Indoor pools are every swimmer’s go-to most of the year, but it’s hard to resist the tranquility swimming outside can give you, especially during the hotter months. Whether it’s a swimming hole near your favorite hiking trail or a classic beach day, Washingtonians have a lot to choose from.
Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia
Located in the Lower Falls portion of the Whiteoak Canyon Trail near Syria, Virginia is a swimming hole great for a cool dip. Not only is the water chill, but you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of trees and waterfalls, a perfect conclusion to a gorgeous hike mostly along streams. The trailhead is about a 2-hour drive from D.C., and the swimming hole is located near the 1.4-mile mark of the trail, if you’re starting at the trailhead. Because the trail is located in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll still be required to pay the park’s entrance fee which ranges between $15 to $30.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
You know a beach is worth visiting if herds of horses inhabit it. That’s right, Assateague Island’s sandy beaches are home to wild horses who can be admired from afar (emphasis on ‘afar’) as you swim at one of the island’s two beaches. The beaches themselves are their own attraction offering warmish waters and designated swimming areas, making the nearly 3-hour drive to get to the island worth it. Entrance passes range from $0 to $25, but watching horses as you swim, I’d argue, is priceless.
Beaver Dam Swimming Club, Maryland
Just an hour's drive from D.C. is Maryland’s 40-foot-deep water quarry which has its own dedicated swimming club and most importantly a rope swing. The Beaver Dam Swimming Club’s water quarry has rolling logs, diving and jumping platforms, and is strongly recommended to only experienced swimmers. If not everyone in your group can take on the quarry, then they can pay the club’s two freshwater swimming pools a visit instead. Admission prices start at $20 depending on when you visit.
Lewes Beach, Delaware
Located on the Delaware Bay and in the city of Lewes is Lewes Beach, one of several beaches that make up this homely beach town. Lewes Beach’s small waves make it a perfect spot for a swim with little to no turbulence, and its proximity to beach homes means you’ll share the beach with families and beachgoers who also appreciate the beauty of this area. The drive to Lewes from D.C. is about three hours, and there is no entrance fee, but do expect to pay for metered parking.
