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The Best Beaches Near Washington DC

Beaches are the favorite place of many tourists and locals alike. They are the perfect places for families and friends to relax, while also keeping children entertained. However, those living in Washington DC have fewer choices when it comes to finding a scenic shoreline. In this article, we take a look at some of the best beaches that are close to Washington DC.

1. Ocean City Beach

This lovely beach, located in Maryland, is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes away from Washington DC. There is also a bus service that you can utilize, should you prefer to travel this way. Ocean City Beach won the Travelers’ Choice award for 2022 and was categorized as the best of the best. This beach is well kept and is over 10 miles in length, ensuring that there is plenty of room for everyone.

2. Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is actually the name of the entire town, not the beach itself. However, Dewey Beach is located in Delaware. It’s a popular tourist attraction, mainly due to the superior amount of entertainment you can experience there. Besides the beach itself, there are numerous music events in the area. For thrill seekers, you can rent out Jet Skis and explore to your heart’s content. Dewey Beach is approximately the same distance from Washington DC as Ocean City, which translates to roughly a 2-and-a-half-hour drive.

3. Breezy Point Beach

Open to the public throughout most of the year, Breezy also operates as a campsite. The beach itself can be accessed weekends and holidays, from 8am to 7:30pm. It’s also open at various times throughout the week, from 9am to 6pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Keep in mind that it does cost $10 to enter, for Calvert Country residents or $20 for non-residents. You will gain access to restrooms, netted swimming area, BBQ grills and outdoor showers.

4. Virginia Beach

As you can guess by the name, this beach is located in Virginia. It is approximately a 3-and-a-half-hour drive from Washington DC. Like with Ocean City, there are alternative methods of transport for getting there, if needed. With white sand and calmer waters, it’s a relaxing destination for anyone. If you get hungry during your visit, there are plenty of top-rated restaurants in the area. There are many different stores near the beach too, including souvenir and other unique shops.

5. Lewes Beach

The final beach in our list is another located in Delaware. Lewes Beach is known for being relatively quiet, while also having a friendly and calming atmosphere. It is perhaps one of the best beaches in Delaware and is often referred to as a ‘secret gem’ by locals. Waterfront restaurants are another accommodation that many people enjoy. Enjoying your evening meal with a beautiful view is a great way to wrap up a relaxing day.

Those are the top beaches that are located near Washington DC. All locations featured on this list offer a great day out for locals or visitors of the city. You can drive there and back, with ample time in between to unwind!

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