The US capital is known for its neoclassical buildings, famous museums, and its thriving art culture. Show
But the White House and the Capitol aren’t the only gems in this city. You can also enjoy going to the popular ocean and lake beaches nearby for some fun and quick beach getaways from Washington, D.C. Indeed, some of the prettiest beaches on this side of the US can be found in the area. Ready to dive in? Here’s a list of the best beaches near Washington, D.C. 1. Sandy Point State Park — Maryland 1100 E College Parkway Sandy Point State Park is located at the western end of Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It is about 48 minutes away from Washington, D.C, making it the nearest beach spot on this list. Why We Recommend This BeachThough not your tropical, white sand paradise, this state park is still well-known for its swimming beach. The waters of Chesapeake are usually cool, perfect for a quick dip. Or you can choose to lounge on the sand and under the sun while having a great view of Bay Bridge. Expert TipBesides swimming, you can also go fishing, boating, and crabbing in the park. It also has incredible hiking trails you can walk on. Recommended Hotel Near Sandy Point State Park — Maryland: Graduate Annapolis Related: Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C. 2. Virginia Beach — Virginia1700 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach is 3 hours and 17 minutes away from Washington, D.C. There are tons of nice beaches in this city, all perfect for a day trip from the capital. Why We Recommend This BeachVirginia Beach Oceanfront is the main beach in the city and is where all the action is. You can sunbathe on the sandy shores, surf the waves, and swim in the waters. But you can also enjoy live music, watch street performers, or go shopping at the nearby Atlantic Avenue. Expert TipIf you want to experience a less crowded and more quiet beach, you can try going to North End Beach of Virginia Beach or First Landing State Park. Recommended Hotel Near Virginia Beach — Virginia: Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront Related: Best Restaurants in Washington DC 3. Bethany Beach — DelawareBoardwalk & Atlantic Avenue Bethany Beach is a town near the Rehoboth River, Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 2 hours and 35 minutes away from the District of Columbia. Why We Recommend This BeachIf you want to experience the quiet, lazy life near the sea, make sure to visit Bethany Beach. The wide, white-sandy shorefront is sure to entice you to take long leisurely walks. You can embrace the sea breeze and just relax to the sounds of the ocean waves. And if you ever get tired? There’s a boardwalk nearby with fun little shops to check out. Expert TipBethany Beach is dog-friendly from the end of September to mid-May. So make sure to bring your furry pals when you can. Recommended Hotel Near Bethany Beach — Delaware: Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott 4. Cape May — New JerseyBeach Avenue Cape May is a seaside city with views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 3 hours and 28 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachCape May has some of the best beaches near D.C., specifically the best beach for swimming. Most beaches in this city have lifeguards on duty, so you’re sure that someone’s always watching you. You’re sure to enjoy wading in the gentle to rolling waves with ease. Expert TipCape May does allow kayaking and surfing, but with conditions. You can go kayaking in the waters as long as you’re away from the bathing zone. Surfing, on the other hand, can only be done on designated beaches. Recommended Hotel Near Cape May — New Jersey: Grand Hotel Cape May 5. Assateague Island National Seashore — Maryland7206 National Seashore Lane Assateague Island is a long barrier island in Maryland. Its park is almost 800 acres and is about 2 hours and 43 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachIf you’re looking for a location for the best beach vacations from Washington, D.C., look no further than Assateague Island National Seashore. There are tons to do here other than the usual swimming, fishing, and crabbing. You can go hiking up paved and unpaved trails, biking around the island, and even kayaking around the salt marshes. Expert TipAssateague Island National Seashore is home to many wild horses. You can take beautiful pictures of them or ride one along the beach for a true one-of-a-kind experience. Recommended Hotel Near Assateague Island National Seashore — Maryland: Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront 6. Chesapeake Beach — VirginiaPoint Chesapeake Way Chesapeake Beach, also known as Chic’s Beach, is about 3 hours and 13 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachChic’s Beach is one beachfront you can visit in Virginia Beach. It has 2 miles of sandy shorefront that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay. While here, you can enjoy swimming, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding. Expert TipDuring certain times of the year, Chic’s Beach is dog-friendly. So make sure to bring your pets with you (as long as you keep them on a leash). Recommended Hotel Near Chesapeake Beach — Virginia: The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center 7. Rehoboth Beach — DelawareN Boardwalk Rehoboth Beach is a city found on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 2 hours and 29 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachFor fun weekend beach trips from Washington, D.C., make sure to visit the coastal city of Rehoboth Beach. Its beaches are usually clean and inviting—so much so that you’ll want to play on the sand the whole day. It also has clear, blue waters to swim in. Expert TipRehoboth Beach is also famous for its mile-long boardwalk. Make sure to stroll along this area to check out the many fascinating shops and dining choices. Recommended Hotel Near Rehoboth Beach — Delaware: The Bellmoor Inn and Spa 8. