The Best Beaches Near Washington DC
It might be landlocked, and not a place you’d normally associate with a trip to the beach, but Washington DC has a number of beaches nearby where you can cool off in summer. Here, Culture Trip shares the best ones that take between one and four hours to reach.
1. Chesapeake Beach
Natural Feature
Possibly one of the closest beaches to reach from the city (just over an hour’s drive), Chesapeake Beach in Maryland is popular with those who like to go boating and enjoy fishing. But it’s also good for walkers who can enjoy a 1.4-mile (2.3km) stroll the boardwalk trail, which takes you along the Chesapeake Beach Railway. From there, you can also visit the museum to get a sense of the town’s history.
2. Sandy Point State Park
Natural Feature
This hugely popular beach is known for its swimming and sunbathing, and will take you just under an hour and a half by car from DC. It’s popular with families, who can be spotted enjoying ball games in the summer, or having a picnic. It’s in the Chesapeake Bay area and stretches across 786 acres (318ha) of recreational grounds.
3. Ocean City
Natural Feature
4. Virginia Beach
Natural Feature
With a drive time of just over four hours, you’ll have to make the most of this one. And with a 3mi (5km) long boardwalk, there is plenty to keep you busy for an entire day, or more. The shallow and calm waters also make it the ideal location for families, and there are plenty of amenities with numerous restaurants close by. If you’re done with the water, why not rent a bike or a kayak. And if you fancy escaping the sunshine for a couple of hours, try the Virginia Aquarium or the Military Aviation Museum.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.