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.
😍 If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
1. Beaches You Can Reach in Under 1 Hour from DC
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"Take a morning drive to one of these beaches for a relaxing day out."
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
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"Stroll the boardwalk or fish off the pier on a quick affordable getaway."
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
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"Bring the kids or enjoy bay views on a fun and cheap afternoon."
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
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"Surf the waves or stroll the boardwalk on an exciting coastal vacation."
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.
FAQ:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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