The Best Beaches Within 3 Hours of DC

Summer is just around the corner. We talked with local guide Tim Ebner about the best beach getaways close to D.C. and how to make the most of them.

Shoulder months like June and September tend to have significantly fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. But whenever you go, be sure to book lodging a month or two in advance (or more for peak months!) if you want anything remotely close to the water.

50-minute drive from D.C.

Haters will say it’s not a “real beach.” Sure, it’s a little small, and sure, you can see the other shore across the Chesapeake, but it still makes for a great swim. Getting there is super convenient and has great views of the Bay Bridge. The only downside is the beach can stain your legs orange because of the sands' naturally high iron content.

There are no restaurants or activities within walking distance. I recommend picking up some subs and snacks from Wawa on your way. If you want something more refined, Annapolis is a 15-minute drive with favorites like Miss Shirley's Cafe,Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub, and Iron Rooster.

Go if you’re looking for: A quick afternoon dip and a free orange spray tan.

1-hour drive from D.C.

A personal favorite, this quiet, 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 about getting in the water like me. Park for free near the Matapeake Clubhouse then take a short, winding trail through the woods to get to the water.

You’re legally required to stop at the Stevensville Crab Shack on your way back, a seasonal takeout restaurant with freshly steamed Maryland crabs, fried shrimp, and fat crab cakes.

Go if you’re looking for: Somewhere free and easy to bring your pup.

1-hour, 40-minute drive from D.C.

Technically still on the Potomac, this beach is clean and rarely crowded, making it a popular spot for fishing and crabbing. It’s nothing like the larger Virginia Beach or Ocean City, but it has a quaint charm that Ebner swears by. There’s parking, public bathrooms on site, and a public pier. Just beware, it tends to have quite a lot of jellyfish in summer!

The tiny nearby town was a popular resort town in the early to mid-20th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It only has one stoplight but packs in some great local joints. The Black Pearl Tiki Bar has a sand floor with a full bar and stage that hosts free open-air concerts. Ice Cream Hut has stellar homemade flavors (get the churro ice cream) and Los Hermanos Cantina has great fajitas and margarita flights.

Go if you’re looking for: Your next great fishing spot or a historic getaway.

2-hour, 45-minute drive from D.C.

Now we’re getting to the good stuff: the beaches on the ocean. Rehoboth is the epicenter of the LGBTQ+ community and queens can be seen lounging in Speedos on Poodle Beach at all times of day. But it’s also very family-friendly, says Ebner, with a long boardwalk that has a small amusement park and a bandstand with free concerts.

The connecting town is picturesque, with everything from ice cream stands to bookstores. Fill up on shellfish at Henlopen City Oyster House or get some perfectly crisp calamari at Lupo Italian Kitchen.

Go if you’re looking for: Speedo clad queens, concerts, and the perfect Insta pic.

2-hour, 50-minute drive from D.C.

A fan favorite of horse girls everywhere, Assateague is a national park with tons of birds and wildlife — including wild horses. The beach itself is wonderful (just be careful horses don’t get into your snacks!) and the surrounding nature makes it great for an outdoors-y weekend trip.

Rent a kayak or bicycle from Assateague Outfitters and make your way up the 37 miles of beaches. In Chincoteague town, grab a latte from AmaRin Coffee or get some surprisingly good Korean food from the K&J Teriyaki tiki hut. Camping is a popular option at Assateague State Park and can be a blast, but make sure to reserve your spot early and bring your own firewood!

Go if you’re looking for: Outdoor activities and wildlife sightings.

3-hour drive from D.C.

Washingtonians often say this is the closest “real beach” because of its size and 3-mile boardwalk. The boardwalk itself is complete with rides, crappy T-shirt stalls, and more fried food than you could eat. Thrasher's vinegar-drenched French fries are non-negotiable. They've been an Ocean City staple since 1929. Down the boardwalk, Dumser's Dairyland is the go-to for ice cream and milkshakes.

Beyond the beach, Ocean City is a party town. Seacrets is a classic, says Ebner. The Jamaica-inspired nightclub has multiple dance floors, Caribbean food, and tropical cocktails you can drink at a bar in the water.

“It’s a guilty pleasure of mine even at my ripe age of 40,” says Ebner. “The music is always pumping. It's a fun way to have a dance or two and just celebrate life.”

Down the beach, rock and roll bar Purple Moose has the best live music in town. And on your way back to D.C., make sure to stop at Crabs To Go on Ocean Gateway, which won the “Best of Ocean City” crabs award in 2025.

Go if you’re looking for: Great crabs and a big party.

3-hour drive from D.C.

The chiller cousin of Ocean City, Bethany Beach is the quintessential Mid-Atlantic beach town. You’ll mostly find families there enjoying free entertainment and the safe, friendly beaches. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, which has candy shops, bookstores, and open-air concerts during the summer. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards, as well as take lessons or hire guided tours.

Grab your mandatory hit of crabs and Old Bay at Mickey’s Family Crab House, where everything is served in brown paper bags on checkered picnic tables. Or head to the slightly overpriced, but still excellent Pomodoro Pizzeria. While it’s less crowded than Ocean City, it’s still hard to find parking on weekends and holidays. Ebner recommends showing up before 10 a.m. if you don’t want to walk a mile.

Go if you’re looking for: A family-friendly getaway with a quintessential boardwalk.