If there’s one thing we all know by now about summer in D.C., it’s both swelteringly hot and humid. The worst part is that aside from the little relief you get from whatever air conditioning you can find, the heat always seems to stick to you and never let go.
Fortunately for Washingtonians, around D.C. and the greater DMV area happen to be some of the best beaches in the nation – one even ranked among the top 10 beaches in the country, but which one that is might surprise you!
1. Ocean City Beach – Ocean City, Maryland
One of the most popular beaches in the entire nation, Ocean City Beach is a common beach destination for DMV area residents during warmer seasons and long weekends. The incredible boardwalk, variety of family-friendly activities, and its reputable bar scene make it an ideal destination for all audiences!
Length of drive: 3 hours
Location: 698 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States
2. Bethany Beach, Delaware
This beach is home to a scenic boardwalk that is a perfect destination for any Washingtonian hoping to break away from the stress of the capital city.
Length of drive: 3 hours
Location: Boardwalk, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, United States
3. Wildwood Beach – Wildwood, New Jersey
This beach is famous for its expansive sandy beaches complete with a picture-perfect boardwalk filled with attractions like amusement rides, water parks, and naturally a variety of shops and restaurants to explore!
Length of drive: 3.5 hours
Location: 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260, United States
4. Matapeake Beach – Stevensville, Maryland
This small but serene beach is ideal for picnicking, cooling off in the water, and walking along the nature trail parallel to the beach. What makes this beach stand out is that it’s a dog-friendly beach complete with dedicated dog areas, which means that this beach is the ideal destination for Washingtonians who don’t want to leave their four-legged friends behind on their next beach trip.
Length of drive: 1 hour
Location: 2010 Sonny Schulz Blvd, Stevensville, MD 21666, United States
5. Rehoboth Beach, Maryland
Rehoboth Beach is in an incredibly charming beach town complete with its picturesque boardwalk and the iconic ‘Funland’ amusement park just steps from the beach.
Length of drive: 3 hours
Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States
6. Calvert Cliffs Park Beach – Lusby, Maryland
While it’s important to note that this beach requires a 2-mile hike to reach through the State Park, the beach is famous for being filled with fossilized shark teeth, which can be an incredibly fun adventure to find for both kids and adults alike!
Length of drive: 1 hour
Location: 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, United States
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
This famous coastal city is known for its incredible 3-mile-long boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and loads of activities that are fit for all ages ranging from amusement rides to water sports!
Length of drive: 4 hours
Location: 202 22nd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
8. Assateague Island – Chincoteague, Virginia
Assateague Island is only a a few minutes past Ocean City, Maryland but offers a unique experience from what you might have at Ocean City Beach. Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses that roam the island and can often be seen along the beach!
If you have the time, we highly suggest planning a camping trip there to spend a night or two to see the sun set and rise at this one-of-a-kind beach destination.
Length of drive: 3 hours
Location: Woodland Trail, Chincoteague, VA 23336, United States
9. Breezy Point Beach – Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
This seasonal public beach and popular camping site is a great escape from the city heat without the hassle of a several-hour road trip from D.C.!
The beach offers incredible views of the Chesapeake Bay, which just recently was announced to be the cleanest it has ever been in over 20 years.
Length of drive: 1 hour
Location: 5300 Breezy Point Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, United States
10. Yorktown Beach – Yorktown, Virginia
This charming beach is a great place to relax, unwind, and escape the heat by dipping into the calm waters of the York River while enjoying the scenic view of the Coleman Memorial Bridge in the distance.
Located right near the historic Yorktown Battlefield, you can enjoy a beach day and soak up some interesting American History all on the same day without a hassle!
Length of drive: 3 hours
Location: 594 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States