The Best Beaches Near Washington DC

Washington DC is one of our favorite cities to visit in the United States, as there is so much to do for all travel styles! It can, however, get a bit hot in the summertime. Though sandwiched between the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, the city of DC doesn’t have a true “beach” within its bounds. If you’re looking to escape the heat for a weekend by the sea, check out the best beaches near DC below!

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Given its location, the closest true beaches to DC are spread out amongst four states: Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey. There are also some sandy areas along the surrounding rivers if all you are looking for is a place to layout near water. We are going to organize the beaches below by the type of water they are placed along (riverside, bayside, or seaside) so that you can jump right to what you are looking for!

Spoiler Alert – there is no shortage of beaches around Washington DC. While this list is a highlight, there are dozens more small towns along the water in each of these categories below!

Seaside Beaches

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Another popular choice in Delaware is Rehoboth Beach, which in addition to a boardwalk and wide sandy beaches also is known for a frequent line up of free outdoor concerts!

Fenwick Island, DE

One of the largest beach attractions in Maryland is Ocean City. This lively city boasts a large boardwalk with plenty of entertainment and shopping dotted along the way.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 146 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Ocean
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Population: ~ 7,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Assateague Island, MD

A unique feature of Assateague Island is that it is home to wild horses that have adapted to the barrier island’s environment. While the island is restricted to having any permanent residents, the beaches in the state park for day access!

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 152 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 3 hours
• Waterfront Type: Ocean
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: None
• Boardwalk: No

Atlantic City, NJ

One of the most popular beaches on the east coast is Atlantic City. In addition to its wide beaches, the city is also home to a bustling boardwalk and late night casinos.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 187 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 3 hours and 10 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Ocean
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: 11,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Virginia Beach, VA

A large, built up coastal city that attracts thousands of beachgoers a year is Virginia Beach. This area has a lot of restaurants and shops to explore as it is home to a large population all year long.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 209 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Ocean
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Population: 454,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay

• Hotel: Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• Inn: The Atlantic Inn

Sandbridge Beach, VA

For a slightly mellower beach town along the Virginia coast, you can check out the Sandbridge Beach. This more residential area is full of colorful apartments and quaint beach houses by the sea.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 219 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 3 hours and 40 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Ocean
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Population: 4,000
• Boardwalk: No

Bayside Beaches

Matapeake Beach, MD

One of the public waterfronts on Kent Island near DC is Matapeake Beach. This relatively wooded area of the island has walking trails, a clubhouse, an amphitheater, and a sandy beach area.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 45 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Boardwalk: No

Sandy Point State Park, MD

Within the Sandy Point State Park you can access a mile long beach named South Beach. When you’re done at the beach, you can also explore the surrounding trails and reserves!

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 37 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 50 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Required
• Boardwalk: No

North Beach, MD

North Beach is a smaller beach town on the Chesapeake Bay that is a popular destination due to its close proximity to DC.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 37 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 55 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Required
• Boardwalk: Yes

Saint George Island, MD

A popular spot for camping near the beach is Saint George Island in Maryland. This small island is within the Potomac River at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 78 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Bay/River
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Boardwalk: No

Chincoteague Island, MD

For a quaint coastal experience, you could check out Chincoteague Island. This getaway is near Assateague but offers more accommodations and beach access.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 170 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 3 hours
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Required
• Boardwalk: Yes

Rocky Point Beach, MD

A nearby access point for a sand beach with public access to swim or boat is the Rocky Point Beach in Maryland!

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 56 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Required
• Boardwalk: No

Mayo Beach, MD

This next beach is located within Mayo Beach Park, and offers a sandy strip along the Chesapeake Bay in addition to a picnic area and grassy field. This is also a popular place to use kayaks or canoes in the bay.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 34 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Boardwalk: No

North Haven Beach, VA

North Haven Beach is located along the Chesapeake Bay and has sandy beaches. It also features a lot of nature reserves, including nearby marshes and woodlands. It is adjacent to the slightly larger Haven Beach.

Quick Facts

• Distance from DC: 160 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 3 hours
• Waterfront Type: Bay
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Boardwalk: No

Riverside Beaches

National Harbor Beach, MD

A great choice for a day trip from DC, the National Harbor waterfront has a sandy area to layout by the water, shopping areas, walking paths, and a pier with amusement rides!

• Distance from DC: 12 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 20 minutes
• Waterfront Type: River
• Beach Pass: Not Required (Free Beach Access)
• Population: ~ 5,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a beach in Washington DC? No, there is not a traditional seaside beach in Washington DC. There are, however, many riverside access points if you are looking for a waterfront.
2. What is the closest beach to DC? The closest beaches on the bay are all about an hour’s drive from Washington DC, while the nearest oceanfront beach is about 2.5 hours away.

Please let us know your favorite beach near DC in the comments below!

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