Best family beaches in the DC area

Looking for a summer beach getaway close to Washington DC? The Eastern Shores of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware are the perfect East Coast beaches that offer some respite during the sweltering summer heat.

Most of the beaches in the DC area are just a short drive away, with nothing more than a few hour’s drive.

On the blog, I will share some of the best family beaches in the DC area. Most of the East Coast beaches I share are the perfect summer destinations for a quick summer getaway from DC.

Some of the beach destinations on the list are perfect for those just wanting to lounge on the beach, while a few are perfect for those looking for more outdoor adventures!

Keep in mind when planning a beach trip during the summer, remember to leave early to avoid traffic, and to ensure you have a parking spot. Parking at any of these beach spots listed tends to get pretty packed later in the day!

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What to pack for the beach

When planning beach days with the kids, I always have a beach bag packed and ready with the necessities. Here is a list of some of our beach must-haves:

• SUNBLOCK
• BATHING SUITS
• BEACH SHOES
• BEACH MATS
• BEACH TENT
• BEACH TOWELS
• SUN HATS
• BEACH COOLER
• BEACH UMBRELLA
• SAND TOYS
• SNACKS
• INSULATED WATER BOTTLES
• POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
• EXTRA CLOTHES

Best Beaches in Virginia

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Kiptopeke Beach

DRIVING DISTANCE: 4hrs 

• One of the best family beaches near Washington DC is Kiptopeke Beach located on the Eastern Shores of Virginia at Kiptopeke State Park. 

• The beaches here are perfect for families because of the shallow and calm waters which are perfect for the kids! Make sure to pack a picnic as there are no food establishments on the premises.

• There are cabins and campgrounds on the premises, as well as a public restroom and showers. Plus free beach wheelchairs are available by request. 

• You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards on the pier, or launch your boat and explore the Concrete ships. There is a boat ramp and fishing pier where you can go fishing and crabbing. 

• The park is also popular for hiking and biking, with miles of trails. Day use hours are from 6am-10pm daily. Entrance fees are $7/vehicle-$5 fishing fee.

• One of the highlights are the Concrete Fleet ship ruins, which is also known as the Kiptopeke Breakwater. 

• These concrete ships are lined end to end, and used to protect the booming Little Creek-Cape Charles Ferry terminal. Now the ships serve as a bird sanctuary. 

Cape Charles Beach

DRIVING DISTANCE: about 4hrs

• Another family friendly Beach near DC is Cape Charles Beach, which is one of our favorite places on the Eastern Shores of VA. 

• Cape Charles Beach is FREE, and so is parking! Make sure to get here early to ensure you have a spot. Parking can be found along the beach, and there are restrooms and shops along Bay Ave. 

• This beach has shallow and calm waters as well, perfect for the littlest swimmers. There is also a fishing pier where you also get the most amazing views of the water. 

• Cape Charles is such a charming little town for a stroll. The houses here are beautiful and I suggest spending the night. 

• Take a stroll along Bay Ave. and visit some of the shops and restaurants. There are also a few hotels in the area, and beach rentals as well.

• Make sure to grab ice cream from Brown Dog Ice Cream and sample some of their unique flavors.
• Buskey Cider on the Bay is located close by and serve some of the most unique hard cider flavors like Watermelon Rosemary, and Key Lime Pie.
• The Shanty is the perfect spot for lunch and dinner serving up some seafood with a waterfront patio.

Yorktown Beach

DRIVING DISTANCE: 2 hrs-30 min 

• Yorktown Beach in Virginia is perfect for families looking for a beach with calmer waters. There are no waves here and the kids will love the lagoon like setting. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, boating and fishing. 

• You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards, or set sail on the York River on a history, pirate adventure or sunset sail on the Schooner Alliance. 

• There’s also an accessible boardwalk, waterfront restaurants and restrooms facilities. We love Water Street Grille with its beachfront location. They serve some amazing seafood dishes and microbrews on tap.

• Visit on Saturday’s for the Yorktown Market Days Food & Artisans market. There are many vendors selling food and crafts, and there’s usually some kind of entertainment as well.

• Don’t miss a stroll around the town and visit the cave where General George Cornwalls supposedly hid.

• You can also visit the Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolutionary Museum which is perfect for kids. We love the interactive exhibits and the outdoor living history museum.

• You can park for free at the American Revolutionary Museum and take the free shuttle to Yorktown Beach to avoid trying to find a parking spot, especially during the weekends.

• There is also a two-level parking garage at the Riverwalk Landing. The lower level of the terrace has a 3-hour parking limit with the upper deck being unlimited. The garage is located at 330 Water St, Yorktown, VA.

