The nation’s capital is home to plenty of lush green spaces, and it doesn’t hurt that the city itself is surrounded by a ton of natural scenery. But other than being a cute little town, what good is all that greenery if you can’t take advantage of it? Luckily, there are plenty of great options near Washington DC for people who like spending time in nature as much as they like planning trips away from city life. Here are 9 best beaches near Washington, DC:
Beaches near me & DC
Assateague Island National Seashore
Situated off the coast of Maryland, Assateague Island National Seashore is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who love the ocean and sand. The island is currently undergoing a major restoration process, and its beaches are now the cleanest found in the country. In the summer months, you can enjoy the island’s untouched beauty from a distance. In the winter, you can still get to enjoy the sand and the water, but it’s a little different. Visitors can still get a great view of the island in the winter, but they’ll have to deal with the freezing water instead of the warm sand. Assateague Island National Seashore is one of the best beaches near Washington DC in the winter because it’s a national park. Most other beaches in the area are state parks, so they are allowed to charge an entrance fee. However, Assateague Island National Seashore is free to enter, which is one of the best beaches near Washington DC’s best benefits. On the other hand, the beach is only open from April to November, so it’s not great for people who want to go there every summer.
Breezy Point Beach
Breezy Point Beach is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who love the sounds of the ocean. Often said to be the birthplace of the blues, Breezy Point is home to the U.S. Blues Museum, which showcases the history of the music genre. Visitors can also enjoy the sounds of the Breezy Point Blues Festival, which happens every summer. Nearby attractions include the Breezy Point Lighthouse and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Walk. If you’re in the area in the spring or fall, you can enjoy the same gorgeous views of the ocean, but with a few notable differences. In the summer, the beach is usually swarming with people, but it gets less crowded in the winter. You can also enjoy the beach in the winter, but it may be a little colder than in the summer, which is one of the best beaches near Washington DC best benefits.
Chesapeake Beach
The best beaches near Washington DC aren’t always on the coast, and the best thing about Chesapeake Beach is that you don’t even have to go to the ocean to get there. Located about 10 minutes from Washington, DC, Chesapeake Beach is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who don’t want to travel far but still want to enjoy the beach. The city of Chesapeake is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which is one of the best beaches near Washington DC. The high salinity of the water makes this beach a great place for visitors who want to see the ocean, but people with sensitive skin may want to avoid this beach due to the high levels of salt in the ocean. Chesapeake Beach also makes a great place for visitors who want to stay away from crowds, since it’s not located near any major cities.
Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who love hiking. Located in Southwest Virginia, the park has hiking trails that go through the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the banks of the New River. The park is also a great place for kayaking and canoeing, meaning that people with a passion for the outdoors can find plenty to do here. Kiptopeke State Park also makes a great place for people who want to escape the summer heat. The park is located in the mountains and is often cooler than nearby cities, making it a great option for people who want to escape the summer heat. Kiptopeke State Park is one of the best beaches near Washington DC because it’s a state park and a national park, so it’s free to enter both state and federal parks.
Leesylvania State Park
Leesylvania State Park is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who want to explore the natural beauty. Located in Central Virginia, the park has hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, caves, and interesting geological formations. The park is also famous for its Civil War history, including the Grave Creek Battlefield, the scene of a battle in 1864. Leesylvania State Park is also great for people who want to escape the summer heat. The park is located near the mountains, so it’s often cooler than nearby cities, making it a great option for people who want to escape the summer heat. Leesylvania State Park is one of the best beaches near Washington DC because it’s a state park, so it’s free to enter both state and federal parks. One of the best benefits of enjoying nature at Leesylvania State Park is that you’ll get to experience the beauty of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, one of the best beaches near Washington DC.
Matapeake Park and Beach
Matapeake Park and Beach is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who want a beach without the crowds. Located in the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the park has an 8-acre beach that is often quiet enough to enjoy without worrying about other people on the sand. The park also has hiking trails, camping areas, and a historic lighthouse. In the summer, the beach often has a nice, gentle wave, making it a great option for people who want a beach that is not too rocky. The park is also a great place for bird watching, since it is located near the marshes, which are a common habitat for birds. Matapeake Park and Beach is one of the best beaches near Washington DC because it’s a state park, so it’s free to enter both state and federal parks. One of the best benefits of enjoying nature at Matapeake State Park is that you’ll get to experience the beauty of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, one of the best beaches near Washington DC.
Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is one of the best beaches near Washington DC for people who want to explore nature. Located in Virginia Beach, the park has hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, a 9-hole golf course, and an old lighthouse. The beach at the state park is one of the best in the area, as it’s often surrounded by calm water and beautiful sand. Sandy Point State Park is also a great place for people who want to escape the summer heat, since the park is located in the mountains and often cooler than nearby cities. Sandy Point State Park is one of the best beaches near Washington DC because it’s a state park, so it’s free to enter both state and federal parks. One of the best benefits of enjoying nature at Sandy Point State Park is that you’ll get to experience the beauty of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, one of the best beaches near Washington DC.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers everything you’d want from a beach, including tons of activities and plenty of gorgeous scenery. The beach itself is a great option for people who want to relax and enjoy the water without hearing the sound of waves breaking. And although it might not be the closest beach to Washington DC, you’ll find that it’s still an easy trip. Virginia Beach is a major tourism area, so you can take advantage of the many activities available there, or you can simply relax and enjoy the beach. Virginia Beach also has plenty of historic sites to explore, making it a great option for anyone who’s interested in history.
Conclusion
Happy beach-going! Whether you’re looking for a secluded beach or a more tourist-friendly area, you’re sure to find a great option near Washington DC. From Assateague Island to Virginia Beach, there is a perfect beach for you near the nation’s capital. And don’t forget to be sure to pack your swimsuit, towel, and plenty of sunscreen.