Dreaming of sand and surf without going too far from DC? These nearby beaches offer the perfect escape for sunny day trips, weekend getaways, and relaxing coastal vibes.
Highlights:
1. Beaches You Can Reach in Under 1 Hour from DC
Rating: ★★★★★
Leesylvania State Park – 38–52 minutes from DC:
Set along the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park offers historic trails, scenic fishing spots, and peaceful waterfront picnic areas.
Sandy Point State Park – 43–51 minutes from DC:
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point features beach access, boating, and stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
Where to Stay
- Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels) – Luxurious waterfront resort with spa services and sailing lessons.
- Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay (Cambridge) – Family-friendly resort with golf, pools, and marina access.
Recommended Tours:
- Chesapeake Beach: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Snacks – Look out for marine life such as ospreys and dolphins. Price: From $123 per person.
- Chesapeake Beach: Guided Walking Tour to The Cliffs – A guided walking tour down to the Cliffs of Calvert. Price: From $41 per person.
- Chesapeake Beach: Private Sailing Cruise on a 42-Foot Yacht – From $654 per group up to 6.
2. Around One Hour from DC
Chesapeake Beach – 1 hour 1 minute from DC:
A charming town on the bay, Chesapeake Beach boasts a waterfront boardwalk, marinas, and family-friendly attractions.
North Beach – 46–47 minutes from DC:
With a walkable shoreline, North Beach offers bayfront views, a fishing pier, and a lively weekend market scene.
3. Beaches That are 1 - 3 Hours by Car from DC
Matapeake Park and Beach – 1 hour 1 minute from DC:
On Kent Island, Matapeake Park offers a pet-friendly beach, wooded trails, and panoramic bayfront scenery.
Breezy Point Beach – 1 hour 16–24 minutes from DC:
A favorite summer spot, Breezy Point Beach features a half-mile sandy beach, fishing pier, and picnic areas along the Chesapeake Bay.
Assateague Island National Seashore – 2 hours 49 minutes from DC:
Famous for its wild horses, Assateague offers undeveloped beaches, coastal camping, and tranquil wildlife viewing on Maryland’s Atlantic coast.
4. More Than 3 Hours from DC
Virginia Beach – 3 hours 18–4 hours from DC:
A classic coastal destination, Virginia Beach boasts a three-mile boardwalk, oceanfront fun, and family-friendly attractions.
Kiptopeke State Park – 3 hours 38–4 hours 15 minutes from DC:
Located on the Eastern Shore, Kiptopeke offers coastal trails, birdwatching, and beach access with views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Ocean View Beach Park – 2 hours 58–3 hours 40 minutes from DC:
Nestled in Norfolk, Ocean View features a wide sandy beach, gentle surf, and seasonal live music near the Chesapeake Bay.
Plan Your Trip