Top 10 Best Beaches Near Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia – NBC4 Washington

No, Waikiki is not on this list. We take a look at the best beaches within driving distance in the DC metro area.

The best public beaches near DC, Maryland and Virginia have soft sand, water parks, amusement parks, water sports, camping, movies on the beach — there's something for everyone . Get ready to vacuum the sand out of your car!

In order of estimated distance, from nearest to furthest:

Assateague Island, Maryland

Just a two and a half hour drive from Washington, DC, Assateague Island is a beach lover's paradise with a twist: wild horses! The creatures move freely, adding a magical touch to your visit. With miles of pristine shoreline, it's perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. There is a small but important problem: Assateague is notoriously buggy! Bring extra insecticide and clothing that adequately covers the skin.

Do you like kayaking, bird watching or hiking? Assateague has you covered with its diverse ecosystems of marshes, dunes, and forests. If you fancy spending a night under the stars, the campgrounds offer a cozy spot with lulling waves and wild ponies as neighbors (they are hungry and will come to your campsite to feed, so take precautions ). Don't miss the opportunity to go fishing or crabbing, and don't forget that Ocean City, Maryland is just around the corner for a quick trip to the bustling boardwalk. Assateague Island is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers looking for a fun getaway from the city.

DISTANCE: approximately 116 miles from downtown DC

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

You'll find just about everything you need in a beach town of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We're talking go-karts, mini-golf, hang gliding, board games and kiddie rides – and ice cream, obviously. Rehoboth is also home to some fantastic farm-to-table restaurants, so if boardwalk cuisine isn't your thing, you'll definitely be very happy here. Head 30 minutes north to Cape Henlopen State Park for swimming on undeveloped beaches, fishing, crabbing and more. Nearby Dewey Beach offers a slightly quieter atmosphere than its busier, busier cousin Rehoboth.

DISTANCE: approximately 120 miles from downtown DC

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Bethany Beach bills itself as a “quiet beach resort,” offering a more serene option away from the party hustle and bustle of some other places. There are a limited number of bars, but plenty to do in terms of water sports, a farmers' market, water park, pirate mini golf, boardwalk, and movies on the beach. Listen to free live music at the Boardwalk Bandstand on weekend evenings. You can find something to do in Bethany until late summer, when the town bids farewell to the season with a jazz funeral.

DISTANCE: approximately 125 miles from downtown DC

Fenwick Island, Delaware

Fenwick Island, Delaware is a charming coastal destination ideal for a relaxing beach getaway. Located about a 2.5 hour drive from Washington DC, it offers a serene escape with less crowded beaches than its neighboring cities. Fenwick Island State Park offers pristine sandy shores ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The area is also popular for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can explore the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse or enjoy family activities such as mini-golf and go-kart racing. The town is full of quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and comfortable accommodations, making it a great place for a weekend getaway.

DISTANCE: approximately 132 miles from downtown DC

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland is a destination that kids (or your own inner child) will love. Opt for water slides, boardwalks and haunted houses, or head to the water to parasailing, kayaking, surfing or just swimming. You can also enjoy free concerts and movies on many summer evenings, as well as fireworks on Mondays. Like Bethany and Rehoboth, Ocean City is among the closest beach destinations for Washington, DC area residents.

DISTANCE: approximately 145 miles from downtown DC

Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Located between Ocean City, New Jersey, and the more densely populated Avalon, Sea Isle City is a gem of the Jersey Shore. The island city offers a nice mix of laid-back vibes, family fun and great bars, like favorite Ocean Drive, for partying with friends. The town's slogan, prominently displayed on the water tower as you arrive, is “Smile, You're in Sea Isle.” There is a 2.4 km promenade facing the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. You'll find plenty of boating and fishing opportunities in the Back Bay, and Atlantic City and The Wildwoods are just a short drive away via the Garden State Parkway. Sea Isle City doesn't have many hotels, so booking a summer rental is essential.

DISTANCE: About 180 miles from downtown DC

Wildwood and Cape May, New Jersey

We're bringing together Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey because it's easy to do both in one weekend. On the southern tip of New Jersey's barrier islands, Cape May is famous for its stunning Victorian homes and B&Bs (and the historic tours that accompany them). Its northern neighbor, Wildwood, offers a more typical coastal experience on a larger scale than its Delaware counterparts, with a different kind of retro via its 1950s motels. You'll also find the necessary boardwalk, tons of rides, and two parks aquatic. “Watch the tram, please.”

DISTANCE: approximately 185 miles from downtown DC

Ocean City, New Jersey

That other Ocean City (the one in New Jersey) offers plenty of fun family activities, with a boardwalk that, while often crowded, has a ton of rides and all the old shore food favorites, including pizza and fried Oreos . What else could you want?

DISTANCE: approximately 192 miles from downtown DC

Virginia Beach, Virginia

In addition to outdoor activities ranging from fishing to kayaking to dolphin watching, Virginia Beach also offers a boardwalk filled with rides and restaurants, numerous festivals, bars, clubs and breweries, as well as the Aquarium of Virginia and the Military Aviation Museum. Accommodations include everything from high-rise hotels to nearby campgrounds.

DISTANCE: approximately 210 miles from downtown DC

Beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks' beautiful beaches are worth the trip (and the OBX sticker you'll need for your car). While not exactly close to DC, Kitty Hawk Beach and Kill Devil Hills are the most accessible, near the Wright Memorial Bridge. Enjoy swimming, surfing, renting a boat or fishing off Avalon Pier. Explore historic sites like the Wright Brothers' First Flight and the Lost Colony of Roanoke near Manteo. Although very developed, these beaches offer plenty of accommodation. Head to nearby Corolla for the chance to see wild ponies or dolphins and enjoy beach driving. Further south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has 70 miles of mostly undeveloped beaches, perfect for surfing, visiting lighthouses and even beach driving or bonfires at Ocracoke Beach.

DISTANCE: approximately 270 to 290 miles from downtown DC

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