READ MORE: Top things to do in Yorktown Virginia

Virginia Beach 

DRIVING DISTANCE: 3hrs

• Virginia Beach is one of the best family beaches in the DC area. It’s the perfect East Coast beach destination if you’re looking for more than just relaxing on the beach. 

• There’s always something going on here, plus there’s a 3 mile boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, hotels and some awesome sculptures! 

• One of the best things to do is a stroll along the boardwalk. There are lots of options to explore the beachfront boardwalk, like biking, skating, running, or on a surrey bike. 

• There are lots of bike rentals along the boardwalk that you can rent from. You can’t miss the Giant Neptune sculpture along the way, our little one is always amazed by its size!

• Families will love the opportunity for outdoor adventures like parasailing, kayaking, boat cruises, dolphin watching, carnival rides and more.
  
• There are also a few playgrounds along the boardwalk as well, which is perfect for the little ones.

• There are also lots of restaurants along the boardwalk that serve amazing food. We love Catch 31 Fish House and Bar for their yummy seafood dishes.

• Waterman’s Surfside Grill is another favorite for their seafood dishes as well. For breakfast, we love the Pocahontas Pancake house.

READ NEXT: Summer Road trip ideas in Virginia

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Sandbridge Beach, VA

DRIVING DISTANCE: 3hrs 45min

• Sandbridge Beach is located close to Virginia Beach, and is a more secluded beach option if you want to avoid the crowds. 

• There are miles of pristine beaches to lounge on, and facilities on the premises as well. Parking is available and costs $5 per day. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a lazy beach day just lounging on the sand.

Little Island Park

DRIVING DISTANCE: About 4hrs

• Another family friendly beach near DC is at the Little Island Park along Sandbridge VA. This 122 acre beach park is also close to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is worth visiting as well.

• There’s ample parking and costs $5 the whole day! Make sure to arrive early to ensure you have a spot.

• There are restrooms, showers, a playground, picnic tables with charcoal grills, and a canoe/kayak launch.

• Beach wheelchairs are also available on a first come first served basis, and must be checked out at the park office. Bring a drivers license or photo ID.

• There’s a surfing beach on the north side of the pier, and a swimming beach on the south side. Make sure to bring beach umbrellas or a tent for some relief from the hot sun.

Outlook Beach, VA

DRIVING DISTANCE: 3hrs

• Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe is another fun Beach for families with miles of pristine beach along the Chesapeake Bay. 

• There is free parking and porta-potties along the beach. Theres also a boardwalk along the beach which is perfect for a stroll or bike ride.

• Make sure to explore the Fort Monroe National Monument which is free to enter, and let the kids earn their Junior Ranger badge. You can download the Junior ranger acitivity book here, or pick one up at the

• You can also visit the Old Point Comfort lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Chesapeake. 

• There are other beaches located along the area as well. Other Hampton beaches in Virginia are Buckroe Beach, Grandview Beach, Salt Ponds Beach, Willoughby Beach and more. There are a few restaurants nearby, but I suggest packing a picnic as well.

READ NEXT: Top things to do in Williamsburg Virginia with kids

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Assateague Beach

DRIVING DISTANCE: about 3hrs 

• Assateague Beach is another one of the best family beaches in the DC area. The beaches on the Assateague Island National Seashore is one our favorite beaches, and you can visit on either the Maryland or Virginia side.

• The Assateague Island National Seashore has miles of sandy beach to enjoy, plus it’s a much quieter beach experience compared to the nearby boardwalk beach spots that tend to get busy!
  
• Since the beach is part of the National Park, there is an admission fee which costs $20/vehicle (FREE on foot or bicycle).

• You can visit on either the Maryland or Virginia side, but keep in mind that you would need to drive back out on the main roads to visit both sides since it’s divided by a fence. (It’s about an hour drive from Maryland to the Virginia side) but worth visiting both sides of the park!

• Not only can you spend the day lounging on the beach, but you can also admire the wild ponies and other wildlife, go kayaking, crabbing and more.
  
• There are also hiking trails, and the Assateague lighthouse that you can visit on the Virginia side.

• Restroom facilities are located on the premises and there is ample parking by the beach as long as you get here early!

• I suggest leaving early in the morning (like by 6am), traffic crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge can get pretty hectic later in the day, and parking tends to fill up on the beach.

• Make sure to explore the charming town on Chincoteague Island. There is a waterfront park perfect for watching the sunsets, plus there are a few restaurants and hotels in the area.

• Keep in mind there are no stores or restaurants in the Maryland side, so plan to bring some food, water and snacks when you visit!

• We love Woody’s Serious Food for their BBQ and their outdoor setting, and the ice cream at Island Creamery.

