• What makes the Chesapeake Bay shoreline special?
    • The stunning shores of the 200-mile-long Chesapeake Bay offer over 11,000 miles of shoreline.
    • Many of these sites remain undeveloped, providing hidden gem getaways away from the crowds of other East Coast destinations.
  • What attractions do Chesapeake Bay beaches offer?
    • These beaches and beachfront cities offer a range of activities, including:
    • Family-friendly attractions.
    • Public special event programming.
    • Plenty of opportunities for outdoor summer fun.
  • Where are the best beaches near Washington, DC?
    • Check out our list of the best beaches to visit near DC.

Best Time to Visit Beaches Near Washington, DC

  • June to August – Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly beach outings.
  • July & Early August – Peak season with festivals, boardwalk fun, and vibrant beach scenes.
  • May & September – Warm but less crowded, great for relaxed beach days and scenic drives.
  • October to April – Quieter and cooler, perfect for peaceful walks and coastal photography.
  • Late May – A sweet spot for enjoying warm weather before the busy summer rush.

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1. Assateague Island National Seashore


See wild horses or walk along pristine sands on an unforgettable summer trip.

Assateague Island National Seashore

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  • What is Assateague Island National Seashore?
  • What other protected areas are on Assateague Island?
    • The island is also home to Assateague State Park and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
  • When was Assateague Island National Seashore established?
    • The park was developed in 1965 to protect the island from significant hurricane damage that had occurred throughout the mid-20th century.
  • Why was Ocean Beach resort town never developed?
    • Plans for the Ocean Beach resort town were thwarted due to hurricane damage, leading to the island's protection instead.
  • How large is Assateague Island National Seashore?
    • The seashore protects 41,346 acres of shoreline and surrounding waters.
  • Is Assateague Island National Seashore open year-round?
    • Yes, the park is open to the public year-round and attracts more than one million visitors annually.
  • Are there visitor centers on the island?
    • Yes, the National Park Service operates two visitor centers on the island.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, hiking, and kayaking.

7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-1441

2. Breezy Point Beach


Swim the bay or enjoy a picnic on an easy family weekend escape.

Breezy Point Beach

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  • What is Breezy Point Beach and Campground?
    • Breezy Point Beach and Campground has been managed by Calvert County Parks and Recreation since 1995 and offers a variety of family-friendly summer shoreline activities in Maryland.
  • When is Breezy Point Beach open?
    • The beach is open seasonally between May and October.
  • What features does the beach offer?
    • The beach has a half-mile of Chesapeake Bay shorefront, a netted swimming area, a 200-foot fishing pier, and plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxation.
  • Is picnicking allowed at Breezy Point Beach?
    • Yes, picnicking and grilling are permitted throughout the beach, including rental use of two sheltered picnic sites, each accommodating up to 100 people.
  • What types of camping are available?
    • Seasonal campsites accommodate RVs, trailers, pop-ups, and standard tents, offering water and sewer services and hosting up to six people per campsite.
  • What amenities are available on-site?
    • The beach provides a children’s playground, bathhouses, and a concession stand for visitors.

5300 Breezy Point Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 410-535-0259

3. Chesapeake Beach


Stroll the boardwalk or fish off the pier on a quick affordable getaway.

Chesapeake Beach

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  • What is Chesapeake Beach, MD?
    • Chesapeake Beach is a resort community that was established as the ending site of the Chesapeake Beach Railway in the early 20th century.
  • What was Chesapeake Beach known for in the past?
    • It was a popular weekend destination and gambling site until the Great Depression.
  • When did Chesapeake Beach experience a revival?
    • Following its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the town saw a revival as a resort area.
  • What attractions does Chesapeake Beach offer?
    • One of the top attractions is the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which features eight water slides, a lagoon, and a children’s play area.
  • What is Herrington Harbour marina resort?
    • The Herrington Harbour marina resort was voted as the best marina in America by Marina Dock Age magazine.
  • What historical sites can visitors explore?
    • The Railway Museum preserves the city’s railroad and social history through a variety of exhibits.
  • Where can visitors enjoy beachfront activities?
    • Bay Front Park and Brownie’s Beach offer access to a beautiful stretch of Chesapeake Bay shoreline just south of town.

