Looking for an easy beach getaway right outside of Washington, DC? From calm Chesapeake Bay beaches perfect for toddlers to lively boardwalk destinations with arcades and ice cream, there are dozens of great family-friendly beaches near Washington, DC that are within 1 to 5 hour drive from our Nation’s capital. Find some of the best options for day trips and weekend adventures. Most DMV locals go to beaches in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Maryland Beaches for Families
1. Sandy Point State Park
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
Drive from DC: About 1–1.5 hours
Cost: Typically $5–$7 per person in season
This Chesapeake Bay beach is one of the closest true beach experiences to DC. Reservations are required starting Memorial Day Weekend on weekends and holidays. Families enjoy gentle waves, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing, and views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Nearby Annapolis offers boat tours, seafood restaurants, and the United States Naval Academy. Great meal stops include Cantler’s Riverside Inn and Chick & Ruth’s.
2. North Beach
Address: 9023 Bay Ave, North Beach, MD 20714
Drive from DC: About 1 hour
Cost: Small beach admission fee for non-residents
North Beach has a charming small-town vibe with a family-friendly boardwalk and calm Chesapeake Bay swimming. Kids enjoy the playgrounds and nearby nature trails. It offers a quieter atmosphere compared with larger resort towns. Enjoy seafood at Hook & Vine or visit local ice cream shops nearby.
3. Chesapeake Beach
Address: 4079 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Drive from DC: About 1–1.25 hours
Cost: Public areas are free
Chesapeake Beach combines waterfront relaxation with family attractions. Find charter fishing, a rail trail, marinas, and seasonal festivals. It’s a for families wanting a low-key beach day without a long drive. Pop by Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant for waterfront dining.
4. Breezy Point Beach
Address: 5300 Breezy Point Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Drive from DC: About 1.5 hours
Cost: Entrance fee per vehicle
Breezy Point has calm bay waters, a fishing pier, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. There’s also a campground for overnight stays and crabbing opportunities. Pack a picnic or stop at seafood spots in nearby Chesapeake Beach.
5. Point Lookout State Park
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Drive from DC: About 2.5 hours
Cost: State park entrance fee
Located where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout offers swimming, fishing, hiking, and Civil War history. Reservations are required starting Memorial Day Weekend on weekends and holidays. The beach offers a wide sandy shoreline and peaceful atmosphere. While there, visit Point Lookout Lighthouse and museum exhibits.
6. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Address: 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
Drive from DC: About 1.5–2 hours
Cost: State park fee
Want to go fossil hunting? This beach offers fossil hunting along this Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Hike wooded trails and search for ancient shark teeth in the sand and water. Bring snacks and plenty of water because eateries and stores are limited near the beach area.
7. Rocky Point Park and Beach
Address: 2200 Rocky Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221
Drive from DC: About 1.5 hours
Cost: $6 on weekends, $5 on weekdays
Rocky Point has swimming areas, fishing piers, playgrounds, and photo-worthy Chesapeake Bay views. This beach and park is great for families wanting a quieter alternative to Ocean City. Baltimore’s National Aquarium and Inner Harbor are nearby too.
8. Assateague Island National Seashore
Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: National park entrance fee
Assateague is famous for its wild horses and natural beaches. Families love shell collecting, kayaking, ranger programs, and spotting wildlife throughout the island. It’s less commercial than Ocean City and perfect for nature-loving families. Plan to pack a meal to stay the day and enjoy the horses from a distance. It is a very special, must-do with kids!
9. Ocean City Beach
Address: Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD 21842
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: Free beach access
Ocean City is a very popular East Coast beach town with miles of sand, a lively boardwalk, amusement rides, arcades, mini golf, and a plethora of dining options. Families especially love Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Try meals at Shotti’s Point or beloved boardwalk treats like Thrasher’s Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn (both are delicious!!).
Virginia Beaches for Families
10. Colonial Beach
Address: 315 Douglas Ave, Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Drive from DC: About 1.5–2 hours
Cost: Free public beach access
Colonial Beach is an easy beach trip from DC and ideal for younger kids thanks to its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. There is a small-town boardwalk, playgrounds, fishing pier, and easy parking. Westmoreland State Park and George Washington Birthplace National Monument is nearby too. Get seafood and meals at Dockside Restaurant or ice cream downtown.