READ MORE: Guide on visiting Chincoteague Island

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Colonial Beach, VA

DRIVING DISTANCE: 1hr 30 min

• Colonial Beach in Virginia is another popular spot for families in the DC area. There’s miles of sandy beach to lounge on, and lots of waterfront restaurants to dine in.

• You can even visit Alexander Graham Bells summer home here, and George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument nearby.

• It’s a quaint seaside little town with the second largest beachfront in the state. During the summer, Colonial Beach can get pretty packed and parking can be limited, so I suggest planing a weekday visit.

• There are a few beachside metered parking spots along Irving Ave., but tend to fill up later in the day. Metered parking cost $2 per hour / $20 per day.

• You can also find a paid parking lot on Wilder Ave, but spaces are limited as well. Come early to ensure you have a parking spot!

• Restrooms are located on the boardwalk near the swingset, and by the Cannon as well.

READ NEXT: Best things to do this Summer in the Washington DC area.

Best Beaches in Maryland

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Ocean City Maryland

DRIVING DISTANCE: about 3 hrs

• Ocean City Maryland is probably one of the most popular beach spots in the DC area. There’s miles of beaches and a boardwalk with lots of restaurants, shops and theme parks to keep you busy. 
  
• It’s the perfect summer beach destination for families, with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• For more beach themed fun outside of the boardwalk, make sure to check out all the fun mini golf experiences. There are lots of different mini golf themes to choose from and they all look like a lot of fun!

• Weekends get even more busy, especially along the boardwalk, so plan accordingly or plan a weekday visit to avoid the summer crowds. There is ample parking and restroom facilities along the beach. 

• Restaurants along the boardwalk gets pretty packed. I suggest ordering your meals for takeout to avoid the crowds and the long waits. Plus it’s so much nicer eating your meals along the beach than in an overcrowded restaurant!

• We love the pizza at Franco’s Pizza & Bar, Thrashers Fries, and Coastal Salt for their seafood fare.

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Sandy Point State Park Maryland

DRIVING DISTANCE: under 1 hour

• Sandy Point State State Park in Maryland is located close to Annapolis Maryland and is another popular spot for locals during the summer.
  
• The mile Long Beach is perfect for swimming, fishing crabbing and more, and there’s a boat launch as well.

• Pack a picnic lunch and lounge around the beach with views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
  
• There’s also a playground for the kiddos and shelters you can rent starting July with advanced reservations.

• Admission fees:
• May 1- September 30 – Weekends and holidays: $5/person, Weekdays: $4/person
• October 1 – April 30 – $3 per vehicle

READ NEXT: Weekend Visit to Annapolis Maryland

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Best Beaches in Delaware

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Lewes Beach Delaware

DRIVING DISTANCE:

• Lewes Beach in Delaware is another family friendly beach if you want to avoid the crowds.
  
• This is the perfect beach spot for families, with shallow and calm waters, plus the charming town is a perfect place to stroll and shop.

• Metered parking is available along Bayview Ave., and there are restroom facilities on the premises.

• Make sure to visit the Zwaanendael Museum to learn more about Delaware’s first European colony, established by the Dutch in 1631.

Cape Henlopen State Park Delaware

• Cape Henlopen is close to Lewes Beach and is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay.
  
• Spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking and more.

• There are so many opportunities for outdoor adventures here. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, and costs $5 In state-$10 out of state. 

Fenwick Island State Park Delaware

DRIVING DISTANCE: 3hrs

• One of our favorite beaches in Delaware is at Fenwick Island State Park. This 3 mile stretch of barrier island is located along Delaware’s Atlantic coast and inland bay.
  
• Some popular activities to do on the island is of course swimming, fishing, boating and more.

• You can even rent kayaks along the shores of the Little Assawoman Bay across the street.
  
• During the summer, beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented along the beach as well.
  
• Make sure to pack a picnic lunch, there is usually a snack concession stand, but is temporarily closed at the moment.

• The park is open from 8am-sunset, Entrance Fee: ($5 In state $10 out of state).
  
• Restrooms and changing facilities on premises, and an accessible boardwalk. Get here early for parking, as it get packed later in the day. 

READ NEXT: Best day trips from Washington DC

Bethany Beach Delaware

DRIVING DISTANCE: About 3hrs

• Bethany Beach is a much smaller beach community with a 1/2 mile boardwalk. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway.
  
• This popular East Coast beach community is more laid back, and perfect for families looking for a long weekend getaway.

• There are lots of vacation rentals here and a boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants.
  
• Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beaches are other fun beach spots located close to Bethany Beach and is a more lively beach scene. Parking can be found all along the beach, but come early to ensure a spot. Parking is limited especially in the summer with all the crowds!

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