8200 Bayside Road, P.O. Box 400, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland 20732, Phone: 410-257-2230

4. Kiptopeke State Park


Explore hiking trails or kayak beside concrete ships on an unusual coastal trip.

Kiptopeke State Park

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  • Where is Kiptopeke State Park located?
    • Kiptopeke State Park is located on the eastern shore of Virginia along the Chesapeake Bay.
  • What is the historical significance of Kiptopeke State Park?
    • The park’s lands were first recorded by Captain John Smith in 1608 and have since become a major recreational site.
  • How large is Kiptopeke State Park?
    • The park spans 562 acres and serves as a migratory coastal bird habitat.
  • What outdoor activities are available at Kiptopeke State Park?
    • The park offers more than five miles of hiking and biking trails and seasonal swimming at two unguarded beach areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at the south beach area?
    • The south beach area provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and crabbing, with launch and parking spots available for up to 70 boat trailers.
  • Is there a fishing pier at Kiptopeke State Park?
    • Yes, a lighted fishing pier is open between April and December.
  • What overnight accommodations are available?
    • Visitors can stay in cabins, lodges, yurts, bunkhouses, or conventional RV and tent hookup campsites.
  • What other amenities does Kiptopeke State Park offer?
    • The park includes a children’s playground, a beach bathhouse, and day-use picnic areas.

3540 Kiptopeke Dr., Cape Charles, VA 23310, Phone: 757-331-2267

5. Leesylvania State Park


Walk along the Potomac or admire fall foliage on a relaxing retirement outing.

Leesylvania State Park

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  • Where is Leesylvania State Park located?
    • Leesylvania State Park is located along the shores of the Potomac River in Prince William County, Virginia.
  • Why is Leesylvania State Park historically significant?
    • The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its connection to several of Virginia’s most famous historic families.
  • When did Leesylvania State Park open to the public?
    • The park has been open to the public since 1992.
  • What outdoor activities does the park offer?
    • Leesylvania State Park offers a variety of seasonal land and water activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.
  • What fishing opportunities are available?
    • The park features a universally accessible 300-foot fishing pier, where visitors can fish for largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and perch.
  • Is swimming allowed at Leesylvania State Park?
    • No, swimming is not permitted due to hazardous water conditions.
  • Are there other shorefront recreational activities?
    • Yes, a natural sand beach provides access for other shorefront activities.
  • What watercraft rentals are available?
    • Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats may be rented seasonally from the park’s Breakwater Marina.
  • Is camping available at the park?
    • Yes, a primitive campground site is available for group overnight camping.

2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, Phone: 703-730-8205

6. Matapeake Park and Beach


Bring the kids or enjoy bay views on a fun and cheap afternoon.

Matapeake Park and Beach

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  • Where is Matapeake Park and Beach located?
    • Matapeake Park and Beach is located on Kent Island across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis, occupying grounds formerly used as the landing for the Chesapeake Bay Ferry System.
  • When is Matapeake Park and Beach open?
    • The county-owned park and beach are open to the public daily between dawn and dusk.
  • What trail connects to Matapeake Park?
    • The park serves as the northern terminus of the six-mile Kent Island South Trail, which provides walking and biking access throughout the island.
  • What historic features are at Matapeake Park?
    • The former ferry house and landing have been restored into a clubhouse and fishing pier, offering spectacular views of the nearby bridge and waters.
  • Is swimming allowed at Matapeake Park?
    • Yes, a public swimming beach is available, and it allows dogs on leashes.
  • Are there hiking trails at Matapeake Park?
    • Several trails provide access to nearby natural sites, making it a great spot for outdoor exploration.
  • What amenities does Matapeake Park offer?
    • The park features a family picnic area and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts periodic concerts and public special events.

2010 Sonny Schulz Blvd, Stevensville, MD 21666, Phone: 410-643-1060

7. North Beach


Rent a bike or browse local shops on a charming romantic weekend.

