Best Beaches near DC

There are several options for getting in some waves and sun here in the DC area.  Most are average 3.5 hour car ride, which for us means one stop at Chickfila.  Typical with the DC area, there is ALWAYS horrible traffic getting to and from the beach in the warmer weather.  Please note that my drive time estimates are for non-rush hour, summer months.



1. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (3 hour drive)

Just a short car ride over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, this is the closest beach to the DC area.  We love Rehoboth as there is a boardwalk, several kid-friendly restaurant options and Funland.  Street parking is metered and can be a competition to secure.  Rehoboth is the best day trip beach option!

2. Ocean City, New Jersey (4 hour drive)

When you say Ocean City in the DC area, most folks assume you mean Maryland.  NOPE - there is a nicer and smaller Ocean City in the southern Jersey Shore, and it is the ultimate family friendly environment.  OCNJ is best for weekends or week long rentals.  Most rentals come with beach tags.  Yes, beach tags.  A foreign concept to this Texas girl originally.  There are several restaurants and a boardwalk for evening entertainment.
Fun fact: you can take a ferry from Lewes, Delaware which is very close to Rehoboth, to get to Ocean City by way of Cape Mays!

3. Virginia Beach, Virginia (4 hour drive)

The first option south of DC for salt water is Virginia Beach.  We haven't spent a lot of time in Virginia Beach as compared to Delaware and Jersey, but it doesn't disappoint.  The best part about Virginia beach is the playground ON the beach.  There are several hotel options right on the beach with parking included. 

 

 

4. Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina (5 hour drive)

Heading down south to the land of the pine, going my way to North Caroline... Outer Banks is a great option for splitting a beach rental with family/friends.  Huge perk: several rentals come with a pool and hot tub.  I grew up spending the morning at the beach and the afternoon at the pool.  The best!

5. Dewey Beach, Delaware (3 hour drive)

We went to Dewey Beach over Spring Break to check it out.  It was cold but we loved it!  It's a mix of hotels, residential, and good restaurants.  The town is about 8 blocks so you could get away with not driving once you have arrived.  We cannot wait to come back in the warmer months!

Hyatt Place Breakfast Area