and looking for the best beach near dc, well we have a bunch of suggestions of the best beaches in and around Washington for you.
Washington, DC is a beautiful city full of history and culture. So it’s no surprise that you might want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time at the beach.
The beaches we are going to mention are all within driving distance of Washington, DC, here are some options!
1. Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is a gorgeous beach that is just a short drive from Washington, DC. The park offers a swimming beach, fishing pier, playground, and picnic area. There are also plenty of spots for sunbathing or relaxing.
Located at the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Sandy Point State Park offers hiking trails, fishing piers, picnicking areas, and beach access.
There’s no better way to spend a weekend than enjoying the Chesapeake Bay. And what better place to do so than Sandy Point State Park?
This beautiful state park has everything you need for an enjoyable day at the beach including plenty of space for your whole family!
Whether you’re looking for some time alone with your significant other or just want to get away from it all, this park has something for everyone.
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States
2. Colonial Beach
It’s known for its beach and boardwalk, which is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quiet family vacation.
The beach itself has clean white sand and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. If you’re looking for something more adventurous and active, there’s also a hiking trail that runs along the riverbank and ends at an overlook point where you can see the Potomac River.
The boardwalk area features several shops, restaurants, and bars that are open year-round including an ice cream shop with over 50 flavors!
The town also hosts an annual crab festival every September that brings in visitors from all over the country.
If you’re staying in Colonial Beach during this time period, be sure to check out this festival as well as other events happening around towns such as art shows or local plays at the theater.
3. Assateague Island National Seashore (Virginia)
This beach is especially good for families with small children as there isn’t much rough surf or undertow on most days, making swimming safer than at other beaches in this area.
If you’re looking for more of an adventure, however, dig yourself out of your sandcastle long enough to go trekking through the wild ponies that roam the island!
You’ll want to head here from mid-July through mid-August since water temperatures will be warmer during those months but if swimming isn’t really your thing and you’d rather hang out on dry land instead (or just want some peace and quiet), then April through May would be perfect!
4. Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is one of the most popular Delaware beaches and an excellent choice for families with younger children. Its wide, sandy beachfront offers plenty of space for playing in the sand or building sandcastles.
The water is shallow here and perfects for swimming, but there are also spots where you can wade in a little deeper if you like. Water sports such as kayaking, boating, and fishing are popular activities at this beach as well.
The town itself has plenty to offer visitors beyond its beautiful beaches: There are numerous shops selling antiques and souvenirs along coastal Route 1; several restaurants serving up fresh seafood dishes; and even an art gallery that showcases local artists’ work!
5. Rehoboth Beach
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC, but still want to be close enough to make the trip in case you need a change of scenery or some time with friends, then Rehoboth Beach is your best bet.
Located just over an hour north of I-95, Rehoboth has everything you’d expect from a beach town sand, surf, seafood, and beer but also features plenty of shops and restaurants for those who don’t want their day at the beach to be about sandals alone.
The town itself boasts an abundance of history dating back more than 300 years; there are even homes that were built before America was founded!
6. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland is a great place to take a beach vacation.
This popular destination offers dozens of hotels, many of which are right on the boardwalk, as well as restaurants and activities for both kids and young adults.
The beaches here are clean and well-maintained, making it easy for you to enjoy your time in Ocean City!
The best part about visiting Ocean City? You don’t have to travel far from Washington DC! It’s just over an hour away by car or train (we recommend driving) so it won’t add much time to your trip back home after a long day at the beach.
7. Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach is a classic Eastern Shore town that’s located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, just south of Annapolis.
It’s a great place to visit for swimming, fishing, and boating (or just watching others do it), as well as some of Maryland’s best dining and accommodations.
There are lots of fun things to experience at Chesapeake Beach, like the Chesapeake Beach Water Park or The Clam Shack restaurant or Pansy Mae’s Ice Cream Shoppe (not to mention all those seafood shacks). And if you’re into trains which we happen to be don’t miss out on visiting the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum!
8. Fenwick Island, Sussex County, Delaware
Fenwick Island is a coastal town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the town is 379, a decrease of 8.3% from 2000. It is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area.
It is the southernmost town on Fenwick Island and has a long bike path along its beachfront that attracts many visitors each summer.
The area also hosts several large music festivals every year such as Rockalily Music Festival & Camping Trip and Beachstock Music Festival which both take place at Ocean Downs Racetrack and Casino during the summer months (June through September).
9. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland
Located in Maryland, this national wildlife refuge is a great place to see shorebirds and waterfowl. If you’ve got the time, it’s best to visit this spot during fall or winter when migrations occur.
In addition to birding opportunities, there are also several hiking trails available. If you like kayaking, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors several options for getting out on the water:
You can enjoy scenic views of farmland and forests while taking a guided tour on one of their two boats that offer paddling trips through marshland habitats rich with wildlife (and doable by novice paddlers).
For more experienced kayakers looking for open water adventures, they also offer guided tours along Blackwater Creek—a stretch where canoeists and kayakers can experience some challenging rapids as well as a stop at islands filled with birds!
10. Rusty Rudder – Dewey Beach, DE
The Rusty Rudder is a great place to go if you’re in the mood for live music. The food and drink are great too, so it’s an all-around good time.
It’s also a great place to go with friends or family because there are plenty of options from eating inside or out on the deck, where you can watch boats pass by on the Potomac River.
If you’d like to reserve a table for dinner in the summer months (between June 1st and September 30th), call ahead at least two weeks before your visit. In addition, they have outdoor seating that is open year-round!
11. Seacrets Jamaica Ocean City
If you’re looking for a beach that’s not too far from Washington, DC but has a lot of personalities, look no further than SECRETS Jamaica USA.
This private resort is located in Jamaica, New York, and offers everything from swimming to volleyball to dining at the resort’s restaurants and bars.
It even has its own ice cream shop! If you’re going with friends or family members who love the water as much as you do, this beach is definitely worth checking out.
Now, we will address some common Frequently asked questions.
FAQs on Best Beaches near Washington DC
Which Ocean Beach Is Closest To Washington Dc?
Ocean Beach Is Closest To Washington Dc is Virginia Beach. Another one you can try is Ocean City, Maryland, which is about an hour’s drive south on I-95 or I-495.
This is a popular destination for people from the DC area who want to get out of town for the weekend and relax on a beach without having to fly somewhere tropical.
Does Washington Have Good Beaches?
Yes, Washington Has Good Beaches. There are many beaches in the state of Washington, but these are the most popular ones: Ocean Shores, La Push Beach, and Westport Beach.
What Is The Nicest Beach Near Washington Dc?
The Nicest Beach Near Washington Dc is Ocean City, Maryland. This town is located on the Atlantic coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, which are clean and safe for swimming. The town also has many hotels and restaurants if you want to spend a few days there.
How close is Washington, D.C. to the ocean?
Sandy Point State Park – Maryland
This beach is the closest beach to D.C. on this list. Only 38 miles away from the city center, you can enjoy a day with your toes in the sand after just an hour’s drive.
The beach is located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and offers swimming as well as fishing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also paddle board or kayak on the Potomac River!
Final Thought
I hope you enjoyed this article and that some of these beaches can be included in your future visits to the Washington DC area.
So get out there and soak up the sun with one of these wonderful spots. Not only will you enjoy a great day at the beach, but you’ll be supporting a local small business at the same time. And that’s something for everyone to celebrate!