North Beach

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  • What is North Beach?
    • North Beach is a town and public beach known as the “Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay”, located approximately one hour from Washington, D.C..
  • How does North Beach compare to Chesapeake Beach?
    • North Beach is a more low-key day-trip alternative to neighboring Chesapeake Beach, offering a quaint flower-lined boardwalk and cultural attractions.
  • What attractions are available in North Beach?
    • One of the main attractions is the Bayside History Museum, which showcases exhibits on the region’s social and cultural history.
  • When is the beachfront open to the public?
    • The city’s family-friendly beachfront is open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Are there lifeguards at North Beach?
    • No, visitors should note that no lifeguard is present on duty.
  • Is boating and fishing allowed?
    • Boat slips are available for free use, and fishing is permitted with a permit on the beach’s lower-level fishing deck.
  • What special events are held at North Beach?
    • North Beach hosts various special events throughout the year, including Movies on the Beach, a Halloween BooBash, and the annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge.

9023 Bay Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714, Phone: 410-286-3799

8. Ocean View Beach Park


Listen to live music or relax on the sand during a summer evening.

Ocean View Beach Park

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  • What is Ocean View Beach Park?
    • Ocean View Beach Park is one of several public parks offering access to Norfolk’s 7.3 miles of pristine Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
  • How large is Ocean View Beach Park?
    • The park spans 6.5 acres and serves as a handicap-accessible public swimming beach.
  • When is the beach open for swimming?
    • The beach is open with lifeguards on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and shoreline jogging.
  • What events take place at the park’s band shell?
    • A large band shell hosts a variety of concert series and public special events throughout the summer.
  • What concert series are held at the park?
    • The park hosts the Big Bands on the Bay series and the TGOV Beach Music Concert series, featuring local musicians, outdoor games, dancing, and local food and beverages.
  • What is the Brews on the Bay event?
    • The annual Brews on the Bay event brings beer aficionados to the park for craft brew sampling.

100 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503, Phone: 757-441-1767

9. Sandy Point State Park


Go boating or admire skyline views on a quick spring getaway from DC.

Sandy Point State Park

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  • Where is Sandy Point State Park located?
    • Sandy Point State Park is located on Sandy Point on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, near Annapolis and Kent Island.
  • What is the history of Sandy Point State Park?
    • Like its neighbor Matapeake Park and Beach, the park was the former site of a Chesapeake Bay Ferry System ferry landing before being purchased by the state of Maryland following the construction of the bridge.
  • How large is Sandy Point State Park?
    • The park spans 786 acres and attracts more than one million annual visitors.
  • What makes the park’s beaches special?
    • The park is known for its spacious bayfront beaches, which are staffed with lifeguards between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
  • What recreational activities are available at the park?
    • Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, crabbing, hiking, and boating.
  • Are there any historic sites within the park?
    • Yes, the park is home to the Sandy Point Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the historic 1883 Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse.

1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, Phone: 410-974-2149

10. Virginia Beach


Surf the waves or stroll the boardwalk on an exciting coastal vacation.

Virginia Beach

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  • What is Virginia Beach known for?
    • Virginia Beach is one of the most popular resort cities along the Atlantic coast, featuring three miles of famous boardwalk and the longest pleasure beach in the world, as recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.
  • What major attractions are in Virginia Beach?
    • The city is home to major attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, the Military Aviation Museum, and First Landing State Park, the site of the 1607 Jamestown colonists landing.
  • Where can visitors access the beach in Virginia Beach?
    • In addition to the main boardwalk area, beachfront access is available at multiple locations throughout the city.
  • What are some alternative beaches in Virginia Beach?
    • Visitors looking for different beach experiences can explore secluded Sandbridge Beach, the off-the-beaten-path Chicks Beach, and the wildlife-heavy False Cape State Park.

2101 Parks Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, Phone: 757-385-7873


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and the best beach conditions. Hyatt Place Dewey Beach – A modern stay close to the shore. Visit Rehoboth Beach – Enjoy the boardwalk, restaurants, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Spring (March-May) – Milder temperatures with fewer crowds. The Tides Inn – A charming waterfront resort in Virginia’s Northern Neck. Explore Assateague Island – See wild horses and enjoy the unspoiled coastline.
Fall (September-November) – Warm waters linger, and the crowds thin out. Inn at Perry Cabin – A luxury retreat in St. Michaels, Maryland. Relax at Bethany Beach – A quieter alternative with soft sand and peaceful vibes.
Winter (December-February) – Cold but great for scenic walks and solitude. Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotels – Various stays with off-season deals. Walk Along Chesapeake Beach – Enjoy picturesque views and fresh seafood.

Plan Your Trip


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