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — Virginia8231 Beach Road Just off the Maryland and Virginia coasts, Chincoteague Island is 3 hours and 8 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachThough swimming isn’t the main come-on of the beautiful beaches in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, there are still exciting activities to do here. You can go fishing, crabbing, and clamming with the whole family. Shell hunting is also an excellent way to pass the time. Expert TipLooking for more active activities in or near the water? You could always go horseback riding on the beachfront, go boating in the surrounding waters, or go kayaking and paddleboarding in the ocean and the cove. Recommended Hotel Near Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — Virginia: Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort 9. Point Lookout — Maryland11175 Point Lookout Road Point Lookout is a state park on the tip of a peninsula between Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. It is about 1 hour and 38 minutes away from the capital. While there are no beaches in Washington, D.C., Point Lookout has one nearest the area. Why We Recommend This BeachLovers of history will enjoy strolling along the beautiful shores here in Point Lookout while learning more about the camp’s history. You can check out the museum inside the park after spending the day swimming and playing on the beach. Expert TipDon’t forget to visit Point Lookout Lighthouse while you’re there. While the actual lighthouse is usually locked, you can still enjoy the views around it. Recommended Hotel Near Point Lookout — Maryland: Hampton Inn Lexington Park 10. Dewey Beach — DelawareCoastal Highway Dewey Beach, a little bit south of Rehoboth Beach, in Delaware, is about 2 hours and 28 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachIf you’re a fan of nightlife and want a little bit of beach action as well, then you’d enjoy a trip to Dewey Beach. This shorefront in Delaware is famous for its evening revels, perfect for the party lover in you. Enjoy the vibes, from the delicious food and delectable cocktails to heart-pounding live music. Expert TipIf you have the time, make sure to visit Dewey Beach just before dusk. It’s a fantastic spot to witness majestic sunsets. Recommended Hotel Near Dewey Beach — Delaware: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach 11. Colonial Beach — VirginiaIrving Avenue Colonial Beach is about 1 hour and 27 minutes away from Washington, D.C., by car. Why We Recommend This BeachColonial Beach is a great choice when it comes to the safest beach for kids in the area. It has a gentle surf that young children will enjoy wading in and has a vast stretch of sand for playing. And since it’s on the Potomac River, you also get tons of beautiful river views. Expert TipColonial Beach is near the Town Pier. If you and the kids get tired or need a break from the beach, just head on over here for other recreational activities that might tickle your fancy. Recommended Hotel Near Colonial Beach — Virginia: River Edge Inn Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC 12. Ocean City — MarylandCoastal Highway Ocean Cty is a resort town that’s 2 hours and 46 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachWhen you’re in a city surrounded by water, you’re in the perfect place to experience many water activities. Ocean City has 10 long miles of sandy oceanfront where you go swimming, surfing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can even rent jet skis and catamarans. Expert TipFor fun and exciting times, make sure to visit Trimper’s Rides at the south end of the boardwalk. Here, you’ll be able to ride on theme-park attractions that are sure to keep your heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing. Recommended Hotel Near Ocean City — Maryland: DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront 13. Lewes — Delaware206 Bay Avenue Lewes Beach is a coastal community in Delaware that’s 2 hours and 25 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachOne of Lewes’s best attractions is the Cape Henlopen State Park, which has miles and miles of beautiful beaches. What’s more, the waves on the beachfront are gentle, making this area fantastic for young swimmers. Expert TipThere are parking spaces in Lewes Beach, but you should go early to get a spot. Coming at about 11 AM will be too late. However, you can also park just over the bridge if you do not mind walking a bit of a hike. Recommended Hotel Near Lewes — Delaware: Canalside Inn 14. North Beach — Maryland9023 Bay Avenue In Maryland, the North Beach is about 50 minutes away from the US capital by car, making it the second closest beach to D.C. Why We Recommend This BeachIf you’re looking for a nearby beachfront, then North Beach is a good choice. It has both a sandy shorefront and a convenient boardwalk. You could spend the day swimming in the water, floating on tubes, or even paddleboarding and kayaking. Expert TipIf you just want to see the ocean and stroll on the boardwalk, make sure to bring your furry friends. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk as long as they are leashed. Unfortunately, they cannot enter the beach. Recommended Hotel Near North Beach — Maryland: Anchored Inn at Hidden Harbor Related: Things to Do Near Washington DC 15. Gunpowder Falls State Park — Maryland7200 Graces Quarters Road Gunpowder Falls State Park is 1 hour and 8 minutes away from Washington, D.C. It covers about 15,000 acres from Baltimore County all the way to Harford County. Why We Recommend This BeachOne of the best beaches near Washington, D.C., is found inside Gunpowder Falls State Park. You can find the swimming beach in Hammerman Area in the Middle River. Besides swimming, you can also do picnics around the area while the kids enjoy the playgrounds. Expert TipWhile you’re here, you can also go to Hereford Area for some fishing and canoeing. Visit Central Area for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Or go over to Dundee Creek Marina (also in Middle River) for boating, fishing, and archery. Recommended Hotel Near Gunpowder Falls State Park — Maryland: La Quinta by Wyndham Baltimore N / White Marsh How close is D.C. to the ocean?If you're not wanting to drive far from D.C. for a beach getaway, then the sandy shores at Sandy Point State Park is the place for you. 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 drive.
Is D.C. next to the ocean?Washington, DC is a few hours drive away from several beaches. Destinations along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean offer the region a wide selection of activities including everything from swimming to boating to crabbing to viewing wildlife.
Does Washington, D.C. have access to the ocean?The capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is part of the region known as the East Coast but is landlocked and is sandwiched between Maryland and Virginia. East Coast States with coastal access to the Atlantic Ocean.
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