Sometimes sunbathing in Malcolm X Park just isn’t enough and you need a real beach. As someone who loves the water but hates driving, these are my best tried-and-true beaches within a three hour drive of D.C.
50 min drive from D.C.
Haters will say it’s not a “real beach” but it’s more than enough to scratch the itch for me. It’s super convenient and has great views of the Bay Bridge. The only downside is the sand can stain your legs a bit orange.
1 hr drive from D.C.
A personal favorite, this dog-friendly beach is hidden behind a park. It’s small but the water is shallow and warm, so it’s perfect for swimming if you’re a baby getting in the water like me. It’s also quieter than other beaches. Pro tip: Be sure to stop by the Stevensville Crab Shack on your way back!
Going to Assateague Island means sharing the beach with wild horses. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty Images)
1 hr 40 min drive from D.C.
Technically still on the Potomac, this beach is clean and rarely crowded. There are public bathrooms on site, a pier, and a cute town right behind the beach. Just beware, it tends to have quite a lot of jellyfish!
2 hrs 45 min drive from D.C.
Now we’re getting to the good stuff: the beaches on the ocean. They might be a little further, but they’re well worth a visit. Rehoboth has a long boardwalk and a well-maintained beach with big waves. The connecting town is picturesque, with everything from ice cream to oyster shacks.
2 hrs 50 min drive from D.C.
A fan favorite of horse girls everywhere, Assateague is more than just a beach, it's a National Park with tons of birds and wildlife — including wild horses. The beach itself is wonderful (just be careful horses don’t get your snacks!) and the surrounding town and nature make for a great weekend trip.
Tourists at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, on Independence Day. (DANIEL SLIM/Getty Images)
3 hrs drive from D.C.
Washingtonians often say this is the closest “real beach,” and honestly I find it a bit overwhelming… but it is fun. The boardwalk is complete with rides, crappy t-shirt stalls, and more fried dough than you could eat. It’s mayhem most of the summer, but you just have to lean into it.
3 hrs drive from D.C.
The chiller cousin of Ocean City, Bethany Beach is the quintessential Mid-Atlantic beach town. Less crowded than others on this list, the beach is perfect for families and there are cute shops and inns just a few steps from the water.
