There’s nothing like a beach getaway with the family. Lounging in the sun, toes deep in the sand and with a cold drink in hand are the perfect way to spend time together. There are gorgeous beaches in many directions, but what about when your fun-in-the-sun time is limited? You’ve only got a day, or maybe less, to cram in as much beach time as possible — what then? Consider bringing your family to one of these 15 closest beaches to D.C.
Mason Neck State Park — Virginia
Northern Virginia’s Mason Neck State Park is one of the closest beaches to D.C. and offers a variety of outdoor programs and activities. The park has over 3 miles of paved multiuse trails, wooded hiking trails, wildlife observation decks and kayak and paddleboard rentals available. Additionally, families can take ranger-guided canoe trips in Belmont Bay and along Kane’s Creek. Visitors can also extend their time in the area, with nearby attractions such as Pohick Bay Regional Park and the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge.
- Distance: 45 minutes by car
- Address: Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, Va. 22079
- Hours: October-April: 7 a.m.-dusk; May-September: 6 a.m.-dusk
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Algonkian Regional Park — Virginia
With over 838 acres of protected natural space, Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, Virginia has a wide range of summer beach-day activities. The park features an expansive network of natural and paved hiking trails for every level of activity, a golf course and the Volcano Island Waterpark alongside its classic riverside beach. Daily kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available to visitors.
- Distance: 50 minutes by car
- Address: Algonkian Regional Park, 47001 Fairway Dr, Sterling, Va. 20165
- Hours: Year-round: sunrise to sunset
- Admission: Free
Sandy Point State Park — Maryland
Situated at the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Sandy Point State Park is a popular swimming destination for DMV residents, boasting over a million visitors each year. In addition to swimming, your family can hike the nearby Corcoran Woods forest preserve with its 4 miles of trails.
- Distance: 50 minutes by car
- Address: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, Md. 21409
- Hours: Year-round: 7 a.m.-dusk. Mid-November-January 2: 7 a.m-4 p.m.
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Matapeake Beach — Maryland
On the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, Matapeake Beach provides a serene haven for families looking for both natural beauty and relaxation. Its calm waters and wide beaches make Matapeake perfect for kayaking, swimming and playing. Well-known for its stunning views of the Bay Bridge, Matapeake also offers an entrance into nature: visitors can venture through marshlands and coastal forests on maintained trails.
- Distance: 58 minutes by car
- Address: 2010 Sonny Schulz Boulevard, Stevensville, Md. 21666
- Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk
- Admission: Free
- North Beach – Maryland
Our second closest beach to D.C. on the list is North Beach, located in beautiful Calvert County, Md. North Beach has a well-maintained sandy shorefront, a fishing pier and a flowerbed-lined boardwalk with benches. It’s also one of the few boardwalks near the district that allow dogs – though they still aren’t allowed on the beach.
- Distance: 58 minutes by car
- Address: 9023 Bay Avenue, North Beach, Md. 20714
- Hours: Year-round: 8 a.m.-dusk or 8 p.m., whichever comes first
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Cunningham Falls State Park — Maryland
Frederick County’s Cunningham Falls State Parks features both inviting beaches and sprawling forests. Situated on Hunting Creek Lake, the park’s beaches provide a place for families to relax and unwind while enjoying the picturesque views of the lake and forests. With options to rent rowboats and paddle boats, there’s a variety of ways to explore the outdoors.
- Distance: 1 hour, 10 minutes by car
- Address: 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, Md. 21788
- Hours: April-October: 8 a.m.-sunset. November-March: 10 a.m.-sunset
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Breezy Point Beach — Maryland
Families can participate in a variety of summer activities along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay at Breezy Point Beach in Maryland. With opportunities for kids to explore the sandy shores and swim in the water and parents to sunbathe and unwind, Breezy Point has something for everyone. Nearby picnic areas offer spots for family meals, and the tranquil waters of the bay are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking adventures.
- Distance: 1 hour, 20 minutes by car
- Address: 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, Md. 20732
- Hours: Weekends and Holidays: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Weekdays: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Gunpowder Falls State Park – Maryland
Gunpowder Falls State Park is divided into six sections to provide visitors with a range of recreational activities from horseback riding to picnicking to kayaking. The Hammerman Area in Middle River is where you can find a 1,500-foot beach and swimming area on the banks of the Gunpowder River. Visit the Hereford Area for fishing and canoeing; Central Area for hiking, biking and horseback riding; and nearby Dundee Creek Marina for ample boating, fishing and archery opportunities.
