Washington, D.C. may be a landlocked super city, but those burning for a beach getaway need only travel a few hours to reach some of the most diverse beaches and beach towns along the east coast. Whether you feel like working on your tan, reconnecting with nature or showing off your skim-boarding skills, there is a beach trip not too far from Washington, D.C. just for you.
Travel Back in Time at Rehoboth Beach
- About 130 miles and just under three-hour drive north of Washington, D.C. lies Rehoboth Beach. Mixing new and old -- with stylings from its Victorian-era roots -- this seaside town provides a relaxing beach vibe and touts itself as a year-round resort town. Open to the public between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., the beach is a popular place to spend the day sunbathing, swimming in the sea or walking along the wooden boardwalk.
Listen to Concerts at Ocean City Beach
- Just under 150 miles from D.C., Ocean City Beach in Maryland awaits you. There is much to do in town besides visit the beach, including shopping, riding bikes on the three-mile boardwalk and eating fresh seafood. Each Wednesday, concerts can be enjoyed on the beach. Stay past sunset and watch the boardwalk light up with rides, arcade games and performers.
Doing It All at Dewey Beach, Delaware
- A lot goes on in small town Dewey Beach, Delaware, just 120 miles from D.C. Although the resident population is only about 300, summer weekend crowds of up to 30,000 people flock here, cramming the mile-long and two-block wide town. The beach was awarded "Superstar Beach Status" in 2011 and boasts an annual skim-boarding championship in mid-August. The town also has a music festival each year in September and hosts Greyhounds Reach the Beach every October, an event for rescued greyhounds and their owners.
Choose Your Own Adventure at Virginia Beach
- A little bit further from Washington, D.C. -- just over 200 miles south -- a few beaches in Virginia Beach, Virginia are available. Resort Area Beach, Sandbridge Beach and Chesapeake Bay Beach each have something to make your beach day worth the drive. Resort Area Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach surrounded by street performers, live music venues, busy cafes and a boardwalk. At the other end of the spectrum is the secluded Sandbridge Beach with its sleepy sand dunes and easy access to nature at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Chesapeake Bay Beach offers a relaxing beach experience and live entertainment.
