Top 10 Beaches Within Driving Distance of DC

No, Waikiki is not on this checklist. We’re taking a look at one of the best seashores inside a straightforward(ish) drive of the D.C. metro space.

One of the best public seashores close to D.C., Maryland and Virginia have delicate sand, waterparks, amusement parks, water sports activities, films on the seaside — there’s one thing for each traveler. Get able to vacuum the sand out of your automotive!

So as of estimated distance, from closet to farthest:

Bethany Seashore, Delaware

Bethany Seashore markets itself as a “quiet resort,” providing a extra serene choice away from the party-hardy bustle of another spots. There is a restricted variety of bars, however a lot to do in the best way of water sports activities, a farmers’ market, a water park, pirate mini-golf, a boardwalk and films on the seaside. Catch free reside music on the Boardwalk Bandstand on weekend nights. You will discover one thing to do in Bethany proper up till the top of summer time when the city famously bids goodbye to the season with a jazz funeral. DISTANCE: about 125 miles from downtown D.C.

Rehoboth Seashore, Delaware

You may discover just about every little thing you want from a seaside city in Rehoboth Seashore, Delaware. We’re speaking go-karts, mini-golf, hang-gliding, boardwalk video games and rides for teenagers — plus frozen custard, clearly. Rehoboth can be dwelling to some improbable farm-to-table eating places, so if boardwalk delicacies is not your factor, you continue to positively might be fairly comfortable right here. Close by Dewey Seashore provides a barely quieter ambiance from busier, extra crowded cousin Rehoboth. DISTANCE: about 120 miles from downtown D.C.

Ocean Metropolis, Maryland

Ocean Metropolis, Maryland, is a vacation spot that youngsters (or your personal inside youngster) will love. Go for water slides, boardwalk rides and haunted homes, or head to the water to parasail, kayak, surf or, you realize, simply swim. You may as well catch free live shows and films many nights throughout summer time. Like Bethany and Rehoboth, Ocean Metropolis is among the many closest seaside locations for D.C.-area residents. DISTANCE: about 145 miles from downtown D.C.

Fenwick Island, Delaware

Located roughly midway between Bethany Seashore and Ocean Metropolis close to the Delaware/Maryland border, Fenwick Island provides laidback household enjoyable through the Thunder Lagoon Waterpark and the distinctive DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum. DISTANCE: about 132 miles from downtown D.C.

Sea Isle Metropolis, New Jersey

Sandwiched between extra densely populated Ocean Metropolis, New Jersey, and Avalon, Sea Isle Metropolis is a Jersey Shore gem. The island city has a pleasant mixture of laidback vibes, household enjoyable and nice bars — like favourite Ocean Drive — to celebration with associates. The city’s tagline, featured prominently on the water tower whenever you arrive, is “Smile, You are in Sea Isle.” There is a 1.5-mile promenade fronting the white sand seashores of the Atlantic coast. You may discover loads of boating and fishing alternatives within the again bay, and Atlantic Metropolis and The Wildwoods are a brief drive away through the Backyard State Parkway. Sea Isle Metropolis does not have many lodges, so reserving a summer time rental is essential. DISTANCE: about 180 miles from downtown D.C.

Wildwood and Cape Could, New Jersey

We’re placing Cape Could and Wildwood, New Jersey, collectively as a result of it is simple to do each in a single weekend. On the southernmost level of New Jersey’s barrier islands, Cape Could is known for its eye-popping Victorian mansions and B&Bs (and the historic excursions that go together with them). Its neighbor to the north, Wildwood, provides a extra typical shore expertise on a bigger scale than its Delaware counterparts, with a distinct form of retro through its Fifties-era motels. You may additionally discover the requisite boardwalk, tons of rides and two water parks. Simply “watch the tram automotive, please.” DISTANCE:  about 185 miles from downtown D.C.

Ocean Metropolis, New Jersey

That different Ocean Metropolis (the one in New Jersey) provides loads of family-friendly enjoyable, with a boardwalk that — though typically crowded — includes a ton of rides and all of the outdated faves in terms of shore meals, together with pizza and fried Oreos. What else might you need? DISTANCE: about 192 miles from downtown D.C.

Virginia Seashore, Virginia

Except for outside actions from fishing to kayaking to dolphin watching, Virginia Seashore additionally provides a boardwalk stuffed with rides and eating places, loads of festivals, bars, golf equipment and breweries, plus the Virginia Aquarium and the Army Aviation Museum. Lodging embody every little thing from high-rise lodges to close by campgrounds. DISTANCE: about 210 miles from downtown D.C.

Kitty Hawk and Kill Satan Hills, North Carolina

The attractive seashores of the Outer Banks are definitely worth the drive (and the OBX sticker you clearly need on your automotive). They are not fairly what you’d name shut to D.C., however Kitty Hawk Seashore and Kill Satan Hills are the best to get to since they’re close to the Wright Memorial Bridge. Swim, surf, constitution a ship or go fishing off the Avalon Pier. There are additionally historic websites dedicated to the misplaced colony on Roanoke (at close by Manteo) and the Wright Brothers’ first flight, and you will find loads of lodging choices on the seaside or inside strolling distance. The principle downside is these seashores are very developed. On the plus facet, you may see wild ponies or dolphins at close by Corolla, which additionally permits driving on the seaside. DISTANCE: about 270 miles from downtown D.C.

Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore, North Carolina

Sandy dunes speak in confidence to 70 miles of largely undeveloped seashores at Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore. The open-ocean waves are nice for browsing or boogie boarding, or you possibly can go to historic lighthouses. Drive to the southern finish and also you’ll discover Ocracoke Seashore, which Dr. Seashore declared probably the greatest within the nation. Seashore driving and bonfires are allowed right here with a correct allow. DISTANCE: about 290 miles from downtown D.C. to Hatteras Island Customer Middle