- Distance: 1 hour, 20 minutes by car
- Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Road, Middle River, Md. 21220
- Hours: Year-round: 8 a.m.-sunset
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Falmouth Beach — Virginia
The Historic Port of Falmouth, more commonly called Falmouth Beach, is located on the Rappahannock River. Falmouth Beach has fishing spots, walking trails, sandy shores and even a nearby rugby field. Visitors can also learn about the history of this beach at the nearby visitor center; Falmouth Beach was an entry way for both commerce and passenger ships during the colonial era of American history and a crossing for thousands of enslaved people escaping to freedom beginning in 1862.
- Distance: 1 hour, 25 minutes by car
- Address: 401 River Rd, Fredericksburg, Va. 22405
- Hours: Year-round: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Calvert Cliffs State Park — Maryland
Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby, Maryland is home to the 15-million-year-old Calvert Cliffs which contain over 600 unique species of fossils. From ancient shark teeth to marine fossils, visitors are allowed to search for and keep the fossils they find. On the Chesapeake Bay, the beach is a short 1.8 mile walk from the parking lot, across wooden boardwalks that traverse shallow marshes and wooded forests. Beyond fossil hunting, Calvert Cliffs State Park’s peaceful waters provide the perfect space for families to swim and wade.
- Distance: 1 hour, 35 minutes by car
- Address: 10540 H G Trueman Road, Lusby, Md. 20657
- Hours of Operation: Year-round: sunrise to sunset
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Westmoreland State Park — Virginia
Situated on the Potomac River’s Northern Neck, Westmoreland State Park provides many options for family fun, with boat rentals available, a fishing pier, sprawling beaches and over 6 miles of trails. Visitors can hunt for fossil shark teeth, and the park is known for its bird-watching accessibility; American bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys and kingfishers can often be found flying along the banks.
- Distance: 1 hour, 40 minutes by car
- Address: 145 Cliff Road, 145 Cliff Rd, Montross, Va. 22520
- Hours: Year-round: dawn to dusk
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Colonial Beach – Virginia
Along the calm shores of the Potomac River is Colonial Beach, Virginia’s second largest beach. Its centrally located boardwalk has all your favorite beach attractions: waterfront restaurants and food trucks, kids playground, souvenir shops, bathhouse facilities and fishing areas from the municipal pier. Your family can find quieter beach areas to the north and south of the pier.
- Distance: 1 hour, 45 minutes by car
- Address: Hawthorn Street, Colonial Beach, Va. 22443
- Hours: Year-round: all-day.
- Admission: Free
Point Lookout State Park – Maryland
Point Lookout State Park is at the tip of a peninsula between the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay and is a history-rich beach close to D.C. Visitors to the museum within the park will learn how important this area was to early settlers of Maryland and for the Union army during the Civil War. There’s even a 19th-century lighthouse you can walk around that boasts gorgeous views of the Potomac River.
- Distance: 1 hour, 45 minutes by car
- Address: 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, Md. 20687
- Hours: May-September: 7 a.m. to Sunset. Weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend: 6 a.m.-sunset. October-April: 8 a.m.-sunset.
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Rocky Gap State Park — Maryland
Located in Allegany County, Rocky Gap State Park offers a peaceful retreat with its two public swimming beaches nestled on Lake Habeeb, known for having the “bluest water in Maryland.” Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, the park’s beaches provide easy access to Maryland’s natural environment. During the summer season, families can adventure across the lake on rentable canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or cast a line off of one of many fishing docks.
- Distance: 1 hour, 55 minutes by car
- Address: 12900 Lake Shore Drive, Flintstone, Md. 21530
- Hours: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: 7 a.m.-sunset; Day after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend: 8 a.m.-sunset
- Admission: See website for price structure, which varies according to season, residency, days of week and more.
Vir-Mar Beach — Virginia
Vir-Mar Beach is situated at the intersection of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Strong bay winds bring a plethora of birds to the beach, including terns and ospreys. On clear days, visitors can see the Cape Charles Lighthouse, first erected in 1802 and currently the second tallest lighthouse in the country. Stairs provide easy access to the lowered beach where visitors can wade and relax on the sand.
- Distance: 2 hours, 30 minutes by car
- Address: 779 Vir-Mar Beach Rd, Heathsville, Va. 22473
- Hours: Year-round: dawn to dusk
- Admission: Free