11. Kiptopeke State Park
Address: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Drive from DC: About 4 hours
Cost: State park fee
While a bit farther afield, Kiptopeke’s calm Chesapeake Bay waters are especially good for younger swimmers. Families can kayak, fish, camp, and explore the famous concrete ship breakwaters offshore. The nearby town of Cape Charles has excellent seafood restaurants and charming shops.
12. Cape Charles Beach
Address: Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Drive from DC: About 4 hours
Cost: Free
Cape Charles has soft sand, shallow water, and one of the calmest beach experiences on the East Coast. The downtown area is walkable and packed with cafes, boutiques, and ice cream shops that are ideal for families.
13. Virginia Beach
Address: Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Drive from DC: About 3.5–4 hours
Cost: Free beach access
Virginia Beach combines resort amenities with family entertainment including a famous boardwalk, aquarium, dolphin cruises, water sports, and a giant King Neptune Statue. The northern beaches are a bit quieter or you can visit the busier resort areas depending on your family’s preference.
14. Sandbridge Beach
Address: Sandfiddler Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Drive from DC: About 4 hours
Cost: Free
Sandbridge is a quieter alternative to the Virginia Beach resort strip. These beaches are more chill and have beach house rentals and the nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This spot is perfect for families wanting a slower pace getaway.
15. Chincoteague Island
Address: Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Drive from DC: About 4 hours
Cost: Wildlife refuge entrance fee
Chincoteague (and neighboring Assateague Island) offers beautiful natural beaches and the famous wild ponies and annual pony swim. This tradition is over 100 years old and happens the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. Enjoy bike riding, wildlife tours, kayaking, and fresh seafood restaurants throughout town. It’s one of the most scenic family beach destinations near DC. Book ahead and perhaps stay at Jellystone National Park and visit the nearby Maui Jack’s Waterpark.
Delaware Beaches for Families
16. Rehoboth Beach
Address: Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: Free beach access
Rehoboth Beach is consistently rated among the best family beach towns on the East Coast. The boardwalk is packed with restaurants, Funland Amusement Park, candy shops, and ice cream spots. Nearby Cape Henlopen State Park offers biking and nature trails.
17. Bethany Beach
Address: 99 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: Free beach access
Bethany Beach is quieter and more relaxed than nearby Ocean City, making it great for families. The smaller boardwalk, mini golf, and family eateries offer a more laid-back atmosphere. Popular waterfront dining includes Mango’s and local seafood spots nearby.
18. Lewes Beach
Address: Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: Free
Lewes Beach is another popular beach for families in Delaware. It is great for small children because the Delaware Bay waters are calmer than the Atlantic Ocean. Families also enjoy Cape Henlopen State Park, dolphin cruises, and charming downtown Lewes.
19. Dewey Beach
Address: Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: Free
Dewey Beach can be very family-friendly during daytime hours and weekdays (it is known for its night life too!). Families can enjoy paddle-boarding, kayaking, and nearby state parks. Stay closer to the northern end for a quieter experience with kids.
20. Cape Henlopen State Park
Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
Drive from DC: About 3 hours
Cost: State park entrance fee
Cape Henlopen has beautiful beaches along with bike trails, WWII observation spots, nature centers, and family-friendly campgrounds. Cabins can be booked for as little as $53. Cape Henlopen State Park one of the best beach-and-outdoors combinations near DC.
New Jersey Beaches for Families
21. Cape May
Address: Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Drive from DC: About 4.5–5 hours
Cost: Beach tags required in summer
Cape May has a special Victorian charm with clean beaches, dolphin cruises, and excellent family restaurants. Families can explore the Cape May Lighthouse, Washington Street Mall, and nearby nature preserves.
22. Wildwoods Beach
Address: Boardwalk, Wildwoods, NJ 08260
Drive from DC: About 4.5–5 hours
Cost: Free beaches
Wildwoods Beaches feature one of the country’s largest boardwalks with water parks, amusement piers, rides, and arcades. It’s especially popular with families seeking nonstop entertainment.
These beaches near Washington, DC are a perfect reason to pack the swimsuit and travel locally! The Washington, DC area really has so much to offer families and we are thankful these beaches are nearby for all of us to enjoy.
